Richmond County Background Check Search

Richmond County background check records are handled through the Sheriff's Office in Augusta, Georgia. As one of the most populated counties in the state, Richmond County is part of the Augusta Judicial Circuit and operates under a consolidated city-county government with Augusta. Criminal history records come from the sheriff's office, the Augusta Police Department, the superior court, and the statewide databases run by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Multiple agencies can help with a Richmond County background check depending on what kind of records you need. This page covers each method and what you should know about searching records in this county.

Richmond County Sheriff Background Services

Sheriff Gino Brantley heads the Richmond County Sheriff's Office at 400 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901. Call 706-821-1068 for questions about the background check process. The office runs name-based criminal history searches using local law enforcement data and the Georgia Crime Information Center system. To request a Richmond County background check in person, bring a valid photo ID. You also need your full legal name and date of birth for the search. Staff check both local records and state databases when processing your request.

Augusta is a large city, and the sheriff's office handles a high volume of requests. Wait times can be longer than what you would find at a small rural county office. Calling ahead at 706-821-1068 helps you plan your visit. The staff can tell you about current processing times, any paperwork you need, and the best time to come in. Walk-ins are accepted, but being prepared cuts down on delays. For basic name searches, same-day results are common. Deeper checks that pull from state databases may take longer.

Richmond County and Augusta operate as a consolidated government. This means some services overlap between city and county agencies.

Augusta Police Department Records

The Augusta Police Department also handles certain records in Richmond County. Their office is at 401 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901, right next to the sheriff's office. For records-related questions, call 706-821-1005. The general number is 706-821-1080. The police department processes its own arrest records and incident reports for cases within Augusta city limits. If the criminal history you are looking for involves an Augusta city case, the police department may be the right place to check.

Having two agencies in one county gives you more options but can also be confusing. A good rule of thumb is this: the sheriff's office handles county-wide background checks and warrant information. The police department handles city-specific arrest and incident records. If you are not sure which office to contact first, call either one and they can point you in the right direction. Both offices are on Walton Way and close to each other, which makes it easy to visit both in the same trip if needed.

Richmond County Criminal Court Records

Richmond County is in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. Superior court cases are public records stored by the Clerk of Superior Court. These include felony indictments, plea deals, trial verdicts, and sentencing information. The courthouse in Augusta is open to the public for record reviews. Magistrate court records for minor offenses are also maintained at the county level. State court handles certain mid-level criminal matters in Richmond County as well.

Access to criminal records follows Georgia state law. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, individuals can get criminal history data from the GBI when they have a valid reason. Some Richmond County records will not show in a standard background check. Sealed records, juvenile cases, and cases resolved under the First Offender Act are typically excluded. The First Offender Act lets qualifying defendants serve their sentence without a formal conviction going on their record. In a county the size of Richmond, there are going to be many cases that fall under this provision. Keep that in mind when reviewing results. A standard Richmond County background check has limits on what it can show.

Statewide Search Tools for Richmond County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation stores criminal records from all 159 Georgia counties, including Richmond. Two statewide tools give access to these records from anywhere.

The Georgia Felon Search costs $15 per search. It returns felony conviction records from every county in the state. Enter a name and see results right away. The tool only shows felony convictions. Misdemeanor charges, non-conviction arrests, and open cases are not included. For a basic Richmond County background check aimed at major offenses, this is the fastest option available.

The GAPS fingerprint-based system through IdentoGo provides more thorough results. Fingerprints get matched against both GBI and FBI databases, so the search covers Georgia and nationwide records. You must visit an IdentoGo location for fingerprinting. Augusta likely has a location nearby. Processing takes 24 to 48 hours. When you need a complete Richmond County background check, this is the method that leaves the fewest gaps. The GBI services page explains both tools in detail.

This statewide portal connects to the databases where Richmond County criminal records are stored and searchable.

Richmond County Background Check Fees

Background checks at the Richmond County Sheriff's Office typically cost $15 to $25. Georgia Felon Search is $15 per name. GAPS fingerprint checks run higher because of dual-database processing and the fingerprinting service fee. Call 706-821-1068 to confirm the exact fee before your visit to the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Augusta is a larger city, so the sheriff's office is more likely to accept multiple payment methods including cards. Still, it is a good idea to ask when you call. For mail-in requests, a money order is the safest choice. Do not send cash through the mail for a Richmond County background check.

Mail Requests for Richmond County

If you cannot visit Augusta in person, you can request a Richmond County background check by mail. Send your request to Richmond County Sheriff's Office, 400 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901. Include your full legal name, date of birth, a photocopy of your photo ID, and a money order for the fee. Write down why you need the background check. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, Georgia law requires a lawful purpose for criminal history requests. Clearly stating your purpose helps the office process your request without delays. The mail process usually takes one to two weeks from start to finish.

Contact Richmond County Sheriff

The Georgia Sheriffs' Association has a directory of all county sheriffs in Georgia. Here is the contact information for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and the Augusta Police Department.

• Sheriff's Office: 400 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901
• Sheriff Phone: 706-821-1068
• Sheriff: Gino Brantley
• Augusta PD: 401 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30901
• Augusta PD Records: 706-821-1005

Augusta is the county seat and by far the largest city in Richmond County. The consolidated government structure means city and county services often overlap. For background check purposes, the sheriff's office is the main resource. The Augusta Police Department is a secondary option for city-specific records. Both offices are on the same block, making it convenient to check with both if your search requires it.

City in Richmond County

Augusta is the main city in Richmond County and has its own dedicated background check page with more details.

Nearby Counties

Richmond County borders several east Georgia counties. Searching background check records in these areas may also be helpful.