Search Screven County Background Check

Screven County background check records are kept by the Sheriff's Office in Sylvania. The county sits in eastern Georgia near the South Carolina border and falls under the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. Criminal history data here comes from local law enforcement files, court records, and the state database run by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Residents and outside parties can request a background check through the sheriff's office or use statewide search tools. This page covers each method and what to expect when searching Screven County records.

Screven County Sheriff Background Check

Sheriff Norman Royal leads the Screven County Sheriff's Office at 202 Rocky Ford Road, Sylvania, GA 30467. Call 912-564-2013 to ask about the background check process. The office runs name-based criminal history searches through local records and the Georgia Crime Information Center. To start a Screven County background check, bring a valid photo ID and be ready to pay the fee. The staff will search local files and can also pull statewide data.

Walk-in visits are the standard method in Screven County. The office serves a relatively small population, so wait times tend to be shorter than in metro areas. That said, the staff handles many duties beyond background checks, so hours for this service may be limited. Calling ahead lets you know when the office is available for record requests. Some name-based searches come back the same day. Others need a few business days if state-level records are involved.

The sheriff's office also keeps booking records and information about active warrants in Screven County.

Screven County Criminal History Records

Criminal records in Screven County include arrests, charges, and outcomes from the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. The superior court handles felony cases, and those records are kept by the clerk of superior court at the courthouse in Sylvania. Magistrate court handles minor offenses and preliminary hearings. All of these records are part of the public file system that anyone can review in person at the courthouse.

Access to criminal history is governed by Georgia law. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, private citizens can request criminal history information from the GBI for certain purposes. Some records may not show up in a standard background check. The First Offender Act allows qualified defendants to complete their sentence without a formal conviction appearing on their public record. Sealed records and juvenile cases are also excluded. Felony convictions generally remain on the public record for much longer than misdemeanor offenses, and they are harder to get restricted.

State Search Tools for Screven County

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation maintains the statewide criminal history database. Screven County arrest and conviction data feeds into this system through the Georgia Crime Information Center. Two main tools let you search without visiting Sylvania.

The Georgia Felon Search is a quick online lookup that costs $15. Enter a name and get instant results showing felony convictions across all 159 Georgia counties, including Screven. Only felony convictions appear. Misdemeanor charges and arrests that did not end in a conviction are not included. This is a fast starting point when you need basic felony data.

The GAPS fingerprint system run by IdentoGo offers a more thorough check. Fingerprints are matched against both GBI and FBI databases, giving you state and nationwide results. Processing takes one to two business days. The cost is higher, but you get a much fuller picture. Screven County residents may need to travel to Statesboro or Savannah for the nearest IdentoGo fingerprinting site.

The GBI services page outlines every background check option the state offers.

Use this portal to access statewide databases where Screven County records are stored and searchable.

Screven County Background Check Fees

A background check at the Screven County Sheriff's Office typically costs between $15 and $25. Call 912-564-2013 to confirm the current fee before making the trip. The state felon search tool charges $15 per search. GAPS fingerprint checks cost more because they pull from both state and federal systems, and there is an additional fingerprinting service fee at the IdentoGo location where you get printed.

Most small sheriff offices in Georgia accept cash and money orders. Some have started accepting cards, but it is not universal. Check with the Screven County office about accepted payment methods before you go.

Fees can change without notice. Always verify the current amount before you submit a request.

Mail-In Requests for Screven County

If you cannot get to Sylvania in person, a mail request is an option for a Screven County background check. Send your request to the Screven County Sheriff's Office, 202 Rocky Ford Road, Sylvania, GA 30467. Include your full legal name, date of birth, a copy of your photo ID, and a money order for the processing fee. Do not send cash through the mail. The office will process the search and mail results back to you. Allow one to two weeks for the entire mail process due to shipping time in both directions.

Georgia law under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 sets rules about who can access criminal history records. Make sure your request meets the legal requirements for disclosure. The sheriff's office can reject requests that do not comply with state law.

Contact Screven County Sheriff

Reach the Screven County Sheriff's Office for background check questions. The Georgia Sheriffs' Association keeps a statewide directory you can use to verify contact details.

• Address: 202 Rocky Ford Road, Sylvania, GA 30467
• Phone: 912-564-2013
• Sheriff: Norman Royal

Sylvania is a small town in eastern Georgia. The sheriff's office may keep limited hours for background check services. Calling before your visit is the best way to make sure the office is ready to process your request when you get there.

Nearby Counties

Screven County shares borders with several eastern Georgia counties. These pages cover background check information for neighboring areas.