>Cullman County Arrest Records Online

Cullman County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cullman County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Cullman 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 all public writings are open to inspection by any member of the public during regular business hours. The law specifically includes arrest records among the documents considered public writings unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Alabama Public Records Law operates under the principle that government transparency serves the public interest. Citizens have the legal right to access arrest records maintained by the Cullman County Sheriff's Office, the Cullman Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies within the county jurisdiction. This access enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and maintain accountability within the criminal justice system.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Alabama law, including:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Juvenile records (protected under Alabama Code § 12-15-133)
Records sealed by court order
Information that would compromise public safety if released

The Cullman County Circuit Court maintains judicial records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings, which are generally available for public inspection at the courthouse located at 500 2nd Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cullman County?

Cullman County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by government agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests, through its Alacourt system. This system allows authorized users to search for case information using various identifiers such as name, case number, or filing date.

The Cullman County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly. This resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody, including names, booking dates, and charges. The roster is accessible through the Sheriff's Office website as a public service.

Additionally, the Alabama Department of Corrections maintains a searchable database of current inmates, which may include individuals arrested in Cullman County who have been transferred to state custody following conviction.

Online access to these records is governed by Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and administrative rules established by the respective agencies. Users should be aware that:

Some records may require registration or payment of fees
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
The most comprehensive records are typically available through in-person requests
Electronic records may not be updated in real-time

How to Look Up Cullman County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Cullman County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary methods for accessing these records include:

In-person requests at the Cullman County Sheriff's Office located at 1910 Beech Avenue SE, Cullman, AL 35055. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (256) 734-0342.
Visiting the Cullman County Circuit Clerk's Office at 500 2nd Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (256) 775-4654.
Submitting requests to the Cullman Police Department at 601 2nd Avenue NE, Cullman, AL 35055. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (256) 775-7160.
Utilizing the Alabama Judicial System's online portal for court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.
Accessing the Cullman County government website for links to various county departments that maintain public records.

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, requestors may be required to complete a standard form providing identification and specifying the records sought. Fees for copies of records are established by county ordinance and state law, with standard charges typically ranging from $1.00 to $5.00 per page depending on the type of document requested.

Contents of a Cullman County Arrest Record

Cullman County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Alabama law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the names and badge numbers of the arresting officers
Criminal charges filed, including the Alabama Criminal Code citations and descriptions of the alleged offenses
Case disposition information, if available, indicating whether the case was dismissed, proceeded to trial, or resulted in a plea agreement
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken at the time of processing into the Cullman County Detention Center
Fingerprint information and other biometric data collected during the booking process
Bond information, including the type and amount of bail set, and whether the individual was released pending court proceedings
Court appearance dates and locations for arraignment, preliminary hearings, and other scheduled proceedings

These records are maintained in accordance with Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which establishes requirements for the preservation of public records. The Cullman Municipal Court and Cullman County Sheriff's Office are the primary custodians of these records within their respective jurisdictions.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cullman County

The State of Alabama provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Cullman County when:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The charge was dismissed with prejudice
The individual was found not guilty of all charges
The case was no-billed by a grand jury
The charge was dismissed after successful completion of a diversion program

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Cullman County Circuit Court located at 500 2nd Avenue SW, Cullman, AL 35055. The petition must include:

Certified copies of arrest records
Court disposition documents
A filing fee as established by statute (currently $300 as of 2025)
Affidavits or supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify all agencies possessing records related to the arrest. If the court grants the expungement, all agencies must comply with the order to seal or destroy the records as specified.

The Alabama Bureau of Investigation maintains a confidential record of expunged arrests for law enforcement purposes only, as authorized by Alabama Code § 15-27-16. These confidential records are not accessible to the public and do not appear in background checks conducted for non-law enforcement purposes.