Cherokee County Criminal Records
What Is Cherokee County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cherokee County, Georgia, encompass the official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as a comprehensive repository of a person's criminal history, maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout the county.
Criminal records typically include several distinct categories of information:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office or local police departments
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in the Cherokee County courts
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervision following release from incarceration
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Under Georgia law, both types of records are generally considered public information, though with certain exceptions.
Criminal offenses in Cherokee County are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors. Felonies constitute more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Cherokee County:
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
498 Chattin Drive
Canton, GA 30115
(678) 493-4200
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court
90 North Street, Suite 240
Canton, GA 30114
(678) 493-6511
Cherokee County Clerk of Courts
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
(404) 244-2600
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 35-3-34, criminal records are maintained by the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), which operates under the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. This statute establishes the framework for the dissemination of criminal history record information throughout the state, including Cherokee County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Cherokee County
Criminal records in Cherokee County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act, codified under Georgia Code § 50-18-70 et seq. This legislation establishes that public records, including criminal records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia at a reasonable time and place.
The Georgia Open Records Act specifically states: "All public records of an agency as defined in subsection (a) of this Code section, except those which by order of a court of this state or by law are specifically exempted from disclosure, shall be open for a personal inspection by any citizen of this state at a reasonable time and place; and those in charge of such records shall not refuse this privilege to any citizen."
However, certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to pending investigations by law enforcement agencies
- Juvenile Records: Records involving individuals under 18 years of age, which are generally sealed under Georgia Code § 15-11-701
- Expunged or Sealed Records: Records that have been legally restricted from public access through court order
- Certain Victim Information: Personal identifying information of crime victims, particularly in sensitive cases
Adult conviction records are typically accessible to the public through various means, including in-person requests at the Cherokee County Courthouse and online databases maintained by county and state agencies. Court proceedings in Cherokee County are generally open to public attendance, reinforcing the transparent nature of the criminal justice system.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests, bookings, and incarcerations, while the Cherokee County Clerk of Courts maintains records of court proceedings, including charges, dispositions, and sentencing information. Both agencies provide mechanisms for public access to these records, subject to applicable restrictions under state law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Cherokee County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Cherokee County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple channels for record retrieval, accommodating both in-person and remote requests.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
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
Sheriff's Records Request
Cherokee County Clerk of Courts
90 North Street, Suite 240
Canton, GA 30114
(678) 493-6511
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Court Records Search
The process for obtaining criminal records typically involves:
- Completing a records request form, available at the respective agency or downloadable from their official websites
- Providing identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Specifying the records being requested with as much detail as possible (full name, date of birth, case numbers if available)
- Paying applicable fees (fees vary based on the type and volume of records requested)
- Waiting for processing (timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the request)
For background checks, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office provides fingerprinting services by appointment. Individuals seeking their own criminal history may request a "consent-based" background check, while employers and other authorized entities may request background checks with proper authorization from the subject.
Under current Georgia law, specifically Georgia Code § 35-3-37, individuals may also apply for record restriction (expungement) for certain eligible arrests and charges. The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office provides information on criminal record expungement procedures and eligibility criteria.
For third-party requests, additional documentation may be required to demonstrate legal authorization to access another individual's criminal records. This typically includes notarized consent forms or court orders, depending on the nature of the request and the relationship between the requestor and the subject of the records.
How To Find Criminal Records in Cherokee County Online?
Cherokee County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records digitally. These electronic platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, allowing members of the public to search for and retrieve criminal record information remotely.
The primary online resources include:
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Cherokee County Clerk of Courts Records Search
The Clerk's office maintains an online portal for searching court records, including criminal cases. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date to locate information about criminal proceedings in the county's courts.
Cherokee County Court Records Search -
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
The Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search database that allows users to search for individuals currently incarcerated in the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. This resource includes booking information, charges, and bond amounts. -
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
For information about individuals sentenced to state prison or under state probation supervision, the Georgia Department of Corrections maintains a searchable database.
Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search -
Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Records
The GBI provides access to statewide criminal history information through its Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC). While not specific to Cherokee County, this resource includes records from all Georgia jurisdictions, including Cherokee County.
