What are Henry County Public Records?
Per the Georgia Open Records Act, Henry County public records include "all written documents, maps, books, tapes, photographs, and electronic information, prepared and maintained or received during the operation of a government body". These public records may be handwritten, typeset, printed, photographed, or photocopied. Public records in Henry County may also be in video or audio format. The Open Records Act further states that Henry County public records may also include:
- Governmental agency budgets and financial records;
- Legislative records, as fully defined by US Statutes
- Rec relating to governmental agency personnel leave, travel, and payroll.
Not all Henry County records, however, are available to the public. Exempted records include:
- Records of investigations, intelligence information, and specific investigative records compiled by investigative law enforcement agencies;
- Certain real estate documents;
- Names of handgun carriers
- Information pertaining to the victims and witnesses
- Financial account details;
- The personal information of employees and appointees whose revelation would constitute a privacy violation;
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms feature intuitive tools that allow for comprehensive 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
Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Henry County Crime Statistics
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) operates a Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program for obtaining and providing information on statewide index crimes known to law enforcement agencies. In 2019, Henry County law enforcement agencies reported 2,334 index crimes to the GBI. These included 6 murders, 23 rapes, 32 robberies, 124 aggravated assaults, 274 burglaries, 1645 larceny thefts, six arsons, and 223 motor vehicle thefts. These figures reveal a 63.4% decline in total crime rates from index crime figures reported in 2014 (6,384). Crime index reports in this 5-year period also show that incidents of burglary (80.3%), motor vehicle theft (48.6%), robbery (77.7%), rape (53%), aggravated assault (37.6%), larceny-theft (60.3%) and arson (54.8%) decreased in 2018.
Are Henry County Criminal Records Public?
Henry County criminal records are available for public inspection according to Georgia State law. This provision has certain limitations, however. Selected data may be restricted from public disclosure, including information on cases still undecided or the evidence used in a criminal trial that the judge has not approved.
Criminal Records are official documents containing the criminal history information of an individual. It may contain an individual's arrests, warrants, criminal charges filed, trial information, and prior and current convictions for criminal acts.
Although all members of the public can request to inspect or access Henry County criminal records, the Henry County Sheriff's Department has the right to prevent access if they deem fit. Employers who request the criminal background of potential employees are required to do so in person at the Office of the Henry County Sheriff's Records Division. The requesting party is tasked with providing a government picture ID and their name, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security Number. Further inquiries on accessing criminal records in Henry County should be made to:
Henry County Sheriff's Office
120 Henry Pkwy
McDonough, GA 30253
Main Phone: (770) 288-7100
Fax: (770) 288-8008
Email: sheriff@co.henry.ga.us
How to Obtain Henry County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Henry County Sheriff's Department also provides interested members of the public with the arrest records for the county. Persons interested in obtaining Henry County arrest records may query the Henry County Sheriff Department's office and provide a government-issued picture ID for their query to be approved. Henry County arrest records may be received via mail or in person at the office of the Sheriff's Department in Henry County.
Henry County arrest records usually contain the arrested person's information, charges, photograph, physical identifying information, and the date of arrest. It is important to remember that arrest records obtained for Henry County are not criminal records and are not evidence of the guilt or conviction of an arrested person.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Henry County
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation, in accordance with the Georgia Open Records Act, manages the central record involving all information about violent sex offenders in the state. The Bureau provides access to this information at no charge on an online registry. The Henry 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 Henry County Sheriff's Department also provides a free email alert system that gives accurate and timely notifications to members of the public about sex offender information, as well as a quick search system for offenders in the area. To request information on Henry county sex offenders not listed in the county registry, citizens can query the Henry County Sheriff's department.
How to Find Henry County Inmate Records
The Henry County Jail provides a record of all inmates housed in the jail on an online directory that can be accessed through the Henry County Sheriff's website. Information provided by this directory includes the full names of inmates, as well as the offenses they are charged with. Persons looking to find inmate records can search this directory with the inmate's last name in alphabetical order. Further inquiries on Henry county inmate records should be made to:
Henry County Jail
120 Henry Parkway,
McDonough, GA, 30253
(770) 288-7070
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Henry County Jail?
Visitors to the Henry County Jail must register online at least 24 hours before the intended visit. There are two types of visitations available for friends and family of inmates: Online/Virtual Visitations and In-Person Visitation.
Persons above 18 years old with a legitimate government photo ID can be authorized to visit an inmate in jail as long as they are not on felony probation. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and visitors are advised to strictly obey the County Jail dress code or risk being barred from the jail premises.
All visitors are to put on appropriate clothing, including shoes and shirts. Restrictions on attire or appearance include:
- Miniskirts.
- Low-cut or revealing necklines.
- Attire with obscene or offensive language.
- No persons with a bare midriff.
