Lee County Public Records / Lee County Arrest Records

Lee County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lee County in 2026

LeeGERecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Lee County, Georgia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and inmate roster entries. Information presented reflects public data and may not reflect the most current case status or final disposition.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Lee County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Superior Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains current inmate roster and booking information accessible to the public. The roster includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status. Records are updated on a rolling basis as new bookings occur and releases are processed.

2. Local Police Departments

The Leesburg Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Lee County. Arrest-related press releases and public incident information may be obtained directly from the department's records division. Members of the public may submit a written request for arrest logs under the Georgia Open Records Act.

Leesburg Police Department 100 W Walnut Ave Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6002

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Lee County Clerk of Superior Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority online portal. Court case numbers, charge descriptions, and case status are available through this system.

Lee County Clerk of Superior Court 100 Leslie Hwy Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6018 Lee County Superior Court Clerk

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search. A fee of $25.00 currently applies to public criminal history requests submitted through the GBI. The database includes arrest records from all Georgia jurisdictions.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Lee County Sheriff's Office 109 Starksville Ave N Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6012 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Lee County Sheriff's Office

Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Georgia law.

Clerk of Court:

Lee County Clerk of Superior Court 100 Leslie Hwy Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6018 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Lee County Superior Court Clerk

Criminal case files are available for inspection at the clerk's office. Certified copies carry an additional fee per document.

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Lee County Sheriff's Office should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requester's return address and contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

The Lee County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (229) 759-6012 for general arrest inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requesters may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records are the appropriate mechanism for obtaining records not otherwise available through public access channels.

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

Are Arrest Records Public in Lee County

Arrest records in Lee County are public records under Georgia law. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, all public records maintained by state and local government agencies are subject to inspection and copying by any member of the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records serve the purposes of government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted and may be sealed under Georgia law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Georgia Constitution and the Georgia Open Records Act establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have 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 and dispositions.

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) 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 separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Lee 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, which may be limited in public releases

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
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 by felony degree or misdemeanor 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
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record releases
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where 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
Substance abuse information
Social Security number, which is 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 the arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

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

Under Georgia law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying of public records. The following fee structure currently applies to records requests in Lee County:

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.10–$0.25 per page
Certified copy	$2.50–$5.00 per document
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
Search fee	Actual cost if search exceeds 15 minutes
GBI criminal history (statewide)	$25.00 per request

Inspection of public records at the office of the custodian is available at no charge. Fees for copies are governed by O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, which limits charges to the actual cost of production. Accepted payment methods at the Lee County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters upon written application, at the discretion of the records custodian.

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Online access to the inmate roster through the Sheriff's Office website is currently provided free of charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lee County

Georgia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: expungement (also referred to as record restriction under Georgia law) and sealing. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have certain arrest records restricted from public view, meaning the records are not accessible to the general public but remain available to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.

Eligibility for Record Restriction:

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
Certain first-offense convictions may qualify under specific statutory criteria

Steps to Restrict an Arrest Record in Georgia:

Obtain a copy of the criminal history from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case
Submit a written request to the arresting law enforcement agency
If the agency denies the request, petition the Superior Court in the county of arrest
Serve all required parties, including the prosecuting attorney
Attend the hearing if scheduled by the court
Upon approval, the GBI updates the state criminal history repository

Contacts for Record Restriction:

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

Lee County Superior Court 100 Leslie Hwy Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6018 Lee County Superior Court Clerk

Lee County District Attorney's Office (Dougherty Judicial Circuit) 225 Pine Ave, Suite 520 Albany, GA 31701 Phone: (229) 431-2100 Dougherty Judicial Circuit District Attorney

Record restriction does not guarantee removal from third-party commercial databases. Individuals whose records have been restricted may notify commercial background check companies directly and cite the court order as the basis for removal requests.

What Happens After Arrest in Lee County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Lee County Jail for booking.

Lee County Jail 109 Starksville Ave N Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6012 Lee County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the process includes recording personal information, photographing the individual, collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying personal property, issuing jail clothing, and completing medical and mental health screenings. The booking process typically takes between one and 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 court formally advises the individual of the charges, determines bond, and appoints counsel for indigent defendants. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

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

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for 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. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, flight risk determinations, 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, release processing takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Lee County Public Defender (Dougherty Judicial Circuit) 225 Pine Ave, Suite 400 Albany, GA 31701 Phone: (229) 431-2180 Georgia Public Defender Council

Eligibility for public defender services is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

The Dougherty Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause supports an indictment.

Arraignment follows the filing of charges. The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. 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 may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as pretrial intervention or drug court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Upon conviction, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programs.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Georgia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Important Contacts:

Lee County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 109 Starksville Ave N Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6012 Lee County Sheriff's Office

Lee County Clerk of Superior Court 100 Leslie Hwy Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6018 Lee County Superior Court Clerk

Dougherty Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office 225 Pine Ave, Suite 520 Albany, GA 31701 Phone: (229) 431-2100 Dougherty Judicial Circuit District Attorney

Dougherty Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office 225 Pine Ave, Suite 400 Albany, GA 31701 Phone: (229) 431-2180 Georgia Public Defender Council

What to Do If You're 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 retained or appointed counsel
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 Lee County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Georgia is governed by state law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. The Georgia Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-90, requires all public agencies to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules. The Georgia Secretary of State's retention schedules specify minimum retention periods for law enforcement and court records.

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 by the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five to seven years depending on offense classification
Court records retained permanently for most misdemeanor convictions

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of two years
Court records may be retained permanently unless restricted by court order
State repository retains the record unless restriction is granted under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of two years
Court records are often retained permanently
Eligible for record restriction upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum of two years
Eligible for record restriction upon written request to the arresting agency

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained in accordance with the same schedules as physical records. Computer-aided dispatch records are retained for a minimum of one year. Mugshot databases maintained by the Sheriff's Office are subject to the same retention schedule as booking records. Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained for the applicable minimum period before authorized destruction.

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention requirements as government agencies. These entities are not obligated to update records following expungement or record restriction unless required by the FCRA. Individuals whose records have been restricted may submit removal requests directly to these companies.

Retention by Agency:

Lee County Sheriff's Office 109 Starksville Ave N Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6012 Lee County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of two years for non-conviction records and permanently for felony conviction records.

Lee County Clerk of Superior Court 100 Leslie Hwy Leesburg, GA 31763 Phone: (229) 759-6018 Lee County Superior Court Clerk

Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of five years. Electronic court records are retained permanently.

Georgia Crime Information Center (State Repository) 3121 Panthersville Rd Decatur, GA 30034 Phone: (404) 244-2639 Georgia Crime Information Center

The GCIC maintains arrest records from all Georgia jurisdictions. Retention is permanent for conviction records. Non-conviction records remain unless restricted pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records that are accessible to law enforcement nationwide. Federal retention is permanent. These records are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may remain in databases unless the individual successfully petitions for record restriction. An expungement or record restriction order directs the GCIC to update the state repository, but the FBI database may retain the record with a notation reflecting the restriction. Records for which no charges were filed have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable minimum period.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Georgia does not currently impose a statewide limit on the reporting period for conviction records in private employment background checks. Arrests without convictions are not to be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance laws.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Lee County Sheriff's Records Division at (229) 759-6012 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under the Georgia Open Records Act may be required to obtain confirmation of record existence or destruction. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.