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  1. Cherokee County Court
  2. Cherokee County Arrest Records

Cherokee County, Georgia Arrest Records

Cherokee County arrest records are official documents that serve as evidence that an individual was seized and taken into custody by law enforcement. They reflect a wide range of information, including the basis for arrest, the name and physical description of the arrested individual, and how the individual was managed after the arrest.

Under the Georgia Open Records Act (GORA), the preservation of arrest records plays an important role in amplifying the government's effort to promote transparency and accountability, showing how the public's business is conducted, particularly how police powers are exercised. 

However, Georgia law differentiates between ordinary arrest data and compiled criminal history data known as “criminal offender record information” (CORI). The dissemination of CORI falls within the scope of the Georgia Crime Information Center Act, which strictly limits access to criminal history records and generally restricts their access to criminal justice agencies, the subject of the record, and other authorized individuals. This separate statutory scheme strikes a balance between transparency and the individual's right to privacy.

Are Arrest Records Public Information in Cherokee, Georgia?

Per the Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.), Cherokee County arrest records are public records. Therefore, anyone can submit a request to examine or copy specific records, and law enforcement has a corresponding obligation to release the desired record upon request. 

However, the public's right of access is not absolute, and state law authorizes law enforcement to withhold certain sensitive information if it is likely to disclose:

  • The identity of an informant;
  • Confidential investigation or prosecution materials likely to endanger the life or physical safety of any person or persons; or
  • The existence of a confidential surveillance or investigation.
  • Sealed or expunged record

Additionally, the release of booking photographs is governed by strict accessibility rules under GA Code § 35-1-19 (2024).

Cherokee County Arrest Search

At the state level, the GCIC is the state's official repository of criminal history record information (CHRI), including arrest and conviction data. Although Georgia law restricts access to criminal record background checks to certain specified individuals, state law (O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34 allows individuals and businesses to obtain the Georgia criminal history records of another person upon the production of a signed consent of the person whose criminal information is being sought in the form prescribed by the Center. The form must also include the person's full name, address, social security number,  and date of birth. 

The information obtainable in a criminal history record includes the full name and physical description details of the individual, arrest data (arresting agency, date of arrest, and charges), and final judicial disposition data submitted by a court. 

Individuals can contact the local law enforcement agency in their area for information on how to request the Georgia criminal history records. 

Those seeking arrest records can also use the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search tool to locate records of arrests that resulted in a conviction. The database lists inmates incarcerated within the Georgia prison system. Individuals can view a specific offender's record by entering either the offender's name or description or a numerical identifier (such as GDC ID or case number) in the appropriate search field. 

The Georgia Judicial Gateway E-Access to Court Records Portal also offers access to criminal records of court cases that resulted from an arrest, and which were heard in a county court in Georgia. At the federal level, the Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator offers convenience to those seeking federal arrest records by providing federal inmate records, including arrest records. 

Cherokee County Inmate Locator

At the county level, the Sheriff’s website provides online access to the county’s Jail Inmate List. To see who is in jail and their corresponding arrest information, visit the Sheriff’s website and click “Jail Inmate List.” Proceed to “Search by inmate name” and click “Go” to initiate a query. 

Active Warrant Search in Cherokee County

Arrest warrants are court orders directing law enforcement to detain and bring a suspect before the issuing court to answer to a criminal charge. In Cherokee County, a typical Arrest warrant reflects:

  • The name of the issuing court
  • A directive commanding law enforcement to arrest the suspect
  • The law enforcement officer(s) to whom it is addressed
  • The name of the suspect
  • The signature of the issuing judge

Once law enforcement has notice of an active arrest warrant, an officer may arrest the named suspect anywhere within the state borders. All local warrants in Cherokee County are served and maintained by the Warrant/Civil Unit of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Interested individuals can make active warrant inquiries over the phone by contacting the Unit at 678-493-4251.

How to Find Arrest Records for Free in Cherokee County

The Cherokee County Clerk of Courts maintains an online search program that allows individuals to conduct a search and view criminal court records that arose from an arrest. Individuals can view case dockets by entering the case number, the party's name, and/or CSE number.

If they wish to view a complete case file,  they should visit the Clerk of Courts Office at:

Frank C. Mills III Justice Center, 

90 North Street,
Canton, GA 30114

Some documents may contain sensitive data and may not appear in online search results. In such cases, individuals may visit the Clerk's office to view these records.