Henry County Court Records
Court records in Henry County refer to certified documents with information on the judicial proceedings that have taken place in Henry County. Court records in Henry County are public records under state law, and the Clerk of Superior Court of Henry County is responsible for keeping and distributing these records. The Henry County Clerk of Superior Court can be contacted at:
No. 1 Courthouse Square,
McDonough, GA 30253
Tel: (770) 288-8022
Court records can also be accessed from the other courts in Henry County, as long as the requested records are cases held in the particular court. The contact information and addresses of the courthouses in Henry County are as follows:
State Court of Henry County
One Judicial Center, 44 John Frank Ward Blvd,
McDonough, GA 30253
Tel: (770) 288-7800
Henry County Juvenile Court
One Judicial Center, 44 John Frank Ward Blvd.,
Suite 115, McDonough, GA 30253
Tel: (770) 288-6866
Probate Court of Henry County
One Judicial Center, 44 John Frank Ward Blvd,
McDonough, GA 30253
Tel: (770) 288-7800
Henry County Magistrate Court
One Judicial Center, 44 John Frank Ward Blvd.,
Suite 260, McDonough, GA 30253
Tel: (770) 288-7700
Fax: (770) 288-7722
Are Henry County Court Records Public?
Under state law, Henry County Court Records are considered public records. Therefore interested members of the general public may inspect docket information of their choosing, the parties' pleadings and motions, court judgments and orders, evidence produced in court, trial transcripts, and official recordings of the judge's remarks made in open court, and so on.
Juvenile procedures are generally closed to the general public, and judges have considerable discretion in keeping records of juvenile proceedings discreet. 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 Henry County Civil Court Case Records
The Henry County Superior Court is responsible for maintaining the Henry County civil court records and making them accessible to interested members of the general public. Interested parties may file a court records request form and submit it either in person or by mail to the office of the Superior Court Clerk.
Persons making the request will get an official response from the court containing information on the availability of the requested records, processing costs, anticipated arrival date, and additional clarification, including an explanation for non-disclosable records.
How to Obtain Henry County Criminal Court Records
Henry County, Criminal Court records, are under the jurisdiction of the Henry County Superior Court and, according to Georgia State law, are public records available for inspection by citizens. Requesters may complete a court records request form and submit it in person or by mail to the Henry County Superior Court Clerk's office at:
No. 1 Courthouse Square,
Henry County Courthouse
McDonough, GA 30253
Tel: (770) 288-8022
What are Henry County Vital Records?
Henry County vital records are official documents containing information regarding significant life events of county residents, such as birth, marriage, divorce, and death. The Georgia Department of Public Health maintains the State of Georgia Vital Records office, which distributes vital records to the general public. Interested members of the public can obtain vital records by mail or in person at the following address:
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard,
Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
Members of the public can search for local county vital records offices with the state's online location tool. For people interested in ordering vital records online, the Vital Records office has online channels to meet such demands.
Where and How to Obtain Henry County Divorce Records
All divorce records in Henry County are kept by the office of the Henry County Superior Court. Eligible parties interested in obtaining these records may contact the Henry County Superior Court Clerk's Office to acquire copies of Henry County divorce records. Georgia State legislation classifies certain people as eligible to receive divorce records, including:
- The divorcees and their immediate family members;
- Employees of other government agencies who may require the record to carry out their duties;
- Anyone with a court order to obtain the divorce record;
- Legal representatives of the divorcees.
Any party interested in obtaining Henry County divorce records is expected to provide valid identification and call the Clerk of Court office at (770) 288-8022 to find out the appropriate fees. Interested and eligible parties may request divorce records in person or via mail from the County Superior Court.
Where and How to Get Public Henry County Marriage Records
Henry County marriage records are under the jurisdiction of the Henry County Probate Court and are available to interested members of the public for inspection. Henry County marriage records can be accessed through the Henry County Probate Court website or in person at the Probate Court located at:
The Henry County Probate Court
99 Sims St,
McDonough, GA 30253,
Phone: (770) 288-7600
Fax: (770) 288-7616
The Georgia Department of Public Health's State Office of Vital Records also maintains marriage records in the state, including those from Henry 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 submit a signed request form for the marriage record.
Where and How to Find Henry County Birth Records
Birth records in Henry County are under the purview of the Henry County Probate Court and are available for inspection to members of the public. Appointments to request Henry County birth records can be scheduled on the Henry County Probate Court website. These birth records can be obtained via mail order or in person from the probate court.
Interested persons may also request birth certificates from the Georgia Department of Public Health. Each birth certificate costs $25 for the first record and $5 for each additional record if acquired in the same transaction. In situations where the person requesting is unsure of a record's availability, a $25 search charge may be paid to the clerks to look for the record. State law stipulates that the search charge must be paid before a certified birth certificate can be issued. Payment of the fee is necessary at the time of service, and search fees are non-refundable.
For in-person requests, the requester must provide:
- A valid photo ID.
- Full name at birth.
- Birth date.
- Birthplace (county).
- Parent's full name.
- Proof of relationship to the same (must be either adult sibling, Father, Grandparent, Mother, or self).
If the request is by mail, the above-mentioned requirements are needed, in addition to a copy of the requester's valid photo ID, their signature witnessed by a Notary Public, and money order payable to Probate Court, along with their return address. A father who is not included in the birth record, and stepparents, are not entitled to receive copies of birth certificates.
Where and How to Find Henry County Death Records
The Henry County Probate Court keeps Henry County death records. Interested members of the public can request these records via mail or in person at the county probate office.
Death certificates are also provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health and cost $25 for the first record and $5 for each additional record if acquired in the same transaction. 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.
