Dodge County Public Records / Dodge County Arrest Records

Dodge County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dodge County in 2026

DodgeCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Dodge County, Georgia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Record categories available through official channels include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, bond information, and inmate rosters.

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Dodge County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Dodge County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may search current inmate information through the Georgia Department of Corrections offender search portal. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, with active bookings reflected within 24 hours of intake.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Eastman Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Dodge County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications. Members of the public seeking arrest information from city-level law enforcement may submit a written open records request directly to the Eastman Police Department.

Eastman Police Department
102 College Street
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-4531
City of Eastman

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Dodge County Clerk of Superior Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case filings by defendant name through the Georgia Superior Court case search system or by visiting the clerk's office in person. Court case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information are available through this resource.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record through the GBI's Criminal History Records portal. A fee of $25.00 per search applies to public requests. The database includes arrests from all Georgia jurisdictions and reflects charges, dispositions, and conviction history.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Dodge County Sheriff's Office
5765 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-6522
Dodge County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known arrest details
Copy fees: $0.10 per page for standard copies; $1.00 per page for certified copies

Police Departments:

Eastman Police Department
102 College Street
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-4531
City of Eastman

Records requests are processed through the records division during business hours
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Copy fees: $0.10 per page

Clerk of Court:

Dodge County Clerk of Superior Court
5401 Anson Avenue, Suite 100
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-2871
Dodge County Superior Court

Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; $2.50 per certified document

By Mail:

Written requests may be submitted to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office at 5765 Anson Avenue, Eastman, GA 31023. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return address. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office. Processing time is 3–5 business days for standard requests.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (478) 374-6522
Inmate status inquiries may be handled by phone during business hours
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal open records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed arrest records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in active criminal cases provide defense counsel access to arrest reports, booking records, and related documentation through the Dodge County District Attorney's Office.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Eastman Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Dodge County

Arrest records in Dodge County are public records under Georgia law. Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, all records maintained by state and local government agencies are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records serve the public interest by promoting government transparency, enabling community awareness of law enforcement activity, supporting journalism and academic research, facilitating background screening, and providing documentation for legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Georgia law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing cases
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases, including sexual offenses
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Georgia Constitution and the Georgia Open Records Act establish the legal framework for public access to government records. Courts have consistently recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals, to protect individuals from ongoing reputational harm based on unresolved or dismissed matters.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Georgia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt and may not be used as conclusive evidence of criminal conduct.

What's in Dodge County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, GBI, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Georgia statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected during booking but not included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Dodge County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Dodge County varies by agency and record type. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying of public records. Inspection of records at a public terminal is available at no charge. The following fee schedule reflects current standard rates:

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.10
Certified copy (per page)	$0.25–$1.00
GBI criminal history search	$25.00
Electronic records (where available)	Varies
Certification of records	$2.50 per document

Inspection of records in person carries no fee
Agencies may charge for staff time when a request requires more than 15 minutes of search and retrieval
Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order at most county offices; the GBI accepts credit card payments online
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest
Journalists and researchers may request fee waivers by submitting a written explanation of the public benefit of the request

How To Delete Arrest Records in Dodge County

Georgia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: restriction (the Georgia equivalent of expungement, which seals records from public view) and sealing (court-ordered confidentiality). Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have certain arrest records restricted from public access under qualifying circumstances.

Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Restricted:

Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
The individual was acquitted at trial
No charges were filed following arrest
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
The arrest resulted from a case of mistaken identity

Steps to Restrict an Arrest Record in Georgia:

Obtain a certified copy of the disposition from the Dodge County Clerk of Superior Court
Complete the Record Restriction Request form available through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Submit the completed form and supporting documentation to the arresting agency (Dodge County Sheriff's Office or Eastman Police Department)
The arresting agency reviews the request and forwards it to the GBI for processing
The GBI updates the state criminal history repository upon approval
Processing time is 30–90 days following submission of a complete request

Dodge County Clerk of Superior Court
5401 Anson Avenue, Suite 100
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-2871
Georgia Courts

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – Headquarters
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2501
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Individuals whose records are restricted retain the obligation to disclose the arrest when applying for certain professional licenses, law enforcement positions, or positions requiring a security clearance. Restriction does not guarantee removal from third-party commercial databases, which are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update their records following a state restriction order.

What Happens After Arrest in Dodge County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Dodge County Jail located at 5765 Anson Avenue, Eastman, GA 31023. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Dodge County Jail, the booking process begins. The process takes approximately 1–4 hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the GBI and FBI
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Georgia law, individuals arrested without a warrant must be brought before a magistrate within 48 hours for a probable cause determination. At the first appearance hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed

The hearing may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Georgia Courts website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. Bond amounts are set by the magistrate or according to a bond schedule.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium of approximately 10–15% of the total bond amount.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately 1–8 hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written court date, and written conditions of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned to a housing unit pending further court proceedings.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Dodge County Public Defender's Office
5401 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-2871
Georgia Public Defender Council

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Private attorneys may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and are permitted to conduct confidential consultations at the jail.

Charging Decision:

The Dodge County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.

Dodge County District Attorney's Office
5401 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-0515
Oconee Judicial Circuit

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as pretrial intervention or drug court), plea agreements, and trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within 3–6 months in most cases
Felonies: Resolved within 6–18 months in most cases
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Georgia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Important Contacts:

Dodge County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
5765 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-6522
Dodge County Sheriff's Office

Dodge County Clerk of Superior Court
5401 Anson Avenue, Suite 100
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-2871
Georgia Courts

Dodge County District Attorney's Office
5401 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-0515
Oconee Judicial Circuit

Dodge County Public Defender's Office
5401 Anson Avenue
Eastman, GA 31023
Phone: (478) 374-2871
Georgia Public Defender Council

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dodge County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Dodge County is governed by Georgia state law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Local agencies are required to follow the Georgia Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90, which establishes minimum retention periods for public records. The following retention periods reflect current policy.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, GBI state repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and GBI state repository
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of 10 years

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
Court records: Often retained permanently unless restricted by court order
State repository: Retained unless a restriction order is granted under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement: Minimum 5 years
Court records: Often retained permanently
Eligible for restriction upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum 2–5 years
Eligible for restriction in most cases

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork: Retained per the applicable schedule, minimum 5 years
Digital records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies; some commercial databases retain records indefinitely
Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and restriction requirements as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current records, but enforcement of update obligations following a state restriction order requires direct contact with the reporting company.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum 5 years
Arrest reports: Minimum 5 years
Investigative files: Varies by case type; serious felonies retained permanently
Contact: (478) 374-6522

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum 10 years
Traffic cases: Minimum 5 years
Electronic records: Permanent

GBI State Repository:

Maintains records from all Georgia jurisdictions
Retention is permanent for convictions; restricted records are flagged but not destroyed
Accessible through the GBI Criminal History Records portal

FBI Database:

NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records permanently
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and licensing

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases
Dismissal: May remain unless restricted; local retention minimum 5 years
Expungement/Restriction: Physical records sealed or flagged; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged after 2–5 years; eligible for immediate restriction in most cases

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of 7 years for positions with annual compensation below $75,000. Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of compensation level. Georgia does not currently impose a statewide limit on the reporting period for convictions. Arrests without conviction are subject to restriction under Georgia law and may not be reported following a successful restriction order.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Dodge County Sheriff's Records Division at (478) 374-6522
Submit a written public records request specifying the arrest date and booking number
Fees may apply for copies of records or written confirmation of retention status

Lookup Arrest Records in Dodge County

Georgia Department of Corrections offender search