Cobb County Criminal Records
What Is Cobb County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cobb County, Georgia encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Georgia Code § 35-3-34, which establishes parameters for criminal history record information.
Criminal records in Cobb County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Cobb County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, regardless of whether charges were filed
- Court Records: Official proceedings in Cobb County Superior Court, State Court, and Magistrate Court, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in Cobb County Adult Detention Center or other correctional facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervision following release from incarceration
Important distinctions exist between record types:
- Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document apprehensions, while conviction records indicate a finding of guilt through trial or plea
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor: Felonies constitute more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding 12 months, while misdemeanors carry lesser penalties
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult records (18+) are generally public, while juvenile records are typically sealed under Georgia Code § 15-11-701
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current enforcement actions, while historical records document past proceedings
Primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Cobb County include:
Cobb County Sheriff's Office
100 Cherokee Street
Marietta, GA 30090
770-499-4600
Cobb County Sheriff's Office
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
770-528-1300
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
404-244-2600
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Criminal records typically include charges filed, court proceedings, disposition information, and sentencing details as prescribed by the Georgia Criminal Justice Information System.
Are Criminal Records Public In Cobb County
Criminal records in Cobb County are generally accessible to the public under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-70, which establishes the presumption that public records, including criminal records, shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Georgia. The statute specifically states that "all public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying, except those which by order of a court of this state or by law are specifically exempted from disclosure."
Public criminal records in Cobb County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Conviction information
- Sentencing details
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal records remain restricted from public access, including:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- First offender records after successful completion
- Expunged or restricted records
- Records containing confidential informant information
- Records that would compromise personal privacy beyond public interest
The Georgia First Offender Act under O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60 provides that upon successful completion of probation, the defendant is not considered to have a criminal conviction. These records may be restricted from public access upon completion of sentence requirements.
Law enforcement agencies and courts in Cobb County maintain discretion regarding the release of certain sensitive information within criminal records. The Cobb County Superior Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records, while the Cobb County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and detention records.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records must follow established procedures for record requests, which may include submitting formal applications, providing identification, and paying applicable fees as permitted under Georgia law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Cobb County in 2026
Members of the public may access Cobb County criminal records through multiple channels. The following procedures outline current methods for obtaining these records:
Online Access:
- Visit the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's website to access the public index search
- Navigate to the "Search Records" section
- Select "Criminal Search" from available options
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Print or save electronic copies of publicly available documents
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form at the public terminal area
- Provide specific information about the records sought
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Wait for staff to retrieve requested records
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
770-528-1300
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
Mail Requests:
- Download the records request form from the Clerk's website
- Complete all required fields, including specific case information
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail the complete package to the Clerk's Office address
For Arrest Records and Jail Information:
- Contact the Cobb County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete the required request form
- Provide proper identification
- Pay established fees for record searches and copies
Cobb County Sheriff's Office
100 Cherokee Street
Marietta, GA 30090
770-499-4600
Cobb County Sheriff's Office
For Comprehensive Criminal History:
- Submit fingerprints at the Cobb County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the Georgia Bureau of Investigation request form
- Pay the required fee for background check processing
- Allow processing time as specified by the agency
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 35-3-37, individuals may request their own criminal history record information directly from the Georgia Crime Information Center with proper identification and payment of applicable fees.
How To Find Criminal Records in Cobb County Online?
Cobb County provides several online portals for accessing criminal records electronically. These resources offer varying levels of information and search capabilities:
Cobb County Superior Court Case Search:
The Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's online portal provides access to criminal case information with the following features:
- Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date
- Access to case summaries, charges, and disposition information
- View of scheduled court dates and proceedings
- Access to certain case documents (though some may require in-person retrieval)
- No registration required for basic searches
- Available 24/7 with periodic maintenance downtime
Cobb County Jail Inmate Search:
The Cobb County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup allows users to:
- Search current jail population by name
- View booking information and charges
- Check inmate status and housing location
- Access booking photos
- View bond information when available
- No registration required
Georgia Felon Search:
The Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Search provides:
- Information on convicted felons currently or previously under state supervision
- Incarceration status and location
- Offense information and sentence details
- Scheduled release dates when applicable
- Probation/parole status
- No registration required
Cobb County Magistrate Court Records:
The Cobb County Magistrate Court portal offers:
- Search capabilities for criminal warrants and initial appearances
- Bond information
- Preliminary hearing schedules
- Limited to more recent cases
- No registration required
Georgia Statewide Judicial System:
The Georgia Courts Automated Information System provides:
- Consolidated search across multiple county court systems
- Case status information
- Hearing schedules
- Registration required for full access
- Subscription fees may apply for advanced features
Users should note that online records may not contain complete case information, as certain documents may be available only through in-person requests. Additionally, pursuant to Georgia Code § 50-18-72, some sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests.
