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Putnam County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Putnam County in 2026

PutnamGERecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Putnam County, Georgia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, criminal charges, bond information, and court case numbers. Information presented may not reflect the most current status of a case and should be verified through official sources.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. The current jail roster reflects individuals in custody and is updated on a regular basis. Members of the public may access this information through the Sheriff's Office official website. Available data includes arrestee name, charges, booking date, and bond status.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office
100 South Jefferson Avenue
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-8557
Putnam County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Eatonton Police Department serves the City of Eatonton, the county seat of Putnam County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official channels. Members of the public seeking city-level arrest information may contact the department directly.

Eatonton Police Department
201 North Jefferson Avenue
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-3911
Eatonton Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Putnam County Clerk of Superior Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search by arrestee name to locate associated court case numbers, charge information, and case disposition. The E-Access to Court Records portal maintained by the Georgia Courts system provides online access to court case information statewide, including Putnam County.

Putnam County Clerk of Superior Court
100 South Jefferson Avenue, Suite 3
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-4501
Putnam County Superior Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the GBI's Georgia Applicant Processing Services. This database includes arrest and disposition information from law enforcement agencies across Georgia. A fee applies for criminal history record requests submitted by members of the public.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

  • Address: 100 South Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024
  • Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Phone: (706) 485-8557
  • What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
  • Fees for copies: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

  • Eatonton Police Department, 201 North Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024; Phone: (706) 485-3911
  • Records requests are processed during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
  • Fees: $0.10 per page for copies

Clerk of Court:

  • Address: 100 South Jefferson Avenue, Suite 3, Eatonton, GA 31024
  • Criminal records division is located within the Putnam County Courthouse
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
  • Phone: (706) 485-4501
  • Case files are available for public inspection during business hours
  • Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are $2.50 per document

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 100 South Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time is typically 3–5 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

  • Sheriff's Office: (706) 485-8557
  • Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone
  • Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
  • Detailed record information may require an in-person visit or written request

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery processes in criminal and civil cases provide access to arrest-related documentation not otherwise available to the general public.

Information Needed for Search:

  • Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
  • Date of birth or approximate age
  • Approximate date of arrest
  • Booking number (if known)
  • Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Eatonton Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Putnam County

Arrest records in Putnam County are public records under Georgia law. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., all records maintained by public agencies in Georgia are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific exemption applies. The Georgia Open Records Act establishes the framework under which members of the public, media organizations, researchers, and other interested parties may access government-held information, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies.

As stated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, "The Georgia Open Records Act provides that all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying." Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

  • Arrestee name and aliases
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Charges filed at time of arrest
  • Booking number
  • Mugshot/booking photograph
  • Bond and bail information
  • Current custody status
  • Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

  • Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Georgia law
  • Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
  • Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
  • Information related to active investigations may be withheld
  • Undercover officer identities are protected
  • Confidential informant information is exempt from disclosure
  • Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
  • Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Georgia Constitution and the Georgia Open Records Act together establish the legal foundation for public access to government records. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. Due process considerations require that the public record reflect accurate and current information about the status of criminal proceedings.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

  • General public
  • Media organizations
  • Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
  • Licensing agencies
  • Background check companies
  • Attorneys and legal professionals
  • Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Georgia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment or housing decisions may be subject to legal challenge under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.

What's in Putnam County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

  • Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Sex and gender
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Height and weight
  • Eye color and hair color
  • Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
  • Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

  • Arrest date and time
  • Location of arrest by street address or general area
  • Arresting agency (Putnam County Sheriff's Office, Eatonton Police Department, GBI, or other)
  • Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number or arrest number
  • Warrant information if applicable

Charges Information:

  • Specific criminal charges
  • Georgia statute numbers violated
  • Charge descriptions
  • Classification as felony or misdemeanor with applicable degree or class
  • Number of counts for each charge
  • Domestic violence designation if applicable
  • Gang-related designation if applicable

Booking Information:

  • Booking facility name and location
  • Intake process timestamp
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records releases
  • Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

  • Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
  • Bond amount set by the court
  • Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
  • Bail bondsman information if applicable
  • Release date and time if the individual has been released
  • Release conditions if made part of the public record

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned following arrest
  • Court jurisdiction (Superior Court, State Court, or Magistrate Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment date
  • Court location
  • Judge assignment if available at time of record creation

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

  • Previous arrests processed in Putnam County
  • Previous booking numbers
  • Historical charges associated with prior arrests
  • Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

  • Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
  • Witness statements
  • Victim identifying information
  • Evidence collected during the investigation
  • Investigative techniques or methods
  • Medical information
  • Mental health status
  • Substance abuse information
  • Full residential address or personal phone number
  • Social Security number (redacted from public releases)
  • Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

  • Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
  • Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
  • Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
  • Background checks: Comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Putnam County?

