Union County Public Records / Union County Arrest Records

Union County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Union County in 2026

UnionGARecords.us provides publicly available data related to arrest records in Union County, Georgia, including booking information, charges, custody status, and court case details. Members of the public may find records such as arrest logs, inmate rosters, criminal case filings, and booking photographs through official government portals and third-party aggregators. Access to these records is subject to applicable state law and agency policy, and the availability of specific details may vary by record type and jurisdiction.

Official resources for searching arrest records include the Union County Sheriff's Office online inmate inquiry portal, the Union County Clerk of Superior Court, the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), and public access terminals located at county government offices. Online tools allow members of the public to conduct name-based searches, review current jail rosters, and retrieve associated court case numbers without visiting a government office in person.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Union County Sheriff's Office inmate inquiry portal provides real-time access to current jail roster data, including the arrestee's name, primary charge, arrest date, booking agency, and booking number. The portal is updated on a continuous basis as new bookings are processed. Members of the public may search by name to retrieve available custody information without submitting a formal records request.

2. Local Police Departments

The Union County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Union County, Georgia. The City of Blairsville Police Department handles arrests within the city limits. Press releases and public incident summaries are periodically published through official agency channels and may include arrest information for notable cases.

Blairsville Police Department
385 Blue Ridge Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 745-2611
City of Blairsville

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Union County Clerk of Superior Court maintains all civil and criminal case filings in the Superior Court. Members of the public may search by an arrestee's name to locate associated court case numbers, charge information, and case disposition. The Clerk's office also serves as the official custodian of property records, plats, and other legal instruments filed in Union County.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) maintains the Georgia Crime Information Center, which serves as the state-level repository for criminal history records. Members of the public may submit a request for a Georgia criminal history record check through the GBI's GCIC division. A fee of $25.00 per subject applies to public criminal history requests. The database includes arrest records from all law enforcement agencies reporting to the state system.

In-Person Access:

Union County Sheriff's Office
65 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6000
Union County Sheriff's Office

The Records Division of the Sheriff's Office accepts in-person requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number.

Union County Clerk of Superior Court
114 Courthouse Street, Suite 4
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6022
Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Criminal case files may be inspected at the public access terminal located in the Clerk's office. Certified copies are available for a fee.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Union County Sheriff's Office at 65 Courthouse Street, Blairsville, GA 30512. Each request should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be enclosed. Processing time for mailed requests is subject to agency workload and may range from several business days to several weeks.

By Phone:

The Union County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (706) 439-6000 during regular business hours. Staff can confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Detailed record copies are not available by phone and require either an in-person visit, a mailed request, or an online submission through the Open Records Request portal.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court may compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access channels.

Information Needed for Search:

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

Are Arrest Records Public in Union County

Arrest records in Union County, Georgia, are public records subject to disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, which establishes the right of any person to inspect and copy public records maintained by state and local government agencies. The Act reflects the principle that government operations, including law enforcement activities, must remain transparent and accountable to the public.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer's name
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond or bail amount and type
Current custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under Georgia law and are not subject to routine public disclosure
Expunged or restricted records are removed from public access pursuant to court order
Records pertaining to active criminal investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Victim identifying information in certain offense categories is protected from disclosure
Confidential informant identities and undercover officer information are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Georgia Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of government accountability. Courts have consistently recognized that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges do not result in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers conducting background screening, subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance requirements
Landlords, with applicable restrictions
Licensing and regulatory agencies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with adverse action procedures. Under current federal law, arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies after seven years. Georgia does not at present have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements.

What's in Union County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and race
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer information
Booking date, time, and booking number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and applicable statute numbers
Charge classification (felony or misdemeanor, with degree or class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Booking photograph
Fingerprints (collected during booking but not included in public record copies)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount and type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
Release date and time, if applicable
Conditions of release, where publicly available

Court Information:

Assigned court case number
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment or hearing date
Judge assignment, if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements and victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks compile information from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

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

Under the Georgia Open Records Act, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying of public records. The following fee structure applies to records requests submitted to Union County agencies:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.10 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$2.50 per document
Georgia criminal history (GBI/GCIC)	$25.00 per subject
Electronic records (where available)	Actual cost of production
Inspection of records (no copies)	No charge

Accepted payment methods at the Clerk of Court and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the applicable agency. The Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, governs the fees that agencies may charge and prohibits agencies from imposing fees that exceed the actual cost of production. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Union 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 (a court-ordered restriction applicable in specific circumstances). Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have certain arrest records restricted from public access, meaning the records are removed from the Georgia Crime Information Center's public database and are not disclosed to the general public or most employers.

