Taylor County Felony Records

Felony records in Taylor County are filed with the Clerk of Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office in Butler. Taylor County is a small rural county in west-central Georgia with a population of about 7,800. It falls within the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit, and all felony case proceedings take place at the Taylor County Superior Court. The county does not have an online case search system, but records are available through in-person requests at the courthouse, phone inquiries, mail requests, and several statewide online databases that cover every Georgia county.

Taylor County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court is the main keeper of felony records in Taylor County. Every criminal indictment, plea agreement, sentencing order, and case outcome passes through this office. The clerk stores both paper files and newer electronic records for cases heard in the Taylor County Superior Court.

To search records, visit 2 N. Ivy Street, Butler, GA 31006. Bring a photo ID and know the full name of the person whose record you need. A date of birth or case number makes the search faster. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, copies cost $0.10 per page. Certified copies cost more. Call (478) 862-5594 to check on a record before making the drive. The office accepts walk-in requests during business hours.

Mail requests are another option. Write out the person's name, the type of record, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment. Taylor County is small enough that mail requests usually get processed within a few days. The clerk's office is helpful but operates with limited staff, so calling ahead is always a good idea.

Taylor County Sheriff's Office

The Taylor County Sheriff's Office handles arrest records and jail bookings. Under O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7, the sheriff is required to keep a record for every person held in the county jail. Booking records include the person's name, charges, booking date, and the court that issued the warrant.

The sheriff's office is at 3 N. Ivy Street, Butler, GA 31006. Call (478) 862-5444 for arrest records or inmate inquiries. Felony arrest records are public in Taylor County under state law. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, local agencies can charge up to $20 for a criminal history check done at the local level.

The sheriff's booking records are separate from court records held by the clerk. One covers the arrest and the other covers the court process. If you need both, plan to visit both offices. In Taylor County, they are right next door to each other on Ivy Street.

The GDC Offender Search Portal above is a free tool covering all Georgia prison inmates, including those from Taylor County.

Online Felony Record Searches

Taylor County does not operate its own online records portal. State databases are the most practical way to search remotely.

The GDC Offender Query is completely free. It lists all current and former Georgia state prison inmates. Anyone from Taylor County who was sentenced to prison will be in this database. Search by name, GDC ID, or physical description. Results show charges, sentence length, the prison facility, and expected release dates.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per search. It accesses the GCIC database and covers all felony convictions in Georgia. Enter the person's full name, date of birth, and sex. Results are instant. Even if no conviction is found, you still pay the $15. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, this information can be released without fingerprint comparison. For Taylor County, this paid tool is the best remote option for a thorough felony check.

The Georgia Crime Information Center manages the statewide criminal history database. All 159 counties, including Taylor, report data to GCIC. A formal criminal background check can be requested through the center or through the Taylor County Sheriff.

Record Access and Restrictions

Felony records in Taylor County are public in most cases. Court files, arrest records, and booking data are accessible under Georgia's Open Records Act. Agencies have three business days to respond to a request.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, arrest records for cases that were not prosecuted may be restricted. For arrests after July 1, 2013, the district attorney handles restrictions. Older cases are processed by the arresting agency. Once restricted, records are hidden from public searches but remain visible to law enforcement.

The First Offender Act, O.C.G.A. § 42-8-62.1, gives first-time offenders a path to seal their records after completing their sentence or probation. Serious violent felonies require a seven-year wait before restriction is possible. Most felony convictions in Taylor County remain on the public record unless sealed by court order.

State Resources for Taylor County

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority connects clerk offices across the state. Taylor County is part of this system for case management and electronic filings. The GSCCCA website also has search tools for real estate records and liens from participating counties.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles maintains parole records for offenders convicted in Taylor County. If someone was sentenced at the Butler courthouse and later paroled, the board has that information. You can search for parolees on their website.

For the most accurate background checks, the GBI processes fingerprint-based criminal history searches. These cost more and take longer than name-based checks, but they are definitive. Employers and licensing agencies in the Taylor County area may require this service for certain positions.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Taylor County. Each one maintains its own felony records at the county courthouse.