What are Lowndes County Public Records?
The Georgia Open Records Act describes public records as all documents, data, and computer-based or generated information, created, preserved, or received by a public agency. Lowndes County public records include photographs, writings, documents, maps, audio data, and videos. Residents may inspect and obtain copies of these records, excluding some records prevented from public disclosure under the act. Some exempt information includes:
- Medical or veterinary records where disclosure will be an invasion of personal privacy
- Some law enforcement or prosecution records
- Motor vehicle accident reports
- Records of evaluations regarding the appointment or hiring of a public employee
- Jury list data
- Records with Department of Natural Resources information about the location or character of historic properties
Lowndes County Crime Statistics
Crime statistics for all state counties are provided by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). The GBI's figures for 2018 show that Lowndes County had 2 murders, 15 rape cases, 43 robberies, and 203 cases of aggravated assault. The report also shows 485 burglaries, 16 cases of arson, 197 motor vehicle thefts, and 2,337 cases of larceny-theft. With a total of 3,298 reported crimes and a population of 116,126, Lowndes County had a crime rate of 2,840 offenses per 100,000 people. The number of index crimes recorded in 2018 was a 32% reduction from figures in 2017.
Are Lowndes County Criminal Records Public?
Lowndes County criminal records are not public records. Under Georgia law, the general public cannot inspect or obtain copies of these records. Anyone seeking third-party Lowndes criminal records may only gain access after obtaining written permission from the subject of the record. Note that the letter of consent from the subject of the record must include details such as a full name, address, date of birth, and a social security number.
The Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) provides access to some criminal record information via its Felon Search. Obtainable details include pleas, convictions, and sentences. Interested persons may search using a person's name and date of birth. Finding records on the Felon Search costs $15 for each search and does not require permission from the person named on the record. Payments are accepted online via credit cards.
How to Obtain Lowndes County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Residents may request police reports and arrest records from the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. To obtain a Lowndes County arrest record, complete the appropriate portion of the Sheriff's Office request form. Fill the form with the name of the arrested person, arrest date, race, sex, and birth date. For a Lowndes County incident report, the requestor would require a case number or CFS number, incident date, incident type, and the names of persons involved. Send the completed form to:
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office
120 Prison Farm Road
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 671-2900
Alternatively, request desired records by sending a fax to (229) 333-5141 or email to sorecords@lowndescounty.com.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Lowndes County
The Lowndes County Sheriff's Office maintains an online sex offender registry with information on the county's sex offenders. The registry displays a list of all registered sex offenders, arranged in alphabetical order. Available information on Lowndes County sex offenders includes the offender's full name, address, physical description, and age. Users may also access the offender's charge, risk level, and a booking photograph.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation also provides online access to statewide details of registered sex offenders. The GBI's registry allows users to find offenders by entering a name, offender type, offense, race, and other specific details. Photographs, physical descriptors, address, registration date, conviction information, and offense details are some of the data provided online.
How to Find Lowndes County Inmate Records
Lowndes County inmate records are obtainable online via the Sheriff's Office's inmates list. Although the database is not searchable, the list is arranged in alphabetical order. The list contains each inmate's full name, bond information, charge details, and physical descriptors, such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and sex. The Sheriff's Office's inmates list only contains information on currently incarcerated persons. Also, inmate photographs are unavailable.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Lowndes County Jail?
Residents interested in visits to the Lowndes County Jail may contact the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office for more information. To confirm an inmate's eligibility or schedule a visit, contact the:
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office
120 Prison Farm Road
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 671-2900
Mailing address:
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 667
Valdosta, GA 31603
Court Records
The Lowndes County court system comprises Superior, State, Juvenile, Probate, Magistrate, and Municipal Courts. The Superior Court is the county's highest, with general jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases. While the others are courts of limited jurisdiction, some have exclusive original jurisdiction over certain case types. The Juvenile court's exclusive original jurisdiction covers cases involving minors, especially those deemed unruly, delinquent, or in need of mental care. The Probate Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over matters regarding the administration of estates, probate of wills, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Locations of Courts in Lowndes County
Lowndes County Superior Court
Lowndes County Judicial Complex
327 North Ashley Street
First Floor
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 333-5127
Fax: (229) 333-7637
Mailing Address
Lowndes County Superior Court
P.O. Box 1349
Valdosta, GA 31603
State Court of Lowndes County
Lowndes County Judicial Complex
327 North Ashley Street
First Floor
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 333-5127
Fax: (229) 333-7637
Mailing Address
State Court of Lowndes County
P.O. Box 1349
Valdosta, GA 31603
Lowndes County Juvenile Court
Lowndes County Judicial Complex
327 North Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 333-5127
Fax: (229) 333-7637
Probate Court of Lowndes County
Lowndes County Judicial Complex
327 North Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 671-2650
Fax: (229) 333-7646
Lowndes County Magistrate Court
Lowndes County Judicial Complex
327 North Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 671-2610
Fax: (229) 671-3442
Municipal Court of Dasher
3686 US Highway 41 South
Dasher, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 559-3146
Fax: (229) 559-3147
Municipal Court of Hahira
102 South Church Street
Hahira, GA 31632
Phone: (229) 794-2440
Municipal Court of Lake Park
120 North Essa Street
Lake Park, GA 31636
Phone: (229) 559-7470
Municipal Court of Remerton
1757 Poplar Street
Remerton, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 247-2320, extension 28
Municipal Court of Valdosta
100 South Oak Street
P.O. Box 1083
Valdosta, GA 31603
Phone: (229) 293-3171
Fax: (229) 333-1803
Are Lowndes County Court Records Public?
