Search Terrell County Felony Records

Felony records in Terrell County are filed and stored at the Superior Court Clerk's office in Dawson. With a population of roughly 8,700, Terrell County is one of Georgia's smaller rural jurisdictions in the southwestern part of the state. The clerk manages all criminal case documents, from indictments to final sentencing orders, while the sheriff's office keeps arrest and booking data. Most felony searches here can be done in person at the Dawson courthouse, by mail, or through Georgia's statewide online databases that pull records from all 159 counties.

Terrell County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court is where felony records live in Terrell County. Every criminal case that moves through the Terrell County Superior Court gets filed here. That includes grand jury indictments, arraignment records, plea deals, trial transcripts, and sentencing documents. The clerk keeps both physical files and digital entries for each case.

You can visit the clerk's office at 235 E. Lee Street, Dawson, GA 39842. Bring a photo ID and come with the full name of the person you are searching. A date of birth or case number helps narrow things down. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, public records must be made available within three business days. Copies cost $0.10 per page for standard requests. Certified copies carry a higher fee. Call (229) 995-4681 if you have questions or want to check on a specific case before making the trip.

The clerk also handles record certification for background checks. Employers, landlords, and attorneys often request certified copies of felony dispositions from this office. Processing time varies but is typically quick given the county's smaller caseload.

Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Terrell County Sheriff's Office tracks arrests, warrants, and jail bookings. Under O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7, the sheriff must keep records of all people held in the county jail. These records list the person's name, charges, booking date, and bond amount. Felony arrest data is public in Georgia.

The sheriff's office is at 108 E. Lee Street, Dawson, GA 39842. Call (229) 995-4411 to ask about recent arrests or to confirm whether someone is currently in custody. Walk-in requests are accepted during business hours. The sheriff can also run local criminal history checks for a fee allowed under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, which caps charges at $20 per check for the general public.

The Terrell County government website shown above provides contact information for county offices handling public records.

Online Felony Record Searches

Terrell County does not have its own online case search portal. That is common for smaller counties in Georgia. But statewide tools cover Terrell County felony records just the same.

The Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Query is free. It shows anyone who has served or is serving time in a Georgia state prison. If a Terrell County felony led to a prison sentence, it will appear here. Search by name or GDC ID number. Results include charges, sentence length, and facility assignment.

The Georgia Felon Search is a paid tool that costs $15 per lookup. It checks the GCIC database for felony convictions across the state. You need the person's full name, date of birth, and sex. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-35, this search can be done without fingerprints. Results come back fast. Even a "no record" result costs the full $15.

The Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority connects all 159 county clerk offices. Through this system, you can sometimes find case index data from Terrell County. The GSCCCA also handles real estate and lien records but its criminal case search function is useful for cross-county lookups.

Felony Record Restrictions in Terrell County

Most felony records in Terrell County are public. Court filings, arrest records, and conviction data can all be accessed under the Georgia Open Records Act. But some records may be restricted.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, arrest records can be restricted if the case was dismissed, not prosecuted, or the person was acquitted. For arrests after July 1, 2013, the prosecuting attorney handles restrictions automatically in many cases. Older arrest records require a formal request to the arresting agency. Restricted records are hidden from public searches but remain visible to law enforcement.

The First Offender Act under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-62.1 lets some first-time felony offenders get their records sealed after completing their sentence. This does not apply to serious violent felonies listed under O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1. Violent felony convictions are almost always permanent public records in Terrell County.

State Resources for Terrell County

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) collects criminal history data from every county in Georgia, including Terrell. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33, GCIC must maintain complete records. You can request a criminal history check through the Terrell County Sheriff or directly through GCIC.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles tracks parole status for offenders convicted in Terrell County. If someone received a prison sentence and was later paroled, this agency has those records. The GBI also provides an Open Records Request Portal for formal criminal history requests that cover Terrell County cases.

Fees and Processing

Terrell County follows state guidelines on record fees. Standard copies are $0.10 per page under the Open Records Act. Certified copies cost more, typically $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page. The clerk may charge a search fee for staff time if the request takes significant effort.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per name. GBI background checks cost $20 per request. Local sheriff criminal history checks can also run up to $20 under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34. There is no charge to use the GDC Offender Query online tool. Mail requests should include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order payable to the Terrell County Clerk of Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Terrell County or are close by. Each has its own court system and felony record process.