Chatham County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chatham County
Arrest records in Chatham County are public documents 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, including arrest records, booking photographs, and incident reports. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4), certain law enforcement records may be temporarily withheld during pending investigations; however, basic information regarding arrests must remain accessible to the public.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:
- Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. These records do not indicate guilt.
- Conviction records document that an individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings.
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains the state's central repository of criminal history record information, including both arrests and dispositions. Access to these records is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34 and § 35-3-35.
What's in Chatham County Arrest Records
Chatham County arrest records 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 nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance numbers
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Charge description
- Multiple charges (if applicable)
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer
- Detention facility
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status (posted, denied, etc.)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility housing the individual
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Risk assessment information
- Medical alerts
- Special custody requirements
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency within Chatham County and the circumstances of the arrest.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Chatham County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Chatham County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for obtaining these public records:
- Visit the Chatham County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person:
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-7700
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)
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Submit a written request using the official Open Records Request form. Requesters must provide:
- Specific information about the record(s) sought
- The arrestee's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
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Contact the Chatham County Police Department Records Unit:
Chatham County Police Department
295 Police Memorial Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-6920
Chatham County Police Department
- Request records from the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court for cases that have proceeded to court:
Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court
- Submit requests electronically through the county's online portal for public records requests.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies must respond to records requests within three business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must provide a timeline for when the records will be available. Fees may apply for search, retrieval, and copying of records as permitted under state law.
How To Find Chatham County Arrest Records Online
Chatham County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests:
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Chatham County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
- Navigate to the Chatham County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Bookings" option
- Enter search criteria such as the individual's name or booking number
- Review the results, which typically include booking information and charges
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Chatham County Court Case Search:
- Visit the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court website
- Access the "Case Search" function
- Enter the defendant's name or case number
- Review case information, including charges and court dates
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Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- For individuals who have been sentenced to state custody
- Access the GDC Offender Search
- Enter the offender's name or GDC ID number
- Review current custody status and facility information
-
Georgia Bureau of Investigation Records:
- For official criminal history records
- Visit the Georgia Crime Information Center
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Pay applicable fees for record searches
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Information may be updated at different intervals depending on the system
- Some records may not be immediately available online
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
- Official record verification may require contacting the records custodian directly
How To Search Chatham County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Chatham County arrest records without incurring fees through several available resources:
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Chatham County Sheriff's Office Recent Bookings:
- The Sheriff's Office maintains a 24-hour booking log showing recent arrests
- A 72-hour booking log is also available for viewing
- These resources provide basic arrest information at no cost
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Public Access Terminals:
- Located at the Chatham County Courthouse
- Available during regular business hours
- Allow free searches of court records related to arrests
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Chatham County Police Department Daily Bulletin:
- The Records Unit maintains a daily log of police activities
- Includes arrest information and incident reports
- Available for public inspection at no cost
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Public Library Resources:
- The Live Oak Public Libraries system provides free internet access
- Patrons may use library computers to access public online records
- Library staff can assist with navigating public records websites
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Media Reports:
- Local news outlets often report on significant arrests
- Many media organizations maintain searchable online archives
- These reports may provide basic information about arrests
When utilizing free resources, requesters should be aware that:
- Information may be limited compared to official records
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in all systems
- For comprehensive records, an official request may still be necessary
- While initial access may be free, copying fees may apply per O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c)
How To Delete Arrest Records in Chatham County
Georgia law provides specific mechanisms for restricting access to arrest records under certain circumstances. The process, formerly known as "expungement," is now referred to as "record restriction" under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Individuals seeking to restrict or seal arrest records in Chatham County must understand the following:
Record Restriction vs. Sealing:
- Record restriction limits public access to arrest records but maintains them for law enforcement use
- Sealing completely removes records from public view by court order
- Neither process completely destroys the physical records
Eligibility for Record Restriction: Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, records may be eligible for restriction when:
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- The case resulted in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- The arrest occurred before July 1, 2013, and was not referred for prosecution
- The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program
- The individual was convicted of certain misdemeanors while under 21 years of age
- The case meets other specific criteria outlined in state law
Steps to Request Record Restriction:
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Obtain a certified disposition from the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court showing the final outcome of the case.
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Complete the Application for Record Restriction form available from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
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Submit the application and supporting documentation to the arresting agency:
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-7700
Chatham County Police Department
295 Police Memorial Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-6920
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Pay applicable fees as determined by the arresting agency and the Georgia Crime Information Center.
