>Dale County Arrest Records Online

Dale County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Dale County, Alabama?

Arrest records are public documents in Dale County, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that every citizen has the right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as expressly provided by statute. The Alabama Open Records Act further reinforces this accessibility by mandating that records maintained by government bodies remain available for public inspection. These provisions serve to maintain transparency in governmental operations and uphold the public's right to information regarding law enforcement activities within Dale County.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as specified under Alabama Code § 41-13-1.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Dale County?

Dale County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms. The Dale County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows for remote access to current inmate information and recent arrest data. This online accessibility is part of the county's commitment to public transparency and efficient record-keeping practices as outlined in Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-1-.04.

The Dale County Circuit Court also provides electronic access to certain court records related to arrests through Alabama's statewide judicial information system. Users should be aware that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require additional steps to access, as specified under Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33.

How to Look Up Dale County Arrest Records in 2025

Dale County provides multiple channels for accessing arrest records. Interested parties may utilize the following methods to obtain this information:

Visit the Dale County Sheriff's Office in person to submit a formal records request.

Dale County Sheriff's Office
121 West Washington Street
Ozark, AL 36360
(334) 774-2335
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Submit a written request to the Dale County Circuit Clerk's Office, which maintains court records related to arrests.

Dale County Circuit Clerk's Office
100 Court Square, Room 204
Ozark, AL 36360
(334) 774-2754
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Access the Dale County Court Records online portal, which provides a searchable database of public records including arrest information.
Utilize the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center's repository for statewide criminal history information, which includes Dale County arrests.

Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center
201 South Union Street, Suite 300
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 517-2400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate the search process. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-19-180, fees may apply for record retrieval and copying services.

Contents of a Dale County Arrest Record

Dale County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Alabama Administrative Code 370-1-3-.05. These official documents typically include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of charges filed, including applicable Alabama Code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking agency information and case/incident number
Booking photograph (mugshot) of the individual
Fingerprint records collected during processing
Demographic information including:
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Last known address
- Race and gender
Custody status and bail information
Court appearance dates, if scheduled
Prior arrest history within Dale County jurisdiction

In accordance with Alabama Code § 15-27-1, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information related to juvenile offenders or victims of certain crimes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Dale County

Dale County follows Alabama's expungement laws as codified in Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records are removed from public access. In Dale County, individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:

Charges were dismissed with prejudice
The person was found not guilty of all charges
The case was no-billed by a grand jury
The charge was dismissed without prejudice more than two years ago and has not been refiled
The person completed a diversion program, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court program
The charge was a misdemeanor, traffic violation, or municipal ordinance violation and has been dismissed pursuant to a successful completion of a deferred prosecution program

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Dale County Circuit Court along with payment of a $300 administrative filing fee as specified in Alabama Code § 15-27-4. Additional fees may apply for processing the expungement through various agencies.

Dale County District Attorney's Office
100 Court Square, Suite 211
Ozark, AL 36360
(334) 774-3003
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Petitioners should be aware that certain offenses, including violent felonies as defined in Alabama Code § 12-25-32(14), are not eligible for expungement. Upon approval of an expungement petition, all records related to the arrest are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes as provided in Alabama Code § 15-27-16.