Camden County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Camden County in 2026
CamdenCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Camden County, Georgia. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and case disposition records. Access to specific records may vary depending on the requesting party and the nature of the underlying case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Camden County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Camden County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. The publicly accessible roster includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and current custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current detainee information.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of St. Marys Police Department serves one of the primary municipalities within Camden County and maintains arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information. The St. Marys Police Department publishes public safety information through its official city portal. The City of Kingsland Police Department similarly maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within its jurisdiction.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Camden County Clerk of Superior Court provides access to criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated court case numbers, charge information, and case disposition data.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains a statewide criminal history repository. This database includes arrest records submitted by law enforcement agencies across Georgia. A fee applies for civilian criminal history requests; current fees are listed on the GBI's official website.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Camden County Sheriff's Office
210 E. 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569
Phone: (912) 576-5358
Camden County Sheriff's Office
- Records division is located at the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known booking or case numbers
- Copy fees apply per page; see fee schedule below
Police Departments:
St. Marys Police Department
418 Osborne Street, St. Marys, GA 31558
Phone: (912) 882-4426
St. Marys Police Department
Kingsland Police Department
107 N. Lee Street, Kingsland, GA 31548
Phone: (912) 729-5785
Kingsland Police Department
Records requests at local police departments are processed through each department's records division. Requestors should submit a written request identifying the subject by full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Clerk of Court:
Camden County Clerk of Superior Court
200 E. 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569
Phone: (912) 576-5631
Clerk of Superior Court
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees apply separately
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Camden County Sheriff's Office should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest (if known), booking number (if known), and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included in the form of a money order or check made payable to the Camden County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks.
By Phone:
The Camden County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (912) 576-5358 for general arrest record inquiries. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone and requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not available through standard public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)
Are Arrest Records Public in Camden County
Arrest records in Camden County are public records under Georgia law. Pursuant to the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, all records maintained by state and local government agencies are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the public interest in transparency, accountability, and community safety.
The Georgia Open Records Act reflects the legislature's determination that "the strong public policy of this state is in favor of open government." Arrest records support this policy by enabling journalism and investigative research, facilitating background screening by employers and licensing agencies, and providing the public with information about law enforcement activity in their communities.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Georgia law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Active investigation information may be withheld to protect the integrity of ongoing proceedings
- Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information is protected
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
- Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Georgia Constitution and the Open Records Act together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Courts have consistently recognized that the public's interest in government transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges do not result in conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords who use consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Under current law, arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies after seven years. Georgia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements.
What's in Camden County Arrest Records
Camden County arrest records contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and updated as the case progresses through the criminal justice system.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public records)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Georgia statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Camden County?
Under the Georgia Open Records Act, O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying of public records. Current standard fees in Camden County are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10–$0.25 per page |
| Certified copies | $2.50–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic records (where available) | Actual cost of duplication |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Actual labor cost for searches exceeding 15 minutes |
- Inspection of records at the agency's office is available at no charge during regular business hours
- Certification fees apply when an official seal or attestation is required
- Electronic format fees reflect the actual cost of duplication and do not include a markup
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests determined to be in the public interest; requestors must submit a written waiver request with supporting documentation
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost. Fees are assessed only when copies are requested or when a search requires substantial staff time beyond the statutory threshold.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Camden County
Georgia law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: restriction (the Georgia equivalent of expungement, which seals records from public view) and sealing (court-ordered confidentiality). Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have certain arrest records restricted from public access, meaning the records are removed from the Georgia Crime Information Center's public database and are not disclosed to the general public, though law enforcement agencies retain access.
Restriction (Expungement) Eligibility:
Records may be eligible for restriction in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed (prosecution declined)
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The arrest did not result in formal charges being filed
- The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
- Certain first-offense convictions under specific statutory provisions
Records that are NOT eligible for restriction include convictions for most felonies, serious violent offenses, sexual offenses, and cases where the individual has a prior criminal history that disqualifies them under the statute.
Steps to Petition for Record Restriction:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court disposition from the Camden County Clerk of Superior Court
- Confirm eligibility based on the case outcome and applicable statutory criteria
- Complete the official petition form available from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation
- File the petition with the arresting agency (Sheriff's Office or Police Department) and the prosecuting attorney's office
- The prosecuting attorney reviews the petition and may object within a specified period
- If no objection is filed, or if the court rules in the petitioner's favor, the GBI updates the GCIC database to restrict the record
- Notify any third-party background check companies separately, as restriction of state records does not automatically remove information from commercial databases
Contact Information for Restriction Petitions:
Camden County Sheriff's Office – Records Division
210 E. 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569
Phone: (912) 576-5358
Camden County Sheriff's Office
Camden County District Attorney's Office – Brunswick Judicial Circuit
701 H Street, Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: (912) 554-7200
Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney
Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC
3121 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2600
Georgia Crime Information Center
What Happens After Arrest in Camden County?
