Cherokee County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Cherokee County
Arrest records in Cherokee County, Georgia are considered public records under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the county. The Georgia Open Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records should be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process. Under Georgia law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes these records available in accordance with state law. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted, particularly if the record contains:
- Information related to ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Medical information protected under HIPAA
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, criminal history record information is available to the public from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for a fee, though certain restrictions apply regarding the dissemination and use of this information.
What's in Cherokee County Arrest Records
Cherokee County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically 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)
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Whether force was used during arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute/code violations cited
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Facility where individual was processed
- Property inventory (items in possession at time of arrest)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, property, surety)
- Whether bond was posted
- Bond conditions
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Name of assigned judge
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where individual is being held
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Risk assessment scores
- Special custody requirements
- Medical alerts
The Cherokee County Magistrate Court maintains records related to initial appearances, preliminary hearings, and bond determinations, which may supplement the information contained in arrest records.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cherokee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cherokee County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for accessing arrest records:
-
Submit a Records Request to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the official records request form available at the Sheriff's Office or downloadable from their website
- Submit the form in person, by mail, or via email to the Records Division
- Provide specific information about the record being requested (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees (currently $5.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page)
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
498 Chattin Drive
Canton, GA 30115
(678) 493-4200
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Visit the Cherokee County Detention Center
- Request inmate information in person at the facility
- Provide the name and, if possible, the date of birth of the individual
- Current inmates can be verified through the inmate search portal
Cherokee County Adult Detention Center
498 Chattin Drive
Canton, GA 30115
(678) 493-4200
Hours: 24 hours daily for basic inmate information -
Contact the Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court
- Request court records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings
- Complete the required records request form
- Provide case numbers if available, or name and date of birth
- Pay applicable fees for copies of records
Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court
90 North Street, Suite 240
Canton, GA 30114
(678) 493-6511
Cherokee County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM -
Submit a Request to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI)
- Request a statewide criminal history record check
- Complete the appropriate request form
- Provide fingerprints (required for official record checks)
- Pay the required fee (currently $25.00 per record check)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies must respond to records requests within three business days, either by providing the records, providing a timeline for when records will be available, or citing specific legal exemptions for denying access.
How To Find Cherokee County Arrest Records Online
Cherokee County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information online. The following methods are available for conducting electronic searches:
-
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Navigate to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal
- Enter the individual's name or booking number in the search fields
- Review results showing current inmates and their charges
- Note that this database only includes currently incarcerated individuals
- Information typically includes name, booking date, charges, and bond information
-
Cherokee County Court Records Online
- Visit the Cherokee County Clerk of Courts website
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Create a user account if required
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Access case information, including charges, court dates, and disposition
- Note that some documents may require in-person requests or fees
-
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Access the Georgia Department of Corrections offender database
- Enter the individual's name or GDC ID number
- Review results for individuals currently or previously in state custody
- Information includes conviction details, sentence information, and custody status
- Photos of offenders are typically available through this system
-
Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Services
- Visit the GBI website
- Navigate to the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) section
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Note that official record checks require fingerprint submission and fees
- Unofficial name-based searches may be available for specific purposes
When conducting online searches, users should be aware that:
- Information may not be comprehensive or completely up-to-date
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
- Some information may be restricted or redacted in accordance with privacy laws
- Online records should not be considered official for employment or legal purposes
- Additional verification may be required for complete and accurate information
How To Search Cherokee County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Cherokee County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:
-
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Website
- Visit the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the individual's name to search current jail population
- Access basic information about currently incarcerated individuals
- This service is provided at no cost to the public
-
Public Access Terminals at Government Facilities
- Visit the Cherokee County Courthouse
- Use public access computer terminals in the Clerk's Office
- Search court records related to arrests and criminal cases
- No fee is charged for on-site searches, though printing may incur costs
Cherokee County Justice Center
90 North Street
Canton, GA 30114
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM -
Local Library Resources
- Visit Cherokee County public libraries
- Use public computers to access online resources
- Request assistance from reference librarians for public records searches
- Access newspaper archives that may contain arrest reports
Sequoyah Regional Library System - Canton Branch
100 East Hickory Street
Canton, GA 30114
(770) 479-3090
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM -
Media Reports and Police Blotters
- Check local newspaper websites for arrest reports
- Review police blotter information published by local media
- Follow Cherokee County Sheriff's Office social media accounts for public announcements
- Note that media reports may not include all arrests or complete information
-
Georgia Open Records Act Requests
- Submit a written request citing the Georgia Open Records Act
- Specify that you are requesting only to inspect records (not copies)
- Visit the agency during normal business hours to view records
- Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c)(1), agencies may not charge for inspection of records
When utilizing free search methods, requestors should be aware of certain limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than paid searches
- Recent arrests may not be immediately available
- Some records may require identification to access, even for inspection
- Complex searches may be more difficult without staff assistance
- Records requiring redaction may take longer to access
How To Delete Arrest Records in Cherokee County
In Cherokee County, Georgia, individuals may have options to restrict public access to arrest records through processes known as record restriction (formerly called expungement) or sealing. These processes are governed by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which provides specific criteria for when records may be eligible for restriction from public access.
