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Colbert County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Colbert County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Colbert County, Alabama are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is established under the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), which mandates that all government records, unless specifically exempted by statute, shall be available for public inspection. Law enforcement agencies in Colbert County maintain these records, which document the circumstances surrounding an individual's apprehension by authorities. Public access to these records serves the dual purpose of ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system and providing citizens with information regarding law enforcement activities within their community.

Pursuant to Alabama law, certain exceptions may apply to the public disclosure of arrest records. These exceptions typically involve ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in Code of Alabama § 41-13-1. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while the records are generally public, specific elements may be redacted in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Colbert County?

Arrest records in Colbert County are available through various online platforms, both governmental and third-party services. The Colbert County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that provides current booking information and is updated regularly. This resource allows members of the public to access basic arrest information without the need to visit county offices in person.

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts also provides limited online access to court records through the Colbert County Circuit Court system. However, users should note that the completeness and currency of online records may vary. Some arrest records, particularly those involving sealed cases, expunged records, or juvenile offenders, may not be available through online platforms in accordance with Alabama Code § 12-15-134 regarding confidentiality of juvenile records.

Online access to arrest records is subject to the following limitations:

  • Records may not be immediately updated following an arrest
  • Complete case files may require in-person requests
  • Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
  • Historical records may not be fully digitized

How to Look Up Colbert County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Colbert County arrest records have multiple avenues available for conducting searches. The following methods represent the primary means of accessing these records:

Colbert County Sheriff's Office
200 North Main Street
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
Phone: (256) 383-0741
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information. Individuals may submit requests in person during regular business hours. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of the search, including full name and approximate date of arrest.

Colbert County Circuit Clerk's Office
201 North Main Street
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
Phone: (256) 386-8511
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests that have proceeded to court action. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 30, copies of court records may be obtained for a fee of $1.00 per page for the first 50 pages and $0.50 for each additional page.

Online Resources:

When requesting arrest records, individuals should provide as much identifying information as possible, including the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Requests may be subject to processing fees in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which permits reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records.

Contents of a Colbert County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Colbert County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Alabama state law. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and subsequent processing through the criminal justice system. Standard arrest records in Colbert County contain the following elements:

  • Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases or known nicknames
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
  • Residential address at time of arrest (may be redacted in public versions)
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
  • Fingerprint information and unique identifiers
  • Enumeration of criminal charges filed, including statute citations
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Arresting agency information
  • Booking date and processing information
  • Custody status and bail/bond information, if applicable
  • Case disposition information, when available

In accordance with Alabama Administrative Code 765-X-1-.04, arrest records must be maintained with accuracy and completeness. The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) establishes standards for the collection and maintenance of criminal history information throughout the state, including Colbert County.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Colbert County

Under Alabama law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged in Colbert County. The Alabama Record Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16) establishes the legal framework for the expungement process. Expungement effectively removes the arrest record from public access, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes.

To initiate the expungement process, eligible individuals must file a petition with the Colbert County Circuit Court. The petition must be filed in the court where the charge was filed or would have been filed. Pursuant to Alabama law, the following categories of arrests may be eligible for expungement:

  • Arrests where charges were dismissed with prejudice
  • Arrests where charges were no-billed by a grand jury
  • Arrests where the person was found not guilty of all charges
  • Arrests where the charge was dismissed without prejudice more than two years ago and has not been refiled
  • Certain non-violent felony convictions, subject to specific conditions and waiting periods

The expungement process requires payment of a filing fee of $300 as established by Code of Alabama § 15-27-4. Additionally, petitioners must provide a certified copy of their arrest record and may be required to submit to fingerprinting. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the District Attorney's Office may contest the expungement request.

If the court grants the expungement petition, all records related to the arrest will be sealed or destroyed as specified in the court order. Government agencies, including the Colbert County Sheriff's Office, court clerks, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, will be directed to seal their records accordingly. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny that the arrest occurred except in specific circumstances outlined in Code of Alabama § 15-27-15.

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