What are Athens-Clarke Public Records?
Under the Georgia Open Records Act, Athens-Clarke public records include all documents, letters, photographs, tapes, or any similar material created, kept, or used by a government agency. Public records also include records created or used by a private person or entity if used on behalf of a government agency. However, public disclosure is not required for the following records:
- Medical or veterinary records
- Law enforcement or prosecution records that identify a confidential source or endanger any persons
- Jury list data
- Law enforcement records of active investigations or prosecutions, other than initial police arrest or incident reports
- Real estate approvals
- Some employment records
Athens-Clarke Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides crime statistics for the city of Athens-Clarke through its Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. Figures published in 2017 revealed 4,449 crimes committed in the city. There were 519 violent crimes, including 6 cases of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, 57 cases of rape, and 123 robberies. Aggravated assault was the most common violent crime, with 333 reported cases.
Athens-Clarke also recorded 3,930 property crimes, including 230 motor-vehicle thefts and 683 burglaries. The most and least common property crimes were larceny-theft and arson, with 3,930 and 13 reported cases, respectively. Compared to the FBI's 2016 figures, the overall Athens-Clarke crime rate dropped by 3.97%.
Are Athens-Clarke Criminal Records Public?
In compliance with Georgia law, access to Athens-Clarke criminal records is restricted. Anyone interested in an individual's criminal history information must obtain written and signed consent from the person. While the need for permission is associated with more comprehensive criminal records, Georgia law states that interested persons may gain access to felony conviction records without receiving permission from the person on the record.
Interested persons may also find limited criminal information using the Georgia Felon Search provided by the Georgia Technology Authority. Using the search platform requires the felon's name and date of birth. Each search costs $15, payable by credit card.
How to Obtain Athens-Clarke Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Athens-Clarke Police Department (ACCPD) issues copies of police records to city residents. Persons who need police reports may send requests to the ACCPD's East Precinct or visit in person. A written request should contain details of the incident, such as the names of people involved, dates, arrest details, and a detailed description of the incident. Interested persons may also obtain accident reports from the ACCPD. Each accident report costs $24 and $3, respectively, for private roadway and public roadway accidents. Send a report to the precinct, or visit the:
Athens-Clarke Police Department
East Precinct / Administration
3035 Lexington Road
Athens, GA 30605
Phone: (706) 613-3330
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) also maintains a list of persons arrested by the ACCPD and the CCSO over the last seven days. Available information includes each inmate's full name, race, gender, and date of birth. It also displays the arresting agency, charge description, grade of charge, and bond information. For persons no longer in custody, release times and dates are also available.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Athens-Clarke
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable online registry with information on sex offenders registered in the city. In addition to a name and area search, interested persons may find each offender's full name, known aliases, registration number, address, booking photograph, and physical description, including scars and tattoos. The registry also displays specifics on the person's offense, conviction date, and release date. Interested persons may also register on the platform to track the offender and receive important notifications on the person's status.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains a public statewide sex offender registry. Persons may find sex offenders by inputting first and last names. Other available search queries include offender type, offense details, county, gender, and race. The information available on each offender consists of a full name, aliases, physical description, address, registration details, and photographs.
How to Find Athens-Clarke Inmate Records
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office provides public access to a current list of inmates at the Clarke County Jail. Information accessible on the list includes each inmate's full name, ID number, address, year of birth, and physical descriptions. Other details, such as arresting agency, charge description, bond details, and incarceration status, are also available. If the person is no longer in jail, the release time and date are also displayed.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Athens-Clarke County Jail?
Visitation days and times are scheduled according to the first letter of each inmate's name. Persons with letters A through J may receive visitors on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at different times from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm. Other persons with first names that start from K through Z may receive visitors on Wednesdays and Sundays, within the same time frame. Inmates at the Athens-Clarke County Jail may receive up to four visits each week. However, jail authorities may approve more than four visits under special circumstances. Inmates must be processed and assigned a housing unit before receiving visitors. Note that this process may take up to 72 hours from their booking time.
The facility also allows video visitations for inmate workers according to the schedule described above. However, workers may receive one-hour contact visits on Saturdays, regardless of the visitation schedule. The visitation takes place in the Central Programs Classroom for one hour between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Visitors must arrive and register at least 15 minutes before the visitation time.
Each visitor must follow a strict dress code during visitations and at all times on the facility grounds. Visitors must not speak to any inmate other than the person scheduled for the visit. Any visitor that appears to be under the influence of alcohol or any other substance will be denied entry.
Court Records
The city of Athens-Clarke has Superior, State, Juvenile, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts sitting as part of the Judicial Council of Georgia. The Superior Court is the highest in the city, with general jurisdiction over all types of cases. It also has a Family Court division, handling divorce, child support, custody, domestic violence, paternity, and other related issues. The Athens-Clarke Superior Court provides public access to court records.
