Search Douglas County Background Checks

Douglas County background check searches start at the Sheriff's Office on Earl D Lee Boulevard in Douglasville. Sheriff Tim Pounds oversees the office and manages criminal record requests for the county. Douglas County is part of the west metro Atlanta area and has a growing population, which means the sheriff's office handles a steady stream of requests. Background check records pull from local arrest logs, the Douglas Judicial Circuit court system, and statewide databases kept by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Multiple paths are available depending on whether you want a quick name search or a full criminal history report.

Douglas County Sheriff Background Check

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is located at 8470 Earl D Lee Blvd in Douglasville. Sheriff Tim Pounds and his staff process background check requests through name-based searches of local records and the Georgia Crime Information Center database. Call 770-942-2121 to check on current hours, fees, and what you need to bring. Walk-in requests are the typical way people start a background check. You will need a valid photo ID, your full legal name, and your date of birth. The staff runs your name through their system and provides a report of any criminal history linked to it.

Douglas County has grown significantly as part of the Atlanta metro area. The sheriff's office is busier than many suburban county offices, so expect some wait time during peak hours. Basic name searches might come back the same day. More detailed searches that need to pull state-level records can take a few business days. The office also keeps booking records from the Douglas County jail and can provide warrant information.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office website provides details about services and how to contact the office for record requests.

Criminal Records in Douglas County

Douglas County has its own judicial circuit, the Douglas Judicial Circuit. Criminal cases handled by the superior court here become part of the public record. The Clerk of Superior Court in Douglasville maintains files that include indictments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, and sentencing information. You can visit the courthouse to review these records in person. The court system in Douglas County also includes state court for misdemeanor cases and magistrate court for preliminary hearings and minor offenses. Between these courts, there is a broad range of criminal case data available.

Georgia law sets the rules for public access to criminal records. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, the GBI can release criminal history data to private citizens when certain requirements are met. Not everything is available, though. Juvenile cases are protected from public view. Sealed records will not appear in a standard search. The First Offender Act allows eligible individuals to have their conviction restricted from public databases after they complete their sentence. This means a Douglas County background check may miss cases handled under that law.

Felony records are generally on file longer and are harder to seal than misdemeanor records.

Statewide Search Tools

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation offers online tools that cover Douglas County records. The Georgia Felon Search is $15 per search and checks for felony convictions across all 159 Georgia counties. You type in a name and get results fast. The results only show felony convictions, though. Misdemeanors, pending charges, and arrests that did not lead to a conviction are not included.

For a more thorough Douglas County background check, the GAPS fingerprint system through IdentoGo is the better choice. Fingerprint-based checks pull from both GBI and FBI databases, giving you access to out-of-state records too. Fingerprints avoid the false matches that can happen with name searches, which is especially important in a populous metro county where common names are more of an issue. Results come back in 24 to 48 hours. IdentoGo has fingerprinting locations throughout the Atlanta metro area, making access convenient for Douglas County residents.

Visit gbi.georgia.gov/services for more details on all available background check options.

Douglas County Background Check Costs

A name-based search at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office costs between $15 and $25. Call 770-942-2121 to get the exact current fee. The state felon search is a flat $15. GAPS fingerprint checks cost more and include a service fee at the fingerprinting location. Payment methods at the sheriff's office can vary. Cash and money orders are typically accepted, and some offices now take card payments as well.

Fees are subject to change. Verify the amount and payment options before you head to the office.

Mail Requests for Douglas County

If you can not visit Douglasville, a mail-in request is an option. Send your request to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 8470 Earl D Lee Blvd, Douglasville, GA 30134. Include your full name, date of birth, a copy of your photo ID, and a money order for the processing fee. Do not send cash. The office will process your search and mail back the results. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, Georgia law restricts how criminal history information can be used once you receive it. Make sure your request is for an allowed purpose.

Mail requests take longer due to shipping on both ends. Plan for one to two weeks total processing time.

Douglas County Contact Information

The Georgia Sheriffs' Association maintains a directory of all Georgia county sheriffs.

• Address: 8470 Earl D Lee Blvd, Douglasville, GA 30134
• Phone: 770-942-2121
• Sheriff: Tim Pounds
• Hours: Call to confirm current office hours

Douglas County sits along I-20 west of Atlanta. Its location makes it easy to access from most parts of the metro area. If you need records from other counties in the region, the GBI statewide tools are the fastest way to search across multiple counties. For anything specific to Douglas County, the sheriff's office is the right starting point.

Cities in Douglas County

Douglasville is the county seat and largest city in Douglas County. Arrests within Douglasville city limits may be handled by the city police department in addition to the county sheriff.

Nearby Counties

Douglas County borders several other metro Atlanta and west Georgia counties. These links can help if your search covers a wider area.