What are Douglas County Public Records?
According to the Georgia Open Records Act, Douglas County public records refers to "all written documents, maps, books, tapes, photographs, and electronic information prepared and maintained or received during the operation of a government body". Douglas County public records may be created by hand, typeset, printed, photographed, or photocopied. Douglas County public records may also be generated in video or audio format. Per the Open Records Act, Douglas County public records may also include:
- Legislative records, as fully defined by RCW 40.14.100;
- All governmental agency budget and financial records;
- Any record relating to governmental agency personnel leave, travel, and payroll.
Not all Douglas County records are publicly available. Exempted records include:
- Certain real estate documents;
- Investigations, intelligence information, and specific investigative records that investigative law enforcement agencies compile;
- Attorney-client privilege documents;
- Crime victims and witness information.
- Names of handgun carriers;
- Public employment applications, including the applicants' names, resumes, and other related materials submitted by an applicant;
- Personal information in employees' and appointees' files, whose revelation would constitute a privacy violation;
- Financial account details.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Douglas County Crime Statistics
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) uses Georgia's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program to gather reports of index crimes known to the law enforcement agencies in Georgia. In 2019, Douglas County law enforcement agencies reported 3,910 index crimes to the GBI. These included 4 murders, 35 rapes, 70 robberies, 286 aggravated assaults, 411 burglaries, 2980 larceny thefts, 114 motor vehicle thefts, and 10 cases of arson. This revealed a 4.4% decline in total crime rates from index crime figures reported in 2014 (4,088). Incidents of murder (42%), burglary (32.6%), motor vehicle theft (51.4%), robbery (5.4%), and arson (16.7%) decreased in 2018. On the other hand, statistics show that rape (29.6%), aggravated assault (6.3%), and larceny-theft (4.4%) offenses increased in the timespan.
Are Douglas County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Douglas County criminal records are available for public inspection under state law with a few exceptions, such as information on pending cases or evidence used in a criminal trial that the judge has not approved.
Criminal Records refer to documentation detailing an individual's criminal history. A criminal record may contain an individual's arrests, warrants, criminal charges filed, trial information, and prior and current convictions for criminal acts.
Although any member of the public can request to inspect or access Douglas County criminal records, the Douglas County Sheriff's Department retains the right to restrict access under certain circumstances.
Employers who wish to request criminal background checks on potential employees must do so in person at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office Records Division and provide a government picture ID and their name, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security Number. Further inquiries on accessing criminal records in Douglas County should be made to:
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
8470 Earl D. Lee Blvd.
Douglasville, GA 30134
Main Phone: (770) 920-4920
Fax: (770) 920-3927
Email: records@sheriff.douglas.ga.us
How to Obtain Douglas County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Douglas County Sheriff's Department is responsible for providing interested public members with arrest records. Persons interested in obtaining arrest records may query the Douglas County Sheriff's Department's office but must provide a government-issued picture ID for such queries to be approved. Douglas County arrest records may be received via mail or in-person at the office of the Sheriff's Department in Douglas County located at:
8470 Earl D. Lee Blvd
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 577-7233
Typically, an arrest record contains the arrested person's information, charges, photograph, physical identifying information, as well as the date of arrest. It is essential to note that arrest records are not criminal records and do not prove the guilt or conviction of an arrested person.
Individuals interested in viewing Douglas County arrest records may search the online daily arrest list. The daily arrest list only contains arrests in a 60-day period at the date of inspection. To request arrest records older than 60 days, public members should contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Records Division at (770) 920-4920.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Douglas County
Per the Georgia Open Records Act, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation manages the central record for all violent sexual offender information in the state. The GBI provides access to this information for free on an online registry.
The Douglas County Sheriff's department also provides citizens with a management and community notification tool for registered sex offenders in the county. Due to the frequent movement and relocation of sex offenders, the Douglas County Sheriff's Department also provides a free email alert system that gives accurate and timely notifications to the public about sex offender information.
To request information on Douglas county sex offenders not listed in the county registry, citizens can query the Douglas County Sheriff's department at:
Douglas County Sheriff's Office
Sex Offender Registration Unit
8470 Earl D. Lee Blvd
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 577-7233
How to Find Douglas County Inmate Records
The Douglas County Jail provides a record of all inmates housed in the jail on an online directory, accessed through the Douglas County Sheriff's website. The information provided by this directory includes the full names of inmates, in addition to the offenses they are charged with. Interested persons looking to find inmate records can search the directory with the inmate's last name in alphabetical order. Further inquiries on Douglas county inmate records should be made to:
The Douglas County Jail,
8472 Earl D Lee Blvd
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 942-4333
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Douglas County Jail?
Visitors to the Douglas County Jail must ensure to register online at least 24 hours before they intend to visit.
There are two types of visitations available for friends and family of inmates: Online/Virtual Visitations and In-Person Visitation. Anybody above 18 with a legitimate government photo ID can be authorized to visit an inmate in jail unless they are convicts on felony probation. An adult must also accompany children under age 18.
Visitors are advised to strictly obey the County Jail dress code or risk being barred from the jail premises. The dress code prohibits wearing low-cut shirts, spandex or form-fitting clothing, sagged trousers, and clothing with obscene or vulgar images or writing.
The Douglas County Jail is located at:
8472 Earl D Lee Blvd
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 942-4333
Douglas Court Records
Douglas County court records are certified documents giving information on the judicial proceedings in Douglas County. Court records in Douglas County are public records under state law, and the Douglas County Clerk of Superior Court is responsible for keeping and distributing these records.