The post-arrest process in Camden County follows a structured sequence governed by Georgia law and local court procedures.
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Camden County Detention Center, the primary booking facility for the county. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability.
Camden County Detention Center
210 E. 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569
Phone: (912) 576-5358
Camden County Sheriff's Office
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Administration of Miranda rights advisement
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to GCIC and the FBI
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail uniform
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Georgia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for a first appearance hearing within 48 to 72 hours of arrest. The first appearance serves to:
- Formally notify the individual of the charges
- Determine bond or bail
- Advise the individual of the right to counsel
- Appoint a public defender if the individual is indigent
Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Camden County Magistrate Court.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: The individual retains a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is ten percent of the total bond in most cases.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
- Scheduled check-in requirements with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. The application is completed at or shortly after the first appearance hearing.
Brunswick Circuit Public Defender's Office
701 H Street, Suite 301, Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: (912) 554-7350
Brunswick Circuit Public Defender
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Georgia provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits at the detention center are conducted confidentially.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an accusation (for misdemeanors) or seek an indictment from a grand jury (for felonies). Options available to the prosecutor include filing formal charges, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
- Discovery: Exchange of evidence between prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings
- Pretrial Motions: Motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and other procedural motions
- Pretrial Conferences: Meetings between counsel and the court to discuss case status and resolution
- Plea Negotiations: The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects; may be followed by a petition for record restriction
- Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: Acceptance of a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed charges with a negotiated sentence
- Trial: Jury trial or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing follows a guilty verdict
Sentencing (if convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 48–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Georgia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Important Contacts:
Camden County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
210 E. 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569
Phone: (912) 576-5358
Camden County Sheriff's Office
Camden County Clerk of Superior Court
200 E. 4th Street, Woodbine, GA 31569
Phone: (912) 576-5631
Clerk of Superior Court
Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
701 H Street, Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: (912) 554-7200
District Attorney's Office
Brunswick Circuit Public Defender's Office
701 H Street, Suite 301, Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: (912) 554-7350
Public Defender's Office
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Camden County?
Arrest record retention in Camden County is governed by Georgia law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's Office. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, GCIC, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of seven years depending on the agency and record type
- Court records for misdemeanor convictions are retained for a minimum of seven years under Georgia's records retention schedule
- State repository retains records indefinitely
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum of five to seven years, subject to agency policy
- Court records: Retained for a minimum of seven years or permanently in electronic systems
- State repository: Records remain unless restricted through the petition process under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years
- Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
- May be restricted upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Minimum of two to five years
- Local arrest logs: Minimum of two years
- May be eligible for immediate restriction petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Minimum of five years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained until superseded by digital records or per agency policy
- Photographs: Minimum of five years; longer if associated with an active case
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum of two years
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: Often retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement
- The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records and update information when records are expunged or restricted
- Individuals should contact third-party database operators directly to request removal following a successful restriction order
Retention by Agency:
Camden County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum of five years
- Arrest reports: Minimum of five years
- Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
- Contact: (912) 576-5358
Local Police Departments:
- Arrest records: Minimum of five years per Georgia retention schedules
- Incident reports: Minimum of five years
- Retention periods may vary slightly by department
Camden County Clerk of Superior Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of seven years
- Traffic cases: Minimum of five years
- Electronic records: Often permanent
Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC):
- Maintains arrest records submitted by all Georgia law enforcement agencies
- Retention policy: Indefinite for conviction records; subject to restriction orders for non-conviction records
- Contact: (404) 244-2600
FBI Database:
- The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless restricted; not reported on most standard background checks
- Restriction/Expungement: Physical records sealed or destroyed at the local level; GCIC updates its database; FBI may retain records with a notation; removal from third-party databases requires separate action
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to five years; eligible for restriction petition
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests (within the last five years): Available online through the Sheriff's Office or GCIC portal
- Older arrests (five to fifteen years ago): May require an in-person request; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time
- Very old arrests (fifteen or more years ago): May not be digitized; paper records may be held in archives; some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (912) 576-5358
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Georgia does not currently impose additional restrictions beyond the FCRA for most private-sector employment background checks. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not reportable after seven years under standard consumer reporting rules.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Camden County Sheriff's Records Division at (912) 576-5358 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive documents.