Lowndes County court records are public. For the most part, anyone can visit the court or send in an application to request copies of court records. The courts, however, cannot guarantee public access to all court records. For instance, expunged records are unavailable to the public. Also, courts may restrict access to records that contain delicate information. Individuals may also petition courts to restrict access to court records.
Can You Look up a Lowndes County Court Case Online?
Interested persons may access information on court cases using the county's online portal. The portal provides a smart search that allows users to find records by name or record number. Advanced filtering options include location, case or judgment search, status, and file date range.
How to Obtain Lowndes County Court Case Records
The Lowndes County Clerk of Court provides access to court records. Persons interested in finding public Lowndes County court case records may send written requests to the Clerk of Court or visit the clerk's office. Persons making these requests must provide information about the records sought. Such information may include the names of parties, dates, events, arrest details, judgment details, and other relevant specifics. Interested persons may send these details in written requests or visit the court in person. The Clerk of Court may charge varying fees to make these records available. Use the following contact details:
Lowndes County Superior Court
Lowndes County Judicial Complex
327 North Ashley Street
First Floor
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 333-5127
Fax: (229) 333-7637
Mailing Address
Lowndes County Superior Court
P.O. Box 1349
Valdosta, GA 31603
What are Lowndes County Vital Records?
Lowndes County vital records comprise details of life events, such as marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Vital records are created and maintained by varying government entities, depending on the specific record. Lowndes County vital records are obtainable from the Lowndes County Superior Court, Probate Court, or the Lowndes County Department of Health.
Where and How to Obtain Lowndes County Divorce Records
The Lowndes County Clerk of Superior Court maintains records of divorces finalized in the county. Residents may send written requests to the clerk or provide details in person. The interested requestor must provide the parties' names, court dates, judgment details, and judgment date. The user may also add other details as may be relevant to the divorce. Note that individuals may also pay request fees to obtain copies. Send the request or visit:
Lowndes County Superior Court
Lowndes County Judicial Complex
327 North Ashley Street
First Floor
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 333-5127
Fax: (229) 333-7637
Mailing Address
Lowndes County Superior Court
P.O. Box 1349
Valdosta, GA 31603
Where and How to Get Marriage Records in Lowndes County
The Lowndes County Probate Court issues marriage licenses to intending couples and also maintains copies of these records. Georgia law provides that marriage records are public records and should be available to all requestors. To request a Lowndes County marriage certificate, complete the marriage record request form with the names of the marriage license applicants at the time of application. Include the date of marriage and the requestor's contact information. Photocopies of marriage licenses and marriage applications cost $1 each. A certified copy of a marriage license costs $10. The Probate Court also charges $10 for a certified copy of a marriage application and license. Send the request along with a stamped and self-addressed envelope to:
Lowndes County Probate Court
327 North Ashley Street
Valdosta, GA 31601
Phone: (229) 671-2650
Fax: (229) 333-7646
Where and How to Find Lowndes County Birth Records
Residents may obtain copies of Lowndes County birth records from the Lowndes County Health Department. Lowndes County birth certificates are not public records. Only the following persons may obtain copies:
- The subject of the record
- Parents named on the record
- An authorized agent or legal guardian
- A grandparent
- Adult child or sibling
- Spouse
- Attorney
To obtain a Lowndes County birth record for births since 1919, provide a signed request which includes the following:
- The subject's full name
- Date of birth, specifying the day, month, and year
- Place of birth, such as the hospital and city
- Mother's full name, including a maiden name
- Father's name if listed on the birth record
- The requestor's name, mailing address, phone number, and relationship with the subject on the record
The first copy of a Lowndes County birth record costs $25. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $5. Mail requests are payable by checks or money orders made out to Vital Records. Enclose the completed form with a self-addressed and stamped envelope and a copy of a state-issued ID not expired more than one year. An out-of-state ID should not be expired. Send the request to:
Lowndes County Health Department
206 South Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA 31603
Phone: (229) 245-2326
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.), Mondays through Fridays.
Where and How to Find Lowndes County Death Records
The Lowndes County Health Department maintains records of all county deaths since 1919. Access to Lowndes birth records is restricted to applicants that can prove a direct and tangible interest in the record. These may include the decedent's family members or their legal representatives. The Lowndes County Health Department charges $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Mail orders require payments via money orders or checks payable to Vital Records. Individuals requesting in person may pay using cash, debit cards, or credit cards. Send the request with a photocopy of a state-issued photo ID to:
Lowndes County Health Department
206 South Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA 31603
Phone: (229) 245-2326
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.), Mondays through Fridays.
Individuals may also request in person at the above address. Most mail requests are processed and sent out on the same day.
