Search Clayton County Background Check

Clayton County background check records are managed through the Sheriff's Office in Jonesboro, just south of Atlanta. This is one of the more active counties in metro Atlanta when it comes to criminal record requests. The Sheriff's Office processes checks for the public and keeps local arrest data, booking logs, and warrant information on file. Clayton County falls under the Clayton Judicial Circuit. Both state and local databases hold criminal history data tied to this county, and you can search through several channels. The GBI's statewide system also includes Clayton County records for anyone who prefers an online or fingerprint-based search.

Clayton County Sheriff Background Check

The Clayton County Sheriff's Office is located at 9157 Tara Blvd in Jonesboro. Sheriff Locks Shivers runs the department. You can call 770-477-4469 to ask about the process, hours, and what documents you need. Walk-in requests are common here. The staff runs a name-based search that pulls from local arrest records and the Georgia Crime Information Center database. This returns results connected to Clayton County criminal history and can also show statewide hits in some cases. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and be prepared to pay the fee at the time of your request.

Clayton County sits in a busy part of the metro Atlanta area. The sheriff's office handles a high volume of requests, so wait times can be longer than what you might see in a rural county. Going early in the day is a good strategy. The office also maintains booking records from the Clayton County jail and can tell you about active warrants. If you are looking into a specific person's record, the staff can explain what information is available and what may be restricted under Georgia law.

Turnaround on a local check is usually one to three business days. Some simple name searches may come back the same day.

Criminal History Records in Clayton County

Criminal records in Clayton County include arrests, charges, convictions, and case dispositions from the Clayton Judicial Circuit. The superior court handles felony cases, while the state and magistrate courts deal with misdemeanors and preliminary hearings. All of these records are part of the broader public record system, though access to some files may be limited. Georgia's open records laws give the public a right to request many types of government documents, including court records and arrest data held by law enforcement agencies.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, criminal history records can be shared with private citizens for certain purposes. The clerk of superior court in Clayton County keeps case files at the courthouse in Jonesboro. You can visit in person to look through dockets and review case outcomes. Keep in mind that some records might be sealed. The First Offender Act lets certain individuals restrict their conviction from public view after completing their sentence. A Clayton County background check might not show every past case because of this provision.

State Background Check Options for Clayton County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation manages the statewide criminal history system that includes all Clayton County data. Every arrest and conviction in Clayton County feeds into the GBI's central database. You do not have to go to Jonesboro to access these records. The GBI gives you two main options.

The Georgia Felon Search site lets you look up convicted felons across the state for $15 per search. It only shows felony convictions. Misdemeanor cases, pending charges, and arrests that did not result in a conviction will not appear. You enter a name and get results right away. This is a fast way to do a basic Clayton County background check when you only care about felony history.

For a more complete picture, the GAPS fingerprint system through IdentoGo provides a deeper search. Fingerprint-based checks pull data from both state and federal databases. Results take 24 to 48 hours on average. The cost is higher, but the results cover more ground. Clayton County residents can find fingerprinting locations throughout the metro Atlanta area without much trouble.

Visit gbi.georgia.gov/services for the full list of background check services the GBI provides.

The image above shows the Clayton County Sheriff's Office portal where residents can learn about background check procedures and other services available through the department.

Clayton County Background Check Fees

What you pay for a Clayton County background check depends on the method. A local name-based search at the sheriff's office typically runs between $15 and $25. Call 770-477-4469 to confirm the current amount before your visit. The statewide felon search charges $15 per query. Fingerprint-based checks through GAPS cost more because they include FBI data on top of the state search. There is also a service fee at the IdentoGo fingerprinting location.

Payment methods at the sheriff's office can vary. Some offices in Clayton County accept cards. Others stick to cash and money orders. Calling ahead saves you from showing up without the right form of payment.

Note: Background check fees can change at any time, so always confirm the current cost before you go.

Requesting Clayton County Records by Mail

If you cannot make it to Jonesboro in person, you may be able to request a Clayton County background check by mail. Send a written request to the Clayton County Sheriff's Office at 9157 Tara Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236. Include your full legal name, date of birth, and a photocopy of your government-issued ID. Enclose a money order for the processing fee. Never send cash through the mail. The office will process the check and mail results to the return address you give them. Mail requests take longer, usually a week or more once you account for transit time.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, specific rules govern who can access criminal history records and how that information may be used. Your request needs to fall within the permitted uses defined by Georgia law. The sheriff's office can turn down requests that do not meet legal requirements for disclosure.

Clayton County Sheriff Contact Info

Reach out to the Clayton County Sheriff's Office for background check questions. The Georgia Sheriffs' Association also maintains a directory of all Georgia sheriffs if you need to verify this information.

• Address: 9157 Tara Blvd, Jonesboro, GA 30236
• Phone: 770-477-4469
• Sheriff: Locks Shivers
• Hours: Call to confirm current office hours

Clayton County is a busy jurisdiction. The sheriff's office serves a large population and handles many types of law enforcement work beyond background checks. Plan to arrive early and bring everything you need so you can get your request done in one visit. Calling first is always the smart move with a Clayton County background check.

Nearby Counties

Clayton County borders several counties in the metro Atlanta region. If your background check needs go beyond Clayton County, check these neighboring county pages.