Restriction is available in the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
The individual was acquitted at trial
The arrest did not result in formal charges being filed
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
A conviction was reversed on appeal with no retrial ordered

Individuals who believe they are eligible for restriction must submit a petition to the arresting law enforcement agency and, in some cases, to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The process involves:

Obtaining a copy of the criminal history record from the GBI
Completing the official restriction petition form
Submitting the petition to the arresting agency (Union County Sheriff's Office or applicable police department)
The agency reviews eligibility and, if approved, forwards the request to the GBI for removal from the state database
The GBI processes the restriction and notifies the petitioner

Union County Sheriff's Office (Records Division)
65 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6000
Union County Sheriff's Office

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2639
GBI Criminal History Records

Restriction does not guarantee removal from third-party commercial databases, which are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records independently of the state system.

What Happens After Arrest in Union County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Union County Detention Center, which serves as the primary booking and holding facility for the county.

Union County Detention Center
65 Courthouse Street
Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: (706) 439-6000
Union County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. This process includes recording personal information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, and completing a medical screening. The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Georgia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for a first appearance hearing within 48 hours of arrest. At this hearing, the magistrate formally advises the individual of the charges, determines bond eligibility and amount, and, where applicable, appoints counsel for indigent defendants. Hearings may be conducted in person or via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the detention facility. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at 12% of the bond amount under Georgia law.

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

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

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which takes approximately one to eight hours. Written conditions of release and the next court date are provided at the time of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office – Appalachian Judicial Circuit
Serves Union County, Georgia
Phone: (706) 632-2214
Georgia Public Defender Council

Private Attorney: Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Georgia maintains a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.

Charging Decision:

The District Attorney's Office for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit reviews arrest files and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, or decline prosecution. For felony offenses, the case may be presented to a grand jury for indictment.

Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
100 Curtis Parkway, Suite 1
Blue Ridge, GA 30513
Phone: (706) 632-2214
Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys' Council

Arraignment: At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. Pretrial motions may address suppression of evidence, dismissal of charges, or other legal issues. Plea negotiations may result in a resolution prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the arrest or charging process
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete a pretrial intervention program, drug court, or mental health court, resulting in dismissal of charges upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated plea to agreed-upon charges and sentencing recommendations
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial, resulting in a verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (if convicted): The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination of these sanctions. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment
Right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right to appeal a conviction

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Invoke the right to remain silent clearly and politely
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or a bail bondsman for assistance with bond
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Union County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Georgia is governed by the Georgia Records Act and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Under current law, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with the applicable retention schedule, which varies based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the Georgia Crime Information Center
Maintained in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index indefinitely
Appear on background checks without a time limitation under federal law

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in court records and the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of seven years, with many agencies maintaining records permanently in digital systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of two years, subject to agency policy
Court records: Retained permanently in the Clerk's electronic case management system
State repository: Remain in the GCIC database unless the subject successfully petitions for restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Law enforcement booking records are retained for a minimum of two years
Eligible for restriction from the state criminal history database

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of two years
Eligible for restriction from the GCIC database upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the applicable Georgia records retention schedule. Physical records may be transferred to archival storage after the active retention period.

Digital Records: Records management systems and court electronic filing systems retain records on a permanent basis in most instances. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial operators are not subject to Georgia's records retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregator websites may retain arrest records independently of law enforcement systems. These entities are not required to update or remove records when a Georgia restriction order is issued, though the FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information. Individuals whose records have been restricted may need to contact third-party operators directly to request removal.

Retention by Agency:

Union County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum two years for no-conviction cases; permanent for conviction cases
Arrest reports: Retained per Georgia records retention schedule
Phone: (706) 439-6000

Union County Clerk of Superior Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum seven years
Electronic records: Permanent
Phone: (706) 439-6022

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC:

Maintains arrest records from all reporting agencies statewide
Retention policy follows state and federal guidelines
Georgia Criminal History Records

FBI Database:

National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records on a permanent basis
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background check and investigative purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal or acquittal: Remains in databases unless restricted; not reported on most consumer background checks
Restriction granted: Local records sealed; GCIC database updated; FBI database may retain with a notation; third-party databases not automatically updated
No charges filed: Shortest retention period; eligible for restriction upon petition

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies may not report arrests that did not result in conviction after seven years from the date of arrest. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Georgia does not at present impose a shorter reporting period by state statute for most employment purposes. Licensing agencies and certain regulated industries may access records beyond the standard consumer reporting period.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Union County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (706) 439-6000 or submit a written inquiry to 65 Courthouse Street, Blairsville, GA 30512. A formal public records request submitted through the Union County Open Records Request portal may be used to obtain information about the status of a specific arrest record.