Madison County Arrest Records and Jail Bookings
Madison County recent bookings are maintained by the Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Leonard Johnson. The jail in Danielsville processes all arrests for the county. You can access booking records through the Sheriff's Office website or by direct contact. These records show who has been arrested, what charges they face, and their current status.
Madison County Sheriff's Office Information
Sheriff Leonard Johnson leads the Madison County Sheriff's Office. The office is responsible for law enforcement and jail operations throughout the county. The Sheriff's Office maintains all booking records for arrests made in Madison County.
You can contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office at PO Box 345, Danielsville, GA 30633. Their phone number is (706) 795-6202. The official website is madisoncountysheriffga.org.
The Sheriff's Office handles all aspects of county law enforcement. This includes patrol, investigations, and jail management. Booking records are kept in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7. This statute requires detailed record keeping for all jail inmates.
Contact the Sheriff's Office for inmate inquiries and booking information. Staff can help you locate records and understand the booking process.
Finding Madison County Recent Bookings
You can search for recent bookings in Madison County using several methods. The Sheriff's Office website may have online search tools. You can also call or visit the office in person. Each method has advantages depending on your needs.
Online searches are fastest when available. You can search by name, date, or booking number. Results typically show current inmates and recent releases. Some systems update every few hours.
Phone inquiries work well for quick checks. Call (706) 795-6202 during business hours. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody. They can also provide basic booking details over the phone.
In-person visits allow you to request detailed records. You can submit formal open records requests at the office. Bring identification and as much information as possible about the person you are searching for.
Understanding Madison County Booking Records
Booking records in Madison County document the entire intake process. These records are created when someone is arrested and brought to jail. They form the basis of the official arrest record.
Key information found in booking records includes:
- Complete legal name and any known aliases
- Physical description including height and weight
- Date and time of booking
- Criminal charges and related statutes
- Bond amount and type of bond
- Next court date if scheduled
The Georgia Open Records Act ensures public access to these documents. O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(4) specifically addresses arrest and booking records. Agencies must provide access unless specific exemptions apply.
Requests for booking records should be specific. Include names, dates, and any known details. This helps staff locate records quickly. Response times are typically within three business days.
How to Request Madison County Booking Records
You have the right to view Madison County booking records. The law protects this right under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70. You can make your request in a few simple ways.
Call the Sheriff's Office at (706) 795-6202 to start. Tell them you want to see booking records. They will guide you through the steps. You can also visit the office at PO Box 345 in Danielsville.
For best results, put your request in writing. Send a letter or email with clear details. Include the full name of the person. Add any dates or charges you know. The office has three business days to reply.
The first 30 minutes of staff time costs nothing. You pay only for copies if you need them. Ask for a cost quote before they start. This keeps your costs low and clear.
Understanding the Booking Process
Booking happens when someone is brought to the Madison County Jail. This process follows strict rules. Each step makes a record you can view later.
First, staff check who the person is. They look for warrants and past arrests. They take photos and finger prints. They list all charges on the booking form. All this data goes in the jail system.
The person's things are taken and stored. They may get one phone call. Staff tell them when court will be. The whole process takes a few hours. A judge may set bond during this time.
O.C.G.A. § 42-4-7 says the Sheriff must keep these records. The files show who was booked and why. You can ask to see most of this info. This helps you know the status of someone in jail.
Jail Visitation and Inmate Services
Madison County Jail allows visits with those in custody. You must follow all rules set by the Sheriff. These rules keep everyone safe.
Call (706) 795-6202 to learn when visits happen. Most jails have set days and hours. You may need to sign up first. Bring a valid photo ID with you.
You can send money to inmates in most cases. This helps them buy items from the jail store. Ask staff how to add funds. Some jails use online payment systems.
Inmates can make calls to family and friends. These calls are monitored for safety. The jail may also offer programs. These can help inmates prepare for release. Contact the Sheriff's Office for more info.
State Resources
State tools can help you find inmates in Georgia. These work with county records. You may need to check both to find who you seek.
The Georgia Department of Corrections has a search site. Go to gdc.georgia.gov to use it. This shows state prison inmates. It does not list county jail bookings. Check both places.
The Georgia Sheriffs' Association lists all sheriffs. Visit georgiasheriffs.org to find them. This helps when you need to call other counties. Each has contact info on the site.
For your own crime history, call the Georgia Crime Information Center. They are at (404) 244-2639. Their office is in Decatur. They keep files on all crimes in the state.
Additional Resources for Inmate Searches
Besides county records, several state resources can help you find inmate information. The Georgia Department of Corrections maintains records for state prison inmates. This is different from county jail records.
Use the GDC offender search at services.gdc.ga.gov for state inmates. This database covers felony convictions and longer sentences. It does not include county jail bookings.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation provides criminal history checks. Contact the GCIC at (404) 244-2639 for information. Their office is at 3121 Panthersville Road, Decatur, GA 30034.
Remember that an arrest does not mean guilt. Booking records show who was arrested, not who was convicted. Court records provide final disposition information.
Your Rights Under Georgia Law
The Georgia Open Records Act protects your right to access public records. This includes booking and arrest records in Madison County. Understanding your rights helps you obtain the information you need.
Key legal points about booking records access:
You have the right to inspect and copy most booking records. Requests can be oral or written. Agencies must respond within three business days. Extensions are allowed for complex requests.
Fees are limited by law. The first 30 minutes of search time is free. Copying fees must be reasonable. You can request cost estimates for large requests.
Booking photos require special handling. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-1-18, you must sign an affirmation when requesting mug shots. The photos cannot be posted on websites that charge for removal.
Neighboring County Resources
If your search in Madison County is unsuccessful, try nearby counties. Arrests may occur in bordering jurisdictions. Here are neighboring counties with booking record access:
The Georgia Sheriffs' Association maintains a complete directory at georgiasheriffs.org. This resource helps you find contact information for any Georgia county.
Nearby Counties
If your search in Madison County fails, try nearby counties. People may be held in jails near Danielsville. These counties border Madison County.
Clarke County sits to the south with Athens as the main city. Their sheriff's office has many records. Elbert County lies to the east. Franklin County is to the north with their office in Carnesville.
Hart County sits northeast of Madison County. Jackson County is to the west. Oglethorpe County borders to the south. Each has its own jail and booking system.
Check the Georgia Sheriffs' Association at georgiasheriffs.org for phone numbers. This helps you call each office fast.