Find Valdosta Felony Records
Valdosta felony records are maintained by the Lowndes County Superior Court. As the county seat and the largest city in south Georgia, Valdosta has a population of about 55,700. The Valdosta Police Department and the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office both handle felony arrests in the area. All felony prosecution goes through the Lowndes County District Attorney. You can search for felony case records using state databases like the Georgia Felon Search, the GDC offender tool, or by visiting the Lowndes County Clerk of Superior Court. Valdosta is also home to Valdosta State University, which has its own campus police that coordinate with city and county law enforcement on criminal matters.
Valdosta Quick Facts
Lowndes County Handles Valdosta Felony Cases
All felony cases in Valdosta are prosecuted through the Lowndes County Superior Court. The court is part of the Southern Judicial Circuit. Both the Valdosta Police Department and the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office make felony arrests. The Lowndes County District Attorney decides whether to bring charges. The Lowndes County Clerk of Superior Court keeps all felony case records.
Since Valdosta is the county seat, the courthouse is right in the city. The clerk office handles walk-in requests for case lookups and certified copies. The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office is at 120 Prison Farm Road, Valdosta, GA 31601. Call (229) 671-2950 for jail and booking questions. The sheriff runs the county jail and can provide inmate information for people held on felony charges. For full county details, visit the Lowndes County felony records page.
Valdosta Police Department Records
The Valdosta Police Department is at 500 N. Toombs Street, Valdosta, GA 31601. Call (229) 293-3092 for questions. The department handles law enforcement within city limits and makes felony arrests. After an arrest, the case goes to the Lowndes County court system.
Valdosta Municipal Court is at 216 E. Central Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601. Call (229) 259-3520 for court matters. This court handles city ordinance violations and minor misdemeanors. Felony cases are not heard here. All felony charges go to the Lowndes County Superior Court.
The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office also has law enforcement authority in the Valdosta area. The sheriff handles patrols in unincorporated parts of the county and runs the county jail. If you are looking for records of an arrest, you may need to check both the Valdosta PD and the sheriff's office depending on who made the arrest. Court records for felonies are always at the county clerk's office.
How to Search Valdosta Felony Records
The Georgia Felon Search is the fastest way to check for a felony conviction. Each search costs $15 and returns results right away. You need the person's first name, last name, date of birth, and sex. O.C.G.A. 35-3-34 makes felony conviction data public.
The Georgia Department of Corrections has a free offender search tool. This database shows people who are or were in state prison. Search by name or GDC ID number. Results include charges, sentence, facility, and release date. Use this for Valdosta felony cases that led to prison time.
For full court records, go to the Lowndes County Clerk of Superior Court. Since Valdosta is the county seat, the courthouse is right in town. The GSCCCA also has a statewide search tool covering all Georgia counties. The GBI criminal history FAQ explains how to get a criminal background report through local law enforcement for about $15.
The Georgia Crime Information Center at 404-244-2639 is the central state repository for criminal records. They handle questions about what appears on a criminal history check and can explain the process for getting your own records.
Record Restrictions
Some criminal records in Georgia can be restricted. Under O.C.G.A. 35-3-37, felony arrest records may be sealed if no charges were filed within four years of the arrest. The GBI record restrictions page lists the full set of conditions and timelines.
Georgia's First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. 42-8-60) allows some first-time felony offenders to seal their conviction after completing their sentence. This does not apply to serious violent felonies or sex offenses. Contact the Lowndes County Clerk or a local attorney to see if a record qualifies for restriction.
State Resources
- Georgia Felon Search: $15 per name-based felony conviction search
- GDC Offender Search: Free, shows current and former state inmates
- GCIC Criminal History: About $15, through local law enforcement
- GBI Open Records Portal: gbigeorgia.govqa.us
- State Board of Pardons and Paroles: (404) 656-4661
The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. 50-18-70) gives you the right to request government records. Agencies must respond within three business days. Copies cost $0.10 per page. Active investigation files may be exempt from disclosure.
Legal Help in Valdosta
Georgia Legal Services Program helps low-income residents with legal matters. The south Georgia office can be reached through the main line at (229) 333-5242. For a private lawyer, call the State Bar of Georgia referral service at 1-800-334-6865. The Lowndes County Bar Association may also provide local referrals.
For help reading your criminal history report, call the GCIC at 404-244-2639 and press option 5. Hours are 9 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday. Email gacriminalhistory@gbi.ga.gov with questions. These services are free and can help you understand what shows on your record.
Lowndes County Felony Records
Valdosta is in Lowndes County, and all felony cases go through the Lowndes County Superior Court. For full county court details, fee information, and related resources, visit the Lowndes County page.