Find Ware County Felony Records

Felony records in Ware County are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and the Sheriff's Office in Waycross. This southeast Georgia county has a population of about 36,000 and sits near the Okefenokee Swamp. The clerk stores all criminal case filings from the Ware County Superior Court, while the sheriff tracks arrests and jail bookings. You can search felony records by visiting the Waycross courthouse, mailing a written request, or using Georgia's statewide online databases that cover all 159 counties.

Ware County Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Superior Court is the official keeper of felony records in Ware County. Every criminal case in the Superior Court gets filed here. Indictments, arraignment records, plea agreements, trial verdicts, sentencing orders, and appeals are all part of the case file.

The clerk's office is at 800 Church Street, Waycross, GA 31501. Bring a valid photo ID and the name of the person whose record you want. A date of birth or case number makes the search faster. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, public records must be provided within three business days. Copies cost $0.10 per page. Certified copies carry higher fees. Call (912) 287-4340 with questions about Ware County felony records.

Ware County processes a moderate number of felony cases each year. The clerk's staff can help you locate specific documents and will provide copies for the standard fee. Both in-person and mail requests are accepted.

Ware County Sheriff's Office

The Ware County Sheriff's Office handles arrest records and jail operations. Under O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7, the sheriff must keep booking records for everyone held in the county jail. These records list the name, charges, arrest date, bond amount, and court jurisdiction.

The sheriff's office is at 3487 Harris Road, Waycross, GA 31503. Call (912) 287-4321 for information about recent arrests or to find out if someone is in custody. Walk-in requests for arrest records are taken during business hours. Criminal history checks through the sheriff run up to $20 under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34.

The Ware County website shown above provides information about county departments and services available in Waycross.

Arrest records and court records are kept by different offices. The sheriff has the arrest data. The clerk has the court outcome. Check both for the full story on a felony case.

Online Felony Search Tools

Ware County does not have its own online case search system. Statewide databases cover Ware County felony records though.

The GDC Offender Query is free and covers all current and past Georgia state prison inmates. If a Ware County felony conviction led to prison, the offender appears here. Search by name or GDC ID. Results show charges, sentence length, and facility location.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per name. It checks the GCIC database for felony convictions across the state. You need the full name, date of birth, and sex. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-35, no fingerprints are needed. Results are immediate. Even a "no record" result costs $15.

The GSCCCA connects all Georgia county clerk offices. Case index data from Ware County may be available through this portal. It helps when you need to search across multiple counties.

Restrictions on Records

Ware County felony records are mostly public. Court filings and arrest data are open under the Georgia Open Records Act. Agencies must respond within three business days. But some records face restrictions.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, arrest records can be restricted when charges are not prosecuted or the person is acquitted. The First Offender Act, O.C.G.A. § 42-8-62.1, allows first-time offenders to seal records after completing their sentence. Serious violent felonies under O.C.G.A. § 17-10-6.1 cannot be sealed. Restricted records are hidden from public view but remain available to law enforcement.

State Resources

The GCIC collects criminal data from all 159 Georgia counties including Ware. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-33, GCIC maintains complete records. Request checks through the sheriff or GCIC directly.

The State Board of Pardons and Paroles tracks parole information for offenders convicted in Ware County. The GBI's Open Records Request Portal accepts formal criminal history requests.

Fees

Standard copies cost $0.10 per page. Certified copies are about $2.50 for the first page plus $0.50 each after. Georgia Felon Search is $15. GBI checks cost $20. Sheriff checks are up to $20. The GDC Offender Query is free. For mail requests, include a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Ware County each have their own clerk's office and sheriff handling felony records.