Dawson County Arrest Records and Booking Reports
Dawson County booking reports are maintained by the Dawson County Sheriff's Office in Dawsonville and document every arrest processed at the county detention facility. These records are available to the public under Georgia's Open Records Act. Whether you're looking for a current inmate, need recent arrest data, or want to submit a formal records request, this page outlines the process for finding Dawson County jail and booking records.
Dawson County Quick Facts
Booking Records at the Dawson County Jail
When someone is arrested in Dawson County, the sheriff's office processes the booking at the county detention facility in Dawsonville. The booking record logs the person's name, date of birth, the charges filed, the arresting agency, and the date and time of intake. State law under O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7 requires the Dawson County Sheriff to maintain this jail docket and allow the public to view it. That law applies to every Georgia county regardless of population.
The physical docket at the Dawson County Sheriff's Office in Dawsonville is open to anyone who visits during business hours. You can ask to see it without giving a reason. This is a legal right under Georgia law. Copies may be available for a fee. The docket reflects current and recent bookings, though not all historical records may be easily accessible through the physical log.
An arrest record is not a conviction. The person named in the booking log may have been released on bond, had charges dismissed, or may still be waiting for a court date. Only the court record shows the final outcome of a case.
How to Find Dawson County Inmate Records
Dawson County does not appear to offer an online inmate search portal. The fastest way to check on someone's current custody status is to call the Dawson County Sheriff's Office directly. Provide the person's full name and date of birth. Staff can check the current jail log and confirm whether the person is in custody and what charges are on record.
For a written request, file an Open Records Act request with the sheriff's office. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq., the agency must respond within three business days. The first 15 minutes of staff time is free. Larger requests or those requiring extended searches may carry fees. Include as much identifying information as possible to help staff locate the right records efficiently.
Dawson County is in north Georgia, just north of Forsyth County and south of Lumpkin County. The area is part of a growing residential corridor, and the county's jail activity may reflect arrests from the sheriff's office, the Dawsonville Police Department, and Georgia State Patrol operating in the area. Knowing which agency made the arrest can help you find the right record faster.
Statewide Records Through GBI and GCIC
The GBI's Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) maintains statewide criminal history records that cover Dawson County and all other Georgia counties. GCIC is the right source when you need records from more than one county or want a formal comprehensive criminal history. Call GCIC at 404-244-2639 or write to them at 3121 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034.
Visit the GBI GCIC FAQ for guidance on requesting criminal history records for Dawson County arrests and statewide Georgia cases.
The GBI GCIC FAQ covers how to request arrest records and criminal history data for Georgia counties including Dawson County.
If you need a formal record of your own criminal history or are submitting an authorized third-party request, GCIC is the correct state-level contact. The FAQ page explains required documentation, fees, and how long the process typically takes.
Georgia Department of Corrections for State Inmates
After a conviction in Dawson County, a person sentenced to state prison transfers to the Georgia Department of Corrections. The GDC tracks state inmates in a separate system from county jails. If you can't find someone in the local jail and believe they may have been convicted and transferred, use the GDC offender search. You can search by name to find state inmates.
Written GDC record requests can be sent to Inmate Records and Information, PO Box 1529, Forsyth, GA 31029. This is useful for formal verification or when online results are unclear. GDC records cover people currently serving state sentences, not those in county custody or those who have completed their sentences.
VINE Alerts, Open Records, and Court Records
The VINE victim notification service covers Dawson County and provides automatic alerts when an inmate's custody status changes. Register online with the inmate's name to receive notifications by phone, email, or text. VINE is free and runs continuously, so you don't have to call the jail to monitor someone's status. This is especially helpful if you need to track a release or transfer.
The Georgia Open Records Act gives everyone broad rights to access public records, including jail logs and booking data. Most booking records in Dawson County are public. Exemptions under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72 cover active investigations and specific protected records. Denials must be given in writing with the specific exemption cited. Booking photos are generally public records, though commercial use is restricted by O.C.G.A. § 35-1-19.
The Dawson County Superior Court clerk in Dawsonville handles criminal case filings. Check case outcomes through Georgia Courts online. Court records show what happened after an arrest: charges filed, hearings, pleas, and final verdicts. Booking records and court records serve different purposes, but together they give you the complete picture of any case. The Georgia Sheriffs' Association publishes statewide jail statistics that provide context for Dawson County and all other Georgia county jails.
Nearby Counties
Dawson County is in north Georgia's mountain foothills. These neighboring counties also have booking report pages: