Arrest records are public documents in Prattville, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by government entities shall be accessible for public inspection. The law specifically states that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." This provision ensures governmental transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to access various types of records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction.
The Alabama Open Records Act further reinforces this accessibility by mandating that public agencies make their records available during regular business hours. Exceptions to public disclosure exist primarily for juvenile records, ongoing investigations, and certain records sealed by court order. Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is generally accessible, certain personal identifying information may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Prattville. The Prattville Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and municipal regulations. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following methods:
Visit the Prattville Police Department in person to submit a formal records request. The department is located at 101 West Main Street, Prattville, AL 36067. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Request records through the Prattville Municipal Court if the arrest has resulted in court proceedings. The court is located at 101 West Main Street, Prattville, AL 36067 and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Submit written requests via certified mail to the Records Division of the Prattville Police Department. All requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Access the Autauga County Circuit Court records for arrests that have proceeded to the county court level. The courthouse is located at 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067.
Utilize the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's online portal for statewide criminal history information, which may include Prattville arrests that have been reported to state authorities.
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on the volume of requests and complexity of the search. Fees may apply in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which permits reasonable charges for the production of public records.
Arrest records maintained by the Prattville Police Department contain standardized information as required by Alabama state law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions in accordance with Alabama Code § 12-21-3.1, which protects certain investigative materials from public disclosure.
The expungement process in Prattville operates under the authority of Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, which establishes the legal framework for sealing certain arrest records from public view. Individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:
The procedural requirements for expungement include:
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court will order all relevant agencies to seal the records, including the Prattville Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and court repositories. Expunged records are not accessible through standard public records requests but remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.
Prattville Police Department
101 West Main Street
Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 595-0208
Official Website
Prattville Municipal Court
101 West Main Street
Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 595-0338
Official Website
Autauga County Courthouse
134 North Court Street
Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6800
Official Website