Finding out if someone is sitting in a cell in Dahlonega isn't always as straightforward as a quick Google search makes it seem. You've probably tried typing a name into a random site only to be met with a paywall or outdated data from three years ago. It's frustrating. Honestly, when you're looking for the Lumpkin County inmate list, you need the real-time truth, not some third-party scrap of information that hasn't been updated since the last Gold Rush Festival.
The reality is that local law enforcement record-keeping is a mix of digital convenience and old-school bureaucracy.
Where the Real Lumpkin County Inmate List Lives
Forget those "background check" sites that want your credit card. The official gateway for the Lumpkin County inmate list is managed directly by the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office. They maintain an online portal—often referred to as "Inmate Check"—where you can see who is currently being held at the detention center.
If the website is acting up (which happens), you have to do it the old-fashioned way. Call them. The Lumpkin County Detention Center can be reached at 706-864-0412. Just keep in mind that the jailers are busy. They aren't there to give you the "tea" on why someone was arrested; they are there to confirm if a person is in custody and what their bond looks like.
What You’ll Actually See
When you pull up the list, don't expect a full biography. You’re basically going to get the vitals:
- Full Name and Mugshot: Most recent booking photo.
- Booking Date: Exactly when they were processed.
- Charges: The specific Georgia code violations they’re accused of.
- Bond Amount: The price tag on their freedom (if they’re eligible).
Sometimes you’ll see "No Bond" next to a name. This usually means the person is waiting to see a judge for a first appearance or they’ve been picked up on a probation violation where bond isn't automatically granted.
The Stewart Detention Center Confusion
Here is where a lot of people get tripped up. There is a facility in a town called Lumpkin, Georgia, known as the Stewart Detention Center. This is not the same thing. The Stewart Detention Center is an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) facility located in Stewart County. If you are looking for someone arrested by a Lumpkin County Deputy in Dahlonega, they are at the local jail on Courthouse Hill. If you’re looking for someone in federal immigration custody, they might be in the city of Lumpkin. It’s a common mix-up that sends people on a three-hour wild goose chase across the state.
Always double-check the county. Lumpkin County (Dahlonega) vs. Stewart County (Lumpkin, GA). Massive difference.
How to Get Someone Out
Seeing a name on the Lumpkin County inmate list is usually just step one. Step two is figuring out how to get them home.
Lumpkin County typically allows for a few types of bonds:
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- Cash Bond: You pay the full amount to the clerk. You get this back (minus some fees) after the case is closed, assuming the person shows up to every court date.
- Property Bond: You use land or a home as collateral. This is a headache and involves the Tax Assessor's office to prove there is enough equity.
- Professional Bonding Company: You pay a non-refundable fee (usually 10-15%) to a bondsman. They handle the rest.
If you’re heading to the jail to pay a bond, bring a government-issued ID. They won't talk to you without it. Also, don't expect the person to walk out five minutes after you pay. The "out-processing" can take anywhere from an hour to half a day depending on how many people are being booked in at that moment.
Open Records and Your Rights
Under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70), most of these records are public. You have the right to request incident reports or more detailed arrest data.
However, if someone's case was dismissed or they were found not guilty, they might be eligible for "Record Restriction." This doesn't delete the record from the FBI database, but it hides it from the public-facing Lumpkin County inmate list and most private background checks. If you're looking for someone and they aren't showing up despite a recent arrest, it’s possible their record was restricted or they were moved to a different facility for medical reasons.
Practical Next Steps
If you need to find someone right now, go directly to the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office website. Use the "Inmate Check" link. If the person isn't listed there, call the detention center at 706-864-0412. Have the person's full legal name and date of birth ready before you dial, as it makes the process much faster for the staff. If you are looking for a police report rather than an inmate status, you’ll need to visit the main lobby at 99 Courthouse Hill during administrative hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).