Can You Search Cobb County Criminal Records for Free?
Cobb County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, while other searches incur fees. The Georgia Open Records Act § 50-18-71 permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records, but also mandates that inspection of records shall be permitted without charge.
Free Record Access Options:
- In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect publicly available criminal records at no cost during regular business hours at:
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk's Office
70 Haynes Street
Marietta, GA 30090
770-528-1300
Cobb County Superior Court Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
-
Online Case Search: Basic case information is available at no cost through:
-
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals at the courthouse provide free access to electronic court records with the following limitations:
- Available during regular business hours only
- May require staff assistance for certain searches
- Printing fees may apply
Fee-Based Record Services:
- Certified Copies: $5.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Uncertified Copies: $0.25 per page
- Record Search with Staff Assistance: $15.00 per name/case
- Complete Criminal History: $25.00 (fingerprinting required)
- Expedited Processing: Additional fees may apply
The Cobb County Sheriff's Office and Superior Court Clerk accept payment by cash, credit card, money order, or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted for record search fees.
Pursuant to Georgia Code § 15-6-77, which establishes fee schedules for superior court clerks, certain individuals may qualify for fee waivers based on financial hardship through submission of an affidavit of indigence.
What's Included in a Cobb County Criminal Record?
Cobb County criminal records contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized pursuant to Georgia Code § 35-3-33, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed with corresponding Georgia statute references
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting circumstances (as documented in police reports)
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Superior, State, or Magistrate)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Charges filed by the prosecutor (may differ from arrest charges)
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney representation details
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition Information:
- Final outcome of each charge (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines and court costs imposed
- Restitution requirements
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Probation/parole status reports
- Completion of court-ordered programs
Criminal records maintained by the Cobb County Sheriff's Office and Superior Court Clerk are regularly updated to reflect current case status, completion of sentences, and compliance with court orders. Records are maintained in accordance with Georgia's records retention schedule.
How Long Does Cobb County Keep Criminal Records?
Cobb County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Georgia Records Act § 50-18-90 and guidelines from the Georgia Archives. These retention periods ensure proper documentation while balancing administrative needs with public access rights.
Arrest Records:
- Felony arrest records: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrest records: 25 years from date of arrest
- Arrest records resulting in no charges: 5 years
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention
- Incident reports: 10 years from date of report
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 25 years from case disposition
- Traffic violations: 10 years from case disposition
- Court dockets and indices: Permanent retention
- Grand jury records: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 10 years after completion of sentence
Incarceration Records:
- Jail booking and release information: 7 years after release
- Inmate medical records: 10 years after release
- Disciplinary reports: 5 years after inmate release
- Visitor logs: 3 years
Special Categories:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Sex offenses: Permanent retention
- Domestic violence cases: 25 years
- DUI/DWI cases: 10 years
- Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 25, then sealed (with exceptions)
The Georgia Crime Information Center maintains state-level criminal history records indefinitely, unless specifically expunged or restricted by court order. Local records in Cobb County may be archived after their active retention period, with older records transferred to microfilm or electronic storage while maintaining accessibility.
Under Georgia Code § 35-3-37, individuals may petition for restriction (expungement) of certain criminal records under specific circumstances, including:
- Arrests not referred for prosecution
- Cases resulting in dismissal or nolle prosequi
- Cases resolved through pretrial diversion
- First offender act dispositions after successful completion
The Cobb County Superior Court Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records and implements the retention schedule in accordance with state law and administrative requirements.