logo
CowetaRecords.us
Search Public Records
Coweta County Public Records / Coweta County Arrest Records

Coweta County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Coweta County

Arrest records in Coweta County are considered public information pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This state statute establishes that records created, maintained, or received by a public agency are generally accessible to the public. Under Georgia law, arrest records maintained by the Coweta County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county are subject to public disclosure with certain exceptions.

It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense in a court of law. Under Georgia law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for restriction under certain circumstances as provided in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), which maintains the state's central criminal history repository, has established policies governing the dissemination of criminal history record information in accordance with state law. Law enforcement agencies in Coweta County adhere to these policies when responding to public requests for arrest records.

What's in Coweta County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Coweta County law enforcement agencies 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
  • Photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints
  • State identification number (SID)

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
  • Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Georgia criminal code citations
  • Charge descriptions
  • Multiple charges (if applicable)

Warrant Information (if applicable):

  • Warrant number
  • Issuing court
  • Date issued
  • Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number
  • Processing facility

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type (cash, property, surety)
  • Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
  • Release eligibility

Court Information:

  • Court of jurisdiction
  • Case number
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Judge assigned

Custody Status:

  • Current detention status
  • Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
  • Projected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Probation/parole status
  • Special custody considerations
  • Medical alerts
  • Property inventory

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Records maintained by the Coweta County Sheriff's Office generally contain the elements listed above in compliance with Georgia law enforcement standards.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Coweta County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Coweta County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county currently maintains multiple access points for arrest record retrieval:

  1. In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office
    • Visit the Records Division during regular business hours
    • Complete a records request form
    • Present valid government-issued photo identification
    • Pay applicable fees (currently $5-$20 depending on record type)

Coweta County Sheriff's Office
560 Greison Trail
Newnan, GA 30263
(770) 253-1502
Coweta County Sheriff's Office

  1. Written Requests by Mail

    • Submit a formal written request including:
      • Full name of the subject
      • Date of birth or approximate age
      • Date of arrest (if known)
      • Case number (if known)
      • Requestor's contact information
      • Check or money order for applicable fees
    • Address the request to the Records Division at the Sheriff's Office address listed above

  2. Online Portal Access

    • Navigate to the Coweta County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen portal
    • Create a user account or proceed as guest
    • Select "Arrest Records" from the available options
    • Enter search criteria (name, date range, etc.)
    • Review available records
    • Pay applicable fees for certified copies if needed

  3. Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)

    • Submit fingerprint-based record requests for comprehensive criminal history
    • Available for authorized purposes under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-35

Georgia Bureau of Investigation
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
(404) 244-2600
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Requestors should note that while basic arrest information is public record, certain information may be redacted pursuant to privacy exemptions under the Georgia Open Records Act. Processing times typically range from 1-5 business days for standard requests.

How To Find Coweta County Arrest Records Online

Coweta County provides digital access to arrest records through several online platforms. Members of the public may utilize these resources to locate arrest information without visiting county offices in person:

  1. Coweta County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen Portal

    • This official portal provides direct access to recent arrest data
    • Navigate to Coweta County Sheriff's Office Police to Citizen portal
    • Select "Inmates" or "Recent Arrests" from the main menu
    • Search by name, date range, or booking number
    • View basic arrest information at no cost
    • Pay applicable fees for detailed reports or certified copies

  2. Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search

    • For individuals currently in state custody or under supervision
    • Visit the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
    • Enter the individual's name or GDC ID number
    • Access information on current inmates and those released within the past 24 months

  3. Georgia Felon Search

    • Provides information on convicted felons
    • Access through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation website
    • Requires creation of an account and payment of fees
    • Provides comprehensive criminal history information

  4. Coweta County Clerk of Superior Court

    • For cases that have proceeded to court
    • Access the Coweta County Clerk's Office website
    • Navigate to the court records search function
    • Search by name, case number, or filing date
    • View case status, charges, and disposition information

Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete historical records, as some older records may not be digitized. Additionally, certain information may be restricted from public view pursuant to Georgia law. For comprehensive searches, combining online research with formal record requests may be necessary.

