Coffee County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Coffee County in 2026
CoffeeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Coffee County, Georgia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. The following record categories may be available:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal charge information
- Court case filings
- Inmate custody status
- Bond and release information
Records can be searched through official government resources, the Clerk of Court's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Coffee County Sheriff's Office maintains current booking and arrest information for individuals processed through the county jail. The Sheriff's Office website provides access to the active jail roster, which is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. Members of the public may search the roster by name to locate recent arrest entries.
2. Local Police Departments
The Douglas Police Department serves the county seat and issues press releases and public arrest logs for incidents occurring within city limits. Arrest information for incidents handled by the Douglas Police Department may differ from Sheriff's Office records, as each agency maintains its own records management system. Members of the public seeking arrest information for a specific city jurisdiction should contact the relevant municipal police department directly.
Douglas Police Department 101 S. Peterson Ave. Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-3200 City of Douglas
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Coffee County Clerk of Superior Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search court case records by the defendant's name to locate associated criminal proceedings. The Open Records Request portal for Coffee County provides a formal mechanism for requesting records under Georgia's Open Records Act.
Coffee County Clerk of Superior Court 101 S. Peterson Ave., Suite 4 Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-2865 Coffee County Government
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a name-based criminal history request through the GBI's Criminal History Records portal. A fee of $25.00 per search currently applies to public requests. The database includes arrest and disposition information reported by law enforcement agencies statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Coffee County Sheriff's Office 825 Thompson Drive Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-4227 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Coffee County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees apply as described in the fees section below.
Clerk of Court:
Coffee County Clerk of Superior Court 101 S. Peterson Ave., Suite 4 Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-2865 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular business hours. Members of the public may review case records at the public access terminal located in the clerk's office.
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Coffee County Sheriff's Office should include the following:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Payment for applicable copy fees
Mail requests to: Coffee County Sheriff's Office, 825 Thompson Drive, Douglas, GA 31533. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 3–10 business days, depending on volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Coffee County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (912) 384-4227 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited to general custody status and basic booking information. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. Defense counsel and prosecutors may access records through the court's discovery process as governed by Georgia law.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Douglas Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Coffee County
Arrest records in Coffee County are public records under Georgia law. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, all records prepared and maintained by a public agency in the course of its official duties are subject to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action taken by law enforcement officers acting in their public capacity.
The public interest in access to arrest records reflects several recognized governmental purposes:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety awareness
- Support for journalism and investigative reporting
- Academic and policy research
- Background screening for employment and licensing
- Use in civil and criminal legal proceedings
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Georgia law and applicable federal statutes:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Georgia's juvenile code)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
- Identities of undercover law enforcement officers
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain offense categories
- Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Georgia's Open Records Act reflects the state's constitutional commitment to open government. As stated by the Georgia Attorney General's office, "The Open Records Act is one of the most important tools available to citizens to ensure that their government is operating in an open and transparent manner." The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution further supports press and public access to government records, including arrest information. Courts have consistently balanced these transparency interests against individual privacy rights, with public safety and governmental accountability weighing in favor of disclosure for arrest records.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Professional licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Georgia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in adverse employment decisions may expose employers to legal liability under applicable state and federal law.
What's in Coffee County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, GBI, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Georgia statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Bail bondsman information, if applicable
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Superior Court, State Court, or Magistrate Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests processed through Coffee County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charge information
- Not always included in a current arrest record entry
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report content)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical information
- Mental health status
- Substance abuse information
- Full residential address or telephone number
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Coffee County?
Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours at the custodian's office. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying, but the fee structure must be reasonable and consistent with the statute.
Current standard fees for Coffee County records are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10–$0.25 per page |
| Certified copies | $2.50–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Actual cost of production |
| GBI criminal history search (public) | $25.00 per search |
| Clerk of Court copy fee | $0.25 per page |
- Inspection of records: No fee for in-person inspection at the custodian's office
- Certification: Additional fee applies when a certified copy is required for legal purposes
- Electronic format: Agencies may charge the actual cost of producing records in electronic format
- Search fees: Agencies may charge for staff time required to search and retrieve records when the request is unusually burdensome
Accepted payment methods at the Coffee County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the records custodian. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Coffee County
Georgia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: restriction (the Georgia equivalent of sealing) and record restriction with potential restriction of public access. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have certain arrest records restricted from public view in the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) database. Restriction limits access to the general public while law enforcement agencies retain access.
