Webster County Criminal Check

A Webster County background check goes through the Sheriff's Office in Preston. Webster County is one of the smallest counties in Georgia by population, with fewer than 2,700 residents. Sheriff Randy Dely leads the department. Even in a county this small, the sheriff's office can process criminal history requests using local records and the statewide database from the Georgia Crime Information Center. State-level tools from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation also include Webster County records, giving you options beyond what the local office can search on its own.

Webster County Sheriff

The Webster County Sheriff's Office has a mailing address of PO Box 55, Preston, GA 31824. Sheriff Randy Dely heads the department. Call 229-828-7712 to ask about background check services. Walk-in requests are how most people handle this. You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver's license or state ID works. Social Security cards alone are not accepted. Provide your full name, date of birth, sex, race, and Social Security number for the search.

Staff runs name-based checks through Webster County records and the Georgia Crime Information Center database. Because Webster County is so small, the volume of local criminal records is low. Searches tend to be quick. If the system pulls statewide results that need more review, it could take a few business days. This is a very small office, so staffing is limited. Always call before you make the trip to Preston. The office may have reduced hours or close without much notice on certain days.

Note: Webster County is one of Georgia's least populated counties, so the sheriff's office may have very limited staff available for record requests.

Criminal Records in Webster County

Webster County criminal records originate from cases in the Southwestern Judicial Circuit. The superior court handles felony cases. State court processes misdemeanors. Magistrate court takes preliminary hearings. All court records feed into the public system. The clerk of superior court at the Webster County courthouse in Preston keeps case files open to the public. You can visit during business hours to review dockets and court documents.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, citizens have the right to request criminal history. The fee is capped at $20. Not all records will show up. The First Offender Act (O.C.G.A. § 42-8-60) lets some offenders seal their convictions once they complete their sentences. These records will not appear in a standard Webster County background check.

Record restriction under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37 can also keep certain records out of results. This process replaced the old expungement system. Some Webster County cases may have been restricted, especially those ending in dismissal or acquittal. Felony convictions are very hard to restrict and usually stay on the public record.

State Check Options

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation manages the statewide criminal history database. Webster County records are included. You can use state tools without traveling to Preston.

The Georgia Felon Search is a fast way to check for felony history. It costs $15 per search. Enter a name and get results by email right away. Only felony convictions appear. No misdemeanors, no pending charges, no arrests without convictions. The search covers all 159 Georgia counties. The Georgia Felon Search FAQ explains the limits of this tool.

For a deeper search, the GAPS fingerprint system through IdentoGO accesses state and federal databases. Fingerprint checks take one to two business days and cost more. They match on biometric data, which makes them much more reliable than name-based searches. Webster County residents would likely need to travel to Americus, Albany, or Columbus for an IdentoGO fingerprinting appointment.

This screenshot shows the Georgia Felon Search tool where you can search for felony convictions linked to Webster County and across the state.

Webster County Fees

The Webster County Sheriff's Office charges for background checks under the $20 cap in O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34(d.3). Call 229-828-7712 to confirm the exact fee and accepted payment forms. Very small offices like this one may only take cash. Bring cash and a money order to cover your bases. The Georgia Felon Search is $15 online. GAPS fingerprint checks cost more and include the IdentoGO service charge.

Personal record inspection costs up to $15 under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37. This lets you review your own criminal history for accuracy. It is separate from a background check on another person. Contact the sheriff's office or the GBI to start the process.

Getting a Webster County Check

Visit the Webster County Sheriff's Office in Preston during business hours. Bring your photo ID and the required information. Staff runs the check through local and state records. Clean searches can finish quickly. Results with hits may take longer. Mail-in options might exist. Call the office to ask. If they accept mail requests, send your details, a copy of your ID, and a money order. Do not mail cash. Expect extra time for mail processing.

Because Webster County is so small, state-level tools might actually be more convenient for many people. The Georgia Felon Search and GAPS fingerprint system are both accessible from anywhere. You do not need to be in Preston to use them. The Georgia Sheriffs' Association directory confirms contact info for Sheriff Dely.

Webster County Contact

• Webster County Sheriff's Office: PO Box 55, Preston, GA 31824
• Phone: 229-828-7712
• Sheriff: Randy Dely
• County Seat: Preston
• Judicial Circuit: Southwestern

Webster County is one of the smallest counties in Georgia. The sheriff's office serves all residents. Call ahead to confirm hours. The Webster County courthouse in Preston has the clerk of superior court for court file research.

Cities in Webster County

Webster County has no cities with populations that qualify for a separate page. Preston is the county seat. All Webster County background check requests are handled at the sheriff's office.

Nearby Counties

Webster County borders several southwest Georgia counties. If your search goes beyond Webster County, check these nearby pages.