Find Upson County Criminal Records

Upson County criminal court records are managed by the Clerk of Superior Court at the courthouse on West Main Street in Thomaston. The county is part of the Thomaston Judicial Circuit, which covers Upson County exclusively. You can search criminal records in person at the clerk office or use statewide portals to look up case data online. The clerk staff accepts walk-in requests during business hours and can pull case files, check court dates, and make copies of criminal records. Felony and misdemeanor cases from across Upson County are all processed through the courts in Thomaston, and the clerk keeps those records on file.

Upson County Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Superior Court handles all criminal court records in Upson County. The office is at 116 W. Main Street in Thomaston. Call (706) 647-7835 to check on a case or ask about a filing. Staff at the clerk office can search by name or case number and pull criminal case files. Walk-ins are welcome during normal hours, Monday through Friday. Bring a valid photo ID if you plan to request copies of criminal records in person. Most routine lookups take just a few minutes.

Upson County has its own judicial circuit, which means the District Attorney is dedicated to cases in this county alone. That gives the court system a tighter focus than counties that share a circuit with several neighbors. The Thomaston Judicial Circuit DA prosecutes all felony cases in Upson County.

The GSCCCA page for Upson County lists clerk contact info and links to the statewide filing system for the county.

From the GSCCCA, you can find the Upson County clerk address, phone, and links to search tools that cover all 159 Georgia counties. A standard GSCCCA account costs $14.95 per month, and premium access runs $29.95.

Note: The Upson County courthouse may close early on the day before certain state holidays, so call ahead if you plan a late afternoon visit.

How to Search Upson County Criminal Records

Go to the courthouse in Thomaston to search criminal court records in Upson County. The clerk staff can look up what you need and make copies while you wait. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, criminal court records in Georgia are public. Anyone can ask to see them. You do not need a reason. The clerk must respond within three business days. The first 15 minutes of search time are free under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-71. Standard copies cost $0.10 per page.

You can also mail a request to 116 W. Main Street, Thomaston, GA 30286. Include the full name of the person, date of birth if known, and any case number you have. Specify whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Certified copies cost more but carry legal weight. The clerk will search and send back what they find along with a bill for the copy fees.

Online tools are available too. The E-Access to Court Records portal connects to case data from courts across Georgia. You need an account to search. The GSCCCA indexes filings from all counties and can point you to the Upson County Clerk for criminal case files.

Upson County Criminal Case Types

Superior Court in Upson County takes felony cases. Drug trafficking, violent crimes, burglary, and other serious charges all go through this court in Thomaston. The State Court handles misdemeanor cases. Simple assault, minor drug possession, DUI, and criminal traffic matters land there. Magistrate Court processes warrants, preliminary hearings, and bond settings. Each court creates records that the Upson County Clerk keeps on file.

A criminal case in Upson County follows the standard Georgia process. An arrest takes place. Charges get filed with the court. The case moves through hearings and possibly a trial. Each step creates records. Docket entries, motions, plea agreements, and court orders all go into the criminal case file. Under O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72, records tied to an active investigation may be held back from public view. Once the investigation ends or the case resolves, most records open up. Basic docket info and court dates are typically available even during an open case in Upson County.

To request criminal records from Upson County, you will need:

• Full name of the person
• Date of birth or approximate age
• Case number if you have one
• Type of case (felony or misdemeanor)
• Whether you need certified or uncertified copies

Criminal Record Restriction in Upson County

Georgia uses the term record restriction instead of expungement. Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-37, certain criminal records can be restricted from public view. The records still exist but cannot be seen by the general public. Law enforcement and judges keep access. Arrests that did not result in a conviction may qualify. Certain misdemeanor convictions are eligible after four years with no additional convictions. Cases sitting on a dead docket for over 12 months may also be restricted. Georgia limits each person to two misdemeanor conviction restrictions in their lifetime.

For arrests in Upson County on or after July 1, 2013, start through the Thomaston Judicial Circuit District Attorney. For older arrests, contact the arresting agency. Fees run up to $50. Processing takes two weeks to 90 days. Time-expired restrictions may happen on their own. If the Georgia Crime Information Center does not get a final disposition within two years for a misdemeanor, four years for a felony, or seven years for a serious violent felony, the record can be restricted automatically. Serious violent felonies and sex offenses are not eligible for restriction.

Upson County Criminal Records Resources

For your own criminal history, visit the Upson County Sheriff's Office and ask for a Purpose Code U report. This is how you get a copy of your Georgia criminal history for personal use. The GBI Criminal History page explains the process in detail. You can also call the GBI Criminal History Records Helpline at (404) 244-2639 option 3 for questions about your record statewide, including cases from Upson County.

Under O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34, the Georgia Crime Information Center shares criminal history data with defense attorneys who submit a written request. It must include the case style, case number, and subject identification. Fees apply but are waived for indigent defendants. Attorneys in Upson County use this for trial preparation. The FANS system from the GSCCCA is a free tool that lets you monitor new filings tied to your name across all Georgia counties. eFiling through the Odyssey eFileGA system is also available for attorneys and parties to a criminal case in Upson County.

Note: The GBI Open Records Unit stopped accepting requests by email in December 2023; use their online portal or mail to P.O. Box 370808, Decatur, GA 30037-0808.

Cities in Upson County

Thomaston is the county seat and largest city in Upson County. Criminal cases from Thomaston and all other areas of the county go through the Upson County Superior Court or State Court at the courthouse on West Main Street. Other communities in Upson County include Yatesville and The Rock. All criminal filings from these areas are processed by the Upson County court system.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Upson County. If you are not sure which county handles a criminal case, check the address where the arrest took place. Criminal cases must be filed in the county where the alleged crime occurred.