Record Restriction vs. Sealing:
- Record restriction limits access to arrest records for non-criminal justice purposes
- Sealing refers to court orders that restrict public access to court records
- Neither process completely destroys or deletes the records from all government databases
- Law enforcement and criminal justice agencies may still access restricted records
Eligibility for Record Restriction: Arrest records may be eligible for restriction under the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- Cases resulting in non-conviction (not guilty verdicts)
- First offender or conditional discharge after successful completion
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (for youthful offenders)
- Pardoned offenses (in some circumstances)
- Identity theft or mistaken identity cases
Record Restriction Process:
-
Obtain Criminal History Record
- Request your official criminal history from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC)
- Review for accuracy and identify eligible arrests
-
Complete Application for Record Restriction
- Obtain the application form from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
- Complete all required information
- Gather supporting documentation (court dispositions, etc.)
-
Submit Application to Prosecuting Attorney
- File application with the Cherokee County District Attorney's Office or Solicitor General
- Pay any applicable processing fees
- Allow 90-120 days for review and determination
Cherokee County District Attorney's Office
90 North Street, Suite 390
Canton, GA 30114
(770) 479-1488
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM -
GBI Processing
- If approved by the prosecutor, the request is forwarded to the GBI
- GBI reviews and processes the restriction
- Notification is sent upon completion
-
Court Record Sealing (if applicable)
- File a separate petition with the court to seal court records
- Attend any required hearings
- Obtain court order directing record sealing
Additional Considerations:
- Private databases and third-party websites may still contain arrest information
- Consider consulting with an attorney for complex cases
- Some employers and agencies may have statutory authority to access restricted records
- Federal immigration and certain licensing authorities may still see restricted records
- The process may take several months to complete
Pursuant to recent amendments to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, the record restriction process has been expanded to include more categories of non-conviction dispositions and certain misdemeanor convictions for youthful offenders.
What Happens After Arrest in Cherokee County?
Following an arrest in Cherokee County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages. Understanding this process helps individuals navigate the system and exercise their rights appropriately.
Initial Custody and Booking:
- Arrestee is transported to the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center
- Booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and collecting personal information
- Property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- Initial charges are documented
- Arrestee is placed in appropriate housing unit
First Appearance Hearing:
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Held at the Cherokee County Magistrate Court
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Preliminary bail determination is made
- Public defender may be appointed if defendant qualifies
- No plea is entered at this stage for felony charges
Bail/Bond Determination:
- Judge considers factors including:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Community ties
- Flight risk
- Public safety concerns
- Types of bonds available:
- Cash bond (full amount paid to court)
- Property bond (property used as collateral)
- Surety bond (bail bondsman posts bond for fee)
- Own recognizance (release without financial conditions)
- Conditions of release may be imposed
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases):
- Held within 10-14 days of arrest if requested
- Prosecutor presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Defense may cross-examine witnesses but typically does not present evidence
- Judge determines if case should proceed
- Case may be bound over to Superior Court if probable cause exists
Grand Jury Indictment (Felony Cases):
- Grand jury reviews evidence presented by prosecutor
- Determines if sufficient evidence exists to formally charge defendant
- Issues indictment if "true bill" is found
- Case proceeds to Superior Court upon indictment
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Discovery process begins
- Pretrial motions may be filed
- Trial date may be set
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Motion hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Case status conferences
- Trial preparation
Trial or Plea Resolution:
- Most cases resolve through plea agreements
- If case proceeds to trial:
- Jury selection
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
- If found guilty, case proceeds to sentencing
Sentencing:
- May occur immediately after guilty plea or verdict, or at later date
- Judge considers:
- Statutory guidelines
- Presentence investigation report
- Victim impact statements
- Mitigating and aggravating factors
- Potential sentences include:
- Probation
- Fines
- Incarceration
- Alternative sentencing programs
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Potential post-conviction remedies
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison if sentenced
Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right to remain silent, right to confront witnesses, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cherokee County?