Locations of Courts in Athens-Clarke
Athens-Clarke County Superior and State Courts
325 East Washington Street
Suite 450
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 613-3190
Fax: (706) 613-3189
Athens-Clarke County Juvenile Court
325 East Washington Street
Suite 115
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 613-3300
Fax: (706) 613-3306
Probate Court of Athens-Clarke County
325 East Washington Street
Suite 200
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 613-3320
Fax: (706) 613-3323
Athens-Clarke County Magistrate Court
325 East Washington Street
Suite 240
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 613-3310
Fax: (706) 613-3314
Municipal Court of Athens-Clarke County
325 East Washington Street
Suite 170
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 613-3690
Fax: (706) 613-3696
Are Athens-Clarke Court Records Public?
Most Athens-Clarke court records are public. Except a record is sealed by the court or is statutorily exempt from public disclosure, city residents may obtain copies of court records at the court location. Interested persons may send requests for desired records or obtain records in person. The court also provides access to records through computerized public terminals.
Can You Look Up an Athens-Clarke County Court Case Online?
The Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Courts provides online access through a Case Search. Interested persons may use the Civil Search or Criminal Search, depending on the type of record. Each one provides search options, including case numbers, party names, and date ranges. In addition to these, the Criminal Search provides an additional query box for citation details.
How to Obtain Athens-Clarke Civil Court Case Records
Residents may obtain copies of Athens-Clarke court records from the Clerk of Court's office by mail or in person. Obtaining a record by mail requires sending a written request which contains the applicant's contact details and all available information on the desired record. This information may include party names, court dates, arrest and charge details, the court's final judgment, and other known case specifics. Send the request to:
Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Superior and State Court
P.O. Box 1805
Athens, GA 30603
Alternatively, visit the Clerk of Court's office to inspect records using the public access terminals provided. The office also entertains in-person requests from interested parties. Visit:
Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Superior and State Court
325 East Washington Street
Suite 450
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 613-3190
Fax: (706) 613-3189
What are Athens-Clarke Vital Records?
Athens-Clarke vital records contain recorded information on major life events. These records are created and maintained by the government and include details on births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. Athens-Clarke vital records are requestable from different record custodians. However, not all vital records are public.
Where and How to Obtain Athens-Clarke Divorce Records
The Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Courts maintains divorce records and issues copies to interested persons. To obtain an Athens-Clarke divorce record by mail, send a written request to the Clerk of Court's office. Ensure that the request contains the applicant's contact information and all known details of the divorce records. Typically, details should include the names of the divorced parties, divorce date, and other specifics of the court's final judgment. Send the request or visit the clerk in person using the following details:
Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Superior and State Court
325 East Washington Street
Suite 450
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 613-3190
Fax: (706) 613-3189
Where and How to Get Athens-Clarke Marriage Records
The Athens-Clarke County Probate Court issues copies of marriage records to requestors. Athens-Clarke marriage records are considered public and are therefore available to all interested parties. To obtain a copy of a marriage certificate, send a written request to the Probate Court. Include the names of both married parties, the marriage date, and the requestor's contact details. Persons may also visit the Probate Court to request and also obtain records in person. Each record costs $10, payable only by cash or check. Note that the Probate Court can only provide marriage certificates if it originally issued the marriage license to the couple named on the record. Enclose the request with payment and send to the court or visit the:
Probate Court of Athens-Clarke County
325 East Washington Street
Suite 200
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 613-3320
Fax: (706) 613-3323
Where and How to Find Athens-Clarke Birth Records
The Clarke County Health Department maintains records of births and issues copies to residents. However, access to Athens-Clarke birth records is restricted to the person named on the record and individuals related to the person in the following ways:
- Parents listed on the birth certificate
- Grandparents
- An adult child or sibling
- Spouse
- Authorized agent
- Legal guardian
An eligible person may order a birth certificate by completing and downloading a birth certificate request form. The requestor must know the person's full name at birth, date and place of birth, current age, and sex. Required information also includes the full names of both parents, the requestor's signature, and relationship to the person named on the record. Each record costs $25, only payable by money order. Enclose the written request with payment and a copy of a government-issued identification. Some examples of acceptable identification include:
- Current Georgia driver's license or a license expired less than a year ago
- Georgia identification card
- Current out-of-state driver's license
- Valid passport
- Military identification
Enclose all required documents with a self-addressed and stamped envelope and send by mail, or visit:
Clarke County Health Department Vital Records
345 North Harris Street
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 389-6921
Where and How to Find Athens-Clarke Death Records
The Clarke County Health Department issues copies of death records to interested persons. Athens-Clarke death records are public records and may be requested by all city residents. However, access to certified copies is restricted to persons that can prove a direct and tangible interest in the death record. These persons may include immediate family members and legal representatives.
Athens-Clarke death records are obtainable by mail or in person. For a mail order, enclose a completed death certificate request form, a money order for $25, a copy of an acceptable government-issued ID, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope. For an in-person request, visit the Health Department at:
Clarke County Health Department Vital Records
345 North Harris Street
Athens, GA 30601
Phone: (706) 389-6921