The Douglas County Clerk of Superior Court can be contacted at:
8700 Hospital Drive
Douglas County Courthouse
Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone: (770) 920-7252
clerksuperiorcourt@co.douglas.ga.us
Court records can also be accessed from the other courts in Douglas County, as long as the requested documents are cases held in the particular court. The contact information and addresses of the courthouses in Douglas County are:
State Court of Douglas County
8700 Hospital Drive,
Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone: (770) 489-5232
Douglas County Juvenile Court
8700 Hospital Drive, Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone: (770) 920-7429
Fax: (770) 920-7380
Probate Court of Douglas County
8700 Hospital Drive, Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone: (770) 920-7249
Fax: (770) 920-7381
Douglas County Magistrate Court
8700 Hospital Drive, Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone: (770) 920-7215
Municipal Court of Douglasville
2083 Fairburn Road, Douglasville, GA 30135
Phone: (678) 293-1621
Are Douglas County Court Records Public?
Douglas Court Records are considered public records under state law, so interested members of the public are entitled to inspect:
- Docket information
- The parties' pleadings and motions
- The court judgments and orders
- Evidence produced in court
- Trial transcripts
- Official recordings of the judge's remarks
Most juvenile procedures are closed to the public, and judges have considerable latitude in making records of juvenile proceedings confidential. Some juvenile court processes, such as child support hearings and proceedings involving a minor charged with a felony, are accessible to the public.
How to Obtain Douglas County Civil Court Case Records
The Douglas County Superior Court maintains Douglas County civil court records and makes them accessible to interested public members. To obtain civil court case records, requestors may complete a court records request form and submit it in person or by mail to the Superior Court Clerk's office.
8700 Hospital Drive
Douglas County Courthouse
Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone: (770) 920-7252
clerksuperiorcourt@co.douglas.ga.us
Requesters will receive an official response from the court with information on the availability of the requested records, processing costs, anticipated arrival date, and additional clarification, including an explanation for non-disclosable records.
The Judicial Council of Georgia provides an online directory for members of the public who may be able to obtain civil court records.
How to Obtain Douglas County Criminal Court Records
The Douglas County Superior Court maintains Douglas County criminal court records and makes them accessible to interested public members. Requesters may complete a court records request form and submit it in person or by mail to the Superior Court Clerk's office.
What are Douglas County Vital Records?
Douglas County vital records are official recordings of significant life events, mainly birth, death, marriage, and divorce. The State of Georgia Vital Records office is overseen by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
The office provides vital records to the public. Interested public members can request vital records via mail or in person at:
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard
Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
Public members can locate a county vital records office with an online location search tool. The Vital Records office also provides online ordering options for interested persons.
Where and How to Obtain Douglas County Divorce Records
All Douglas County divorce records are under the purview of the Douglas County Superior Court. Interested parties may contact the Douglas County Superior Court Clerk's Office to acquire copies of Douglas County divorce records. Per State legislation, eligible requestors include:
- The divorcees and their immediate family members.
- Legal representatives of the divorcees;
- Anyone with a court order to obtain the divorce record;
- Employees of other government agencies who may require the record to carry out their duties.
Requestors must present a valid means of identification and call the Clerk of Court office at (770) 920-7252 to confirm the appropriate costs for getting copies of Douglas County divorce records. Interested parties may also request a Douglas County divorce record through mail or in person from the county Superior Court.
Where and How to Get Public Douglas County Marriage Records
Douglas County Marriage Records are considered public records under state law and are available for inspection by members of the public. Marriage records in Douglas County can be accessed via the Douglas County Probate Court website. Mail-in requests may be addressed to:
8700 Hospital Drive
3rd Floor, Judicial Side
Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone: (770) 920-7249
Fax: (770) 920-7381
The Georgia Department of Public Health's State Office of Vital Records also maintains marriage records in the state, including those from Douglas County from June 1952 to August 1996. To make a valid request for such a marriage record, the requester must provide a valid photo ID or a photocopy of that ID and pay a $10 fee and $5 for each additional copy. Finally, they must provide a completed and signed request form for the marriage record.
Where and How to Find Douglas County Birth Records
Interested members of the public may request Douglas County birth records from the Douglas County Public Health Department in person or via mail. Each birth certificate costs $25 for the first record and $5 for each additional record if acquired in the same transaction.
Where the requester is unsure of a record's availability, they can pay a $25 search charge for clerks to look for the record. Georgia law requires that payments be completed before a certified copy of a birth certificate can be issued, and search fees are non-refundable.
For a request to be valid, the requester must provide; a valid photo ID, full name at birth, birth date, birthplace (county), the full name of both parents, and proof of relationship (must be either adult sibling, Father, Grandparent, Mother, or self).
If the request is by mail, the requirements mentioned above must be provided in addition to:
- A copy of the requester's valid photo ID
- Their signature witnessed by a Notary Public
- Money order payable to Probate Court
- The requestor's return address
It is also important to note that a father who is not included in the birth record and step-parents are not entitled to receive copies of birth certificates.
Interested and eligible persons may request a Douglas County birth certificate from the County Health Department's office with a completed application at:
Douglas County Public Health
6770 Selman Drive
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 949-1970
Where and How to Find Douglas County Death Records
Interested persons may request Douglas County death records from the Douglas County Public Health Department in person or via mail. Death certificates cost $25 for the first record and $5 for each additional record if acquired in the same transaction. Death Certificates for persons who either died in Douglas County or who lived in Douglas County but passed away in another location are only available to direct relatives of the deceased.
Except for law firms and insurance companies who might need such documentation for legal purposes, the cause of death is omitted from certificates received by persons unrelated to the deceased. Interested individuals may request a Douglas County death certificate with a completed application from the County Health Department's office.