How To Search Coweta County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options to access basic arrest record information in Coweta County without incurring fees:

  1. Coweta County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

  2. Recent Arrests Database

    • Access information about recent arrests in Coweta County
    • Navigate to the "Recent Arrests" section of the Police to Citizen portal
    • View arrest information from the past several days
    • Information typically includes name, booking date, and charges

  3. Public Access Terminals

    • Available at the Coweta County Sheriff's Office lobby
    • Provides free access to basic arrest information
    • No appointment necessary during regular business hours
    • Staff assistance available for search guidance

Coweta County Sheriff's Office
560 Greison Trail
Newnan, GA 30263
(770) 253-1502
Coweta County Sheriff's Office

  1. Coweta County Law Library
    • Located in the Coweta County Justice Center
    • Provides public access computers for legal research
    • Access to certain court records related to arrests
    • Available during regular business hours

Coweta County Justice Center
72 Greenville Street
Newnan, GA 30263
(770) 254-2800
Coweta County Courts

While basic arrest information is available at no cost, fees may apply for certified copies, comprehensive background checks, or records that require extensive research or redaction. Additionally, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records when requests exceed certain thresholds.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Coweta County

Georgia law provides specific mechanisms for the restriction (formerly called expungement) of arrest records under certain circumstances. The process is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures.

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
  • Georgia primarily utilizes the restriction process rather than true expungement

Eligibility for Record Restriction: Arrest records may be eligible for restriction in Coweta County under the following circumstances:

  • Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
  • No accusation or indictment was filed within the statute of limitations
  • Charges were reduced to non-criminal violations
  • The individual was acquitted of all charges
  • The case was resolved through certain pretrial diversion programs
  • The individual was convicted under Georgia's First Offender Act or Conditional Discharge and successfully completed the sentence

Record Restriction Process:

  1. Obtain Criminal History Record

    • Request a copy of your criminal history from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)
    • Review for accuracy and eligibility for restriction

  2. File Application for Record Restriction

    • Complete the "Application for Record Restriction" form
    • Submit to the arresting agency (typically Coweta County Sheriff's Office)
    • Include supporting documentation (court dispositions, etc.)
    • Pay applicable processing fees

  3. Agency Review

    • The arresting agency reviews the application for eligibility
    • If approved, forwards to the prosecuting attorney's office
    • Prosecutor reviews and makes recommendation

  4. GCIC Processing

    • If approved, the request is forwarded to GCIC
    • GCIC restricts the record in the state database
    • Process typically takes 90-120 days

  5. Court Order (if necessary)

    • For certain cases, a court petition may be required
    • File petition with the Coweta County Superior Court
    • Attend scheduled hearing
    • If granted, court issues order for restriction

Coweta County Superior Court
72 Greenville Street
Newnan, GA 30263
(770) 254-2650
Coweta County Superior Court

Individuals seeking record restriction should be aware that even if a record is restricted at the state level, it may still exist in private databases or other jurisdictions. Additionally, certain employers and agencies with specific statutory authority may still have access to restricted records pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i)(2).

What Happens After Arrest in Coweta County?

Following an arrest in Coweta County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:

  1. Booking Process

    • Transportation to Coweta County Jail or detention facility
    • Personal information collection and verification
    • Fingerprinting and photographing
    • Property inventory and storage
    • Medical screening
    • Criminal history check
    • Cell assignment

  2. Initial Appearance/First Appearance Hearing

    • Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
    • Conducted at the Coweta County Magistrate Court
    • Judge informs defendant of charges
    • Advises of constitutional rights
    • Determines if probable cause exists for the arrest
    • Considers bail/bond eligibility
    • Appoints public defender if defendant qualifies

Coweta County Magistrate Court
72 Greenville Street
Newnan, GA 30263
(770) 254-2680
Coweta County Magistrate Court

  1. Bail/Bond Determination

    • Judge sets bail amount based on:
      • Nature and severity of charges
      • Criminal history
      • Flight risk assessment
      • Community ties
      • Public safety considerations
    • Types of bonds available:
      • Cash bond
      • Property bond
      • Surety bond (through bondsman)
      • Own recognizance release

  2. Preliminary Hearing (if requested)

    • Determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed
    • Prosecutor presents evidence establishing probable cause
    • Defense may challenge evidence
    • Judge determines if case proceeds to Superior Court

  3. Formal Charging

    • Misdemeanors: Accusation filed by prosecutor
    • Felonies: Case presented to grand jury for indictment
    • Grand jury determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial

  4. Arraignment

    • Formal reading of charges
    • Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
    • Trial date set if not guilty plea entered

  5. Pre-Trial Proceedings

    • Discovery exchange
    • Motion hearings
    • Plea negotiations
    • Status conferences

