Whitfield County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Whitfield County
Arrest records in Whitfield County are considered public information pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This statute establishes that public records, including those created, maintained, or received by a public agency in Georgia, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public.
The Georgia Open Records Act specifically addresses law enforcement records, providing that most arrest records are public documents. However, it is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement and may include details of the alleged offense. An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt.
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings.
Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, certain exceptions exist that may limit public access to specific components of arrest records, particularly when:
- The record pertains to an ongoing investigation
- The record contains identifying information about victims of certain crimes
- The record includes information about juveniles (under 17 years of age)
- The record has been sealed or expunged by court order
The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes non-exempt records available to the public in accordance with state law.
What's in Whitfield County Arrest Records
Arrest records in Whitfield County typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records generally includes:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Residential address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge severity level
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date of issuance
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the nature of the arrest. All records are maintained in accordance with Georgia law enforcement records retention requirements as specified in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Whitfield County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Whitfield County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests.
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours:
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 278-1233
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
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Complete a public records request form, providing:
- Name of the person in the record
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (currently $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page).
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to:
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Records Division
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
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Include in your written request:
- Specific information being requested
- Full name and date of birth of subject
- Purpose of request
- Requestor's contact information
- Notarized signature (for certain requests)
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Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
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Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order made payable to "Whitfield County Sheriff's Office").
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, the agency must respond to requests within three business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must provide a written timeline for when the records will be available.
How To Find Whitfield County Arrest Records Online
Whitfield County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official online platforms. The following methods facilitate electronic retrieval of arrest information:
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Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Navigate to the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Population" section
- Enter search criteria (name, booking number, or date range)
- Review results showing current inmates and recent bookings
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Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- Access the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Enter the individual's name or GDC ID number
- Review results for individuals currently in state custody or under supervision
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Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Criminal History Record Information:
- Visit the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Pay required fees ($15.00 per record check)
- Note that this provides statewide criminal history, not just Whitfield County
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Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court Records:
- Access the Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court website
- Navigate to the court records search function
- Enter the individual's name to locate associated court cases
- Review case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Not all arrest records may be available online
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in databases
- Complete records may require in-person requests
- Some information may be redacted in online versions
Online access to arrest records is provided in accordance with Georgia's Open Records Act while balancing privacy considerations as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
How To Search Whitfield County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Whitfield County arrest records without incurring fees through several authorized channels:
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Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Website:
- The Sheriff's Office online inmate search provides free access to current inmate information and recent booking data
- Information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and custody status
- This resource is updated regularly but may not include historical arrest records
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Whitfield County Courthouse Public Access Terminals:
Whitfield County Courthouse
205 N. Selvidge Street
Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 275-7400
- Public access computer terminals are available during regular business hours
- No fee is charged for on-site viewing of digital court records
- Users may search by name, case number, or filing date
- Printing fees may apply if hard copies are requested
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Georgia Department of Corrections Website:
- The GDC Offender Search provides free information about individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision
- Search by name or GDC ID number
- Results include current status, location, and basic offense information
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Local Public Library Resources:
Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library
310 Cappes Street
Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 876-1360
- Public computers with internet access are available for conducting online searches
- Library staff may provide assistance with navigating public records resources
- Access to certain legal research databases may be available
When utilizing free search options, requestors should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to official record requests
- Historical records may not be available through free resources
- Some identifying information may be redacted
- Records requiring special processing or certification will still incur fees
The availability of free arrest record access is consistent with Georgia's commitment to government transparency as established in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which states that public records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Whitfield County
Under Georgia law, individuals may be eligible to restrict public access to certain arrest records through processes known as record restriction (formerly called expungement) or sealing. These legal remedies are governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 and provide different levels of relief:
Record Restriction: Record restriction limits public access to arrest records but does not completely delete them from government databases. Law enforcement and certain authorized agencies may still access restricted records.
Record Sealing: Sealing places records under court seal, making them inaccessible to the public while maintaining them for limited official purposes.
Eligibility for Record Restriction in Whitfield County:
Individuals may qualify for record restriction when:
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Cases resulted in acquittal (not guilty verdicts)
- Arrests occurred but no formal charges were filed within the statute of limitations
- Completion of a pretrial diversion or first offender program was successful
- The individual was convicted of certain misdemeanors while under 21 years of age
Process for Requesting Record Restriction:
- Obtain a certified copy of disposition from:
Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court
205 N. Selvidge Street, Suite 110
Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 278-5890
Clerk of Superior Court
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Complete an Application for Record Restriction form (available from the arresting agency or prosecutor's office).
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Submit the application, certified disposition, and required documentation to:
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office Records Division
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 278-1233
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Pay applicable processing fees (approximately $25-50, depending on the case).
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The application will be reviewed by the prosecuting attorney's office and the Georgia Crime Information Center.
