>Cleburne County Arrest Records Online

Cleburne County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cleburne County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Cleburne 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 the state, except as expressly provided by statute. The Alabama Supreme Court has consistently upheld that arrest records fall within the definition of public records. This accessibility serves the fundamental purpose of maintaining transparency in governmental operations and ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies within Cleburne County.

The Cleburne County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may be required to submit proper identification and complete a formal request form. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws, particularly in cases involving juveniles or ongoing investigations as specified in Alabama Code § 12-15-133.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cleburne County?

Digital access to arrest records is available through several official platforms in Cleburne County. The Cleburne County Seventh Circuit Court maintains an online database that includes information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This digital repository is updated regularly in accordance with Alabama Administrative Code r. 355-4-1-.03, which governs the maintenance and accessibility of electronic court records.

Online accessibility is subject to certain limitations established by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-9-621, some sensitive information may be restricted from online viewing to protect ongoing investigations or individual privacy rights. The digital infrastructure is maintained through the Alabama Judicial Data Center, which coordinates with county-level agencies to ensure accurate and timely updates to the arrest record database.

Users of online systems may be required to create accounts and may incur nominal fees for certain detailed reports or certified copies of records. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency oversees the statewide standards for digital record-keeping and public access protocols.

How to Look Up Cleburne County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Cleburne County, each governed by specific procedural requirements:

Online Database Searches: Citizens may access the Cleburne County Commission website or the Alabama Judicial System's online portal. Users must provide the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code r. 355-4-1-.04, online searches require acceptance of terms of use and may involve nominal processing fees.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Cleburne County Sheriff's Office or the Circuit Court Clerk's office to submit formal requests for arrest records.

Cleburne County Sheriff's Office
140 Lambert Drive
Heflin, AL 36264
(256) 463-2277
Official Website

Cleburne County Circuit Court Clerk
120 Vickery Street, Room 102
Heflin, AL 36264
(256) 463-2651
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Written Requests: As provided in Alabama Code § 36-12-41, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records by mail. Such requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and a copy of the requestor's identification. A self-addressed stamped envelope and applicable fees must accompany all mail requests.

Contents of a Cleburne County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Cleburne County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as mandated by Alabama Code § 41-9-620. These records typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of all charges filed
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information including fingerprints and booking photographs
Custody status and bail determination
Case disposition information if available

The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center Commission establishes uniform standards for record content through Administrative Code r. 265-X-2-.02. Pursuant to these regulations, all arrest records must maintain chain of custody documentation and verification of identity through fingerprint confirmation. The Cleburne County Sheriff's Department is responsible for ensuring all arrest records meet these standards before they become part of the public record.

Certain elements of arrest records may be restricted from public view, particularly those containing information about confidential informants, juvenile offenders, or victims of certain crimes as specified in Alabama Code § 15-23-60.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cleburne County

The process of expungement in Cleburne County is governed by the Alabama Record Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 et seq.). This statute provides a legal mechanism through which qualifying individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access. Eligibility criteria include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Arrests where no charges were filed within the statutory timeframe
Non-violent felony convictions after completion of all sentencing requirements and a waiting period
Misdemeanor convictions (excluding violent offenses, sex offenses, or offenses involving moral turpitude) after completion of all sentencing requirements

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Cleburne County Circuit Court along with payment of filing fees (currently $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4). The District Attorney's office has 45 days to file any objections to the petition. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records and prohibits their disclosure except under limited circumstances specified in Alabama Code § 15-27-7.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that certain agencies, particularly federal law enforcement and licensing boards, may retain access to expunged records pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16. The expungement process does not automatically restore all civil rights lost due to conviction.