Pickens County Background Check

Pickens County background check records are processed through the Sheriff's Office in Jasper, Georgia. Situated in the northern mountains of the state, Pickens County is part of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit. Criminal history information in this county comes from local law enforcement, superior court filings, and the statewide records system operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The sheriff's office is the go-to local resource for background check requests. State databases also carry Pickens County records that can be searched remotely. This guide walks through each available method for running a Pickens County background check.

Pickens County Sheriff Records Office

Sheriff Donald Craig heads the Pickens County Sheriff's Office at 2985 Camp Road, Jasper, GA 30143. The main phone number is 706-253-8900. You can call to ask about background check requirements before visiting. The office runs name-based criminal history searches through local files and the Georgia Crime Information Center system. To start a Pickens County background check, bring your photo ID. You will need to provide your full legal name and date of birth so the search can be done accurately. Most basic name searches can be completed on the same day.

Jasper is a smaller town, and the sheriff's office sees less foot traffic than offices in metro Atlanta counties. This often means quicker service when you walk in. Even so, calling ahead is a good habit. Staff can let you know about any schedule changes or documents you might need. The office can also tell you if they are running behind on processing times for any reason.

Pickens County is rural compared to many Georgia counties. The sheriff's office handles all local law enforcement duties on top of records work. During busy periods, record requests might take a back seat to active calls. That is another reason why calling first is helpful.

Pickens County Criminal Court Records

Pickens County is in the Appalachian Judicial Circuit. Superior court cases here become part of the public criminal record held by the Clerk of Superior Court. Felony indictments, plea bargains, trial verdicts, and sentencing records are all stored in the courthouse in Jasper. The public can review these files during regular business hours. Magistrate court records, which cover lesser criminal charges, are also maintained at the county level.

Georgia state law controls access to criminal records. O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34 allows private individuals to request criminal history information from the GBI under certain conditions. However, not every Pickens County record shows up in a standard background check. Sealed cases, juvenile matters, and cases resolved through the First Offender Act typically do not appear in public results. Under the First Offender Act, a qualifying defendant can serve their sentence without a formal conviction being placed on their record. This affects how you should read a Pickens County background check result. What looks like a clean record may have more behind it that simply does not show in a standard search.

Statewide Search Options for Pickens County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation keeps criminal records from every county in the state. That includes Pickens County. Two statewide tools can pull these records.

First is the Georgia Felon Search. It costs $15 and returns felony conviction records from all 159 counties. Results come back right away after you enter a name. The tool only covers felony convictions, so misdemeanors, arrests that did not result in a conviction, and open cases will not show up. For a fast Pickens County background check focused on felonies, this is a solid choice.

The second option is the GAPS fingerprint system run by IdentoGo. Fingerprint-based searches are matched against both the GBI and FBI databases. This means results cover Georgia and nationwide records. You will need to go to an IdentoGo site to provide your fingerprints. Processing takes about 24 to 48 hours. This method is more thorough than a name search. It is the best option when you need a comprehensive Pickens County background check. The GBI services page explains both tools in more detail.

This portal gives access to the statewide criminal record databases that hold Pickens County background check information.

Fees for Pickens County Checks

The cost for a background check at the Pickens County Sheriff's Office is usually in the $15 to $25 range. The Georgia Felon Search runs $15 per search. GAPS fingerprint checks are pricier because they process through both state and federal systems plus the cost of fingerprinting. Call 706-253-8900 to check the current fee before you head to Jasper.

Ask about accepted payment methods when you call. Many Georgia sheriff offices are moving toward accepting cards, but some still require cash or money orders. For mail-in requests, always send a money order. Sending cash through the mail is never a safe idea for a Pickens County background check request.

Mail-In Background Check Requests

You can request a Pickens County background check by mail if you cannot make it to Jasper. Send your request to Pickens County Sheriff's Office, 2985 Camp Road, Jasper, GA 30143. Your letter should include your full name, date of birth, a photocopy of your photo ID, and a money order covering the fee. Include a note stating why you need the check. O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 requires that criminal history record requests have a lawful purpose. Being clear about your reason helps the office handle your request without delays. The entire process by mail takes about one to two weeks.

Contact Pickens County Sheriff

The Georgia Sheriffs' Association has a full directory of county sheriffs in Georgia. Here is the direct contact info for the Pickens County Sheriff's Office.

• Address: 2985 Camp Road, Jasper, GA 30143
• Phone: 706-253-8900
• Sheriff: Donald Craig

Jasper serves as the county seat of Pickens County. The sheriff's office there can answer your questions about background check procedures, fees, and what to expect. If you are not sure whether a local check or a state tool is the better fit for your needs, the staff can point you in the right direction.

Nearby Counties

Pickens County sits near several north Georgia counties. Background check records in these neighboring areas may also be useful to search.