Access Forsyth County Felony Records
Forsyth County felony records are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office in Cumming. This fast-growing county northeast of Atlanta has roughly 280,000 residents, making it one of the larger counties in the state. Felony cases go through the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit. The clerk stores all court filings and the sheriff keeps arrest and jail records. You can search for felony records at the Cumming courthouse, by phone, or through several state online databases that include Forsyth County data. Growth in this county has brought a corresponding increase in court activity over the past decade.
Forsyth County Quick Facts
Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court
The Clerk of Superior Court is the main source for felony case records in Forsyth County. Every indictment, plea agreement, trial verdict, sentencing order, and final disposition gets filed here. The clerk keeps physical and digital records for all cases heard in the Forsyth County Superior Court. This court is part of the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit.
To request records in person, go to 100 E. Courthouse Square, Cumming, GA 30040. Bring a photo ID and the full name of the person you want to look up. A date of birth or case number speeds things along. Copies run $0.10 per page under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70. Certified copies cost more. Call (770) 781-2125 for questions about case files or to check on a specific filing. The office handles both walk-in visitors and mail-in requests.
Forsyth County has grown rapidly in recent years. That growth means more people, more cases, and a busier courthouse. The clerk's office has adapted with better digital systems, but peak hours can still mean a wait. Plan to visit early in the day if possible.
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office
The Forsyth County Sheriff's Office handles arrest records and runs the county jail. Under O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7, the sheriff is required to keep records of every person held in custody. These records include the person's name, charges, date of booking, and the court that issued the arrest warrant. Felony arrest records in Forsyth County are public.
The sheriff's office is located at 202 Veterans Memorial Boulevard, Cumming, GA 30040. Call (770) 781-2222 for jail information or questions about arrest records. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, the sheriff can charge up to $20 for a criminal history check. Keep in mind that arrest records from the sheriff are different from court records at the clerk's office. The sheriff tracks who got booked. The clerk tracks what happened in court.
You can find more information about the sheriff's office through the Forsyth County government website.
The Forsyth County government website shown above serves as the central hub for county departments and public services, including court and law enforcement contacts.
Online Search Options for Forsyth County
You don't have to drive to Cumming to check felony records. Georgia has several state-run databases that include Forsyth County data.
The GDC Offender Query is completely free. It covers all current and past state prison inmates. If a Forsyth County felony led to a prison term, the person will be in this system. You can search by name, GDC ID number, or physical traits. Results show the charges, how long the sentence is, which facility the person is at, and expected release dates.
The Georgia Felon Search is a paid tool at $15 per search. It pulls from the GCIC database and covers all felony convictions across Georgia. Enter the person's name, date of birth, and sex to run a check. Results are instant. Even if no record is found, you still pay the $15 fee. For a complete look at someone's Forsyth County felony history, this is the most thorough online option.
The GSCCCA connects all Superior Court clerks statewide. Forsyth County uses this platform for case management. Some record types are searchable through the GSCCCA website, though full criminal case searches usually need a direct request to the clerk.
Restrictions on Forsyth County Felony Records
Most felony records in Forsyth County are open to the public. Court files, arrest data, and booking records fall under the Georgia Open Records Act. Any person can request them. The agency has three business days to respond.
Certain records can be restricted. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, arrest records may be limited if charges were dropped or never prosecuted. For arrests after July 1, 2013, the district attorney manages these restrictions. Older cases require an application to the arresting agency. Restricted records still appear in law enforcement databases but are hidden from public view.
First-time offenders can apply to seal their records under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-62.1 after completing their full sentence. Violent felonies listed in O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2.1 have a seven-year waiting period. The large majority of felony convictions in Forsyth County stay public and searchable indefinitely.
Statewide Resources for Forsyth County
The Georgia Crime Information Center collects felony data from every county in the state. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, GCIC is responsible for maintaining complete criminal history records. You can get a check done through the Forsyth County Sheriff or by contacting GCIC directly.
The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority ties all 159 clerk offices together electronically. Forsyth County participates in this system for e-filing and case tracking. The State Board of Pardons and Paroles maintains parole information for offenders sentenced in Forsyth County.
State systems sometimes run a day or two behind local records. If you need the very latest filing or case update from Forsyth County, call or visit the clerk's office in Cumming.
Cities in Forsyth County
Forsyth County does not have any cities that meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. The city of Cumming is the county seat, but felony matters for all Forsyth County cities are handled at the county Superior Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties neighbor Forsyth County. Each has its own courthouse and manages felony records separately.