Glynn County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Glynn County
Arrest records in Glynn County are considered public information pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). This statute establishes that public records, including those created, maintained, or received by a public agency in Georgia, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public, with certain exceptions.
The Georgia Open Records Act specifically addresses law enforcement records in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4), which provides exemptions for certain records of law enforcement agencies. However, basic arrest information is generally accessible to the public. This includes:
- The fact of the arrest
- The name, sex, ethnicity, age, and occupation of the person arrested
- The time and place of the arrest
- The general nature of the charges
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a crime. Under Georgia law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for restriction under certain circumstances.
The Glynn County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records in accordance with state law and makes them available to the public as required by the Georgia Open Records Act.
What's in Glynn County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Glynn County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records generally include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or nicknames
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Race/ethnicity
- Gender
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Statute or ordinance citations
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Description of alleged criminal activity
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing authority
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking number
- Date and time of booking
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status (posted or not)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility where detained
- Release date (if applicable)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employment information
- Emergency contact information
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. All information is collected and maintained in accordance with Georgia Bureau of Investigation standards and protocols.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Glynn County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Glynn County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests.
To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Glynn County Sheriff's Office
100 Sulphur Springs Road
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 554-7600
Glynn County Sheriff's Office
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays
The following steps apply when requesting arrest records in person:
- Complete an Open Records Request form, available at the Sheriff's Office
- Provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees as established under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c)
- $0.10 per page for standard document copies
- Additional fees may apply for certified copies
For written requests, individuals may submit a formal Open Records Request to:
Glynn County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
100 Sulphur Springs Road
Brunswick, GA 31520
Written requests must include:
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific description of records being sought
- Preferred method of delivery (mail, email, or pickup)
- Signed acknowledgment of potential fees
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(b)(1)(A), the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within three business days. If records cannot be produced within this timeframe, the office will provide a written timeline for when the records will be available.
For expedited service, the Glynn County Clerk of Superior Court maintains certain judicial records related to arrests and may provide faster access to court-related documents.
How To Find Glynn County Arrest Records Online
Glynn County provides digital access to certain arrest records through several online platforms. These electronic resources allow for convenient retrieval of public information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resources for accessing Glynn County arrest records include:
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Glynn County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
- Navigate to the Glynn County Sheriff's Office website
- Select the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Information" option
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review results showing current inmates and recent releases
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Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
- Visit the Georgia Department of Corrections website
- Select "Offender Search" from the main menu
- Enter the individual's name or GDC ID number
- Review results for current and former state inmates
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Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Criminal History Record Information
- Access the Georgia Crime Information Center
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Note that fees apply and certain restrictions exist for these official records
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Glynn County Clerk of Superior Court Records
- Visit the Glynn County Clerk's website
- Select "Court Records Search"
- Create an account if required
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Review court cases related to arrests
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Not all arrest records may be available online
- Recent arrests may not appear immediately in databases
- Some information may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws
- Official record verification may require contacting the Sheriff's Office directly
Online access to arrest records is provided in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act and is subject to the same exemptions and restrictions that apply to physical records.
How To Search Glynn County Arrest Records for Free?
Members of the public have several options for accessing Glynn County arrest records without incurring fees. These no-cost methods provide basic information about arrests and inmate status.
Free resources for arrest record searches include:
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Glynn County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Sheriff's Office maintains a public inmate search function that provides information about currently detained individuals
- This resource includes basic arrest information, charges, and custody status
- No registration or payment is required to access this information
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Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search
- The GDC Offender Search provides free access to information about individuals currently in state custody or under state supervision
- Search by name to locate individuals who have been transferred to state facilities following arrest in Glynn County
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Public Access Terminals
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Computer terminals available at the Glynn County Courthouse provide free access to certain court records related to arrests
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Located at:
Glynn County Courthouse
701 H Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 554-7272
Glynn County CourtsAvailable during regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Georgia Felon Search
- The Georgia Felon Search provides limited information about felony convictions
- While not comprehensive for all arrests, this resource can confirm if an arrest led to a felony conviction
When utilizing free search options, users should be aware of the following limitations:
- Information may be less comprehensive than paid record searches
- Records may not include historical arrests or cases that have been adjudicated
- Some details may be omitted in accordance with privacy laws
- For complete and certified records, fees may apply
These free resources are provided in accordance with Georgia's commitment to government transparency as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which states that public records shall be open to inspection by any citizen of the state.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Glynn County
Georgia law provides specific mechanisms for restricting access to certain arrest records under limited circumstances. It is important to understand the distinction between record expungement (complete erasure) and record restriction (limiting public access).
In Georgia, true expungement—the complete deletion of arrest records—is generally not available. Instead, the state offers record restriction (formerly called expungement) through O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, which limits public access to certain records while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.
Eligibility criteria for record restriction in Glynn County include:
- Arrests that did not result in charges (nolle prosequi)
- Cases dismissed or acquitted
- Cases where the grand jury returned two "no bills"
- Certain first-offender and conditional discharge completions
- Certain misdemeanor convictions for individuals under 21 years of age at the time of arrest
The process for requesting record restriction in Glynn County involves:
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Obtaining and completing a "Request for Restriction of Criminal History Record Information" form from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
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Submitting the completed form to the arresting agency:
Glynn County Police Department
157 Public Safety Boulevard
Brunswick, GA 31525
(912) 554-7800
Glynn County Police DepartmentOr
Brunswick Police Department
206 Mansfield Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 267-5559
Brunswick Police Department -
Paying applicable processing fees
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Awaiting review and determination by the prosecuting attorney's office
For arrests that do not qualify for automatic restriction, individuals may petition the court under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(j)(1) by:
- Filing a petition in the Superior Court of Glynn County
- Providing notice to the prosecuting attorney
- Attending a hearing where a judge will determine if restriction is appropriate
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating the record restriction process. The Georgia Legal Aid provides resources for individuals seeking to restrict criminal records who cannot afford private counsel.