  6. Trial

    • Jury selection
    • Opening statements
    • Presentation of evidence
    • Closing arguments
    • Jury deliberation
    • Verdict

  7. Sentencing (if convicted)

    • Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
    • Victim impact statements
    • Judge imposes sentence according to Georgia sentencing guidelines
    • Potential sentences include:
      • Probation
      • Fines
      • Incarceration
      • Alternative sentencing programs

  8. Post-Conviction

    • Appeal rights explained
    • Transfer to Georgia Department of Corrections (if sentenced to prison)
    • Probation supervision (if applicable)
    • Payment of fines and restitution

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights protected under Georgia law and the U.S. Constitution, including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. The Coweta County criminal justice system operates in accordance with O.C.G.A. Title 17, which governs criminal procedure in Georgia.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Coweta County?

Arrest records in Coweta County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives Records Management Division and governed by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 through § 50-18-103, known as the Georgia Records Act. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of law enforcement records.

Standard Retention Periods:

  • Arrest reports: Permanent retention
  • Booking records: 5 years after case closure
  • Incident reports: 5 years after case closure
  • Investigation files: 25 years for felonies; 7 years for misdemeanors
  • Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
  • Photographs/mugshots: Permanent retention
  • Jail records: 5 years after release from custody

Different agencies within Coweta County's criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

  1. Coweta County Sheriff's Office

    • Maintains arrest reports, booking information, and jail records
    • Follows Georgia Sheriff's Association retention guidelines
    • Generally maintains records indefinitely in digital format

  2. Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)

    • Serves as the central repository for criminal history information
    • Maintains records permanently unless restricted by court order
    • Provides access to authorized agencies and individuals

  3. Coweta County Clerk of Superior Court

    • Maintains court records related to criminal cases
    • Felony case files: Permanent retention
    • Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure

  4. Coweta County Probation Department

    • Maintains supervision records
    • Retention period: 5 years after completion of sentence

The digitization of records has significantly extended practical retention periods, with many records now maintained indefinitely in electronic formats even after physical copies may have been destroyed pursuant to retention schedules. This extended retention serves several important purposes:

  • Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
  • Supports law enforcement investigations of related crimes
  • Provides documentation for background checks
  • Maintains historical records for statistical and research purposes
  • Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system

Individuals concerned about the retention of their arrest records should note that even after the minimum retention period has expired, records may continue to exist in various databases unless formally restricted through the process outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.

How to Find Mugshots in Coweta County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Coweta County, these photographs are taken by law enforcement personnel at the Coweta County Jail as part of the standard booking procedure. Mugshots typically show the front view (and sometimes side view) of an arrested individual and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots taken in Coweta County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

Coweta County Sheriff's Office
560 Greison Trail
Newnan, GA 30263
(770) 253-1502
Coweta County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office maintains booking photographs as part of their arrest records. These images are stored in the jail management system and may be linked to other criminal history information.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
(404) 244-2600
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

The GBI maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including mugshots, for arrests throughout Georgia.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Coweta County have several options:

  1. Sheriff's Office Records Request

    • Submit a formal records request to the Coweta County Sheriff's Office
    • Complete the required forms specifying the mugshot being requested
    • Provide identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
    • Pay applicable fees (typically $5-$10 per photograph)
    • Allow 3-5 business days for processing

  2. Online Inmate Search

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some mugshots may be available through the Sheriff's Office online portal, comprehensive access to mugshots online is limited. Unlike some jurisdictions, Coweta County does not maintain a public-facing database specifically for mugshot images. Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots may contain images from Coweta County arrests, but these sites are not officially affiliated with county agencies and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:

  • Submit requests directly to the Coweta County Sheriff's Office Records Division
  • Provide specific information about the arrest in question
  • Be prepared to show identification if requesting records in person
  • Pay applicable fees for reproduction and certification

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Coweta County is subject to certain restrictions:

  • Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
  • Images of juvenile arrestees (under 17) are generally not publicly available
  • Mugshots associated with restricted records under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 may not be accessible
  • Commercial use of mugshots may be subject to limitations under Georgia law

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records under the Georgia Open Records Act, their dissemination and use may be subject to legal restrictions, particularly for commercial purposes.

Lookup Arrest Records in Coweta County

Coweta County Sheriff's Office inmate search

Categories

Criminal RecordsCourt RecordsInmate RecordsArrest RecordsWarrant SearchProperty RecordsDivorce Records