Interested individuals can also submit a request for arrest records pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act. Under section 50-18-71 of the Act, arrest records that are not the subject of an ongoing investigation or prosecution are public. Where investigation is pending, only the initial arrest report may be released to a requester.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Open Records request services. To submit an open record request, visit the Sheriff’s Office website and click “Records Request.” Proceed by navigating to “Make Request.” Once accessed, enter information that sufficiently identifies the record and its personal details. Once this is done, click the “Make a Request” button below the text area to facilitate submission. The service charge is 10 cents.

Cherokee County Arrest Report

An arrest report is an initial written progressive story that an arresting officer prepares during or right after an arrest incident. It shows what transpired at the arrest scene, including what the officer saw or was told, why they believed there was probable cause for arrest, what evidence was found, and how the arrest was effected. It is usually written in paragraphs, which begin at the arrest scene and are finalized at the police station. 

Whereas an arrest record is a short entry in a jail system that reflects the overall posture of an arrest incident. It is often created at the point of booking and usually ends with the conclusion of the booking process, even though it may draw some information from the arrest report (like the time stamp, location, and date of arrest). Arrest records identify and reflect key static details like:

  • The full name of the arrestee
  • Physical description 
  • Location, date, and time of arrest
  • Warrant, if any
  • The charge entered
  • Booking number assigned
  • Fingerprints taken
  • Photograph (mugshots)
  • Bail or bond information
  • The arresting agency

In Cherokee County, initial police arrest reports are public and accessible under section 50-18-71 (paragraph 4) of the Georgia Open Records Act. However, portions of the record relating to pending investigation and prosecution are largely restricted. Similarly, arrest records are presumptively public unless a specific exemption applies. 

How to Get an Arrest Record Expunged in Cherokee County

Expungement means the legal destruction of a record so that all custodial traces of it are completely gone. In Cherokee County, and under Georgia law, expungement is not a legal remedy under state law. Instead, the law provides for “Sealing.” When an arrest record is sealed, it is removed from the public background checks. However, law enforcement and the courts can still access the record.

To get a record sealed under Georgia law,  individuals must first familiarize themselves with the eligibility criteria under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. Arrests that ended without a conviction,  specific juvenile and first-time offender arrests are generally eligible for expungement. Once they have confirmed that their arrest record meets the eligibility criteria, and if the arrest occurred after July 1st, 2013, they can proceed by:

  • A Request to Restrict Arrest Record Form,  which is a three-section page form
  • The applicant is expected to complete the first section of the form.  The arresting agency completes section two, and the entire form is forwarded to the prosecution to complete the final section.
  • The request is forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. If approved, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) will update the record to reflect its restricted status and notify the applicant. 
  • If the prosecuting attorney cannot update the record electronically, the applicant may have to complete the process manually. They would have to take the completed application to the arresting agency.
  • Applicants may be advised to send the approved Request to Restrict Arrest Record form and $25.00 fee (money order or certified check payable to “Georgia Bureau of Investigation”) to:
    Georgia Crime Information Center Record Restrictions
    P.O. Box 370808
    Decatur, Georgia  30037-0808
  • If the arrest occurred prior to July 1st, 2013, the arresting agency is solely responsible for processing the expungement request.

How Do You Remove Cherokee County Arrest Records From the Internet?

There are no certified official means of removing arrest records from the internet. In fact, the Request to Restrict Arrest Record form expressly stipulates that expunged records may be available through other sources, including through local agencies and private vendors. Nevertheless,  there are certain measures that work. 

For government agencies and other official avenues, the record must have first been officially expunged. After obtaining the order, individuals may then proceed to send a copy and a written request asking them to remove publicly accessible copies. They have a legal obligation to obey. 

For private background check sites, individuals can use their opt-out form (required by FCRA). They will need to:

  • Search the record name
  • Submit opt-out request
  • Attach expungement if requested

What Do Public Cherokee County Arrest Records Contain?

While arrest records are generally public, certain sensitive data may be restricted.  The public-facing aspect of an arrest record includes static details like:

  • The full name of the arrestee
  • Physical description 
  • Location, date, and time of arrest
  • Warrant, if any
  • The charge entered
  • Booking number assigned
  • Photograph (mugshots) - in some instances
  • Bail or bond information
  • The arresting agency