Arrest records in Cherokee County are maintained according to Georgia's records retention schedules as established by the Georgia Archives and the Secretary of State's Office. These retention periods are governed by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99, which authorizes the establishment of records retention schedules for government agencies.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Felony arrest records: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrest records: 25 years from date of arrest
- Traffic violations: 7 years from date of disposition
- Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 25, with exceptions
- Arrest records resulting in no charges: 5 years from date of arrest
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention
Different agencies within Cherokee County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office:
- Incident reports: 10 years
- Arrest reports: 25 years to permanent (depending on offense)
- Booking information: Permanent
- Investigative files: 25 years to permanent (depending on case type)
- Body/dash camera footage: Minimum 30 days, longer for cases involving arrests
Cherokee County Clerk of Courts:
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic case files: 7 years after case closure
- Court calendars and dockets: Permanent
- Warrants: 7 years after execution or expiration
Georgia Bureau of Investigation:
- Criminal history records: Permanent (unless restricted)
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent
- Crime lab reports: Permanent
It is important to note that these retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly as agencies transition to digital record-keeping systems with greater storage capacity. Additionally, records of significant historical or legal importance may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention schedules.
The retention of arrest records serves several important purposes:
- Maintains evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Provides documentation for background checks authorized by law
- Supports law enforcement investigations
- Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Preserves historical and statistical information
Individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest records should refer to the record restriction process outlined in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, as complete destruction of records is rarely authorized under Georgia law.
How to Find Mugshots in Cherokee County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These photographs serve to document the appearance of arrested individuals at the time they enter custody and are used for identification purposes within the criminal justice system. In Cherokee County, mugshots are taken as part of the standard booking procedure at the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Cherokee County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
- Cherokee County Sheriff's Office - As the agency responsible for operating the county jail, the Sheriff's Office maintains booking photographs as part of their arrest records.
- Georgia Bureau of Investigation - Receives and maintains copies of booking photographs as part of the state's criminal history record information.
- Cherokee County Clerk of Courts - May maintain mugshots as part of case files, though these are not typically the primary source for obtaining mugshots.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Cherokee County have several options:
-
Submit a Records Request to the Sheriff's Office
- Complete the official records request form
- Provide specific information about the individual (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Pay applicable fees for copies
- Allow processing time as required by law
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Records Division
498 Chattin Drive
Canton, GA 30115
(678) 493-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Check the Inmate Database
- For recently arrested or currently incarcerated individuals
- Visit the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal
- Enter the individual's name
- Mugshots may be displayed with current inmate information
-
Submit a Georgia Open Records Act Request
- Submit a written request citing O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.
- Specify that you are requesting booking photographs
- Provide as much identifying information as possible
- Agencies must respond within three business days
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
While some mugshots may be available online, Cherokee County does not maintain a comprehensive public database of all booking photographs. Online availability is generally limited to:
- Current inmates in the Cherokee County jail system
- Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots (not official sources)
- Media websites that may publish mugshots related to newsworthy arrests
It is important to note that information on third-party websites may be outdated, inaccurate, or incomplete. These sites are not maintained by official government agencies and may continue to display mugshots even after cases have been dismissed or records restricted.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:
- Submit requests directly to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
- Provide proper identification
- Specify the purpose of the request
- Pay any applicable fees
- Be prepared to receive paper copies rather than digital files
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that have been restricted pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37
- Records sealed by court order
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Records where release would constitute an invasion of personal privacy
Additionally, Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 35-1-19) prohibits websites from charging fees to remove mugshots if the individual was exonerated or if charges were dismissed or otherwise resolved without a conviction.
Lookup Arrest Records in Cherokee County
Criminal Record Expungement - Sheriff - Cherokee County, Ga