Arrest records in Chilton County, Alabama are public documents accessible to all citizens 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 this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." Law enforcement records, including arrest documentation, fall under this provision unless specifically exempted by statute or court order.
The Chilton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document all arrests within their jurisdiction. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental interests, including:
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted in accordance with Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which protects sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and information related to ongoing investigations that might compromise public safety if disclosed.
Chilton County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Chilton County Sheriff's Office provides a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information through their official website. This resource is updated regularly in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which mandates reasonable access to public records.
The online availability of these records is subject to the following conditions:
The Alabama Judicial System also maintains Alacourt, a comprehensive database that includes arrest information connected to court cases in Chilton County. Access to this system requires registration and may involve nominal fees for certain searches as permitted under Alabama Code § 12-19-180, which authorizes reasonable fees for record reproduction.
Members of the public seeking Chilton County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels established pursuant to Alabama's Open Records Act. The following procedures have been established by county authorities:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Chilton County Sheriff's Office located at 500 2nd Avenue North, Clanton, AL 35045. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should complete the standard records request form and present valid government-issued identification.
Online searches can be conducted through the Chilton County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system, which is updated daily in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40.
Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division, Chilton County Sheriff's Office, 500 2nd Avenue North, Clanton, AL 35045. All written requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific information about the record being sought.
The Chilton County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains records of arrests that resulted in court proceedings. These records can be accessed at the courthouse located at 500 2nd Avenue North, Clanton, AL 35045. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 765-X-1-.06, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current fee schedules are posted at each records facility and on official county websites.
Chilton County arrest records are standardized documents containing specific information as required by Alabama Code § 15-10-1 through § 15-10-4. These records typically include the following components:
Additional information may be included depending on the nature of the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-21-3.1, certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information is redacted from public versions of these records.
The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center, located at 201 South Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130, maintains the central repository of all arrest records in the state and establishes standardized formatting requirements for all county-level records.
The expungement process in Chilton County operates under the authority of Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, which establishes procedures for the removal of certain arrest records from public access. Individuals seeking expungement must meet specific statutory criteria and follow prescribed procedures.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in Chilton County include:
The expungement process requires:
Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records, including the Chilton County Sheriff's Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and any other repositories of the arrest information. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, expunged records remain available for law enforcement purposes but are removed from public access.
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides standardized expungement petition forms and instructions for individuals seeking to navigate this process without legal representation.