It is important to note that even when records are restricted, they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, certain employers (particularly those working with vulnerable populations), and licensing boards as specified in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37(i)(2).
What Happens After Arrest in Glynn County?
Following an arrest in Glynn County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Georgia state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
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Booking and Processing
- Upon arrival at the Glynn County Detention Center, arrestees undergo booking procedures
- This includes fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and initial health screening
- Basic identifying information and arrest details are entered into law enforcement databases
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Initial Appearance/First Appearance Hearing
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
- A magistrate judge informs the arrestee of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail determinations are made based on factors including charge severity, flight risk, and public safety
- For certain misdemeanors, release may occur through citation or own recognizance
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Preliminary Hearing (Felonies)
- Held to determine if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the alleged crime
- The prosecution presents evidence supporting the charges
- The defense may challenge the sufficiency of evidence
- If probable cause is found, the case proceeds; if not, charges may be dismissed
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Grand Jury Indictment (Felonies)
- The Glynn County District Attorney presents evidence to a grand jury
- Grand jury determines if sufficient evidence exists to formally charge the defendant
- If indicted, the case proceeds to Superior Court; if not, charges may be dismissed
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Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in the appropriate court
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere)
- Court schedules subsequent proceedings
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Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions (e.g., suppression of evidence, dismissal)
- Plea negotiations may occur during this phase
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Trial
- Misdemeanor trials occur in Glynn County State Court
- Felony trials occur in Glynn County Superior Court
- Defendants have the right to jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
- Prosecution must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt
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Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Occurs after guilty verdict or plea
- May include incarceration, probation, fines, community service, or other penalties
- Sentencing guidelines vary based on offense severity and criminal history
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Appeal (If Applicable)
- Defendants may appeal convictions to the Georgia Court of Appeals or Supreme Court
- Appeals must be filed within 30 days of judgment
Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel. Those unable to afford an attorney may qualify for representation by the Brunswick Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office:
Brunswick Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office
701 H Street, 2nd Floor
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 267-1380
Georgia Public Defender Council
The criminal justice process in Glynn County operates under the framework established by the Georgia Criminal Code and is administered through the Glynn County Court System.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Glynn County?
Arrest records in Glynn County are maintained according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Archives Records Management Division and governed by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90 through § 50-18-103, known as the Georgia Records Act. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.
Law enforcement agencies in Glynn County typically retain arrest records according to the following guidelines:
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Felony Arrest Records: Permanent retention is required for records related to serious offenses such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and aggravated assault. These records are never destroyed.
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Misdemeanor Arrest Records: Generally maintained for a minimum of 25 years from the date of arrest, after which they may be eligible for destruction following proper procedures.
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Arrest Records for Unfounded Cases: Records for arrests where charges were dismissed or not prosecuted are typically retained for 5 years, though they may be subject to restriction from public access under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.
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Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-701 and typically sealed when the individual reaches 21 years of age, unless the juvenile was tried as an adult.
Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
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Glynn County Sheriff's Office: Maintains booking records, arrest reports, and detention information according to state retention schedules.
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Glynn County Clerk of Superior Court: Court records related to arrests are generally maintained permanently as part of the official court record.
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Georgia Bureau of Investigation: Maintains criminal history information in the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) indefinitely, though certain records may be restricted from public access.
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Georgia Department of Corrections: Records of incarceration following conviction are maintained permanently.
The retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:
- Preservation of evidence for ongoing and future investigations
- Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability
- Support for prosecution of repeat offenders
- Statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
- Compliance with state and federal reporting requirements
Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact:
Glynn County Records Management
W. Harold Pate Building
1725 Reynolds Street, Suite 302
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 554-7111
Glynn County Government
How to Find Mugshots in Glynn County
Mugshots, the official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered public records in Glynn County under the Georgia Open Records Act. These photographs serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and become part of the official arrest record.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of an arrested individual, taken against a standardized background with identifying information. These images are created for law enforcement purposes including:
- Documenting the physical appearance of the arrestee at the time of booking
- Facilitating identification by witnesses or law enforcement
- Creating a visual record as part of the booking process
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Glynn County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
Glynn County Sheriff's Office
100 Sulphur Springs Road
Brunswick, GA 31520
(912) 554-7600
Glynn County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains these photographs as part of their booking records for all individuals processed through the Glynn County Detention Center.
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may:
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Submit a formal Open Records Request to the Glynn County Sheriff's Office
- Requests must include the full name of the individual and date of arrest (if known)
- Standard fees apply: $0.10 per page for copies plus any additional costs for search, retrieval, and redaction as permitted under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71(c)
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Visit the Sheriff's Office in person during regular business hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Bring valid identification and be prepared to complete a request form
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Certain mugshots may be available through:
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The Glynn County Sheriff's Office inmate search function on their official website
- This typically includes only current inmates and recent releases
- Not all historical mugshots are available through this resource
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Third-party websites that aggregate booking information
- These sites are not officially affiliated with Glynn County government
- Information may be incomplete or outdated
- Some sites charge fees for access or removal of mugshots
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For certified copies or official verification of mugshots, individuals should contact the Records Division of the Glynn County Sheriff's Office directly. Requests may be submitted:
- In person
- By mail
- By email to the designated records custodian
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
While mugshots are generally considered public records, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile records (under 17 years of age) are confidential under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-701
- Records that have been subject to restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37
- Cases involving certain victims where identification could compromise privacy
- Active investigations where release could impede law enforcement activities
The Georgia legislature has enacted laws regulating commercial websites that publish mugshots, including requirements for removal upon request in certain circumstances under O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5.