Search Putnam County Felony Records

Putnam County felony records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office in Eatonton. This central Georgia county has about 22,000 residents and falls within the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit. The clerk keeps all court filings and case documents, while the sheriff handles arrest records and jail bookings. You can search these records in person at the Eatonton courthouse, by phone, through mail, or using Georgia's state online databases.

Putnam County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court is the primary office for felony case records in Putnam County. Every criminal filing passes through here. Indictments, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and case dispositions are stored by the clerk. Both paper and some digital records are kept for cases heard in Putnam County Superior Court.

To search in person, visit 100 S. Jefferson Avenue, Eatonton, GA 31024. Bring a valid ID and the name of the person whose record you want. A date of birth or case number speeds things up. Copies cost $0.10 per page under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70. Certified copies cost more. Call (706) 485-4504 for questions. Eatonton is a small town, and the clerk's office is typically not crowded during regular hours.

The Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit covers several counties, including Putnam, Baldwin, Greene, Hancock, Jasper, Morgan, and Wilkinson. Judges rotate between all these courthouses. But Putnam County records stay in Eatonton. You would need to contact the other county clerks separately for their records.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records and jail data. Under O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7, the sheriff must maintain records of every person held in the county jail. These records show the name, charges, booking date, and the court involved.

The sheriff's office is at 111 Ridley Drive, Eatonton, GA 31024. Call (706) 485-8557 for inmate information or arrest record requests. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, the sheriff can charge up to $20 for criminal history checks. The sheriff covers all unincorporated areas of Putnam County, which includes most of the land around Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair.

The GBI's criminal history FAQ page shown above explains how to request background checks and criminal history reports in Georgia. This applies to records from every county, including Putnam.

Online Felony Record Searches

State databases are the easiest way to check Putnam County felony records from home.

The GDC Offender Query is free. It lists all current and former Georgia state prison inmates. If someone from Putnam County was sentenced to prison for a felony, they appear here. Search by name, GDC ID, or physical traits. Results include charges, sentence length, assigned facility, and release dates.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per lookup. It checks the full GCIC database for felony convictions statewide. You need the person's full name, date of birth, and sex. Results are instant. The $15 fee applies even with no record found. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-35, this data can be released without a fingerprint comparison.

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority connects all 159 county clerk offices through a shared system. Putnam County uses this platform for case management. Some records are searchable online, though full criminal case lookups may need a paid account or visit to the courthouse.

Record Access and Restrictions

Felony records in Putnam County are public. Anyone can request them. Court files, arrest records, and booking data are open under the Georgia Open Records Act. Agencies must respond within three business days.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, some arrest records can be restricted if the case was not prosecuted. For arrests after July 1, 2013, the district attorney handles restriction requests. Older cases go through the arresting agency. Restricted records show for law enforcement but not the public. The First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-62.1) lets first-time offenders seal records after completing probation. Violent felonies per O.C.G.A. § 17-3-2.1 carry a seven-year wait before restriction is possible.

State Resources for Putnam County

The Georgia Crime Information Center collects criminal history data from all counties, including Putnam. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33, GCIC maintains complete records. Background checks can be requested through the sheriff or GCIC.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles tracks parole information for offenders convicted in Putnam County. The board also processes pardon applications. State databases might not show the most recent filings from the Putnam County Superior Court, so call the clerk for the latest.

Cities in Putnam County

Putnam County includes Eatonton. All felony cases from the county go through the Putnam County Superior Court. No cities in Putnam County meet the population threshold for their own page.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Putnam County. Each maintains its own felony records at their courthouse.