Search Dalton Felony Records
Dalton felony records are filed with the Whitfield County Superior Court. Dalton is the county seat of Whitfield County, located in northwest Georgia about 30 miles south of the Tennessee border. The city has a population of about 35,000 and serves as the main commercial center of the area. The Dalton Police Department handles arrests in the city, while the Whitfield County District Attorney prosecutes all felony cases. You can search for felony records connected to Dalton using the Georgia Felon Search, the GDC inmate database, or by going to the Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court in downtown Dalton.
Dalton Quick Facts
Whitfield County Handles Dalton Felony Cases
Dalton is the county seat of Whitfield County. The Whitfield County Superior Court is in Dalton, so local residents can easily access the courthouse. All felony cases in Dalton go through this court for prosecution. The Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court maintains all felony case records, including indictments, plea agreements, trial records, and sentencing data.
The Whitfield County courthouse is at 205 N. Selvidge Street, Dalton, GA 30720. Call the clerk at (706) 275-7450. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Because the courthouse is right in Dalton, you can go in person to search for records or request copies. For the full county court details, visit the Whitfield County felony records page.
Whitfield County is in the Conasauga Judicial Circuit, which also covers Murray County. Superior Court judges serve both counties on a rotating schedule. Dalton's larger population means the bulk of felony cases in the circuit come from Whitfield County.
Dalton Police Department Records
The Dalton Police Department is at 301 W. Cuyler Street, Dalton, GA 30720. Call (706) 278-9085 for questions about police reports or arrest data. The department handles law enforcement within Dalton city limits.
When a felony arrest takes place in Dalton, the police create a booking record and arrest report. These documents stay with the police department. The felony case itself is then picked up by the Whitfield County District Attorney. If you want a copy of an arrest report, contact the Dalton police records unit directly. They can tell you the cost and processing time.
The Whitfield County Sheriff's Office is at 805 Professional Boulevard, Dalton, GA 30720. Call (706) 278-1233. The sheriff handles law enforcement in the unincorporated parts of the county and runs the county jail. People held on felony charges from Dalton are kept in the custody of the sheriff's office.
Dalton Municipal Court is at 301 W. Cuyler Street, Dalton, GA 30720. Call (706) 278-9087. This court covers city violations and some misdemeanor cases. It does not handle felonies. Cases that are elevated to felony status go to the Whitfield County Superior Court.
How to Search Dalton Felony Records
The Georgia Felon Search is the quickest tool. It costs $15 per search. You need the first name, last name, date of birth, and sex of the person you are looking up. Results come back right away with any felony conviction in the state database. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-34, felony conviction data is public record.
The Georgia Department of Corrections offers a free offender search. This shows people who are or were in state prison. You can search by name or GDC ID number. The results include charges, sentence, current facility, and expected release date. This helps with Dalton felony cases that resulted in prison time.
For full court records with documents and filings, visit the Whitfield County Clerk of Superior Court at 205 N. Selvidge Street in Dalton. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority has a statewide search that pulls records from each county clerk, including Whitfield County.
A criminal history record from the GBI is another option. The GBI criminal history FAQ covers how to get one. Local law enforcement agencies charge about $15 for this service.
Record Restrictions in Georgia
Georgia law provides ways to restrict some felony records. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-37, if a felony arrest did not lead to prosecution, the arrest record can be restricted after four years. This does not apply to serious violent felonies.
Under the First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. 42-8-60), some first-time offenders can avoid a formal conviction on their record. They must complete their full sentence. Once done, the record can be sealed. Sealed records won't appear in most public searches but remain visible to law enforcement.
People acquitted or with dismissed charges can petition to have the arrest record restricted. For Dalton felony cases, the petition goes to the Whitfield County Superior Court. There is no filing fee for this type of petition.
State Resources for Dalton Felony Records
The Georgia Crime Information Center maintains the state criminal history records. 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 data on people who were paroled or granted pardons. Call (404) 656-4661.
- Georgia Felon Search: $15 per name search for felony convictions
- GDC Offender Search: Free, covers state prison inmates past and present
- 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 records from government agencies. They must respond within three business days. Copies are $0.10 per page.
Legal Help in Dalton
Georgia Legal Services Program helps low-income residents with legal advice. Call (404) 206-5175 or visit glsp.org. The Whitfield County Public Defender's Office helps people who can't afford a lawyer in criminal cases. The State Bar of Georgia's lawyer referral line is 1-800-334-6865.
The Dalton area is also served by the Georgia Mountains office of Legal Aid. For help reading a 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 email gacriminalhistory@gbi.ga.gov too.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Dalton with felony records pages:
Whitfield County Felony Records
Dalton is the county seat of Whitfield County. All felony cases go through the Whitfield County Superior Court. For the full county court details, fee information, and all related resources, visit the Whitfield County page.