Under the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, public agencies may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of public records. Current standard fees applicable to arrest record requests in Putnam County are as follows:

Record TypeFee
Standard paper copies$0.10 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)$2.50 per document
Electronic records (where available)Varies by agency
Search feeNo charge for routine searches
Inspection of recordsNo charge

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the applicable agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office.

Members of the public may inspect arrest records in person at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Agencies may charge for the actual cost of staff time when a request requires more than one hour of search and retrieval, as permitted under current Georgia law.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, at the discretion of the agency. Media organizations and researchers should inquire directly with the records custodian regarding applicable fee structures.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation charges a separate fee for criminal history record checks. At present, the standard fee for a public criminal history record request through the GBI is $25.00 per subject searched.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Putnam County

Georgia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: restriction (the Georgia equivalent of expungement, which seals records from public view) and sealing (court-ordered confidentiality). Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have certain arrest records restricted from public access under specified circumstances.

Restriction renders a record inaccessible to the general public and most employers, though law enforcement agencies retain access. Sealing is a court-ordered process that physically or electronically restricts access to a record. Georgia uses the term "restriction" rather than "expungement" in its current statutory framework.

Circumstances Under Which Restriction May Be Available:

  • Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
  • The individual was acquitted at trial
  • No charges were filed following arrest
  • The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
  • The offense was a first-offense misdemeanor under specific statutory provisions
  • The individual was a victim of identity fraud and was arrested as a result

Steps to Petition for Record Restriction:

  1. Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court disposition from the Putnam County Clerk of Superior Court
  2. Confirm eligibility under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 based on the case outcome
  3. Complete the Georgia Petition to Restrict Criminal History Record form, available through the GBI or the Clerk of Court
  4. File the petition with the Putnam County Superior Court
  5. Serve copies on the arresting agency and the prosecuting attorney's office
  6. Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition
  7. If granted, the court order is forwarded to the GBI's Criminal History Records Unit for processing

Putnam County Superior Court
100 South Jefferson Avenue, Suite 3
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-4501
Putnam County Superior Court

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – Criminal History Records Unit
P.O. Box 370808
Decatur, GA 30037
Phone: (404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Individuals seeking record restriction are advised to consult with a licensed Georgia attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The Putnam County Public Defender's Office may provide guidance to eligible individuals.

Putnam County Public Defender's Office
100 South Jefferson Avenue
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-4501

What Happens After Arrest in Putnam County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Putnam County, the arrested individual is transported to the Putnam County Detention Center, located at 100 South Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Putnam County Detention Center, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

  • Recording of personal identification information
  • Administration of Miranda rights if not previously provided
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
  • Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
  • Criminal history check conducted
  • Outstanding warrants check performed
  • Personal property inventoried and secured
  • Issuance of jail uniform
  • Medical screening
  • Brief mental health screening
  • Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Georgia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for a first appearance hearing within 48 hours of arrest. The first appearance hearing serves the following purposes:

  • Formal notification of charges
  • Appointment of public defender for indigent defendants
  • Bond and bail determination
  • Advisement of constitutional rights

First appearance hearings in Putnam County may be conducted in person or via video conference. Court schedules are maintained by the Putnam County Magistrate Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

  • The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
  • The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
  • Amount is set by the magistrate or according to the county bond schedule

Surety Bond:

  • A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
  • The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 12% of the bond amount under Georgia law
  • The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

  • The defendant is released on a written promise to appear
  • No monetary payment is required
  • Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

  • The defendant is held without bond
  • Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

  • Regular check-in requirements with pretrial supervision
  • Travel restrictions
  • No-contact orders
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • GPS monitoring in applicable cases
  • Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

  • Processing and release typically takes between one and eight hours
  • Personal property is returned upon release
  • A written court date is provided
  • Written conditions of release are issued
  • Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

  • The individual remains in custody at the Putnam County Detention Center
  • Housing assignment is made following classification
  • Inmate orientation is conducted
  • Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Eligibility for public defender services is based on financial need. Defendants may apply for representation at the first appearance hearing.

