Calhoun County, Alabama Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Calhoun County, Alabama?
Arrest records in Calhoun County, Alabama are considered public information pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Calhoun County fall under this provision as public records.
The Alabama Open Records Act further reinforces this transparency by stipulating that records of arrests, including the charges filed, are accessible to members of the public. This legal framework ensures that citizens can monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system within Calhoun County. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental interests, including:
- Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system
- Enabling community awareness of public safety matters
- Supporting the constitutional principle of open government
- Facilitating research and statistical analysis of crime patterns
It should be noted that while arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect sensitive personal information or ongoing investigations, as provided by Alabama Code § 41-13-1.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Calhoun County?
Calhoun County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official government portals. The Calhoun County Circuit Court maintains an electronic database that includes information about criminal cases resulting from arrests within the jurisdiction. However, the comprehensiveness of online records varies according to several factors:
- Not all arrest records are immediately uploaded to online systems
- Historical records may not be fully digitized
- Some records may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency
- Certain case details may be accessible only through the Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt portal
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that is accessible online, providing real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This resource includes basic arrest information but does not constitute a comprehensive arrest records database.
Users of online systems should be aware that electronic records may not reflect case dismissals, expungements, or other post-arrest legal actions unless the database has been recently updated. For the most accurate and complete information, direct contact with the records division of the appropriate agency is advised.
How to Look Up Calhoun County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Calhoun County have multiple official channels through which such information may be obtained:
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office
400 West 8th Street
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 236-6600
Official Website
The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests conducted by county deputies and provides public access to these records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Calhoun County Circuit Clerk's Office
25 West 11th Street, Suite 109
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 231-1750
Official Website
The Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests that have proceeded to formal charges. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, these records are available for public inspection during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Anniston Police Department
174 West 13th Street
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 238-1800
Official Website
For arrests made within Anniston city limits, the Records Division of the Anniston Police Department provides access to arrest records during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
To conduct a search for arrest records, requestors must provide:
- Full name of the individual (including any known aliases)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Case number (if available)
Fees for record searches and copies are established pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-19-180 and may include:
- Record search fee: $5.00 per name
- Copy fee: $1.00 per page
- Certified copy fee: $5.00 per document
Contents of a Calhoun County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Calhoun County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Alabama Criminal Code § 15-10-1 through § 15-10-4. A complete arrest record generally includes the following components:
Demographic information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Fingerprints and photograph (mugshot)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory charges filed
- Alabama Criminal Code citations for alleged offenses
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency conducting the arrest
Case processing information:
- Booking number and facility
- Court case number (when assigned)
- Bond amount and status
- Initial appearance date
- Disposition of charges (if resolved)
Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4.1, the arrest record will also document whether the arrest was made with or without a warrant. For warrantless arrests, the record must contain the officer's statement of probable cause that justified the arrest.
It should be noted that arrest records are distinct from criminal history records, which compile an individual's entire history of interactions with the criminal justice system. Arrest records document a single incident and do not necessarily indicate criminal conviction.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Calhoun County
The Alabama Legislature has established statutory provisions for the expungement of certain arrest records under Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19. Expungement removes arrest records from public access, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.
In Calhoun County, individuals may petition for expungement when:
- The charge was dismissed with prejudice
- The charge was no-billed by a grand jury
- The defendant was found not guilty of the charge
- The charge was dismissed without prejudice more than two years ago and has not been refiled
- The defendant completed a diversion program, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court
The expungement process in Calhoun County requires:
- Filing a petition with the Calhoun County Circuit Court
- Payment of a $300 administrative filing fee
- Submission of a certified criminal history from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- Service of the petition on the District Attorney, law enforcement agency, and clerk of court
The District Attorney has 45 days to file an objection to the petition. If no objection is filed, or if the court overrules an objection after hearing, the court may grant the expungement. Upon issuance of an expungement order, all records of the arrest are sealed from public view.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process is governed by strict statutory requirements, and not all arrest records qualify for expungement under Alabama law.
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