Criminal records in Fayette County, Georgia, are accessible through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk of Superior Court's office. FayetteGACourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The Fayette County Justice System maintains civil and criminal files across its Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court, and Municipal Court. The Fayette County Sheriff's Office and local police departments also hold records related to arrests and investigations.
How to Search Criminal Records in Fayette
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Fayette County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official or informal results.
Online Search Options
- FayetteGACourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information in Fayette County. Enter the person's name or case number to look up criminal case details.
- Fayette County Clerk of Superior Court eSearch — The Clerk's indexed records portal allows guest users to search by name. This system covers Superior Court and State Court records, including criminal filings.
- Georgia Courts E-Access — The statewide portal provides access to participating courts' case records. An account may be required.
- Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query — Search for individuals currently or previously in the state prison system.
In Person
Visit the Fayette County Clerk of Superior Court's office to use public access terminals or request assistance from staff. The State Court Clerk's Office can also help with misdemeanor criminal case inquiries.
By Mail or Written Request
Submit a written open records request to the Clerk of Court or use the county's Open Records Request portal. For statewide criminal history reports, contact the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number (if known — the fastest way to locate a specific case)
- Approximate date range of the case or arrest
Search Fayette Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you have a case number, searching by it is the most direct route to finding a specific criminal record. Georgia case numbers generally follow a structured format that encodes key details about the filing.
A typical Georgia case number includes:
- Year — The two- or four-digit year the case was filed (e.g., 2024 or 24)
- Court type prefix — A code indicating the court level, such as "CR" for criminal cases in Superior Court or "ST" for State Court matters
- Sequential number — A number assigned in the order the case was filed within that year
For example, a case number like 2024-CR-000123 would indicate a criminal case filed in Superior Court in 2024. Formats can vary slightly between Superior Court and State Court filings. When entering a case number into an online search tool, match the format exactly — including dashes and prefixes — to get accurate results. If you are unsure of the correct format, contact the Clerk of Superior Court's office for guidance.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Fayette
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) section the defendant is charged under (e.g., O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2 for theft by taking) |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. Felonies are heard in Superior Court; misdemeanors typically in State Court or Magistrate Court |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or modified through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion. The record will reflect both original and amended charges |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting court action
- Active — Proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, motions pending)
- Disposed — The case has reached a final resolution (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Closed — All obligations fulfilled, including sentencing terms, fines, or probation
Hearings
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary Hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-Trial Conference — Attorneys discuss plea offers, evidence, and trial readiness
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — The judge imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — A follow-up to check compliance with probation or court orders
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict |
| Not Guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | The charges were dropped by the prosecution or the court |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor chose not to pursue the case (common in Georgia courts) |
| First Offender | Under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60, the defendant may avoid a conviction on their record upon successful completion of the sentence |
| Dead Docketed | The case is set aside indefinitely but not formally dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Fayette
Certified copies of criminal records carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal proceedings, background verifications, and other formal purposes. In Fayette County, the Clerk of Superior Court is the primary custodian for Superior Court and State Court criminal records.
How to Submit a Request
- Online — Use the Fayette County Open Records Request form to submit a request for court records electronically.
- In Person — Visit the Clerk of Superior Court's office at the Fayette County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By Mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, defendant's name, and the type of document needed. Include a return address and any required fees.
What You Need
- Valid government-issued photo ID (for in-person requests)
- Case number or enough identifying information (full name, date of birth) to locate the record
- Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
Contact Information
Fayette County Clerk of Superior Court
For Fayetteville Municipal Court records, direct requests to:
For statewide criminal history records, submit a request to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's GCIC unit. Fingerprint-based background checks are processed through the GBI and typically require submission through an approved channeling agency.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Fayette
Fees for criminal record copies in Fayette County are governed by Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71) and the Clerk of Superior Court's fee schedule.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard record copies | $0.25 per page (per O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71) |
| Certified copy fee | $2.50 for certification, plus $0.50 per page (per O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77) |
| Search fee (Clerk of Superior Court) | Varies; contact the Clerk's office for current schedule |
| GBI criminal history report (non-fingerprint) | Contact GBI for current fee |
| GBI fingerprint-based background check | Contact GBI for current fee |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often fulfilled the same day or within a few business days, depending on the complexity of the request
- Open records requests (online/mail) — Georgia law requires an initial response within three business days. The actual records may take longer depending on the volume and scope of the request
- GBI background checks — Fingerprint-based reports typically take several business days to several weeks
Payment methods vary by office. Contact the Clerk of Superior Court or the relevant agency before submitting your request to confirm accepted payment types and current fees.