What are Newton County Public Records?
Newton County public records are documents collated, filed, maintained, and issued by public agencies in the county. These include letters, photographs, maps, books, tapes, data, and computer or electronic generated information. However, documents containing information deemed confidential by the Georgia Open Records Act are exempted from public disclosure. Examples of such records include:
- Records specifically requested to be kept confidential by federal statute or regulation.
- Medical files, veterinary records, and similar documents
- Law enforcement or prosecution files that may disclose confidential sources, investigation/ surveillance materials, or information that may endanger an individual’s life or physical safety
- Records on pending investigation or prosecution excluding initial police arrest records and incident reports
- Jury list data
- Confidential examinations or evaluation concerning public office appointments
- Pending, rejected, or deferred sealed bids or sealed project proposals and contracts
- Communications subject to attorney-client privilege
- Records that reveal sensitive details like social security numbers, passwords, bank account information, mother's birth name, credit/debit card information, insurance or medical information, and so on.
- Other exemptions under O.C.G.A.§ 50-18-72
Newton County Crime Statistics
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation collates and publishes statewide crime statistics from various counties and municipalities in the state. The 2017 crime report shows that Newton County recorded 2,968 criminal offenses in 2017. A further breakdown revealed that there were 10 murders, 24 rapes, 78 robberies, and 307 vehicle thefts. Statistics also showed that larceny was the most recurring crime in Newton County with 1,714 recorded offenses, followed by burglaries and assault with 516 and 319 incidents, respectively.
Are Newton County Criminal Records Public?
There are some restrictions on the accessibility of Newton County criminal records. Unless otherwise closed by law, criminal history information is available to the record subjects, for employment or licensing proposes, and to third-parties who have the subject’s signed consent. However, Juvenile arrest records, restricted and sealed records are not available except to criminal justice agencies.
Interested persons may obtain records from the Newton County Sheriff's Office by visiting the Administrative Lobby from Monday through Friday at:
Newton County Sheriff's Office
15151 Alcovy Road NE,
Covington, GA 30014
The Sheriff’s Office charges $20 for this service. Call (678) 625-1403 to make inquiries on needed information and other requirements for getting a copy of the Newton criminal record. Alternatively, businesses or agencies may conduct fingerprint-based background checks through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) for licensing, employment, or other non-criminal justice purposes.
How to Obtain Newton County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
To obtain Newton County arrest records, accident/incident reports, and other police reports, interested persons should first determine the record custodian, which may depend on the law enforcement agency that made the arrest or filed the report. For instance, individuals can request these documents from the Newton County Sheriff's Office, Covington Police Department, or other law enforcement agencies in the state, according to jurisdiction.
For reports filed by the Sheriff’s Office, visit the Newton County Law Enforcement Center located at 15151 Alcovy Road, Covington, Georgia. The requested records will be available after three to five days. For other information, call the Sheriff’s Office at 678) 625-1403.
Note: Newton arrest records do not often contain information on case disposition and conviction. Therefore, these should not be used to show proof of criminal involvement.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Newton County
The Sex Offender Unit of the Sheriff’s Office is responsible for registering and monitoring sex offenders and predators who reside in Newton County. As per O.C.G.A. § 42-1-12 (i), the unit also creates and maintains a list of these offenders, which is then submitted to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and updated frequently. Individuals can access sex offender information through the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. Users can download the registry, view the bi-monthly map or report, or find a particular offender with the search tool.
How to Find Newton County Inmate Records
The Newton County Sheriff Office maintains information on inmates incarcerated in the Newton County Correctional Center. Individuals may use the inmate information search links on the website or make requests for inmate records by contacting the Detention Unit at:
Newton County Sheriff's Office
15151 Alcovy Road NE,
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (678) 625-1567
Requesters should provide specific information such as inmate details, requester details, mailing address, contact details, and fees when required.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Newton County Jail?
Interested persons must schedule visits to the Newton County Detention Center at least 72 hours before the preferred inmate’s visitation time. Generally, visits are on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. However, each inmate has a set schedule. Interested persons should call (678) 625-1567 or the inmate for the time and other requirements.
The inmate has up to 30 minutes for visits, but children (not more than two) can only visit on Sundays. All visitors must present state-issued picture identification, dress appropriately, and arrive at least 20 minutes before the prearranged time. Visitors are subject to search and cannot take personal items into the visiting area. These should be left in the vehicle or locker. Find other information online or contact the jail at:
15151 Alcovy Road NE,
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (678) 625-1420
Fax: (678) 625-1450
Court Records
Newton County court records are documents or files created, collated, file, and maintained by the courts under the county's jurisdiction. These materials may contain information on criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and probate matters, including the court's proceedings and administrative actions. Examples of court records include dockets, audio recordings, transcripts, and case files.
Listed below are the locations and contact information of all courthouses in Newton County, Georgia.
Newton County Superior Court
Newton County Judicial Center
1132 Usher Street,
Room 338,
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 784-2035
Fax: (770) 385-8930
Newton County Juvenile Court
Newton County Judicial Center
1132 Usher Street,
Room 338,
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 784-2035
Fax: (770) 385-8930
Newton County Probate Court
Newton County Judicial Center
1132 Usher Street,
Room 148,
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 784-2045
Fax: (770) 784-2145
Newton County Magistrate Court
Newton County Judicial Center
1132 Usher Street,
Room 338,
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 784-2035
Fax: (770) 784-8930
Covington Municipal Court
1143 Oak Street SE,
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 385-2141
Fax: (770) 385-2198
Oxford Municipal Court
110 West Clark,
Oxford, GA 30054
Phone: (770) 786-7004
Porterdale Municipal Court
2 North Broad Street,
P.O. Box 667,
Porterdale, GA 30070
Phone: (770) 786-2217
Are Newton County Court Records Public?
