McDonough Felony Records Search
McDonough felony records go through the Henry County Superior Court. McDonough serves as the county seat of Henry County, so the main courthouse is located right in the city. About 32,800 people live here, and the area has grown fast over the past two decades. The McDonough Police Department handles local arrests, while the Henry County District Attorney prosecutes all felony charges. This page covers the agencies involved, search options, and legal resources for anyone looking up felony records connected to McDonough.
McDonough Quick Facts
Henry County Court System
Felony cases from McDonough go to the Henry County Superior Court. Since McDonough is the county seat, the courthouse is at 1 Courthouse Square in downtown McDonough. The Henry County Clerk of Superior Court keeps all criminal case records, including felony case files. You can visit in person or contact them for case information.
The Henry County District Attorney handles felony prosecution for the entire county, including all cases where McDonough police make the initial arrest. Once charges are filed, the case enters the Superior Court system. The clerk office provides case documents, docket entries, and certified copies. You can reach the Henry County Clerk at (770) 288-7200. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Henry County is part of the Flint Judicial Circuit. The Henry County felony records page has full details about the court system, fee schedules, and record search procedures.
McDonough Police Department
The McDonough Police Department is at 1 Macon Street, McDonough, GA 30253. Call (770) 898-9036 for general questions. The department investigates crimes and makes arrests within city limits. After a felony arrest, the case goes to the Henry County DA for formal charges.
Arrest reports from the McDonough PD are available through open records requests. Under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70), the department must respond within three business days. Reports include the charges filed at booking, suspect details, and basic incident information. These are separate from court records at the county level.
The Henry County Sheriff's Office also has a role in felony cases. The sheriff runs the county jail and keeps booking records for people held on felony charges. You can contact the Henry County Sheriff for inmate information and jail roster data.
McDonough Municipal Court
The McDonough Municipal Court is at 1 Macon Street, McDonough, GA 30253. Call (770) 898-9040 for case questions. The court handles traffic cases, city ordinance violations, and some misdemeanors. It does not have jurisdiction over felony cases.
If a case starts as a misdemeanor in municipal court and gets upgraded to a felony, it transfers to the Henry County Superior Court. The municipal court may hold records from early hearings, but the full felony case file moves to the county system. Always check with the Henry County Clerk if you need felony case records.
How to Search McDonough Felony Records
Use the Georgia Felon Search to quickly check for felony convictions. It costs $15 per search. You need the person's first name, last name, date of birth, and sex. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-34, felony conviction data can be released to anyone.
The GDC offender search is free and covers current and former state prison inmates. If a McDonough felony case led to prison time, you can find it here. Search by name or GDC ID. Results show charges, sentence length, and release information.
For detailed court records, visit the Henry County Clerk of Superior Court at 1 Courthouse Square. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority offers statewide search capabilities. For a background check through local law enforcement, the GBI criminal history FAQ explains the process. Fees are typically about $15.
Record Restrictions
Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-37, some criminal records in Georgia can be restricted. If felony charges were dropped or resulted in an acquittal, the arrest record may qualify for restriction. This means the record will not show up in standard background checks.
Serious violent felony convictions cannot be restricted. The First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. 42-8-60) helps first-time offenders who complete their sentence avoid a permanent conviction on their record. Contact the GCIC at 404-244-2639 for restriction eligibility questions.
State Resources
The Georgia Crime Information Center is the state's central criminal record hub, run by the GBI. You can access records through local law enforcement or at the GCIC office in Decatur.
- Georgia Felon Search: $15 per name-based search
- GDC Offender Search: Free state prison inmate lookup
- GCIC Criminal History: About $15 through local agencies
- GBI Open Records: gbigeorgia.govqa.us
- Pardons and Paroles: pap.georgia.gov or (404) 656-4661
Legal Assistance
The Georgia Legal Services Program at (404) 206-5175 provides free legal aid to low-income residents. The State Bar of Georgia referral line at 1-800-334-6865 can connect you with private attorneys in Henry County. For help reading your criminal history report, call GCIC at 404-244-2639, option 5, between 9 AM and 2 PM on weekdays.
Henry County Felony Records
McDonough is the county seat of Henry County. All felony cases are heard at the Henry County Superior Court, located right in downtown McDonough. For the full county court details and resources, visit the Henry County page.