Search Atkinson County Background Checks

Atkinson County background check records are managed by the Sheriff's Office in Pearson, Georgia. The office maintains criminal history data for the county and processes record requests from individuals and agencies. A background check in Atkinson County pulls from local arrest logs, court records from the Alapaha Judicial Circuit, and state databases run by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Whether you need a simple name search or a full criminal history report, the sheriff's office is the first place to start. You can also use statewide tools from the GBI that include Atkinson County records in their results. Each method has different costs and turnaround times.

Atkinson County Sheriff Background Check Services

Sheriff David Moore heads the Atkinson County Sheriff's Office. The mailing address is PO Box 157, Pearson, GA 31642. Call 912-422-3611 for questions about getting a background check in Atkinson County. The office runs name-based searches by checking local records and querying the Georgia Crime Information Center system. When you request a background check at the Atkinson County Sheriff's Office, you will need to provide a valid photo ID and personal details like your full name and date of birth. The staff uses this information to search their databases for any criminal history tied to your name.

Walk-in requests are how most people get a background check in Atkinson County. The office is small compared to larger metro counties, so wait times are usually short. You might get same-day results if the records are straightforward. More complex searches that need state-level data can take a few days. Payment is typically required at the time of the request.

Booking records from the Atkinson County jail are also available through the sheriff's office. These show recent arrests and the charges filed.

Criminal Records in Atkinson County

Atkinson County falls under the Alapaha Judicial Circuit, which also covers Berrien, Clinch, Cook, and Lanier counties. Criminal cases filed in the superior court within this circuit become part of the public record. The Atkinson County Clerk of Superior Court keeps case files, including indictments, pleas, verdicts, and sentencing information. You can visit the courthouse in Pearson to review these records. Some case information may be available by phone, but in-person visits give you the most access to detailed criminal history records.

Georgia law sets the rules for what criminal records can be shared publicly. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, the GBI can release criminal history data to private citizens under specific conditions. Not every record is open to the public. Juvenile cases, sealed records, and cases handled under the First Offender Act may not appear in a standard Atkinson County background check. The First Offender Act lets people who complete their sentence avoid a public conviction record for certain crimes.

Statewide Search Tools for Atkinson County

You don't always need to visit Pearson to run an Atkinson County background check. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation offers statewide search options that pull Atkinson County data. The Georgia Felon Search tool costs $15 and lets you search for convicted felons by name. Results come up fast and cover all 159 Georgia counties, Atkinson County included. Keep in mind this tool only shows felony convictions. Misdemeanor cases, pending charges, and arrests without convictions will not show up.

For a deeper search, the GAPS fingerprint-based system through IdentoGo provides the most complete results. Fingerprint checks pull from both the GBI database and FBI records. This means an Atkinson County background check through GAPS can show criminal history from other states too. Results typically arrive in 24 to 48 hours. The cost is higher than a name search, but the accuracy is better since fingerprints avoid false matches that can happen with common names.

The GBI services page at gbi.georgia.gov/services has more details on each option.

This state portal connects to databases that store Atkinson County criminal history information alongside records from every other Georgia county.

Atkinson County Background Check by Mail

Mail requests are an option if you cannot go to Pearson in person. Send your request to the Atkinson County Sheriff's Office at PO Box 157, Pearson, GA 31642. Include a written request with your full name, date of birth, and reason for the check. Attach a copy of your photo ID and a money order for the fee amount. Don't send cash. The office will process your request and mail the results back. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, there are restrictions on how criminal history information can be used once you receive it. Make sure you understand the allowed purposes before submitting your request.

Mail requests take longer than in-person visits. Plan for at least one to two weeks for the full process, including mailing time both ways and processing at the office.

Atkinson County Check Costs and Fees

A name-based background check at the Atkinson County Sheriff's Office runs between $15 and $25. This covers the search and a printed report of any findings. The state felon search costs a flat $15 online. Fingerprint checks through the GAPS system cost more and include a separate fee for the fingerprinting service at the IdentoGo site. Payment options at the sheriff's office may be limited to cash or money orders. Call 912-422-3611 before your visit to confirm current fees and accepted payment forms.

Note: Processing fees are subject to change, so confirm the exact amount with the sheriff's office before you submit a request.

Atkinson County Contact and Resources

The Georgia Sheriffs' Association lists contact information for all county sheriffs in the state, including Atkinson County. Here are the key details for reaching the sheriff's office about background checks.

• Mailing Address: PO Box 157, Pearson, GA 31642
• Phone: 912-422-3611
• Sheriff: David Moore

Atkinson County is a smaller county in south Georgia. The sheriff's office handles background check requests alongside other law enforcement work. Being a smaller operation, they can sometimes process things faster than busier metro offices. Still, calling first is the best way to make sure you have everything you need before making the trip to Pearson for your Atkinson County background check.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Atkinson County in south Georgia. You may need to check records in more than one county depending on your search.