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Gwinnett County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Gwinnett County

Arrest records in Gwinnett 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, with certain exceptions.

The Georgia Open Records Act specifically addresses law enforcement records in § 50-18-72(a)(4), which provides exemptions for certain records that may be withheld if their disclosure would:

  • Reveal a confidential source
  • Disclose confidential investigative techniques
  • Endanger the life or physical safety of any individual
  • Interfere with pending investigations or prosecutions

It is important for requestors to understand the distinction 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
  • Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings

An arrest alone does not constitute proof of guilt, as individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's central repository of criminal history information and provides guidance on records access policies.

What's in Gwinnett County Arrest Records

Gwinnett County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records generally include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Race/ethnicity
  • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
  • Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
  • Residential address
  • Photograph (mugshot)
  • Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Reason for arrest
  • Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

  • Criminal charges filed
  • Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Charge codes and statutory references
  • Charge descriptions
  • Multiple charges if applicable

Warrant Information (if applicable):

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

Booking Information:

  • Booking date and time
  • Booking number
  • Processing facility
  • Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

  • Bond amount
  • Bond type
  • 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)
  • Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

  • Prior arrest history
  • Probation/parole status
  • Immigration holds
  • Special custody considerations
  • Medical alerts

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy laws and exemptions under the Georgia Open Records Act.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Gwinnett County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Gwinnett County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, depending on the specific information needed and the requesting party's purpose.

To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:

Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
2900 University Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
770-822-3140
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The process for obtaining arrest records typically involves:

  1. Completing an official records request form, which requires:

    • The arrestee's full name
    • Date of birth (if known)
    • Approximate date of arrest (if known)
    • Case number (if available)
    • Requestor's contact information

  2. Presenting valid government-issued photo identification

  3. Paying applicable fees:

    • $5.00 for the first page
    • $0.25 for each additional page
    • Additional fees may apply for certified copies

  4. Submitting the request form and payment to the records division

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, the agency must respond to records requests within three business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the agency must provide a written description of the records and a timeline for their production.

For third-party requests (those made by someone other than the subject of the records), certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws. Attorneys, licensed private investigators, and other authorized representatives may have access to more complete records with proper documentation of their authority to request such information.

The Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court also maintains court records related to arrests and may be contacted for information regarding case dispositions and court proceedings.

How To Find Gwinnett County Arrest Records Online

Gwinnett County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official government portals. These online services enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with Georgia's Open Records Act.

The primary online resources for locating Gwinnett County arrest records include:

  1. Gwinnett County Jail Inmate Search This database provides real-time information on currently incarcerated individuals at the Gwinnett County Detention Center. The inmate search portal allows searches by:

    • Inmate name
    • Booking number
    • Date of birth

    Results typically include booking date, charges, bond information, and next court date.

  2. Gwinnett County Court Case Search The Gwinnett County Courts maintain an online case management system that provides access to criminal case information, including:

    • Case numbers
    • Charges filed
    • Court dates
    • Case status
    • Disposition information

    Users can search by defendant name, case number, or filing date.

  3. Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information. While not Gwinnett-specific, this resource provides comprehensive criminal history information for arrests throughout Georgia.

When conducting online searches, users should note:

  • Information is typically updated daily but may not reflect very recent arrests
  • Some sensitive information may be redacted from public view
  • Certain records may require additional verification or authentication
  • Online records should be verified through official channels for complete accuracy

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, requestors seeking official criminal history information for employment or licensing purposes must follow specific protocols and may be subject to additional fees and requirements.

How To Search Gwinnett County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Gwinnett County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost resources provide basic information while maintaining compliance with Georgia's public records laws.

Free resources for arrest record searches include:

  1. Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search The Sheriff's Office maintains a public inmate database that provides information on currently incarcerated individuals. This resource is available at no cost and includes:

    • Current inmates' names
    • Booking dates
    • Charges
    • Bond information
    • Next court appearance

  2. Gwinnett County Magistrate Court Records The Magistrate Court provides free public access to initial appearance and preliminary hearing information. These records can be searched by:

    • Defendant name
    • Case number
    • Hearing date

  3. Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search The state corrections department maintains a free offender database that includes individuals who have been sentenced to state custody following conviction.

  4. Public Access Terminals The following locations provide free on-site computer terminals for searching public records:

    Gwinnett County Justice and Administration Center
    75 Langley Drive
    Lawrenceville, GA 30046
    770-822-8100

    Gwinnett County Public Libraries
    Multiple locations throughout the county
    Gwinnett County Public Library

When utilizing free search options, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:

  • Information may be less comprehensive than paid record searches
  • Some records may require in-person verification
  • Historical records may not be available through free online resources
  • Records for cases under seal or subject to restriction will not appear

For individuals seeking their own records, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation offers one free personal record check per calendar year pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(d)(1), though this requires in-person application with proper identification.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Gwinnett County

Georgia law provides specific mechanisms for restricting access to or expunging certain arrest records under limited circumstances. The process, formally known as record restriction (previously called expungement), is governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.

