Fayette County Background Check

Background check records in Fayette County are managed through the Sheriff's Office in Fayetteville. Sheriff Barry Babb oversees operations for the county, which sits just south of Atlanta in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. Fayette County background check requests cover arrest logs, warrants, jail booking data, and criminal case records held by the clerk of court. The county has a mix of suburban communities, including Peachtree City, and a well-organized court system. You can get records by visiting the sheriff's office in person, reaching out by mail, or using statewide databases run by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Each method has different costs and turnaround times, so it helps to know your options before you start.

Fayette County Sheriff Background Check

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office at 155 Johnson Avenue in Fayetteville is the main local source for background checks. You can reach them at 770-461-6353. Sheriff Barry Babb's staff handles name-based criminal history searches using local records and the Georgia Crime Information Center database. Walk-in requests are the most common approach. Bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to provide your full name and date of birth. The search pulls from Fayette County arrest records and may include statewide data through the GCIC system.

Processing time varies based on the office workload. Some results come back the same day. Others take a few business days, especially if the check pulls from state databases. The office also handles warrant lookups and can tell you about booking records from the Fayette County jail. It is a good idea to call ahead so you know the current hours and what payment they accept.

Staff can walk you through the forms when you arrive.

Fayette County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Fayette County are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court and the local court system. Fayette County is part of the Griffin Judicial Circuit, which handles felony and misdemeanor cases. The superior court in Fayetteville keeps records of charges, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentencing information. You can visit the clerk's office at the Fayette County courthouse to look through case files. These records are part of the public record, though some may have restrictions under Georgia law.

Not every record shows up in a standard background check. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, the GBI can release criminal history records to private citizens, but certain categories are protected. Juvenile records stay sealed. People who went through the First Offender Act may have their conviction restricted after completing their sentence. So a Fayette County background check might not reflect every case that was processed in the local courts. If you need specifics on a sealed or restricted case, the clerk's office can explain what information is available.

State Search Options for Fayette County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation runs the primary statewide criminal history system. Fayette County arrest and conviction data feeds into the GBI database through the Georgia Crime Information Center. You can search these records without going to Fayetteville. Two main tools are available.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per search. It shows felony convictions from across the state, including Fayette County. You type in a name and get results right away if there is a match. The tool is fast and easy to use, but it only covers felony convictions. Arrests without convictions and misdemeanor cases are not included.

The GAPS fingerprint system through IdentoGo gives the most thorough results. It pulls from both GBI and FBI databases, covering state and federal records. Fingerprint searches are more accurate than name searches because they eliminate false matches. Results come back in about 24 to 48 hours. Fayette County residents can find IdentoGo fingerprinting locations in the metro Atlanta area.

Check the GBI services page for a full list of background check options and current fees.

The GBI portal gives access to statewide records that include criminal history data from Fayette County and all other Georgia counties.

Fayette County Background Check Fees

Fees depend on the method you pick. At the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, a name-based search typically costs between $15 and $25. Call 770-461-6353 to confirm the exact amount before you go. The Georgia Felon Search is $15 online. Fingerprint checks through GAPS run higher and include a service fee from the IdentoGo location.

Payment methods at the sheriff's office can vary. Cash and money orders are usually accepted. Some offices take cards now, but it is not guaranteed. Calling ahead saves you a wasted trip if they only accept certain forms of payment.

Mail Requests for Fayette County

You can request a Fayette County background check by mail if an in-person visit is not possible. Send your request to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office at 155 Johnson Avenue, Fayetteville, GA 30214. Include your full name, date of birth, a copy of your photo ID, and a money order for the fee. Do not send cash through the mail. The office will process the search and send the results to your return address. Mail requests naturally take longer because of shipping time in both directions plus processing at the office.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, Georgia law restricts how criminal history data can be used once obtained. Make sure your request falls within the allowed uses, or it may be denied.

Fayette County Sheriff Contact

Below are the contact details for the Fayette County Sheriff's Office. The Georgia Sheriffs' Association also maintains a statewide directory if you need to check this information.

• Address: 155 Johnson Avenue, Fayetteville, GA 30214
• Phone: 770-461-6353
• Sheriff: Barry Babb
• Hours: Call to confirm current office hours

Fayette County is south of Atlanta and easy to reach from Interstate 85. The sheriff's office handles all law enforcement duties for the county, so background check requests are one part of a busy operation. Call ahead to set expectations for your visit.

Fayette County Cities

Fayette County includes several communities. Background check records for residents of these areas go through the Fayette County Sheriff's Office and court system.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Fayette County. If your search goes beyond Fayette County lines, these pages can help.