Distinction Between Restriction and Expungement:
Georgia uses the term "record restriction" rather than expungement. A restricted record is not destroyed but is removed from public access in the state criminal history repository. The record remains accessible to criminal justice agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as permitted by law.
Eligibility for Record Restriction:
An individual may be eligible to petition for record restriction in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- No charges were filed following arrest
- The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
- The conviction was vacated or reversed on appeal
- First-offender status was granted and successfully completed
Individuals convicted of a crime are not eligible for restriction of the conviction record under current Georgia law, with limited exceptions for certain first-offender dispositions.
Steps to Petition for Record Restriction:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal history record from the GBI to confirm the record sought for restriction
- Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case
- File a petition in the Superior Court of Coffee County where the arrest occurred
- Serve the petition on the arresting law enforcement agency and the prosecuting attorney
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the court requires one
- If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to the GCIC for restriction of the record
Coffee County Superior Court 101 S. Peterson Ave. Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-2865 Coffee County Government
Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC 3121 Panthersville Road Decatur, GA 30034 Phone: (404) 244-2639 GBI Criminal History Records
Coffee County Public Defender's Office 101 S. Peterson Ave. Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-7018
Individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel may contact the Public Defender's Office to inquire about eligibility for assistance with the record restriction process. Private attorneys specializing in criminal record restriction may also be located through the State Bar of Georgia's lawyer referral service.
What Happens After Arrest in Coffee County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Coffee County, the arrested individual is transported to the Coffee County Jail located at 825 Thompson Drive, Douglas, Georgia. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion prior to transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Coffee County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:
- Personal identification information is recorded
- Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
- Booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted to GCIC and the FBI
- Criminal history check is conducted
- Outstanding warrants are checked at local, state, and federal levels
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Clothing is exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical screening is conducted
- Brief mental health screening is administered
- Housing classification is determined
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Georgia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer within 48 to 72 hours of arrest for a first appearance hearing. The hearing serves the following purposes:
- Formal notification of charges
- Appointment of public defender for indigent defendants
- Bond and bail determination
- Advisement of constitutional rights
First appearance hearings in Coffee County are conducted before a Magistrate Court judge. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility. The Georgia Courts data and records portal provides information on court scheduling and case access statewide.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- Full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- Amount refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- Amount set by the magistrate judge or pursuant to a bond schedule
Surety Bond:
- A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
- The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10–15% of the bond amount
- The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- Released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
- No monetary payment required
- Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- Defendant held without bond pending further proceedings
- Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants
Conditions of Release:
Conditions imposed at the time of release may include:
- Regular check-in with pretrial supervision
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS electronic monitoring
- Pretrial supervision reporting requirements
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing and release typically takes one to eight hours following bond payment
- Personal property is returned upon release
- Written court date and conditions of release are provided
- Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings
- Housing assignment is made within the facility
- Inmate orientation is conducted
- Commissary account setup, telephone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Eligibility for public defender services is based on financial need. Defendants must complete an application demonstrating inability to afford private counsel.
Coffee County Public Defender's Office 101 S. Peterson Ave. Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-7018
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney visitation at the Coffee County Jail is conducted in designated confidential consultation areas. The State Bar of Georgia maintains a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private criminal defense representation.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office reviews arrests originating in Coffee County and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may:
- File formal charges by accusation (misdemeanors) or indictment (felonies)
- Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
- Decline to prosecute (enter a nolle prosequi)
- File different or additional charges than those listed at arrest
Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office 101 S. Peterson Ave. Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-7418
Grand Jury (Felonies):
Felony charges in Georgia may be presented to a grand jury for indictment. The grand jury determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. An indictment is returned if the grand jury finds sufficient probable cause.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas include:
- Not guilty
- Guilty
- Nolo contendere (no contest), accepted at the court's discretion
The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge.
