Burke County Public Records / Burke County Arrest Records

Burke County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Burke County in 2026

BurkeRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Burke County, Georgia. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official and third-party sources. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access and completeness vary by source and the nature of the underlying record.

Records may be searched through official resources including the county Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Superior Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records, the legal framework governing access, and the procedures applicable to record correction or removal.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Burke County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and, at present, provides public access to inmate and arrest information through its official channels. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates, recent bookings, and arrest records. Information available includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. Records are updated as bookings occur.

Burke County Sheriff's Office
648 Perimeter Road
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2133
Burke County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Waynesboro Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Burke County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically made available through the department. Members of the public seeking arrest records from city-level incidents should direct requests to the Waynesboro Police Department.

Waynesboro Police Department
628 Myrick Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-7424
City of Waynesboro

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Burke County Clerk of Superior Court maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search by arrestee name to locate associated court case numbers, charge information, and case disposition. The Georgia Superior Court case search portal provides online access to case information statewide.

Burke County Clerk of Superior Court
602 Liberty Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2279
Burke County Clerk of Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC), operated by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest records from all jurisdictions within Georgia. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the GBI. A fee of $25.00 per search is currently assessed for public criminal history requests. The repository includes arrest dates, charges, dispositions, and sentencing information where available.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 648 Perimeter Road, Waynesboro, GA 30830
Records division is located within the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (706) 554-2133
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where available, the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Fees for copies: $0.10 per page for standard copies, consistent with Georgia's open records fee schedule

Police Departments:

Waynesboro Police Department, 628 Myrick Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830, (706) 554-7424
Records requests are accepted in person during business hours
Fees for copies follow the standard Georgia public records schedule

Clerk of Court:

Address: 602 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830
Criminal records division is located on the main floor of the Burke County Courthouse
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (706) 554-2279
Case files are available for inspection; certified copies are available upon request
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certification fee of $2.50 per document

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 648 Perimeter Road, Waynesboro, GA 30830. Each request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the Burke County Sheriff's Office. Processing time for mailed requests is typically five to ten business days following receipt.

By Phone:

The Burke County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (706) 554-2133 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm whether an individual is currently in custody and provide general booking information. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record requests are referred to in-person or written submission.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. In active criminal proceedings, discovery is governed by the Georgia Criminal Procedure Code.

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 and arresting jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Burke County

Arrest records in Burke County are public records under Georgia law. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, all records prepared and maintained by public agencies in the course of their official duties are subject to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

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
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted and may be sealed under Georgia law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are exempt from disclosure
Confidential informant information is protected
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Georgia Constitution and the Georgia Open Records Act establish the legal foundation for public access to government records, including arrest records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges and dispositions.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681), which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal background checks. Georgia does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain local ordinances may apply. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions carries legal risk under applicable anti-discrimination frameworks.

What's in Burke County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, GBI, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number (where included)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Georgia statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing 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
Bail bondsman information where applicable
Release date and time if released
Release conditions where made public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests within the county
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Full residential address or personal phone number
Social Security number (redacted by law)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Burke County?

Georgia law governs the fees that public agencies may charge for records access. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71, agencies may charge for the actual cost of search, retrieval, and copying, but may not impose fees that exceed the statutory limits.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.10 per page (Sheriff's Office)
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page (Clerk of Court)
Certified copies	$2.50 per document (Clerk of Court)
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
GCIC criminal history search	$25.00 per subject (GBI)
Inspection of records	No charge for inspection only

Accepted payment methods at the Burke County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, at the discretion of the custodial agency. Inspection of records without requesting copies is available at no charge under current Georgia law.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Burke 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). These remedies are distinct. Restriction limits public access to a record while allowing law enforcement to retain access; sealing imposes broader confidentiality. Under Georgia law, the process is formally referred to as "restriction of criminal history record information."

Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, individuals may petition to have certain arrest records restricted from public view. Eligibility depends on the outcome of the underlying case. Records may be restricted in the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed or nolle prossed
The individual was acquitted at trial
No charges were filed following arrest
The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
The conviction was vacated or reversed on appeal

Records involving convictions are not eligible for restriction under standard procedures. Certain serious offenses, including those involving family violence, sexual offenses, and offenses against minors, carry additional restrictions on eligibility.

Steps to Petition for Record Restriction:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court disposition from the Burke County Clerk of Superior Court
Confirm eligibility based on case outcome
Complete the petition for restriction of criminal history record information
File the petition with the Burke County Superior Court at 602 Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830
Serve copies on the arresting agency and the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend any scheduled hearing
If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to the Georgia Crime Information Center for record update

Burke County Superior Court
602 Liberty Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2279
Burke County Clerk of Court

Georgia Bureau of Investigation – GCIC (Record Restriction)
3121 Panthersville Road
Decatur, GA 30034
Phone: (404) 244-2639
Georgia Bureau of Investigation

Individuals seeking restriction of records are advised to retain legal counsel familiar with Georgia criminal procedure. The Georgia Legal Aid network provides assistance to qualifying individuals who cannot afford private representation.

What Happens After Arrest in Burke County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Burke County Detention Center, the primary holding facility for the county. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest. The individual remains restrained during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation requires.

