Jacksonville Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Jacksonville, Alabama?
Arrest records are public documents in Jacksonville, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by government entities, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public. The law operates under the principle that citizens have a fundamental right to inspect and copy public writings, except in cases where disclosure is expressly prohibited by statute or where public interest reasons for confidentiality clearly outweigh the public's right to know.
The Jacksonville Police Department and Calhoun County Sheriff's Office maintain these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest information promotes transparency in the criminal justice system and enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within their community. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as prescribed by Alabama law.
How to Look Up Jacksonville Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Jacksonville, Alabama. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining proper record management:
Online Access Options:
- The Jacksonville Police Department's records management system provides limited arrest information through their official portal
- Calhoun County Sheriff's Office online inmate search system displays current detention status
- Alabama Judicial System's public access portal (Alacourt) contains case information for arrests that have resulted in formal charges
- Third-party aggregator websites may compile publicly available arrest data, though accuracy cannot be guaranteed by official sources
In-Person Requests:
Jacksonville Police Department 310 Church Avenue SE Jacksonville, AL 36265 256-435-7411 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office 400 West 8th Street Anniston, AL 36201 256-236-6600 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Jacksonville Municipal Court 310 Church Ave. SE Jacksonville, AL 36265 256-435-6960 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
- Notarized signature (for certain records)
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current fee schedules are posted at each agency location and on their respective websites.
Contents of a Jacksonville Arrest Record
Jacksonville arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Alabama law enforcement protocols. These documents typically include the following elements:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Alabama driver's license number or state identification number
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including Alabama Code references
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing location
- Weapon involvement (if applicable)
- Property seized during arrest
Case processing information:
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification
- Bond amount and type
- Court appearance dates
- Detention facility assignment (if applicable)
Disposition information:
- Case outcome (if resolved)
- Sentencing details (if convicted)
- Release date (if applicable)
The Jacksonville Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center regulations. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-9-621, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Jacksonville
The State of Alabama provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records through a formal judicial process. Under Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, individuals may petition for expungement of records pertaining to arrests that did not result in convictions or were otherwise resolved favorably.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Charges were dismissed with prejudice
- No-bills were returned by grand juries
- 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
- Pardons have been granted for non-violent felonies (with certain restrictions)
Application Process:
- Petitioners must file an Application for Expungement in the circuit court where the case was disposed
- A filing fee of $300 must accompany the petition (unless waived by the court due to substantial hardship)
- The district attorney's office receives notification and may contest the petition within 45 days
- If uncontested, the court may rule without a hearing; contested petitions require judicial review
Effect of Expungement: Upon granting of an expungement order, all records related to the arrest are sealed from public view. The subject may legally answer "no" to questions about the expunged arrest on applications for employment, housing, or other purposes. However, certain government agencies retain limited access to expunged records for specific purposes as outlined in Alabama Code § 15-27-15.
The Jacksonville Municipal Court processes expungement petitions for cases within its jurisdiction. Petitioners are advised that expungement is a judicial determination, not an administrative process, and legal representation is recommended though not required.
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