DeKalb County, Alabama Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in DeKalb County, Alabama?
Arrest records in DeKalb County, Alabama are classified as public records pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records created by public officials in the performance of their official duties shall be accessible to the general public, with certain statutory exemptions. The Alabama Open Records Act further reinforces this public right of access, stating that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."
DeKalb County law enforcement agencies maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation. These records document the apprehension and detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity within the county jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking access to these records may obtain them through established procedures, subject to applicable privacy protections and exemptions as outlined in Alabama Code § 41-13-1.
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records for the county. Located at 2801 Jordan Road, Fort Payne, AL 35968, the Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and provides public access during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Inquiries may be directed to (256) 845-3801.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in DeKalb County?
DeKalb County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The DeKalb County Circuit Court provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings. This online accessibility is authorized under Alabama Administrative Code 355-4-1-.03, which permits electronic dissemination of public records.
The Alabama Judicial System has implemented the Alacourt system, which provides digital access to court records throughout the state, including DeKalb County. This system operates under the authority of the Administrative Office of Courts located at 300 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, telephone (334) 954-5000.
Online access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations established by the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, Rule 33. These limitations include restrictions on the release of sensitive personal information and records that have been sealed or expunged by court order. Additionally, juvenile records are generally not available online pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-15-133, which establishes confidentiality requirements for juvenile proceedings.
Users seeking online access to DeKalb County arrest records should be aware that some information may require registration with the appropriate system and may involve nominal fees for document retrieval as authorized by Alabama Code § 12-19-180.
How to Look Up DeKalb County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing DeKalb County arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which governs the procedures for obtaining public records, individuals may utilize the following methods:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Records Division: The primary repository for county arrest records is maintained at 2801 Jordan Road, Fort Payne, AL 35968. Records requests may be submitted in person Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, or by calling (256) 845-3801. Requestors must complete the standard records request form and provide proper identification.
DeKalb County Circuit Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings are maintained at the DeKalb County Courthouse, 300 Grand Avenue SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967. The office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and can be reached at (256) 845-8525.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency: State-level criminal history information, including DeKalb County arrests, may be obtained through ALEA's Criminal Records and Identification Unit at 301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (334) 353-4340.
Judicial Information System: The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains electronic court records through its Alacourt system, which includes DeKalb County case information. Registration is required for access.
DeKalb County Detention Center Inmate Lookup: Current inmate information, including recent arrests, is available through the online inmate lookup system maintained by the Sheriff's Office.
Requestors should note that pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-19-180, fees may apply for record searches and document reproduction. Standard fees include $5.00 for record searches and $1.00 per page for document copies, though these amounts may be subject to periodic adjustment.
Contents of a DeKalb County Arrest Record
DeKalb County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center regulations and Alabama Code § 41-9-621. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and other identifying characteristics.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); and statutory authority for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Alabama Criminal Code or DeKalb County ordinances, including statute numbers, charge classifications (felony/misdemeanor), and charge descriptions.
Booking Information: Booking number, date and time of booking, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot).
Detention Status: Information regarding pretrial detention, including bail or bond amount if applicable, release conditions, and scheduled court appearances.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including pending court dates, case numbers, and assigned judicial officer.
Agency Information: Identification of the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the case and contact information for further inquiries.
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1 et seq., certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and information related to victims of certain offenses.
Expungement of Arrest Records in DeKalb County
The expungement process in DeKalb County operates under the authority of Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedures for the removal of arrest records from public access. Individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges (§ 15-27-1)
- Charges that were dismissed with prejudice (§ 15-27-2)
- Acquittals by judge or jury (§ 15-27-2)
- Nolle prosequi dispositions after at least two years (§ 15-27-2)
- Successful completion of diversion programs (§ 15-27-4)
- Pardoned offenses, excluding violent crimes (§ 15-27-3)
The expungement petition must be filed with the DeKalb County Circuit Court, located at 300 Grand Avenue SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967. Petitioners must submit Form CR-65 (Petition for Expungement) along with a certified disposition of the case, a certified criminal history, and the filing fee of $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and provide notice to the District Attorney's Office, located at 300 Grand Avenue SW, Suite 100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, telephone (256) 845-8550. The District Attorney has 45 days to file an objection to the petition.
If the court grants the expungement, all records related to the arrest will be sealed from public view and the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances outlined in § 15-27-15. The Alabama Department of Public Safety, Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center, and local law enforcement agencies will be ordered to seal their records accordingly.
Search Arrest Records in DeKalb County
