Rockdale County Criminal Records
What Is Rockdale County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Rockdale County, Georgia, are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Rockdale County.
Criminal records typically include several distinct categories of information:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office or local police departments
- Court Records: Files maintained by the Rockdale County Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court, and Probate Court
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in the Rockdale County Jail
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervised release conditions and compliance
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings resulted in a formal finding of guilt. Under Georgia's Open Records Act, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though with certain limitations.
Criminal offenses in Rockdale County are categorized according to Georgia Code § 16-1-3, which defines:
- Felonies: Serious offenses punishable by death, imprisonment exceeding 12 months, or both
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses punishable by imprisonment not exceeding 12 months, fines not exceeding $1,000, or both
- Misdemeanors of a High and Aggravated Nature: Special category with enhanced penalties
Juvenile records (individuals under 18) receive special protection under Georgia Code § 15-11-701 and are generally sealed from public view, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Rockdale County include:
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office
911 Chambers Drive
Conyers, GA 30012
770-278-8000
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office
Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court
922 Court Street
Conyers, GA 30012
770-278-7800
Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
404-244-2600
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Are Criminal Records Public In Rockdale County
Criminal records in Rockdale County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, codified under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that public records, including criminal records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia.
The Act specifically states: "All public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying, except those which by order of a court of this state or by law are specifically exempted from disclosure." This provision creates a strong legal foundation for public access to criminal records maintained by Rockdale County agencies.
However, important exceptions and limitations exist regarding what criminal record information is publicly accessible:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to pending investigations by law enforcement agencies may be temporarily withheld under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4)
- Juvenile Records: Records involving individuals under 18 years of age are generally sealed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-701, except in cases of certain serious offenses
- Expunged/Sealed Records: Records that have been legally expunged or sealed by court order are not publicly accessible
- First Offender Act Cases: Records of cases successfully completed under Georgia's First Offender Act are restricted from public disclosure
- Certain Personal Information: Social security numbers, medical information, and other sensitive personal data may be redacted from public records
Adult conviction records are consistently available to the public, as are court proceedings, which are presumptively open under both statutory and constitutional principles. The Georgia Supreme Court has affirmed that criminal court proceedings are subject to the public's right of access under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Rockdale County agencies must respond to record requests within three business days, either by providing the requested records or a timeline for their production. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Rockdale County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Rockdale County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information and requiring specific procedures.
For in-person requests at the Rockdale County Courthouse:
- Visit the Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 for search, $0.50 per page for copies)
- Allow staff time to retrieve the requested records
Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court
922 Court Street
Conyers, GA 30012
770-278-7800
Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court
For criminal history reports from law enforcement:
- Visit the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete the Criminal History Consent Form
- Provide fingerprints if requesting your own complete criminal history
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the required fee (currently $20.00 for a background check)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office
911 Chambers Drive
Conyers, GA 30012
770-278-8000
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office
For written requests by mail:
- Prepare a written request clearly identifying the records sought
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of incident/case
- Enclose a copy of your government-issued photo identification
- Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for response
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Office for arrest records, Clerk of Court for case records)
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, individuals may request their own criminal history record information directly from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) or through the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office. Third-party requests for complete criminal histories require the written consent of the subject or must meet specific statutory exceptions.
How To Find Criminal Records in Rockdale County Online?
Rockdale County provides several digital platforms that allow members of the public to access criminal records information online. These resources vary in scope, search capabilities, and the types of records available.
The primary online portal for court records in Rockdale County is the Georgia Judicial Gateway, which provides access to the statewide case management system:
- Navigate to the Georgia Judicial Gateway
- Select "Rockdale County" from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or filing date range)
- Review the list of matching cases
- Select specific cases to view detailed information
- Note that certain documents may require in-person retrieval
The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that provides current information about individuals in custody:
- Visit the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" section
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review custody status, charges, bond information, and next court date
- Note that historical booking information may be limited to recent years
For statewide criminal history information, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) provides a fee-based online service:
- Access the GCIC Georgia Felon Search
- Create a user account and purchase search credits
- Enter the subject's name and other identifying information
- Review results, which include statewide felony convictions
- Note that this service does not include misdemeanor offenses or arrests without convictions
The Georgia Department of Corrections offers an online offender search for individuals currently or previously under state supervision:
- Visit the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Enter the individual's name or GDC ID number
- Review incarceration history, current status, and release information
- Access photographs and basic demographic information
- Note that county-level offenses may not appear if no state prison time was served
Users should be aware that online records may not be comprehensive. Certain documents, particularly older records or those with special privacy protections, may require in-person requests. Additionally, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may require identity verification for certain sensitive records, which cannot be completed through online portals.
