Access Gainesville Felony Records
Gainesville felony records are filed with the Hall County Superior Court. Gainesville is the county seat of Hall County, located in northeast Georgia about 55 miles northeast of Atlanta. The city has a population of about 47,700 and is the biggest city in the county. The Gainesville Police Department handles arrests, and the Hall County District Attorney handles all felony prosecution. You can search for felony records tied to Gainesville through the Georgia Felon Search, the GDC inmate search, or by going to the Hall County Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse in downtown Gainesville.
Gainesville Quick Facts
Hall County Handles Gainesville Felony Cases
Gainesville is the county seat of Hall County. The Hall County Superior Court is right in Gainesville, so residents can easily access the courthouse for records. All felony cases from Gainesville are prosecuted at this court. The Hall County Clerk of Superior Court maintains all case files, including indictments, plea agreements, trial records, and sentencing information.
The Hall County courthouse is at 225 Green Street SE, Gainesville, GA 30501. Call the clerk at (770) 531-7025. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Being the county seat, the courthouse is within easy reach for Gainesville residents. Walk-in record requests are welcome. For the full county court details, visit the Hall County felony records page.
Hall County is in the Northeastern Judicial Circuit, which also covers Dawson County. Superior Court judges serve both counties on a rotation. Hall County sees the majority of felony cases in the circuit because of its larger population.
Gainesville Police Department Records
The Gainesville Police Department is at 701 Queen City Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501. Call (770) 534-5252 for questions about police reports or arrest records. The department handles all law enforcement within Gainesville city limits.
When a felony arrest happens in Gainesville, the police create a booking record and arrest report. These stay with the police department. The actual felony case transfers to the Hall County District Attorney for prosecution. For copies of arrest reports, contact the Gainesville police records division. They will provide the cost and processing time.
The Hall County Sheriff's Office is at 2859 Browns Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30504. Call (770) 531-6900. The sheriff handles law enforcement in unincorporated parts of the county and runs the county jail. People arrested on felony charges in Gainesville are held at the Hall County Jail. You can call the jail to check on someone in custody.
Gainesville Municipal Court is at 701 Queen City Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501. Call (770) 535-6865. This court handles city ordinance violations and some misdemeanor cases. Felonies do not go through this court. Cases that get elevated to felony status move to the Hall County Superior Court.
How to Search Gainesville Felony Records
The Georgia Felon Search gives you the fastest results. Each search costs $15. You need the person's first name, last name, date of birth, and sex. The tool checks the state criminal history database and shows felony convictions on file. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-34, this information is public.
The Georgia Department of Corrections runs a free offender search. It covers people who are or were in state prison. Search by name or GDC ID number. Results include charges, sentence, facility, and expected release date. This is good for Gainesville felony cases that led to prison time.
For complete court records, visit the Hall County Clerk of Superior Court at 225 Green Street SE in Gainesville. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority also has a statewide search that includes Hall County records.
You can also request a criminal history from the GBI. The GBI criminal history FAQ walks through the process. Local law enforcement charges about $15.
Record Restrictions in Georgia
Georgia law provides ways to restrict some felony records. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-37, a felony arrest that was never prosecuted can be restricted four years after the arrest. Serious violent felonies are excluded.
The First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. 42-8-60) allows first-time offenders to complete their sentence without a formal conviction on their record. Once they finish, the record can be sealed. Sealed records don't appear in most public searches but are still available to law enforcement.
People who were acquitted or had charges dropped can petition to restrict the arrest record. For Gainesville cases, the petition goes to the Hall County Superior Court. No filing fee is required.
State Resources for Gainesville 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 data on parolees and pardon requests. Call (404) 656-4661.
- 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 Gainesville
Georgia Legal Services Program helps low-income residents with legal questions. Call (404) 206-5175 or visit glsp.org. The Georgia Mountains Legal Aid office also serves the Gainesville area. The State Bar of Georgia runs a lawyer referral service at 1-800-334-6865.
For help reading your criminal history report, call GCIC at 404-244-2639 and press option 5. That line is open 9 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday. You can also email gacriminalhistory@gbi.ga.gov.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Gainesville with felony records pages:
Hall County Felony Records
Gainesville is the county seat of Hall County. All felony cases go through the Hall County Superior Court. For the complete county court details, fees, and all related resources, visit the Hall County page.