Burke County Detention Center
648 Perimeter Road
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2133
Burke County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. Duration is typically one to four hours depending on facility volume. The process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to GCIC
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and secured
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
Medical screening completed
Brief mental health screening
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Georgia law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate for a first appearance hearing within 48 hours of arrest. The hearing 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 and requests one

First appearance hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Burke County Magistrate Court.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full bond amount paid in cash to the detention facility
Refunded at case conclusion minus applicable fees
Amount set by the magistrate or per the bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10–15% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual held without bond pending further proceedings
Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing time following bond payment is typically one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

Individual remains in custody at the Burke County Detention Center
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who are indigent and face charges carrying the possibility of incarceration are entitled to appointed counsel. The Augusta Judicial Circuit Public Defender's Office serves Burke County.

Augusta Judicial Circuit Public Defender
735 James Brown Boulevard, Suite 3068
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2390
Georgia Public Defender Council

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The State Bar of Georgia provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney-client consultations at the detention facility are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office reviews arrests originating in Burke County and determines whether to file formal charges. The review process may result in:

Filing of a formal accusation or indictment
Request for additional investigation
Declination to prosecute
Filing of different or additional charges

Augusta Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
735 James Brown Boulevard, Suite 3200
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2370
Augusta Judicial Circuit DA

Grand Jury (Felonies):

Felony charges in Georgia may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without defense counsel present. An indictment is returned if the grand jury finds probable cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas include not guilty, guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court.

Pretrial Conferences facilitate discussions between counsel and the court regarding case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects; may support 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: Defendant accepts a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed charges; sentencing hearing is scheduled
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing follows a guilty verdict

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose imprisonment, 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: Within 48 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
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Georgia Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Sheriff's Office (Jail):
648 Perimeter Road
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2133
Inmate information: (706) 554-2133
Burke County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of Court:
602 Liberty Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830
Phone: (706) 554-2279
Burke County Clerk of Court

District Attorney's Office:
735 James Brown Boulevard, Suite 3200
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2370
Augusta Judicial Circuit DA

Public Defender's Office:
735 James Brown Boulevard, Suite 3068
Augusta, GA 30901
Phone: (706) 821-2390
Georgia Public Defender Council

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
Contact family or a bondsman for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Burke County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Burke County is governed by Georgia law and the records retention schedules established by the Georgia Secretary of State's Archives Division. Local agencies are required to follow the applicable retention schedules, which vary based on the type of record 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 by the Clerk of Court and GCIC
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years under Georgia retention schedules
State repository retains records indefinitely

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of two years
Court records may be retained permanently unless restricted by court order
State repository retains records unless a restriction order is issued
Records remain accessible unless the subject successfully petitions for restriction

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of two years
Court records are often retained permanently
State repository retains records unless restricted
Eligible for restriction petition under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum of two years
Local arrest logs retained per agency policy
May be eligible for restriction petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records retained for a minimum of two years
Often eligible for restriction petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Minimum two years for non-conviction records; permanent for conviction records
Fingerprint cards: Retained per GCIC policy; permanent for conviction records
Photographs: Retained consistent with booking record schedule

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum two years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and third-party platform
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
Third-party databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following restriction or expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum two years for non-conviction; permanent for conviction
Arrest reports: Minimum two years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (706) 554-2133

Police Departments:

Arrest records: Minimum two years
Incident reports: Minimum two years
Retention may vary by department policy

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor cases: Minimum five years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Often permanent

State Repository:

The Georgia Crime Information Center maintains arrest records from all jurisdictions statewide
Retention policy: Permanent for conviction records; subject to restriction orders for non-conviction records
GCIC criminal history records

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention: Permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all major databases
Appears on background checks indefinitely under federal law

Dismissal:

May remain in databases unless a restriction order is obtained
Non-conviction records are not reported on standard background checks by compliant consumer reporting agencies

Restriction (Expungement):

Physical records at local agencies are sealed or destroyed per the court order
GCIC updates its records to reflect the restriction
FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
Removal from GCIC typically occurs within 30 to 60 days of the court order

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period applies
May be purged automatically after two years
Immediate restriction petition may be available

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office or GCIC portal
Updated in real time or on a daily basis

Older Arrests (Five or More Years Ago):

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests (Fifteen or More Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Burke County Sheriff's Records Division at (706) 554-2133

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for restriction, or pursuant to the records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the custodial agency. The following categories of records are subject to permanent retention and cannot be destroyed:

Felony conviction records
Records involving serious violent offenses
Sex offense records
Records in cases with ongoing appeals or post-conviction proceedings

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard Background Check Period:

Most employment background checks cover seven years of reportable history under the FCRA
Convictions may be reported indefinitely under federal law
Georgia does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for convictions by statute

Fair Chance Considerations:

Arrests without conviction carry limited weight in employment decisions under applicable anti-discrimination guidance
Employers in certain jurisdictions may be restricted from considering non-conviction arrest records

Important Notes:

Restriction of a record does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases
Commercial websites may not update records following a court-ordered restriction
Law enforcement agencies retain access to restricted records for official purposes
Immigration records are maintained separately under federal authority with distinct retention rules
Juvenile records are subject to separate retention rules and are not accessible through standard public records channels

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Burke County Sheriff's Records Division at (706) 554-2133
Submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Fees may apply for copies of records retrieved from archives