>Cherokee County Arrest Records Online

Cherokee County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cherokee County, Alabama?

Arrest records are public documents in Cherokee County, Alabama, 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 expressly provided by statute. The law ensures transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies operating within Cherokee County.

Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes:

Enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
Provides information about individuals who have been taken into custody
Assists in maintaining public safety through awareness
Supports journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
Facilitates background checks for employment and housing

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties. While the records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information in accordance with Alabama law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cherokee County?

Cherokee County arrest records are accessible online through several official platforms maintained by county agencies. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which addresses the management of public records, government entities are authorized to maintain electronic versions of public records.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate roster that is updated regularly. This digital resource includes information about current detainees and recent arrests. Additionally, the Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama, which serves Cherokee County, maintains an electronic database of court records that may include information related to arrests.

Online access is subject to the following conditions:

Some records may require registration or payment of nominal fees
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
Records related to juvenile offenders are typically not available online
Cases under active investigation may have limited information available
Historical records may not be fully digitized and might require in-person requests

Users should note that while online access provides convenience, the most comprehensive records are often available through direct requests to the appropriate agencies.

How to Look Up Cherokee County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Cherokee County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office located at 110 Cedar Bluff Road, Centre, AL 35960
Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Telephone: (256) 927-3365
Proper identification is required for all in-person requests

Online Resources:

Access the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office website for current inmate information
Search the Cherokee County Circuit Court database for case information related to arrests
Utilize Alabama's statewide court records system, accessible through the Administrative Office of Courts

Written Requests:

Submit a formal written request to the Records Division, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
Include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest
Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for return correspondence
Include any applicable fees as specified by the agency (typically $15-25 per record)

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable time, not to exceed 10 business days. Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for document reproduction as established by county ordinance.

Contents of a Cherokee County Arrest Record

Cherokee County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Alabama Code § 15-4-1 through § 15-4-9, which governs arrest procedures and documentation. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include:

Biographical Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
Home address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest
Booking number and facility information
Statutory citations for alleged violations
Narrative description of the circumstances leading to arrest

Case Processing Information:

Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint classification data
Bond amount and status
Court appearance dates
Case disposition if available

Additional Documentation:

Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
Medical screening information (heavily redacted in public versions)
Detention classification assessment
Release information if applicable

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Alabama's records retention schedule, which requires arrest records to be preserved for a minimum of 25 years.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cherokee County

Under Alabama law, specifically the Alabama Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16), certain arrest records in Cherokee County may be eligible for expungement. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Cherokee County include:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Cases where charges were dismissed with prejudice
Acquittals by judge or jury
Nolle prosequi dispositions
Successful completion of diversion programs
Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

File a Petition for Expungement with the Cherokee County Circuit Court
Pay the filing fee of $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4
Provide certified copies of court dispositions related to the arrest
Submit to fingerprinting for verification purposes
Attend a hearing if scheduled by the presiding judge

If granted, an Order of Expungement directs all agencies to seal or destroy records related to the arrest. However, pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, certain government agencies may retain access to expunged records for law enforcement and judicial purposes.

The Cherokee County Circuit Court, located at 100 Main Street, Centre, AL 35960, processes all expungement petitions for arrests occurring within the county jurisdiction.