Savannah Felony Records Search
Savannah felony records are maintained by the Chatham County Superior Court. As the county seat and largest city in Chatham County, Savannah accounts for a large share of felony filings in the area. With a population of about 148,800, Savannah is the fifth largest city in Georgia. The Savannah Police Department and the Chatham County Sheriff's Office both make felony arrests, and the Chatham County District Attorney handles prosecution. You can search for felony records using state tools online or by visiting the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court in person. The court keeps all case files, sentencing records, and related documents.
Savannah Quick Facts
Chatham County Handles Savannah Felony Cases
All felony cases in Savannah are prosecuted at the county level. The Chatham County Superior Court is the trial court for felony matters. City police arrest suspects, but the Chatham County District Attorney decides whether to file charges. The Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court keeps all felony case records.
The Chatham County courthouse is in downtown Savannah. The clerk office handles requests for case documents, certified copies, and record searches. You can look up cases in person or request copies by mail. Since Savannah is the county seat, the courthouse and all county offices are right in the city. The Chatham County Sheriff's Office is at 1050 Carl Griffin Drive, Savannah, GA 31405. Call (912) 652-7600 for jail and booking questions. Visit the Chatham County felony records page for full details on the county court system.
Savannah Police Department Records
The Savannah Police Department is at 201 Habersham Street, Savannah, GA 31401. For non-emergency calls, dial (912) 651-6675. The police department takes arrest reports and processes booking information for felony arrests in the city. Once an arrest is made, the case goes to the county for prosecution.
Savannah also has a Municipal Court at 133 Montgomery Street, Savannah, GA 31401. Call (912) 651-4600 for case questions. The municipal court handles city ordinance violations and some misdemeanor matters. It does not handle felony cases. All felony charges in Savannah go to the Chatham County Superior Court.
Keep in mind that a police arrest report and a court case file are two different things. The arrest report stays with the police department. The court file, which has all the filings, motions, and sentencing data, is held at the county clerk office. If you need both, you have to contact both agencies.
How to Search Savannah Felony Records
The Georgia Felon Search is the fastest way to check for a felony conviction tied to Savannah. Each search costs $15 and needs the person's first name, last name, date of birth, and sex. Results come back right away. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-34, felony conviction data is public information.
The Georgia Department of Corrections runs a free offender search tool. This database shows people who are or were in state prison. You can search by name or GDC ID number. The results include charges, sentence, facility, and estimated release date. Use this tool to find Savannah felony cases that led to state prison time.
For detailed court records, contact the Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court. The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority also has a statewide search tool where you can look up case records across all Georgia counties. This is helpful if you are not sure which county a case was filed in.
You can also get a criminal history record through the GBI criminal history process. Contact local law enforcement to request one. The fee is about $15. The Georgia Crime Information Center at 404-244-2639 can answer questions about what shows up on a criminal history report.
Record Restrictions in Georgia
Georgia allows some criminal records to be restricted. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-37, records can be sealed if certain conditions are met. For felony arrests that did not lead to prosecution, the record may be restricted after four years. The GBI record restrictions page explains the full process and timelines.
The First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. 42-8-60) lets some first-time offenders avoid a permanent conviction on their record. If they finish all terms of their sentence, the conviction may be sealed. These records won't show up on most public searches. Check with the Chatham County Clerk if you think a record should be restricted.
State Resources for Savannah Felony Records
Multiple state agencies hold felony records that could be tied to Savannah cases.
- Georgia Felon Search: $15 per search, name-based felony conviction check
- GDC Offender Search: Free, shows current and former state prison inmates
- GCIC Criminal History: About $15, available through local law enforcement
- GBI Open Records Portal: gbigeorgia.govqa.us for GBI investigative reports
- State Board of Pardons and Paroles: Call (404) 656-4661
Under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70), you can request government records from any state or local agency. Agencies must respond within three business days. Page copies cost $0.10 each. Some records that are part of an active investigation may be exempt from disclosure.
Legal Help in Savannah
Georgia Legal Services Program can help low-income residents with legal questions. Call (912) 651-2180 for the Savannah office. The Savannah Bar Association may also provide referrals. For a private lawyer, call the State Bar of Georgia referral service at 1-800-334-6865.
For help understanding a criminal history report, contact the GCIC at 404-244-2639 (press option 5). Hours are 9 AM to 2 PM on weekdays. You can also email gacriminalhistory@gbi.ga.gov. These services are especially useful if you need to check what shows up on your own record before applying for jobs or housing.
Chatham County Felony Records
Savannah is in Chatham County, and all felony cases go through the Chatham County Superior Court. For the full county court details, fee lists, and felony record resources, visit the Chatham County page.