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If approved, the record will be restricted from public view.
For cases involving successful completion of a first offender program under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60, the restriction process may be automatic upon program completion.
Individuals seeking record restriction are advised that:
- The process may take 90-180 days to complete
- Not all criminal records qualify for restriction
- Certain government agencies and employers may still have access to restricted records
- Private companies that previously obtained records may still maintain copies
For complex cases or those involving multiple jurisdictions, consultation with a licensed attorney specializing in record restriction is recommended.
What Happens After Arrest in Whitfield County?
Following an arrest in Whitfield County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases:
1. Booking Process:
- The arrestee is transported to the Whitfield County Detention Center
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprinting and photographing (mugshot) are completed
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial criminal history check is performed
2. Initial Appearance/First Appearance Hearing:
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
- Judge informs the defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Determination of probable cause is made
- Bail/bond conditions are established if eligible
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
3. Bail/Bond Consideration:
- Judge determines if release is appropriate based on:
- Nature and circumstances of the offense
- Weight of evidence
- Community ties and flight risk
- Danger to the community
- Prior criminal history
- Types of bonds available include:
- Cash bond
- Property bond
- Surety bond (through bail bondsman)
- Own recognizance (OR) release
4. Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):
- Held to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed
- Prosecutor presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Defense may challenge evidence and cross-examine witnesses
- Judge determines if case should proceed to Superior Court
5. Grand Jury Indictment (Felony Cases):
- Grand jury reviews evidence presented by prosecutor
- Determines if sufficient evidence exists to formally charge
- Issues indictment if "true bill" is found
- Case proceeds to Superior Court upon indictment
6. Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Trial date may be set
- Discovery process begins
7. Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Case status conferences
8. Trial or Plea Resolution:
- Case may be resolved through plea agreement
- If no plea agreement, case proceeds to bench or jury trial
- Verdict is rendered (guilty or not guilty)
9. Sentencing (If Convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Sentencing hearing is scheduled
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
- Georgia sentencing guidelines
- Nature of offense
- Criminal history
- Mitigating/aggravating factors
10. Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Potential post-conviction relief
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration if sentenced to confinement
Throughout this process, all actions are documented in the arrestee's criminal record, which becomes part of the public record unless specifically sealed or restricted by court order.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Whitfield County?
Arrest records in Whitfield County are maintained according to the Georgia Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 through § 50-18-103) and the retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives. These regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of law enforcement and court records.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention
- Incident Reports: 5 years after case closure
- Investigation Files: 25 years for felonies; 7 years for misdemeanors
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention
- Mugshot Photographs: Permanent retention
- Criminal Histories: Permanent retention
- Court Case Files: Permanent retention for felonies; 20 years for misdemeanors
- Jail Records: 7 years after release from custody
The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in both physical and digital formats. Digital conversion of older records is an ongoing process, with many historical records now accessible through electronic databases.
Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- Sheriff's Office: Maintains arrest reports, booking information, and jail records
- Clerk of Superior Court: Maintains court case files, dispositions, and sentencing information
- Probation Department: Maintains supervision records
- District Attorney's Office: Maintains prosecution files
Records retention serves several critical purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Provides documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Maintains statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Facilitates research and policy development
Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, even when records are eligible for restriction (expungement), the physical records are not destroyed but rather restricted from public access. Law enforcement agencies and certain authorized entities may still access restricted records for official purposes.
How to Find Mugshots in Whitfield County
What Mugshots Are: Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained: In Whitfield County, mugshots are primarily maintained by the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office as part of the official booking record. These photographs are stored in the agency's records management system and may be linked to arrest reports, booking information, and criminal history files.
Finding Mugshots: Members of the public seeking mugshots in Whitfield County have several potential avenues for access:
- Sheriff's Office Records Request:
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
805 Professional Boulevard
Dalton, GA 30720
(706) 278-1233
Whitfield County Sheriff's Office
- Submit a completed records request form
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the individual
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction ($5.00 for first page)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
- Online Inmate Search:
- The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office website provides limited booking information for current inmates
- Recent arrests may include mugshot images
- Historical mugshots may not be available through this system
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation:
- For certain serious offenses, mugshots may be available through the GBI
- Requests must be submitted in writing with appropriate identification
Restrictions on Mugshot Access: Access to mugshots in Whitfield County is subject to certain limitations:
- Mugshots of juveniles (under 17) are generally not publicly available
- Images related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Mugshots associated with restricted records (expunged cases) are not publicly accessible
- Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 35-1-19) prohibits websites from charging fees to remove mugshots
Individuals should be aware that while mugshots are generally considered public records under Georgia law, their publication and distribution may have significant privacy implications. The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office provides access to these records in accordance with legal requirements while maintaining appropriate safeguards for privacy and due process.