Upson County Public Records / Upson County Arrest Records

Upson County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Upson County in 2026

UpsonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Upson County, Georgia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal case filings, and inmate rosters. Information presented reflects what has been made available through law enforcement and court sources and may not reflect the most current status of any individual case.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Upson County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Superior Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Upson County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate and booking information accessible to the public. Members of the public may view the active jail roster, which is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status. The Sheriff's Office does not currently operate a standalone online arrest record search portal separate from the jail roster, but booking information is available upon request.

2. Local Police Departments

The Thomaston Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Upson County. The department issues press releases and public notifications regarding significant arrests. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from the Thomaston Police Department may submit a Georgia Open Records Act request directly to the department.

Thomaston Police Department
109 W. Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-4343
Thomaston Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Clerk of Superior Court for Upson County maintains criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case records through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority online portal, which allows name-based searches for filed criminal cases. Court case numbers, charge descriptions, and case disposition information are available through this system.

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 search through the Georgia Crime Information Center. A fee applies for public criminal history record checks. The database includes arrest and disposition information submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Upson County Sheriff's Office
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7331
Upson County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Visitors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest
Copy fees apply per page as established under Georgia law

Police Departments:

Thomaston Police Department
109 W. Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-4343
Thomaston Police Department

Records requests are processed during regular business hours
Requestors should submit a written Open Records Act request identifying the specific records sought

Clerk of Court:

Upson County Clerk of Superior Court
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7835
Upson County Superior Court

Criminal records division is located within the courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Members of the public may inspect case files and request certified copies
Copy fees are assessed per page

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Upson County Sheriff's Office at 116 West Main Street, Thomaston, GA 30286. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on volume but is subject to the three-business-day response requirement under Georgia's Open Records Act.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (706) 647-7331
Basic booking and custody status information may be available by phone
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed records and certified copies require a written request or in-person visit

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors have access to materials beyond what is available to the general public under applicable court rules.

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, Thomaston Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Upson County

Arrest records in Upson County are public records subject to disclosure under Georgia's Open Records Act, codified at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which establishes the right of the public to inspect and copy records maintained by government agencies. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, assist in background screening, and serve the needs of 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
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and 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
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Georgia Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. Due process considerations require that individuals be informed of charges against them, which further supports the public nature of arrest records.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

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

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using background check reports must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Georgia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, but federal contractors are subject to applicable federal guidance. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Upson 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
Arresting agency
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 as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts per 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 are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or 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 from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Financial account 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 an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, redaction, and copying of public records. Current standard fees applicable to arrest record requests in Upson County are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.10 per page (standard rate under Georgia law)
Certified copies	Additional certification fee applies
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
Search/retrieval fee	May apply if search exceeds one hour

Inspection of records at the office is available at no charge
Copies of records are subject to per-page fees
Certification of records carries an additional fee set by the Clerk of Court
Electronic format fees reflect the actual cost of duplication
Search fees may be assessed when retrieval requires more than one hour of staff time
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the agency

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. The Georgia Attorney General's Office provides guidance on permissible fees under the Open Records Act.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Upson 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 through the Georgia Crime Information Center.

Restriction removes the record from public background check results while allowing law enforcement to retain access. Sealing is a court-ordered process that restricts access more broadly. These are distinct from expungement in the traditional sense; Georgia uses the term "restriction" for the administrative process.

Eligibility for Restriction:

Charges were dismissed
The individual was acquitted at trial
No charges were filed following arrest
The arrest was made in error
Certain first-offender dispositions may qualify

Steps to Restrict an Arrest Record in Georgia:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court disposition from the Clerk of Superior Court
Confirm eligibility based on the outcome of the case
Submit a written request to the arresting law enforcement agency requesting restriction of the record
If the agency denies the request, petition the Superior Court in Upson County for an order of restriction
The court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecuting attorney
If the court grants the petition, the Georgia Crime Information Center updates the record accordingly

Contact Information for Restriction Requests:

Upson County Sheriff's Office
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7331
Upson County Sheriff's Office

Upson County Clerk of Superior Court
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7835
Upson County Superior Court

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2639
Georgia Crime Information Center

Individuals seeking restriction of records are encouraged to consult with a licensed Georgia attorney, particularly when the agency has denied an administrative request and court intervention is required.

What Happens After Arrest in Upson County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Upson County, the arrested individual is transported to the Upson County Jail, which is operated by the Upson County Sheriff's Office at 116 West Main Street, Thomaston, GA 30286. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are checked
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Georgia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for a first appearance within 48 hours of arrest. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

Bond/Bail Process:

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

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by Georgia law at ten percent of the bond amount. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

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, 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 typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Upson County Public Defender's Office
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7835
Upson County Superior Court

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations. The State Bar of Georgia provides attorney referral services for those seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The Towaliga Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office reviews arrests and determines whether to file formal charges. Options include filing an accusation or indictment, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different charges. For felony cases, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed.

Towaliga Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-8081
Towaliga Judicial Circuit

Arraignment follows the filing of charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

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, or trial. Georgia offers accountability courts including drug court and mental health court for eligible defendants.

Sentencing, if the defendant is convicted, may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on charge type
Arraignment to resolution: months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: resolved within several months to over a year
Georgia's constitutional speedy trial provisions apply throughout

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Upson County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7331
Upson County Sheriff's Office

Upson County Clerk of Superior Court
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7835
Upson County Superior Court

Towaliga Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-8081
Towaliga Judicial Circuit

Upson County Public Defender
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7835
Upson County Superior Court

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 Upson County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Upson County is governed by Georgia law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Under Georgia's records retention requirements, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case. The Georgia Secretary of State's Records Management Program publishes the official retention schedules applicable to county agencies.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, the Georgia Crime Information Center, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court
Maintained in the state criminal history repository

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum period established by the retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless restricted by court order
Records may remain in databases unless the individual successfully petitions for restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement retains records for the applicable minimum retention period
Court records are often retained permanently
Eligible for restriction upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the applicable retention schedule
May be eligible for restriction or administrative removal

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical booking paperwork is retained per the applicable schedule and may be transferred to archival storage
Digital records management systems often retain records permanently or for extended periods
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely
Court electronic records are generally retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records when a restriction order is issued. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accuracy in reported information, but enforcement is the responsibility of the individual or the Federal Trade Commission.

Retention by Agency:

Upson County Sheriff's Office
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7331
Upson County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Georgia records retention schedule
Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition

Thomaston Police Department
109 W. Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-4343
Thomaston Police Department

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable schedule
Retention periods may vary by record type

Upson County Clerk of Superior Court
116 West Main Street
Thomaston, GA 30286
Phone: (706) 647-7835
Upson County Superior Court

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for the period specified in the retention schedule
Electronic records are generally retained permanently

Georgia Crime Information Center (State Repository):

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Georgia Crime Information Center maintains arrest and disposition records submitted by all law enforcement agencies in the state. Retention is governed by state policy and includes records from all jurisdictions.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by state and local agencies. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless restricted; often not reported on standard employment background checks
Restriction: Physical or electronic records are sealed at the local and state level; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
No charges filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be purged automatically after the applicable minimum period

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Georgia does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for convictions. Arrests without convictions are subject to accuracy requirements under the FCRA.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Upson County Sheriff's Records Division at (706) 647-7331 or submit a written Open Records Act request. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.