>Coffee County Arrest Records Online

Coffee County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Coffee County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Coffee 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 records maintained by government entities shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Coffee County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their official duties in documenting law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Public access to these records serves the dual purpose of governmental transparency and public safety awareness.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving:

Ongoing investigations
Juvenile records
Records sealed by court order
Information protected by federal privacy laws

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is generally accessible, specific details may be redacted to protect privacy interests as determined by Alabama law and judicial precedent.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Coffee County?

Coffee County arrest records are available through several online platforms in accordance with Alabama's commitment to public information accessibility. The Coffee County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that includes current inmate information and recent arrest data. This online accessibility is part of the county's effort to modernize record-keeping systems while maintaining compliance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40 regarding public records.

Digital access to arrest records is provided through:

The official Coffee County government website
Third-party public record aggregation services
The Alabama Judicial System's online portal for court-related arrest information

Online records typically include basic arrest information, though comprehensive details may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has established protocols for the digital dissemination of criminal history information while maintaining appropriate security measures for sensitive data.

How to Look Up Coffee County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking arrest records in Coffee County have multiple methods available for obtaining this information. The primary resources for accessing these records include:

Coffee County Sheriff's Office
1133 E. McKinnon Street
New Brockton, AL 36351
Phone: (334) 894-5535
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Coffee County Circuit Clerk's Office
230 Court Avenue
Elba, AL 36323
Phone: (334) 897-2427
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

To obtain arrest records, requestors must:

Provide the full name of the individual whose records are being sought
Present valid government-issued identification
Complete the appropriate request form
Pay applicable fees (typically $15-25 per record)
Specify the time period for which records are being requested

Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-2-.03, requestors may also submit written requests by mail, including the required identification documentation and payment. Response times typically range from 3-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.

Contents of a Coffee County Arrest Record

Coffee County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Alabama law enforcement protocols and the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center regulations. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include:

Full legal name and known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Booking number and processing information
Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
Demographic information (date of birth, gender, race)
Arresting agency and officer identification
Enumeration of charges with corresponding Alabama Code citations
Bail or bond information when applicable
Custody status and detention facility location
Fingerprint classification data
Photographic identification (mugshot)

In accordance with Alabama Code § 41-9-621, certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly when related to confidential informants, victims of certain crimes, or when disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations. The completeness of publicly available arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and applicable privacy provisions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Coffee County

The State of Alabama provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records through the Alabama Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 et seq.). In Coffee County, individuals may petition for expungement when their circumstances meet the statutory requirements established by state law.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Coffee County include:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
Acquittals by judge or jury
Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after specified waiting periods
Pardoned offenses (excluding violent crimes)

The expungement process requires:

Filing a petition with the Coffee County Circuit Court
Payment of a $300 administrative filing fee
Submission of certified court records and arrest documentation
Notification to the District Attorney's Office
Attendance at a scheduled hearing (if required by the court)

Upon successful expungement, records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, individuals whose records have been expunged may legally answer "no" to questions about the expunged arrest on employment applications and similar inquiries.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records in Coffee County

Historical arrest records in Coffee County are maintained through a coordinated system involving multiple governmental agencies. These archives serve important functions for historical research, genealogical studies, and legal documentation. Access to these historical records is governed by the Alabama Public Records Law and related statutes concerning archival materials.

The primary repositories for historical arrest records include:

Coffee County Archives
1055 East McKinnon Street
New Brockton, AL 36351
Phone: (334) 894-5571
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Alabama Department of Archives and History
624 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36130
Phone: (334) 242-4435
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Researchers seeking historical arrest records should note that:

Records predating 1970 may exist only in physical format
Indexing systems vary by time period and may require specialized assistance
Some historical records may have been lost due to courthouse fires or other disasters
Access fees may apply for reproduction of archival materials
Advance appointments are recommended for extensive research projects

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains a centralized repository for criminal history information dating back to the establishment of standardized reporting procedures in the state.

Legal Uses of Coffee County Arrest Records

Arrest records obtained from Coffee County authorities may be utilized for various legitimate purposes as permitted under Alabama law. These records serve important functions in both public and private sectors while remaining subject to applicable privacy protections and usage restrictions.

Authorized uses of arrest records include:

Pre-employment background screening for positions involving public safety, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations
Tenant screening by property managers and landlords
Professional licensing verification by regulatory boards
Immigration proceedings and visa applications
Personal safety research when permitted by Alabama law
Academic and policy research (typically using anonymized data)
Journalistic reporting on matters of public interest

Users of arrest record information should be aware that the Alabama Fair Credit Reporting Act and federal Fair Credit Reporting Act impose additional requirements when such information is used for employment or housing decisions. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 13A-11-163, the misuse of criminal history information may constitute a criminal offense in certain circumstances.