Newton court records are open to public access unless otherwise restricted by law or court order. Like other public records, individuals may find information online or obtain copies by making requests to the record custodian in person, via mail, or other available channels. However, access to court material and information exempted by the Georgia Open Records Act or sealed by court rule will require legitimate claims or authorization.
How to Obtain Newton County Civil Court Case Records
The Newton County Superior Court Clerk maintains records of civil case records filed in county courts and issues non-confidential documents to interested persons on request. Individuals may use the online case search tool to get case details or obtain copies by calling (770) 784-2035 or sending request letters or forms to:
Newton County Judicial Center
1132 Usher Street,
Covington, GA 30014
Email: copyrequest@co.newton.ga.us
Interested persons may also contact the court that filed the case for access to records and requirements, which may include case details and duplication fees.
How to Obtain Newton County Criminal Court Records
Newton County criminal court records are available at the Newton Clerk of Courts Office. Interested persons may conduct an online case search, call (770) 784-2035, or send written request letter or downloaded forms to the clerk at:
Newton County Judicial Center
1132 Usher Street,
Covington, GA 30014
Email: copyrequest@co.newton.ga.us
Requests must contain specific case details such as case/docket number, party names, filing date, court name, and so on. When required, requesters must also provide copying fees, proof of identification, or authorization for case files with restricted access. Individuals may also direct requests for criminal case records to the court where the case was filed.
What are Newton County Vital Records?
Newton County vital records are government-generated documents detailing life events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that occur to individuals in the county. These records are mostly public, especially to the record subject, close relatives, legal guardians, and legal representatives. Interested persons can find Newton vital records at the state level with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) Vital Records Office and locally from the original custodian.
Where and How to Obtain Newton County Divorce Records
Records of divorces granted by the Newton County courts are accessible through the Newton Clerk of Courts Office. For copies of final judgment and decree, interested parties should send requests letters or forms containing information like party names, civil action number, final decree date, and location to the Clerk of Superior Court located at:
Newton County Judicial Center
1132 Usher Street,
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 784-2035
Fax: (770) 385-8930
Alternatively, individuals can verify divorces that happened from June 1952 to August 1996 by sending the completed verification request form, photocopy of photo identification, and fees to the Georgia Department of Public Health at:
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard,
Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
Or the local office at:
Newton County Probate Court
1132 Usher Street,
Room 148
Covington, GA 30014
The Vital Records Office charges $10 for the search and first certified copy and $5 per additional copy.
Where and How to Get Public Newton County Marriage Records
Newton County marriage records are available locally at the Newton County Probate Court and statewide records at the DPH Vital Records Office. For Probate Court records, interested persons should send the search request form, fees in the form of a money order or certified check, and a copy of valid photo identification to:
Newton County Probate Court
1132 Usher Street,
Room 148
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 784-2015
Fax: (770) 784- 2145
Furthermore, the Vital Records Office issues copies of Newton County marriage certificates from June 1952 to August 1996 and verifies marriages from January 2014. Individuals should send completed and signed request form (marriage search/verification), photocopy of valid photo identification, and fees to:
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard
Suite 100,
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 679-4702
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Newton County
Newton County marriage records rendered confidential by the married couple under court order are available to the parties, persons with court disclosure order, authorized government agencies, and other authorized persons. Qualified persons may access or obtain copies of these documents from the Newton County Probate Court by sending the search request form, fees in a money order or certified check, and photocopy of valid photo identification to:
Newton County Probate Court
1132 Usher Street,
Room 148
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 784-2015
Fax: (770) 784- 2145
For copies of Newton County marriage certificates from June 1952 to August 1996, download the request form, fill and send it to the Georgia Department of Public Health at:
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard
Suite 100,
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 679-4702
Newton marriage records cost $10 for the search and first certified copy and $5 per additional copy.
Where and How to Find Newton County Birth Records
The DPH Vital Records Office and Newton County Probate Court issue certified copies of Newton County birth records at the state and county level, respectively. Individuals may also search for records older than 1919 at the State Archives. To make requests, send filled request forms with fees and a copy of valid photo identification to:
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard
Suite 100,
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 679-4702
Or
Newton County Probate Court
1132 Usher Street,
Room 148
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 784-2015
Fax: (770) 784- 2145
The first certified copy of a Newton County birth certificate costs $25, and each additional copy costs $5.
Note: In some instances, access to certified copies may be restricted to the record subject, named parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse, legal guardian/agent, attorneys, and state/federal government officials.
Where and How to Find Newton County Death Records
Interested individuals with tangible claims and interests can obtain copies of Newton County death records filed since January 1919 from the DPH Vital Records Office or Newton County Probate Court. However, in some cases, custodians may restrict access to the deceased’s spouse, parents, grandparents, siblings, legal guardian/agent, attorneys, and state/federal government officials. To make requests, send filled request forms along with fees and a copy of valid photo identification to:
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard
Suite 100,
Atlanta, GA 30349
Phone: (404) 679-4702
Or
Newton County Probate Court
1132 Usher Street,
Room 148
Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 784-2015
Fax: (770) 784- 2145
The first certified copy of a Newton County death certificate costs $25, and each additional copy costs $5.
Note: Older death records may be available at Georgia Archives.