Pretrial conferences facilitate discussions between counsel and the court regarding case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor for reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to accept or reject any plea offer and proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dismissed due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. A dismissal may create eligibility for record restriction.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant enters a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed-upon charges, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is returned. If guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose:
- Incarceration (prison or jail)
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Substance abuse treatment
- A combination of the above
Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence of incarceration. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 48–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Typically resolved within 3–6 months
- Felonies: Typically resolved within 6–18 months
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Georgia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Coffee County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 825 Thompson Drive Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-4227 Inmate Information: (912) 384-4227 Coffee County Sheriff's Office
Coffee County Clerk of Superior Court 101 S. Peterson Ave., Suite 4 Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-2865 Coffee County Government
Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office 101 S. Peterson Ave. Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-7418
Coffee County Public Defender's Office 101 S. Peterson Ave. Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-7018
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Coffee County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Coffee County is governed by Georgia law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. The Georgia Secretary of State's records retention schedules establish minimum retention periods for public records maintained by county agencies. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-93, public records may not be destroyed except in accordance with an approved retention schedule.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent
- Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, GCIC, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention: Permanent at the state repository level
- Local law enforcement: Minimum 10 years per Georgia retention schedules
- Court records: Permanent for Superior Court; varies for State and Magistrate Court
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum 5–10 years
- Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
- State repository: Remains in GCIC unless restricted by court order
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
- Court records: Often permanent in electronic format
- State repository: Remains unless restricted
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Minimum 5 years
- Local arrest logs: Minimum 5 years
- May be eligible for immediate record restriction petition
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
- Often eligible for record restriction petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Retained per Georgia retention schedule (minimum 5–10 years depending on disposition)
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for felony arrests; minimum 5 years for misdemeanors
- Photographs: Retained consistent with the associated arrest record
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum 3–5 years
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Varies by agency policy
- Court electronic records: Often permanent
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and restriction requirements as government agencies. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures to ensure accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following restriction or dismissal.
Retention by Agency:
Coffee County Sheriff's Office 825 Thompson Drive Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-4227 Coffee County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: Minimum 10 years for felony arrests; minimum 5 years for misdemeanor arrests
- Arrest reports: Minimum 5–10 years depending on disposition
- Investigative files: Varies based on case outcome and offense classification
Coffee County Clerk of Superior Court 101 S. Peterson Ave., Suite 4 Douglas, GA 31533 Phone: (912) 384-2865
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years
- Electronic records: Often permanent
Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC 3121 Panthersville Road Decatur, GA 30034 Phone: (404) 244-2639 GBI Criminal History Records
The GCIC maintains arrest and disposition records reported by all law enforcement agencies in Georgia. Retention at the state repository level is permanent for felony arrests and significant misdemeanor arrests. The GCIC database is accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide and is the primary source for official Georgia criminal history records.
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records of arrests reported by participating agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all major databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless a court order for restriction is obtained. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks but may appear as arrest entries.
Record Restriction: Following a court-ordered restriction, the GCIC updates its records to restrict public access. Local law enforcement agencies are notified and must comply with the restriction order. The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with restricted access status.
No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be eligible for immediate restriction petition. Some records may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests (Last 1–5 Years):
- Available online through the Sheriff's Office jail roster
- Updated on a regular basis
Older Arrests (5–20 Years Ago):
- May require an in-person records request
- Possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Longer processing time for older entries
Very Old Arrests (20+ Years Ago):
- Records may not be digitized
- Paper records may be held in archives
- Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
- Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (912) 384-4227 for availability
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of arrest records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for restriction or expungement, or pursuant to the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history information for a period of seven years for positions with annual compensation below a specified threshold. Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of the seven-year limitation. Georgia does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for convictions. Arrests without conviction may not be reported by FCRA-compliant consumer reporting agencies after seven years in certain circumstances, though this varies by the nature of the position and applicable state law.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Coffee County Sheriff's Records Division at (912) 384-4227 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 825 Thompson Drive, Douglas, GA 31533. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request.