Putnam County Public Defender's Office
100 South Jefferson Avenue
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-4501

Private Attorney:

Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Georgia provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private legal representation. Attorney visits to the Putnam County Detention Center are conducted in designated confidential consultation areas.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by accusation or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.

Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
121 South Jefferson Avenue
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-4501

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Felony charges in Georgia may be presented to a grand jury to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel. A true bill of indictment is returned if the grand jury finds probable cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas in Georgia include not guilty, guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court as needed.

Pretrial conferences facilitate discussions between attorneys and the court regarding case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or reject any plea offer and proceed to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for record restriction.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed-upon charges, with a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.

Trial: The defendant may elect a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose a combination of incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

  • Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
  • First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
  • Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
  • Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
  • Felonies: May take six months to over one year depending on complexity
  • Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Georgia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

  • Right to remain silent
  • Right to counsel
  • Right to a speedy trial
  • Right to confront witnesses
  • Right to present a defense
  • Right against self-incrimination
  • Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Putnam County Detention Center (Sheriff's Office/Jail)
100 South Jefferson Avenue
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-8557
Putnam County Sheriff's Office

Putnam County Clerk of Superior Court
100 South Jefferson Avenue, Suite 3
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-4501
Putnam County Superior Court

Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
121 South Jefferson Avenue
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-4501

Putnam County Public Defender's Office
100 South Jefferson Avenue
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: (706) 485-4501

What to Do If Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
  2. Do not physically resist arrest
  3. Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
  4. Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
  5. Do not discuss the case with anyone other than a licensed attorney
  6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
  8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Putnam County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Putnam County is governed by Georgia state law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Under Georgia's records retention requirements, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the outcome of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

  • Retention is permanent across all maintaining agencies
  • Records are maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, GBI state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

  • Local law enforcement retains records permanently or for a minimum of seven years
  • Court records are retained permanently in electronic format
  • The GBI state repository retains misdemeanor conviction records permanently

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

  • Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
  • Court records are retained permanently in electronic format
  • Records may remain in state and local databases unless restricted by court order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

  • Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of five years
  • Court records are often retained permanently
  • Records may be eligible for restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37

Charges Not Filed:

  • Booking records are retained for a minimum of two years
  • Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of two years
  • These records may be eligible for immediate restriction in some circumstances

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

  • Law enforcement retains records for a minimum of two to five years
  • Records are often eligible for restriction following a no-prosecution determination

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

  • Booking paperwork: Minimum five years
  • Fingerprint cards: Permanent for felony arrests; minimum five years for misdemeanors
  • Photographs: Minimum five years; permanent for felony convictions

Digital Records:

  • Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum two years
  • Records management systems: Often permanent
  • Mugshot databases: Varies by agency policy
  • Court electronic records: Often permanent

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party data aggregators may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records when a restriction or sealing order is issued. Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, consumer reporting agencies are required to maintain accuracy in the records they report.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

  • Booking records: Minimum five years
  • Arrest reports: Minimum five years
  • Investigative files: Minimum five years; permanent for homicide and serious violent offenses
  • Contact: (706) 485-8557

Police Departments:

  • Arrest records: Minimum five years
  • Incident reports: Minimum five years
  • Eatonton Police Department: (706) 485-3911

Clerk of Court:

  • Felony case files: Permanent
  • Misdemeanor case files: Minimum seven years
  • Traffic cases: Minimum five years
  • Electronic records: Permanent

State Repository:

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records from all law enforcement agencies in Georgia. The GBI's retention policy provides for permanent retention of felony arrest records and long-term retention of misdemeanor records. Members of the public may access the Georgia Crime Information Center for information about state-level criminal history records.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level arrest records. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless restricted by court order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.

Restriction: Following a court-ordered restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, local records are sealed and the GBI updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with a restriction flag. Processing time for removal from the state repository is typically 30 to 60 days following receipt of the court order.

No Charges Filed: Records have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after two years. Immediate restriction may be available in some circumstances.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Last Five Years):

  • Available online through the Sheriff's Office website and court case search portals
  • Updated on a real-time or daily basis

Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):

  • May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
  • Possible retrieval fee for archived records
  • Processing time may be longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

  • Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper format
  • Paper records are maintained in county archives
  • Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
  • Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (706) 485-8557 for availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for restriction or expungement, or in accordance with the Georgia records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Georgia does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records in private employment background checks. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in certain jurisdictions.

How to Check Retention Status:

  • Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (706) 485-8557
  • Submit a written public records request for information about a specific arrest record
  • Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved from archives

Lookup Arrest Records in Putnam County