Chilton County, Alabama Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Chilton County, Alabama?
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:
- Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations
- Facilitating public oversight of governmental functions
- Providing necessary information for background checks and public safety
- Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice
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.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Chilton County?
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:
- Records may not appear immediately following an arrest due to processing time
- Certain sensitive cases, particularly those involving juveniles or sealed by court order, will not appear in public online databases
- The completeness of online records varies, with more detailed information often requiring in-person requests
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.
How to Look Up Chilton County Arrest Records in 2025
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.
Contents of a Chilton County Arrest Record
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:
- Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, and physical description
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of relevant Alabama Code sections
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (Chilton County Sheriff's Office, Clanton Police Department, or other law enforcement agency)
- Booking information, including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
- Custody status, including bail or bond information if applicable
- Case number and court assignment information
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.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Chilton County
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:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal (excluding dismissals following completion of diversion programs)
- Non-violent felony charges that were dismissed after successful completion of a court-approved diversion program
- Misdemeanor charges, excluding violent offenses as defined in Alabama Code § 12-25-32
- Certain non-violent felonies as specified in Alabama Code § 15-27-2
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Chilton County Circuit Court using standardized forms available through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
- Payment of a $300 administrative filing fee as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4
- Submission of certified disposition records for the case seeking expungement
- Notification to the district attorney's office, which has 45 days to file objections
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.
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