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FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS
(FAQs)

How do I obtain a Records Check?		How do I have Fingerprints taken?
How do I get copies of an Incident Report?		How do I obtain a Temporary Protective Order (TPO)?
How do I get someone out of jail?		When can I visit someone in jail?

How do I obtain a Records Check?

The requestor for Criminal History Record Information shall provide a signed original consent form available from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office (no copies or faxes) with the following information:

Name of Subject (including maiden name)
Date of birth
Sex
Race
Social Security Number
copy of ID
Self-addressed stamped envelope (if mailed)

FEES

Georgia Criminal History	$15	per request
Local (Fulton) Criminal History	$5	per request
Expungement (includes Georgia Criminal History)	$15	per request

Cash (do not mail)
U.S. Postal Money Order (Payable to: Fulton County Sheriff's Office)
Cashier's Check (Payable to: Fulton County Sheriff's Office
- No Personal or Company checks
- Law Enforcement agencies and Armed Forces fees may be waived.
- Pre-existing agreements and contracts will not change.

Hours of operation for Criminal History or Background check:
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

What information will my Record Check contain?

Any and all adult criminal convictions will be reported.
Any motor vehicle convictions for the previous 10 years will be included. You may want to verify with the requesting agency if a statewide check is needed. This would then need to be done through the Georgia State Patrol.

How do I have Fingerprints taken?

You do this through a Police department, unless you are registering as a Sex Offender.

How do I get copies of an Incident Report?

Requests must be made in writing either by request forms obtained from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office or by letter from an individual or Insurance Co. Incident reports are individually reviewed for release. Incident reports cannot be released if there are suspects, accused, or arrested parties mentioned in the report. Edited copies may be released in certain cases. Any questions pertaining to the release can be answered by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.

How do I obtain a Temporary Protective Order (TPO)?

You need to apply at the Fulton County Solicitor General's Victim/Witness Assistance Office located on 160 Pryor Street, Suite J-314, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The phone number is 404-730-6883.

How is the order served?

The order can only be served in hand (in person) by a law enforcement officer. The order can be served at place of employment or residence. The order will be served as timely as possible.

All reasonable attempts are made to locate the defendant. The petition is NOT IN EFFECT until served to the defendant. If problems arise prior to service being made, the plaintiff should contact their local authorities and advise them of the problem at hand. Service of the petition will be attempted at that time.

What happens if an address is not available?

All unserved restraining orders that do not contain a valid address remain on file at our office. Deputies have access to these orders 24 hours a day, and should an address become available, the plaintiff/petitioner is responsible for notifying the Fulton County Sheriff's Office of any updated information.

What do I do once it's been served?

The temporary restrictions must be followed by the defendant and plaintiff until appearance in court. You need to appear in court on the date listed on the petition to address charges. The court then decides whether or not the order will continue or be revoked. If you do not show up for court, the TPO will be dismissed.

What if the TPO is not served prior to the court date?

The plaintiff must still appear in court on the specified date or the TPO will be dismissed. A hearing cannot be held without the defendant's presence. The court may then issue a new court date and continue the temporary orders.

How do I obtain the release of my car that was impounded?

At the time of impoundment, the Fulton County Sheriff's Office will normally provide the name of the wrecker service which was called to tow the vehicle. When you are ready to obtain the vehicle's release, contact the wrecker company which towed the vehicle. Any special conditions that must be met in order for the vehicle to be released will be explained to you. Normally, you must show:

a valid driver's license

proof of ownership (such as a title, tag receipt, or notarized bill of sale)

a valid insurance card

(NOTE: If there is a hold on the vehicle, it will not be released until you speak with the deputy/officer or department which placed the hold.)

How do I get someone out of jail?

The person arrested must complete the booking procedures before they can be released. Part of this booking procedure is the establishing of a bond. On traffic charges, this bond will usually be the amount of the traffic fine. (See Information for Posting Bonds at the Fulton County Jail).

When can I visit someone in jail?

Call the jail, 404-853-2145 or 404-853-2057, and find out the location of the person. The jail staff can then advise you of the visitation schedule. Exceptions for out-of-state or emergency visitors can be arranged. Situations of this type have to be presented to the Chief Jailer for approval. (See Visitation Rules, Schedules, Mail Requirements and Jail Programs for Inmates).

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