Canton Felony Records Search
Canton felony records are filed with the Cherokee County Superior Court. Canton is the county seat of Cherokee County, which means the courthouse is right in town. With a population of about 38,000, Canton has grown fast in recent years as part of the greater Atlanta metro area. The Canton Police Department makes arrests, and the Cherokee County District Attorney handles felony prosecution. You can search felony records for Canton through state databases like the Georgia Felon Search or by going directly to the Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse downtown.
Canton Quick Facts
Cherokee County Handles Canton Felony Cases
Canton is the county seat of Cherokee County. The Cherokee County Superior Court is located right in Canton, making it easy for residents to access court records. All felony cases from Canton are prosecuted here. The Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court maintains all felony case files, including indictments, plea records, trial documents, and sentencing information.
The Cherokee County courthouse is at 90 North Street, Canton, GA 30114. Call the clerk at (678) 493-6511. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Since Canton is the county seat, you can walk to the courthouse to request records in person. The clerk can help you find specific cases or run a name search. For all county-level details, visit the Cherokee County felony records page.
Cherokee County is in the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit, which also covers Fannin and Gilmer counties. Superior Court judges rotate between the three counties, but most of the felony case load comes from Cherokee County because of its larger population.
Canton Police Department Records
The Canton Police Department is at 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton, GA 30114. Call (770) 720-4883 for questions about police reports or arrest records. The department covers all law enforcement within Canton city limits.
When a felony arrest happens in Canton, the police create a booking record and incident report. These stay with the police department. The felony case itself moves to the Cherokee County court system once the DA takes it over. To get copies of arrest reports, call the Canton police records division. They will tell you the cost and how long it takes to get copies.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office also handles law enforcement in parts of Cherokee County outside city limits. The sheriff is at a separate location. If the arrest happened outside Canton but in Cherokee County, the sheriff's office may hold the arrest report. Call (678) 493-4200 for the sheriff's office.
Canton has a municipal court at 151 Elizabeth Street, Canton, GA 30114. Call (770) 704-1505 for that court. It handles city violations and some misdemeanors. Felonies do not go through municipal court. Cases that get bound over to Superior Court transfer to the county level.
How to Search Canton Felony Records
Use the Georgia Felon Search for the quickest results. It costs $15 per search. You need the person's first name, last name, date of birth, and sex. This tool checks the state's criminal history database and returns any felony convictions on file. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-34, felony conviction records are public information.
The Georgia Department of Corrections offers a free offender search. This covers people who are or were in state prison. Search by name or GDC ID number. Results show the charges, sentence, current facility, and expected release date. It works for Canton felony cases that led to a prison sentence.
For full court records with all the documents and filings, go to the Cherokee County Clerk of Superior Court at 90 North Street in Canton. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority also offers a statewide search that can pull up Canton felony case data from Cherokee County.
You can get a criminal history check through the GBI as well. The GBI criminal history FAQ has the full steps. Most local agencies charge around $15 for this service.
Record Restrictions in Georgia
Some felony records in Georgia can be restricted. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-37, if a felony arrest never led to charges, the arrest record can be restricted four years after the arrest. This applies only to non-serious violent felonies.
The First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. 42-8-60) allows certain first-time offenders to complete their sentence without a formal conviction on their record. If they meet all the terms, the record can be sealed. These sealed records won't appear in public searches like the Georgia Felon Search. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still see them, though.
People who were acquitted or had charges dropped can petition for record restriction too. For Canton cases, the petition goes to the Cherokee County Superior Court. There is no fee to file, but having an attorney help with the paperwork can make the process smoother.
State Resources for Canton Felony Records
The Georgia Crime Information Center keeps the central criminal history database. GCIC is part of the GBI. Contact them at 404-244-2639 or visit 3121 Panthersville Road in Decatur.
The State Board of Pardons and Paroles has records on people who were paroled or granted pardons. Call (404) 656-4661 for information.
- Georgia Felon Search: $15 per name search for felony convictions
- GDC Offender Search: Free, covers current and past state inmates
- GCIC Criminal History: About $15 through local law enforcement
- GBI Open Records: Submit requests at gbigeorgia.govqa.us
The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) gives you the right to request public records. Agencies have three business days to respond. Copy fees are $0.10 per page.
Legal Help in Canton
Georgia Legal Services Program helps low-income residents with legal questions. Call (404) 206-5175 or visit glsp.org. The Cherokee County Public Defender's Office serves people who can't afford a lawyer in criminal cases. The State Bar of Georgia also runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-334-6865.
For help understanding your criminal history report, call GCIC at 404-244-2639 and press option 5. Staff are on that line from 9 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday. You can also reach them by email at gacriminalhistory@gbi.ga.gov.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Canton with felony records pages:
Cherokee County Felony Records
Canton is the county seat of Cherokee County. All felony cases go through the Cherokee County Superior Court right here in Canton. For the full county court details, fees, and resources, visit the Cherokee County page.