Murray County Public Records / Murray County Arrest Records

Murray County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Murray County in 2026

MurrayRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Murray County, Georgia. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this directory. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal court filings. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable state law.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Murray County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. The roster reflects current custody status and is updated on a regular basis. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about recent bookings or access available online resources through the agency's official channels.

Murray County Sheriff's Office
121 North Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-4592
Murray County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Chatsworth Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Murray County. As noted on the Chatsworth Police Department website, all officers are dispatched through the Murray County 911 Center; accordingly, requests for incident reports are directed through that agency. Press releases containing arrest information may be issued by the department for matters of public interest.

Chatsworth Police Department
100 North Third Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-2284
City of Chatsworth Police

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Murray County Clerk of Superior Court maintains criminal case files associated with arrests that proceed to formal charges. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name to identify associated court proceedings. The E-Access to Court Records portal maintained by the Georgia Courts system allows users to locate court cases statewide, though an account may be required to access certain records.

Murray County Clerk of Superior Court
121 North Fourth Avenue, Suite 101
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-2932
Murray County Superior Court Clerk

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 check through the GBI's Georgia Applicant Processing Services (GAPS) system. Fees apply to criminal history record requests. The Georgia Department of Corrections offender search tool allows the public to locate individuals currently under the supervision of the state corrections system, including those serving sentences resulting from Murray County arrests.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – CJIS Division
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 121 North Fourth Avenue, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (706) 695-4592
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking or case number
Copy fees: $0.10 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Chatsworth Police Department, 100 North Third Avenue, Chatsworth, GA 30705, (706) 695-2284
Records requests are processed during regular business hours; requestors should submit a written request identifying the incident by date, name, and report number where known
Copy fees are consistent with Georgia's standard public records fee schedule

Clerk of Court:

Address: 121 North Fourth Avenue, Suite 101, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Criminal records division handles case file inspection and certified copy requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (706) 695-2932
Case files are available for inspection during business hours; certified copies carry a per-page fee

By Mail:

Written requests may be directed to: Murray County Sheriff's Office, 121 North Fourth Avenue, Chatsworth, GA 30705
Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, 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 is subject to agency workload and the complexity of the request

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (706) 695-4592
Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors are directed to submit written requests or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request records directly from the arresting agency or through the Clerk of Court
Subpoenas may be used to compel production of records in civil or criminal proceedings
Discovery procedures in pending criminal cases are governed by the Georgia Criminal Procedure Code

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, Chatsworth Police, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Murray County

Arrest records in Murray County are subject to public disclosure under Georgia's Open Records Act, codified at O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. The Act establishes a presumption of openness for records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records are made available to support government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

As stated by the Georgia Attorney General's office, "The Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's intent that public records shall be open for personal inspection and copying, unless otherwise provided by law."

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 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 pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
Victim-identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Georgia's public records framework reflects a balance between the constitutional right of public access and individual privacy interests. The First Amendment supports press access to government records, while due process principles recognize that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, specific categories of records are exempt from mandatory disclosure, including certain law enforcement investigative files.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the 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:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the FCRA
Georgia law does not currently impose a statewide "ban the box" requirement for private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply
Housing providers are subject to fair housing considerations when using arrest records
A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish criminal liability

What's in Murray County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Chatsworth Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Georgia statute numbers alleged to have been violated
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Conditions of release, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following formal charging
Court jurisdiction (Superior Court, State Court, or Magistrate Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests processed within Murray County
Historical booking numbers
Prior charges, where included in the booking record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or methods
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Full residential address or personal phone number
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain 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 imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources, including arrest records, court records, and state repositories

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

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Murray County is governed by the Georgia Open Records Act. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying, but may not impose fees that exceed those costs.

Record Type	Standard Fee
Paper copies (standard)	$0.10 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$2.50 per document + $0.50 per page
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
Search/retrieval fee	Actual labor cost for requests exceeding 15 minutes
Inspection of records	No charge for in-person inspection

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency
Fees may vary depending on the office processing the request and the format of the records provided
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 in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest; requestors must submit a written waiver request to the agency head
Criminal history record checks processed through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation carry a separate fee, currently set at $25.00 per request for public inquiries

How To Delete Arrest Records in Murray 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 on access). The distinction is significant: restriction removes the record from public databases and background checks accessible to the general public, while sealing limits access to specific parties as ordered by the court.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have certain arrest records restricted from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) database. Restriction is available in the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a conviction and the prosecuting attorney has declined to prosecute
The charges were dismissed by the court
The individual was acquitted at trial
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
The offense was a first-offense misdemeanor for which the individual was not convicted

The petition process requires the following steps:

Obtain a certified copy of the disposition from the Murray County Clerk of Superior Court
Complete the official petition for restriction of criminal history record information
File the petition with the arresting agency (Murray County Sheriff's Office or Chatsworth Police Department, depending on the arresting authority)
The arresting agency forwards the petition to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for processing
Upon approval, the GBI restricts the record in the GCIC database; local agency records are updated accordingly

Individuals whose records are eligible for restriction but who have been denied may seek judicial review through the Murray County Superior Court. Private attorneys or the Georgia Legal Aid office may assist with the petition process.

Murray County Superior Court
121 North Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-2932
Murray County Superior Court

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – CJIS Division
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Records that have been restricted are not accessible to the general public or most private employers; however, law enforcement agencies, criminal justice agencies, and certain licensing boards retain access to restricted records under Georgia law.

