Chatham County Criminal Records
What Is Chatham County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Chatham County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records document the complete history of a person's criminal activity as processed through Chatham County's law enforcement agencies and court system. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, criminal records are maintained as part of the state's responsibility to document criminal justice proceedings.
Criminal records in Chatham County encompass several distinct categories:
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Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity. These records exist regardless of whether charges are filed or convictions obtained. Conviction records, maintained by the Chatham County Court System, document when an individual has been found guilty of a criminal offense either through trial or plea agreement.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration. Both categories are documented in the county's criminal records system.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-701, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants represent current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions that have been resolved.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Chatham County include:
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
912-652-7600
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
912-652-7200
Superior Court Clerk
Chatham County Police Department
295 Police Memorial Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
912-652-6920
Chatham County Police Department
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of arrests, bookings, charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The Criminal Division of the Chatham County Court System serves as the office of record for all criminal matters addressed in the court.
Are Criminal Records Public In Chatham County
Criminal records in Chatham County are generally considered public information under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70), which establishes the public's right to access government records. The Act states that "all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying by any citizen of this state at a reasonable time and place." This statutory framework ensures transparency in government operations, including the criminal justice system.
The Chatham County Police Department complies with all federal, state, and county laws according to the Georgia Open Records Act, making public records available upon request through their Records Unit. Similarly, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office and court system maintain publicly accessible records in accordance with state law.
However, not all criminal records are publicly accessible. Important exceptions include:
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Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to pending investigations are typically exempt from disclosure until the investigation concludes.
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Sealed or Expunged Records: Court-ordered sealed or expunged records are removed from public access.
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Juvenile Records: As previously noted, records involving minors are generally confidential under Georgia law, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.
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First Offender Act Cases: Records of cases disposed under Georgia's First Offender Act may be restricted from public view upon successful completion of sentencing terms.
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Restricted Records: Certain records may be restricted from public disclosure under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which allows for the restriction of certain criminal history records under specific circumstances.
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, and booking information are typically available to the public. The Chatham County Sheriff's Office publishes booking information for the past 72 hours on their website, though this publication is subject to the provisions of House Bill 845, which addresses the publication of booking photographs.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Chatham County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Chatham County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Chatham County Sheriff's Office - Criminal History & Fingerprint Unit
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
912-652-7693
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Criminal History & Fingerprint Unit
The process for obtaining criminal records typically involves:
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Determine the Appropriate Agency: Identify which agency maintains the specific records sought (Sheriff's Office for arrests and bookings, Court Clerk for case dispositions).
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Submit a Formal Request: Complete an Open Records Request form, which can be submitted in person, by mail, or electronically through the agency's website. The Chatham County Police Department and other county agencies provide standardized forms for this purpose.
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Provide Identification: Present valid government-issued photo identification when requesting records in person.
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Pay Applicable Fees: Remit payment for any associated costs. Fees are established in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which permits reasonable charges for search, retrieval, and copying of records.
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Receive Records: Depending on the complexity of the request, records may be provided immediately or within three business days. For requests requiring more time, the agency will provide written notification within three business days.
For background checks, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office provides Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) background checks through their Criminal History & Fingerprint Unit. These official background checks require fingerprinting and proper identification.
How To Find Criminal Records in Chatham County Online?
Chatham County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically, providing convenient alternatives to in-person requests. These digital portals vary in the scope and depth of information they provide.
The primary online resources include:
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Chatham County Court System Online Records: The Chatham County Court System maintains an online portal for accessing court records, including criminal cases. Users can search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate information about criminal proceedings, charges, and case dispositions.
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Chatham County Sheriff's Office Booking Information: The Sheriff's Office publishes recent booking information for the past 72 hours, allowing users to view recent arrests and associated charges. This resource is particularly useful for checking recent detention status.
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Superior Court Clerk's Office Records: The Superior Court Clerk serves as the official keeper of records for Chatham County's Superior Court. Their online system provides access to court filings, case information, and official records.
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Georgia Courts E-Access Portal: The Georgia Courts E-Access system provides a centralized platform for searching court records across Georgia, including Chatham County. Users may need to create an account to access certain information.
When using these online systems, searchers should:
- Provide accurate spelling of names
- Include middle names or initials when available
- Use date of birth information when possible to distinguish between individuals with similar names
- Be aware that some case details may require in-person requests for complete information
- Understand that certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records
Some online systems may require registration or impose access limitations for certain types of records. Additionally, while basic search functions are typically free, obtaining certified copies or comprehensive reports may incur fees.
Can You Search Chatham County Criminal Records for Free?
The Georgia Open Records Act establishes the public's right to inspect records maintained by public agencies, including criminal records. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c), agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records, but initial inspection of records is generally available without charge.
In Chatham County, several free options exist for accessing criminal records:
- In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the following locations to inspect criminal records at no cost:
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk's Office
133 Montgomery Street, Room 304
Savannah, GA 31401
912-652-7200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Superior Court Clerk
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
1050 Carl Griffin Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
912-652-7600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
- Online Resources: Several free online portals provide access to criminal record information:
- The Chatham County Sheriff's Office Booking Information page offers free access to recent booking data.
- Basic court case information is available through the Chatham County Court System website without charge.
- The Criminal Division of the State Court provides access to information about criminal matters addressed in the court.
While basic searches and inspections are typically free, fees may apply for:
- Printed or certified copies of records
- Extensive research requiring significant staff time
- Background checks requiring fingerprinting
- Expedited processing requests
These fees are established in accordance with state law and are designed to recover the direct cost of providing the requested records rather than generate revenue.
What's Included in a Chatham County Criminal Record?
Chatham County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility location
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Superior, State, or Municipal)
- Criminal charges filed and corresponding Georgia statute references
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Hearing dates and proceedings
- Plea information
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation or parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The Chatham County Criminal Division serves as the office of record for all criminal matters addressed in the court, organizing and maintaining these official records. Similarly, the Superior Court Clerk functions as the keeper of records for felony cases and other matters within the Superior Court's jurisdiction.
How Long Does Chatham County Keep Criminal Records?
Chatham County maintains criminal records in accordance with Georgia's records retention schedules established under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99, which mandates the preservation of public records for specified periods. The retention periods vary based on the type of record and its significance to the criminal justice system.
Standard retention periods for criminal records in Chatham County include:
- Felony Case Files: Permanent retention for murder cases; 25 years after case closure for other felonies
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 7 years after case closure
- Traffic Violations: 5 years after case closure
- Arrest Records: 75 years from date of arrest
- Booking Information: 7 years from date of booking
- Warrants: Active warrants remain until served; executed warrants retained with corresponding case files
- Probation Records: 7 years after completion of probation
- Juvenile Records: Until subject reaches age 25, unless sealed earlier by court order
- Sex Offender Registry Information: Permanent retention
These retention periods ensure that criminal justice information remains available for appropriate periods while balancing privacy concerns and administrative burdens. Records scheduled for destruction are disposed of in accordance with secure destruction protocols to protect sensitive information.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records. The Chatham County Sheriff's Office, Superior Court Clerk, and other agencies maintain electronic record-keeping systems that preserve information according to these mandated schedules.
It is important to note that even after county-level records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, information about serious offenses may still be maintained in state and federal databases maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Lookup Criminal Records in Chatham County
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Booking Information
Chatham County Court System Records
Chatham County Sheriff's Office
Chatham County Police Department Records Unit
Chatham County Superior Court Clerk
Chatham County State Court Criminal Division
Georgia Courts E-Access to Court Records
Chatham County Sheriff's Criminal History & Fingerprint Unit