Gwinnett County Criminal Records
What Is Gwinnett County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Gwinnett County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Georgia Code § 35-3-33, which establishes the framework for criminal history record information in the state.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the date, location, and charges. These records exist whether or not charges are later filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing final judgments in criminal cases.
- Felony Records: Documentation of more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment of one year or more.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year in jail.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed under Georgia Code § 15-11-701 to protect minors.
- Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records.
Multiple agencies maintain different components of criminal records in Gwinnett County:
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
2900 University Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
770-619-6500
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk's Office maintains court case records including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
404-244-2600
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
The GBI maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, including Gwinnett County records.
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of:
- Initial charges and booking information
- Arraignment proceedings
- Plea agreements or trial outcomes
- Sentencing details
- Probation or parole information
- Post-conviction proceedings
These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system in Gwinnett County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Gwinnett County
Criminal records in Gwinnett County are generally considered public information pursuant to 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."
The Georgia Open Records Act specifically addresses criminal records in Section 50-18-72(a)(4), which provides that certain law enforcement and prosecution records may be withheld if their disclosure would:
- Interfere with enforcement proceedings
- Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Disclose confidential sources
- Disclose investigation techniques
- Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
Public criminal records in Gwinnett County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files for adults
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
Records that are generally restricted from public access include:
- Active criminal investigations
- Records sealed by court order
- Expunged or restricted records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- First offender records after successful completion
- Records related to victims of certain crimes
- Mental health evaluations
- Records where disclosure would compromise security
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) operates under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-30 et seq. and serves as the central repository for criminal history record information in Georgia. While certain criminal history information is available to the public, the GCIC maintains specific protocols for access, particularly for employment and licensing purposes.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Gwinnett County must follow established procedures and may be required to submit formal requests. Certain records may require court orders for access, particularly those that have been sealed or expunged under Georgia law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Gwinnett County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Gwinnett County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each with specific protocols and information availability.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
To conduct a criminal records search in Gwinnett County, follow these steps:
-
Determine the appropriate agency based on the type of record needed:
- Court case records: Clerk of Superior Court
- Arrest/jail records: Sheriff's Office
- Comprehensive criminal history: Georgia Crime Information Center
-
Prepare necessary information for the search:
- Full legal name of the subject (including aliases)
- Date of birth
- Case numbers (if known)
- Approximate dates of incidents (if known)
-
Submit a formal request using the appropriate method:
- Complete the Open Records Request Form for general county records
- Submit a request through the Gwinnett Justice Information System for court records
- Request criminal history information through the Georgia Crime Information Center
-
Pay applicable fees as required by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71:
- Court record copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $2.50 per document
- Criminal history reports: $20.00 per name search
-
Receive and review records according to the timeframe specified by the agency:
- Open Records requests must be fulfilled within three business days
- Some requests may take longer if records require redaction or special processing
For third-party background check services, requestors must ensure compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act when obtaining records for employment, housing, or other regulated purposes.
Individuals seeking their own records may request a personal criminal history through the Georgia Crime Information Center by submitting fingerprints and proper identification at:
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
2900 University Parkway
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
770-619-6500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office
How To Find Criminal Records in Gwinnett County Online?
Gwinnett County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online. These resources allow members of the public to search for various types of criminal record information without visiting government offices in person.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Gwinnett County include:
Gwinnett County Justice Information System (GJIS)
The Gwinnett Justice Information System provides public access to court case information. Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
This system includes criminal cases filed in Superior Court, State Court, and Magistrate Court. Information typically available includes:
- Case parties
- Charges filed
- Court dates
- Case status
- Disposition information
- Sentencing details
Gwinnett County Jail Inmate Search
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides current information on individuals currently incarcerated in the Gwinnett County Detention Center. Search parameters include:
- Inmate name
- Booking number
- Date of birth
Results typically display:
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
- Projected release date (when applicable)
Georgia Felon Search
The Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search allows users to search for individuals who have been incarcerated in state facilities, including those from Gwinnett County. This database includes:
- Current inmates
- Released offenders
- Probationers
- Parolees
Georgia Sex Offender Registry
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Sex Offender Registry provides information on registered sex offenders residing in Gwinnett County. Users may search by:
- Name
- Address
- County
- City
- Zip code
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) provides online access through its COGENT system, though this requires registration and fees for each search.