Can You Search Rockdale County Criminal Records for Free?
Rockdale County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, though the scope and convenience of free services may be limited compared to fee-based alternatives. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c), agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records, but inspection of records is generally available without charge.
Free in-person inspection options include:
- Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court: Members of the public may visit the courthouse during regular business hours to inspect publicly available court records without charge. While viewing is free, copying fees apply ($0.50 per page).
Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court
922 Court Street
Conyers, GA 30012
770-278-7800
Rockdale County Clerk of Superior Court
- Rockdale County Law Library: Public terminals are available for searching court cases, though printing fees may apply.
Rockdale County Law Library
922 Court Street, Room 257
Conyers, GA 30012
770-278-7855
Rockdale County Law Library
Free online resources include:
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Rockdale County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: This free online tool provides current information about individuals in custody at the Rockdale County Jail, including charges, booking dates, and bond information.
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Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search: This statewide database allows free searches for individuals who have served time in state prisons or are currently under state supervision.
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Georgia Sex Offender Registry: Maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, this free resource provides information about registered sex offenders residing in Rockdale County.
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Rockdale County Magistrate Court Daily Calendar: Court appearances for recent arrests can be viewed without charge on the court's website.
It is important to note that while basic record inspection may be available without charge, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of statutory fees. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation charges $20.00 for official criminal history reports, as authorized by O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.
Additionally, third-party commercial services that aggregate public records may charge subscription or per-search fees. These services are not officially affiliated with Rockdale County government agencies and may contain incomplete or outdated information.
What's Included in a Rockdale County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Rockdale County agencies typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. The specific content may vary depending on the nature of the case and the maintaining agency, but generally includes several key categories of information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (including Georgia Code citations)
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Pre-trial detention information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and case type
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Court appearance dates
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentence details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or educational programs mandated
- Post-conviction appeals
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, criminal history record information maintained by law enforcement agencies includes "identifiable descriptions and notations of arrests, detentions, indictments, accusations, information, or other formal charges, and any disposition arising therefrom, sentencing, correctional supervision, and release."
It is important to note that certain information may be redacted from publicly available records, including social security numbers, financial account information, medical information, and information about victims of certain offenses as required by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72.
How Long Does Rockdale County Keep Criminal Records?
Rockdale County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives and the Local Government Records Retention Schedules. These schedules, authorized under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-99, establish minimum time periods for preserving various categories of criminal justice records.
The retention periods for key criminal record documents include:
- Felony Case Files: Permanent retention for murder cases; 25 years after case closure for other felonies
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 7 years after case closure
- Traffic Misdemeanor Cases: 5 years after case closure
- Arrest Records: 7 years after arrest date for misdemeanors; 25 years for felonies
- Booking Records: 7 years after release from custody
- Jail Records: 5 years after release from custody
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention for convicted felons; 5 years for others
- Mugshot Photographs: 5 years after release from custody
- Warrants: 7 years after execution or expiration
- Court Dockets and Indexes: Permanent retention
- Probation Records: 5 years after completion of probation
Certain records receive special treatment:
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Capital Felony Cases: Records for capital cases (those eligible for the death penalty) are permanently retained regardless of outcome.
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Cases of Historical Significance: Records deemed to have historical value may be preserved indefinitely, regardless of standard retention periods.
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Expunged/Sealed Records: Records ordered expunged or sealed by a court are removed from public access but may be retained under restricted access for specific statutory purposes.
The Georgia Crime Information Center maintains a permanent central repository of criminal history information at the state level. Even after local retention periods expire, conviction information typically remains available through state databases.
It is important to note that while records may be eligible for destruction after their retention period expires, many records are maintained longer in practice, particularly since the advent of digital record-keeping systems. Additionally, pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may be eligible to restrict certain criminal history information from public disclosure under specific circumstances, such as cases that did not result in conviction.