What Happens After Arrest in Murray County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Murray County Detention Center, located at 121 North Fourth Avenue, Chatsworth, GA 30705. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires it.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours, depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda rights advisement, if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the GCIC and FBI databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail uniform
Medical screening
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

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. The hearing serves to:

Formally notify the individual of the charges
Determine eligibility for appointed counsel if the individual is indigent
Set bond or bail conditions
Advise the individual of their rights

First appearance hearings in Murray County are conducted before the Murray County Magistrate Court and may be held via video conference in certain circumstances.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
The amount is set by the magistrate or according to the county bond schedule

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
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's court appearances

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond
Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Periodic check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders in domestic violence or stalking cases
Mandatory drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision by the court

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Release processing typically takes between one and eight hours
Personal property is returned upon release
The individual receives written notice of all upcoming court dates
Written conditions of release are provided; violation may result in bond revocation

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Murray County Detention Center
A housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who are financially unable to retain private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is determined based on income and assets. Applications are processed through the Murray County Public Defender's Office.

Murray County Public Defender's Office
121 North Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-2932
Murray County Courts

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Georgia maintains a lawyer referral service accessible through its official website. Attorney-client consultations at the detention facility are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Murray Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office reviews each arrest to determine whether formal charges will be filed. The review process may result in:

Filing of a formal accusation or indictment
A request for additional investigation
A declination to prosecute
Filing of different or additional charges from those listed at booking

Murray Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
121 North Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-2932
Murray County Government

Grand Jury (Felony Cases):

Felony charges in Georgia may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public, and defense counsel is not present during deliberations.

Arraignment:

Following formal charging, the defendant is arraigned before the Superior Court. At arraignment, the charges are formally read, and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge.

Pretrial conferences facilitate discussions between counsel and the court regarding case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies; the individual may then petition for record restriction
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a negotiated guilty or nolo contendere plea in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if the verdict is not guilty, the defendant is acquitted; if guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose any combination of the following:

Incarceration in state prison or county jail
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
Credit for time served in pretrial detention

Timeline Overview:

Stage	Typical Timeframe
Arrest to first appearance	Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment	Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial/resolution	Months; varies by case complexity
Misdemeanor resolution	30–180 days typical
Felony resolution	6–18 months typical

Georgia's constitutional speedy trial provisions and statutory speedy trial demand procedures govern the maximum permissible time between arrest and trial.

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
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:

Murray County Sheriff's Office (Detention Center)
121 North Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-4592
Murray County Sheriff's Office

Murray County Clerk of Superior Court
121 North Fourth Avenue, Suite 101
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-2932
Murray County Government

Murray Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
121 North Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-2932
Murray County Government

Murray County Public Defender's Office
121 North Fourth Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Phone: (706) 695-2932
Murray County Government

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or 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 Murray County?

Records Retention Overview:

The retention of arrest records in Murray County is governed by Georgia law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's office. Local agencies are required to maintain records in accordance with the applicable retention schedule, which classifies records by type and disposition outcome.

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 indefinitely in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently in the state criminal history repository
Local law enforcement and court records are retained in accordance with the Georgia records retention schedule, which provides for permanent retention of conviction records

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years under standard retention schedules
Court records are 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 records are retained for a minimum of five years
Court records are retained permanently
The individual may petition for restriction of the arrest record from the GCIC database

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of two years
Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of five years
Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate restriction

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
Individuals are eligible to petition for restriction of the record

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per the applicable Georgia records retention schedule (minimum five years for non-conviction records)
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently in the state and federal databases
Booking photographs: Retained for the duration of the applicable retention period

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Records management system entries: Retained permanently in most cases
Court electronic records: Retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following restriction or expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information; individuals may dispute inaccurate records directly with the reporting agency

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years for non-conviction records; permanent for conviction records
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (706) 695-4592

Chatsworth Police Department:

Arrest records: Minimum five years
Incident reports: Minimum five years
Contact: (706) 695-2284

Clerk of Superior Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Permanent

Georgia Crime Information Center (State Repository):

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the state criminal history repository
Retention policy provides for permanent retention of conviction records and retention of non-conviction records until restricted by court order or petition

FBI Database:

The NCIC and III databases retain records permanently
Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
Background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing draw from these federal databases

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Disposition	Local Retention	State Repository	Public Access
Conviction	Permanent	Permanent	Indefinite
Dismissal	Minimum 5 years	Until restricted	Until restricted
Acquittal	Minimum 5 years	Until restricted	Until restricted
No charges filed	Minimum 2–5 years	Until restricted	Until restricted
Restriction granted	Per schedule	Restricted from public	Removed from public access

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available through the Sheriff's Office online resources or in-person inquiry
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (More Than Five Years):

May require an in-person records request
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be extended for older records

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed in accordance with the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (706) 695-4592 for information on specific records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for restriction, or pursuant to the records retention schedule
Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency
Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and records in cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks conducted under the FCRA report convictions indefinitely and non-conviction records for up to seven years in most circumstances
Georgia law does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction records beyond the FCRA's provisions
Arrests without conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies in certain contexts
Restriction of a record under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 removes the record from public background check databases, though law enforcement agencies retain access

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Murray County Sheriff's Records Division at (706) 695-4592
Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number where known
Fees may apply for copies of responsive records