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Some records may not be available online due to sealing, expungement, or privacy restrictions
- Recent arrests or court actions may not appear immediately
- Complete case files typically require in-person requests
- Registration may be required for certain systems
- Some searches may incur fees
Can You Search Gwinnett County Criminal Records for Free?
Gwinnett County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70), which establishes that "agencies shall produce for inspection all records responsive to a request within a reasonable amount of time not to exceed three business days of receipt of a request."
Free public inspection of criminal records is available at:
Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
770-822-8100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Gwinnett County Clerk of Superior Court
The following online resources provide free access to specific criminal record information:
-
Gwinnett Justice Information System (GJIS)
The Gwinnett Justice Information System offers free public access to:- Criminal case information
- Court calendars
- Case status updates
- Disposition information
No registration is required for basic searches.
-
Gwinnett County Jail Inmate Search
The Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides free access to:- Current inmate information
- Booking details
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
-
Gwinnett County Sheriff's Most Wanted
The Sheriff's Most Wanted List provides information on:- Individuals with active warrants
- Charges
- Physical descriptions
- Last known locations
-
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
The GDC Offender Database offers free searches for:- Current inmates
- Released offenders
- Probationers
- Parolees
-
Georgia Sex Offender Registry
The GBI Sex Offender Registry provides free access to information on registered sex offenders in Gwinnett County.
While inspection of records is free, fees may apply for copies pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c), which states: "An agency may impose a reasonable charge for the search, retrieval, redaction, and production or copying costs for the production of records."
Standard copy fees in Gwinnett County include:
- Regular copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $2.50 per document
- Electronic records: Variable based on storage media
For comprehensive criminal history reports, the Georgia Crime Information Center charges $20.00 per name search, though this fee may be waived for certain governmental or non-profit purposes.
What's Included in a Gwinnett County Criminal Record?
Gwinnett County criminal records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Georgia Code § 35-3-34, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer information (redacted in public records)
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Superior, State, or Magistrate)
- Assigned judge
- Charges filed by prosecution with corresponding Georgia statute references
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict or plea outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Special conditions
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
Criminal records in Gwinnett County may also contain notations regarding:
- First Offender Act status under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60
- Record restriction (expungement) status
- Conditional discharge information
- Mental health court or drug court participation
- Veterans court participation
Law enforcement agencies, courts, and prosecutors may have access to additional information not included in public criminal records, particularly for ongoing investigations or sealed cases.
How Long Does Gwinnett County Keep Criminal Records?
Gwinnett County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90) and the Georgia Archives' Records Management Division. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
Criminal records in Gwinnett County are generally retained as follows:
Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 25 years after date of arrest
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 5 years from date of arrest
- Booking photographs: Permanent retention
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 25 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 10 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: 25 years after case closure
- DUI/DWI cases: 25 years after case closure
Incarceration Records:
- Felony incarceration: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor incarceration: 25 years after release
- Jail visitor logs: 7 years
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
Probation/Parole Records:
- Felony probation: 25 years after completion
- Misdemeanor probation: 10 years after completion
- Probation violation reports: Same as underlying case
Warrant Information:
- Executed warrants: Retained with case file
- Unexecuted felony warrants: No expiration
- Unexecuted misdemeanor warrants: 7 years
Sex Offender Registry:
- Level 1 offenders: 10 years after completion of sentence
- Level 2 and 3 offenders: Lifetime registration required
Records may be retained longer than the minimum periods at the discretion of the maintaining agency. Additionally, records of historical significance may be preserved permanently regardless of retention schedules.
Under Georgia Code § 35-3-37, certain records may be eligible for restriction (similar to expungement) if:
- Charges were dismissed
- No accusations or indictments were filed
- The individual was acquitted
- The case was resolved under the First Offender Act
- The individual completed a pre-trial diversion program
Even when records are restricted from public view, law enforcement agencies maintain access to this information for official purposes. Complete destruction of criminal records is rare and typically requires a specific court order.