Georgia Crime Information Center
When using these online resources, users should note:
- Some platforms may require registration or the creation of a user account
- Certain detailed information may only be available through in-person requests
- Online records may not include all historical cases, particularly older records that have not been digitized
- Fees may apply for certain searches or document retrievals
- Search functionality varies by platform, with some systems offering more advanced search capabilities than others
For the most comprehensive criminal record information, users may need to utilize multiple online resources or supplement online searches with in-person requests. Additionally, users should be aware that online records are subject to the same legal restrictions as physical records, with certain sensitive information redacted or excluded from public access.
Can You Search Cherokee County Criminal Records for Free?
Cherokee County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, in accordance with Georgia's Open Records Act. The law establishes the public's right to inspect records maintained by government agencies, though reasonable fees may be charged for search, retrieval, and copying services.
Free inspection of criminal records is available at:
Cherokee County Clerk of Courts
90 North Street, Suite 240
Canton, GA 30114
(678) 493-6511
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
498 Chattin Drive
Canton, GA 30115
(678) 493-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 50-18-71, agencies may charge fees for the search, retrieval, and copying of records, but in-person inspection of records is generally available without charge. The statute specifies: "An agency may impose a reasonable charge for the search, retrieval, redaction, and production or copying costs for the production of records."
Cherokee County also offers several free online resources for criminal record searches:
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The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides free access to current inmate information, including charges and booking details.
-
The Cherokee County Clerk of Courts offers basic case information through their online portal at no charge, though fees may apply for document copies or certified records.
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The Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search is available free of charge for locating information about individuals currently under state supervision.
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) provides records for a fee. However, individuals seeking their own criminal history may request a personal record check at a reduced cost compared to third-party requests.
When utilizing free resources, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Free online searches may provide limited information compared to paid or in-person requests
- Some historical records may not be available through free online portals
- Record availability may vary based on the age and nature of the case
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible records
For individuals conducting extensive research or requiring certified copies of records, fees may still apply despite the availability of free inspection options.
What's Included in a Cherokee County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Cherokee County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are structured to provide a thorough overview of a person's criminal history within the county's jurisdiction.
The standard components of a Cherokee County criminal record include:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or 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 time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Superior Court, State Court, etc.)
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Court appearance dates
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (community service, treatment programs, etc.)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation or parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the specific circumstances of the criminal matter. Records maintained by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office may emphasize arrest and booking information, while court records maintained by the Clerk of Courts focus on judicial proceedings and outcomes.
Under Georgia Code § 35-3-33, the Georgia Crime Information Center is responsible for establishing standards for criminal history record information, ensuring consistency in record-keeping practices across jurisdictions, including Cherokee County.
How Long Does Cherokee County Keep Criminal Records?
Cherokee County maintains criminal records in accordance with Georgia's records retention schedules, which establish minimum timeframes for preserving various categories of public records. These retention periods ensure that criminal history information remains available for law enforcement, judicial, and public access purposes as appropriate under state law.
The retention periods for criminal records in Cherokee County vary based on the record type and severity of the offense:
- Felony Case Records: Permanently maintained by the Clerk of Courts
- Misdemeanor Case Records: Maintained for a minimum of 10 years after case disposition
- Arrest Records: Maintained by the Sheriff's Office for a minimum of 7 years
- Booking and Jail Records: Maintained for a minimum of 7 years after release
- Probation Records: Maintained for 5 years after completion of probation
- Traffic Violations: Maintained for 5 years after case disposition
These retention periods are established pursuant to Georgia Code § 50-18-99, which authorizes the State Records Committee to adopt records retention schedules for state and local government agencies. The Georgia Archives, under the authority of the Secretary of State, publishes these schedules to guide records management practices throughout the state.
It is important to note that while records may be maintained for the minimum periods specified in the retention schedules, many records—particularly those related to serious offenses—are preserved for substantially longer periods or permanently. Digital conversion of older paper records has also extended the practical availability of historical criminal records in Cherokee County.
Record expungement or restriction, as provided under Georgia Code § 35-3-37, offers a mechanism for limiting public access to certain criminal records under specific circumstances. However, even when records are restricted from public view, they typically remain available to law enforcement and judicial agencies for official purposes.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts maintain their own records management systems in compliance with state retention requirements, ensuring that criminal history information is preserved for the appropriate duration based on the nature and disposition of each case.
Lookup Criminal Records in Cherokee County
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Records Request
Cherokee County Clerk of Courts Records Search