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For cases requiring court intervention, file a petition with the Chatham County Superior Court:
Chatham County Superior Court
133 Montgomery Street
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 652-7200
The record restriction process typically takes 90-180 days to complete. If approved, the restricted records will no longer appear in public background checks, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i)(2).
What Happens After Arrest in Chatham County?
Following an arrest in Chatham County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
1. Booking Process:
- The arrestee is transported to the Chatham County Detention Center
- Personal information is recorded and entered into law enforcement databases
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
2. Initial Appearance/First Appearance Hearing:
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
- Judge informs the defendant of charges and constitutional rights
- Preliminary determination of bail/bond is made
- Public defender may be appointed if the defendant qualifies
3. Bail/Bond Determination:
- Judge sets bail amount based on:
- Nature and severity of the alleged offense
- Prior criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
- Types of bonds available include cash, property, or surety bonds
4. Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):
- Determines if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the crime
- Prosecution presents evidence supporting the charges
- Defense may challenge the evidence or probable cause determination
- Judge decides whether the case proceeds to Superior Court
5. Grand Jury Indictment (Felony Cases):
- Grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor
- Determines if sufficient evidence exists to formally charge the defendant
- Issues an indictment if 12 of 23 grand jurors find probable cause
6. Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges against the defendant
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere)
- Trial date may be set
7. Pre-Trial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pre-trial motions (e.g., motion to suppress evidence)
- Plea negotiations
- Case status conferences
8. Trial:
- Jury selection (voir dire)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
9. Sentencing (If Convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on Georgia sentencing guidelines
- Potential sentences include probation, fines, community service, or incarceration
10. Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days of sentencing
- Potential post-conviction relief through habeas corpus proceedings
- Probation supervision or incarceration begins
Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Georgia law.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Chatham County?
Arrest records in Chatham County are maintained according to Georgia's records retention schedules as established by the Georgia Archives and governed by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 through § 50-18-103, known as the Georgia Records Act. These retention periods ensure proper documentation of law enforcement activities while maintaining historical records.
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
- Arrest records: Permanent retention
- Booking photographs: Permanent retention
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Incident reports: 25 years
- Investigation files: 25 years after case closure
- Arrest warrants: 7 years after execution or expiration
Court Records Retention:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after case disposition
- Traffic cases: 10 years after case disposition
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Sentencing documents: Permanent retention
Detention Facility Records:
- Inmate files: 7 years after release
- Booking logs: Permanent retention
- Jail incident reports: 5 years
Different agencies within Chatham County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
- The Chatham County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and booking records
- The Chatham County Police Department retains incident reports and investigation files
- The Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court preserves court records and case files
- The Georgia Crime Information Center maintains the central repository of criminal history information
Records retention serves several critical purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for statistical analysis and policy development
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement and judicial systems
- Provides historical documentation of criminal justice activities
- Supports background checks and security clearance investigations
Under current law, even if a case results in dismissal or acquittal, the underlying arrest record remains in government databases unless specifically restricted through the process outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.
How to Find Mugshots in Chatham County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Chatham County, mugshots are taken at the Chatham County Detention Center as part of standard booking procedures.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Chatham County are primarily maintained by:
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
(912) 652-7700
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
As the agency responsible for operating the county detention center, the Sheriff's Office maintains the official repository of booking photographs. These images become part of an individual's arrest record and are stored in accordance with Georgia's records retention requirements.
Finding Mugshots
To locate mugshots in Chatham County, individuals may:
- Submit an Open Records Request to the Chatham County Sheriff's Office
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the individual
- Include the approximate date of arrest if known
- Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction of records
Can They Be Found Online
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office provides limited online access to recent booking information, including mugshots, through their inmate information system. This system typically displays:
- Booking information from the past 24-72 hours
- Basic identifying information
- Charges
- Booking photographs
For older mugshots not available in the online system, a formal records request is necessary.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
To officially obtain mugshots from Chatham County authorities:
- Complete the Sheriff's Office Open Records Request form
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email
- Include specific identifying information about the individual
- Pay established fees for record reproduction
- Allow processing time as required by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
- Juvenile records are generally not publicly accessible
- Records that have been restricted pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 are not available to the public
- Georgia's 2013 Mugshot Law (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5) prohibits websites from charging fees to remove mugshots
The Georgia General Assembly has enacted legislation addressing concerns about commercial exploitation of mugshots, particularly by websites that publish booking photographs and then charge fees for their removal.
Lookup Arrest Records in Chatham County
Chatham County Sheriff's Office 24-hour booking information