Record restriction and expungement represent distinct legal concepts:

  • Record Restriction: Limits public access to arrest records but maintains them for law enforcement purposes
  • Expungement: Complete removal of records from all systems (rarely available in Georgia)

Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Gwinnett County include:

  1. Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
  2. Cases where charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
  3. Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdicts)
  4. First-offender or conditional discharge cases successfully completed
  5. Certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders (under 21 at time of offense)

The record restriction process typically involves:

  1. Obtaining a certified copy of disposition from the Gwinnett County Clerk of Court
  2. Completing the "Application for Record Restriction" form available from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
  3. Submitting the application to the arresting agency (typically Gwinnett County Police Department or Sheriff's Office)
  4. Paying applicable processing fees (approximately $25-50)
  5. Awaiting review by the prosecuting attorney's office
  6. If approved, the restriction is processed through the Georgia Crime Information Center

For certain eligible misdemeanors, individuals may petition the court directly under Georgia's First Offender Act or Conditional Discharge provisions. This process requires filing a petition with the:

Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Gwinnett County Clerk of Court

Individuals seeking record restriction are advised that:

  • The process may take 90-180 days to complete
  • Certain serious offenses are ineligible for restriction
  • Federal agencies and certain employers may still have access to restricted records
  • Private companies that previously obtained records may still maintain copies

Legal assistance is recommended for navigating the record restriction process, as requirements are complex and subject to judicial discretion.

What Happens After Arrest in Gwinnett County?

Following an arrest in Gwinnett County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Georgia state law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several defined stages.

The post-arrest procedure generally follows this sequence:

  1. Booking and Processing Upon arrival at the Gwinnett County Detention Center, arrestees undergo:

    • Photographing and fingerprinting
    • Personal property inventory
    • Medical screening
    • Background check
    • Assignment to appropriate housing

  2. Initial Appearance/First Appearance Hearing Within 48-72 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a Magistrate Judge who:

    • Informs the defendant of charges
    • Advises of constitutional rights
    • Determines eligibility for appointed counsel
    • Sets initial bail or bond conditions
    • Schedules preliminary hearing (if applicable)

  3. Bond Determination The court evaluates several factors when setting bond:

    • Nature and severity of charges
    • Prior criminal history
    • Community ties and flight risk
    • Public safety considerations
    • Financial resources

  4. Formal Charging Charges are formally filed through one of two methods:

    • Accusation (typically for misdemeanors)
    • Grand Jury Indictment (required for felonies)

  5. Arraignment At this formal court proceeding:

    • Charges are read to the defendant
    • Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
    • Discovery process begins
    • Future court dates are established

  6. Pre-Trial Proceedings This phase may include:

    • Motion hearings
    • Evidence suppression hearings
    • Plea negotiations
    • Status conferences

  7. Trial or Plea Resolution Cases conclude through:

    • Negotiated plea agreement
    • Bench trial (judge only)
    • Jury trial
    • Dismissal of charges

  8. Sentencing (if convicted) Sentencing options may include:

    • Probation
    • Fines and restitution
    • Incarceration
    • Alternative sentencing programs
    • Community service

  9. Post-Conviction Proceedings Following conviction, defendants may pursue:

    • Direct appeal
    • Motion for new trial
    • Habeas corpus petition
    • Sentence modification

Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Gwinnett County?

Arrest records in Gwinnett County are maintained according to Georgia's Records Retention Schedule as established under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99, which governs the preservation and disposition of public records. These retention periods ensure both public access and institutional accountability.

The Georgia Archives' Records Management Division establishes the following retention periods for law enforcement records:

  • Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention
  • Incident Reports: 5 years after case closure
  • Investigation Files: 25 years after case closure for felonies; 7 years for misdemeanors
  • Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention
  • Mugshot Photographs: Permanent retention
  • Jail Records: 7 years after release from custody
  • Criminal Histories: Permanent retention

Different agencies within Gwinnett County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

  1. Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records, jail records, and warrant information.

  2. Gwinnett County Police Department retains arrest reports, incident reports, and investigation files.

  3. Gwinnett County Clerk of Courts preserves court records related to criminal cases, including:

    • Indictments and accusations
    • Court proceedings
    • Judgments and sentences
    • Appeals

  4. Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the central repository of criminal history information at the state level.

The permanent retention of many criminal records serves several essential purposes:

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

Even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, electronic versions may be maintained indefinitely in various databases. Records that have been subject to restriction orders under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 remain in law enforcement databases but are shielded from public view.

How to Find Mugshots in Gwinnett County

Mugshot photographs, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the Gwinnett County criminal justice system.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of two images:

  • A front-facing (portrait) photograph
  • A profile (side-view) photograph

These images are taken under standardized conditions with neutral backgrounds and are accompanied by identifying information such as the arrestee's name, booking number, and date of arrest.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Gwinnett County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by:

Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
2900 University Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
770-822-3140
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots may:

  1. Submit a formal records request to the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office citing the Georgia Open Records Act
  2. Provide specific identifying information about the individual (full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date)
  3. Pay applicable fees for reproduction of records
  4. Allow 3-5 business days for processing

Can They Be Found Online

The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search that includes booking photographs of currently incarcerated individuals. Historical mugshots may not be available through this system.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshots, requestors must:

  1. Complete the Sheriff's Office records request form
  2. Provide proof of identity
  3. Specify the purpose of the request
  4. Pay established fees ($5.00 for first page, $0.25 for each additional page)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots is subject to certain limitations under Georgia law:

  • Mugshots related to restricted records under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 may not be publicly available
  • Georgia's Mugshot Law (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5) prohibits websites from charging fees to remove mugshots
  • Law enforcement agencies may withhold mugshots if release would compromise an ongoing investigation
  • Juvenile mugshots are generally not public records except in cases where juveniles are charged as adults

Individuals concerned about their mugshots appearing on commercial websites should be aware that Georgia law provides remedies against sites that charge removal fees, though complete removal from all online sources may be difficult to achieve.

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