>Covington County Arrest Records Online

Covington County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Covington County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Covington County, Alabama are public documents pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including those documenting arrests, shall be accessible to the public for inspection. The law serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system. Members of the public may access these records through designated channels established by the relevant county agencies.

The Covington County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its statutory duties. These records document law enforcement activities and are considered public information unless specifically exempted by state law. Exemptions may apply to records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases where disclosure would compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as defined in Alabama Code § 41-13-1.

Covington County Sheriff's Office
23833 Alabama Highway 55
Andalusia, AL 36420
(334) 428-2640
Covington County Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Covington County?

Arrest records for Covington County are available through various online platforms in accordance with Alabama's commitment to public information accessibility. The Covington County Circuit Court maintains an electronic database that includes arrest information as part of the court record system. Citizens may access this information through the Alabama Judicial System's online portal, which provides a centralized resource for court-related documents.

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates the statewide Alacourt system, which includes arrest record information for Covington County. This system allows authorized users to search for case information, including arrests that have resulted in formal charges. Access to this system requires registration and may involve service fees as established by administrative rule.

Additionally, the Alabama Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate search function that includes information about individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated in state facilities. This resource provides limited arrest information as it pertains to current inmates.

It should be noted that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive records may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices. Online records are subject to update schedules and may not reflect the most current information available.

How to Look Up Covington County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Covington County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several authorized methods to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining record integrity:

Submit a formal request to the Covington County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). Requestors must complete a standardized form and provide proper identification. A nominal fee may be assessed for document reproduction pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41.
Access the Covington County Court Records online portal, which provides a searchable database of arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings. Users must create an account and may be subject to access fees as determined by the Administrative Office of Courts.
Utilize the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) background check service for official arrest record verification. This service requires submission of fingerprints and payment of statutory fees as outlined in Alabama Administrative Code 760-X-1-.20.
Contact the Covington County Circuit Clerk's Office for arrest records associated with court cases. Records may be requested in person, by mail, or through designated electronic systems.

Covington County Circuit Clerk's Office
1 Court Square
Andalusia, AL 36420
(334) 428-2560
Circuit Court of Covington County

Requestors should note that processing times vary based on record age, complexity, and departmental workload. Records dating back more than seven years may require additional processing time due to archival retrieval procedures.

Contents of a Covington County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Covington County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Alabama Code § 15-4-1 et seq. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Subject identification information, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Alabama Code citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency identification
Booking information, including fingerprints and booking photographs ("mugshots")
Property inventory documenting items in the arrestee's possession at the time of processing
Initial appearance information, including bail determination if applicable
Detention facility assignment if the subject was remanded to custody

The Covington County Drug Task Force may maintain supplemental arrest records for cases involving controlled substances. These specialized records may contain additional information pertinent to narcotics investigations.

It should be noted that arrest records document allegations only and do not constitute proof of guilt. The information contained in these records is subject to correction if errors are identified through established administrative procedures.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Covington County

Under Alabama law, certain arrest records in Covington County may be eligible for expungement pursuant to Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed. The Alabama Legislature has established specific criteria that must be met for an arrest record to qualify for expungement.

Individuals seeking expungement in Covington County must file a petition with the Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated or would have been adjudicated. Eligibility requirements include:

Cases resulting in dismissal of charges
Cases where the individual was found not guilty
Cases where the grand jury issued a "no bill" (declined to indict)
Non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period of five years from completion of sentence, with no subsequent arrests or convictions
Misdemeanor convictions (excluding violent offenses, sex offenses, or offenses involving moral turpitude) after a waiting period of three years from completion of sentence

The expungement process requires submission of a formal petition, payment of filing fees (currently $300 as of 2025), and may require a hearing before a Circuit Court judge. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records related to the arrest.

The Covington County Circuit Clerk's Office provides standardized forms for expungement petitions and can offer procedural guidance to petitioners. Legal representation is not required but may be beneficial, particularly for complex cases.

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