>Etowah County Arrest Records Online

Etowah County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Etowah County, Alabama?

Arrest records are public documents in Etowah County, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be made available for public inspection. The law serves to maintain transparency in governmental operations and provides citizens with the right to access information regarding arrests that have occurred within Etowah County jurisdiction.

Members of the public may request these records through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies and the county court system. The Alabama Open Records Act further reinforces this accessibility by stipulating that public records must be produced within a reasonable time frame following a proper request. Certain exceptions may apply to records that are part of ongoing investigations or those sealed by court order.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Etowah County?

Etowah County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Etowah County Circuit Court provides digital access to court records, which may include information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Additionally, the Etowah County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly with current detention information.

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates a statewide system called Alacourt, which contains electronic records for cases processed through the Alabama Unified Judicial System. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, certain court records are made available electronically, though complete arrest documentation may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency.

Online access may be subject to user fees as authorized under Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which permits reasonable charges for the reproduction of public records. These fees are established to cover the actual costs associated with record retrieval and processing.

How to Look Up Etowah County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Etowah County arrest records in 2025 have multiple official channels available for record retrieval:

Sheriff's Office Records Division: The Etowah County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and booking information. Requests may be submitted in person during regular business hours.
Etowah County Circuit Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings can be accessed through the clerk's office located at the county courthouse.
Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center: This state agency maintains a repository of criminal history information, including arrest data from counties throughout Alabama.
Alacourt Public Access System: The state's judicial system provides online access to court records, which may include information about arrests that resulted in court proceedings.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of the search, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-9-621, agencies may require proper identification from requestors and may charge reasonable fees for record searches and copies.

Etowah County Sheriff's Office
827 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 546-2825
Official Website

Etowah County Circuit Clerk's Office
801 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 549-5355
Official Website

Contents of an Etowah County Arrest Record

Etowah County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard elements included in these records are as follows:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s) and corresponding Alabama Criminal Code citations
Booking photograph (mugshot) and fingerprint records
Arresting agency information and identification of the arresting officer(s)
Case number and booking identification
Custody status and bail information, if applicable
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if any exists

These records are maintained in accordance with Alabama Department of Archives and History retention schedules as specified in Alabama Administrative Code 670-X-3. The completeness and accuracy of these records are subject to verification procedures established by the Alabama Department of Corrections and local law enforcement protocols.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Etowah County

The expungement process in Etowah County allows for the removal of certain arrest records from public access under specific circumstances as provided by Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19. Individuals may petition for expungement if their situation meets the statutory criteria established by Alabama law.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in Etowah County include:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Cases where charges were dismissed
Acquittals following trial proceedings
Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after specified waiting periods
Pardoned offenses, excluding violent crimes as defined in Alabama Code § 12-25-32

The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Etowah County Circuit Court, payment of filing fees (currently $300 as established by statute), and submission of supporting documentation. The District Attorney's Office reviews all petitions and may file objections within 45 days of receipt. Following this review period, the court schedules a hearing to determine whether the expungement should be granted.

If approved, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records related to the arrest. These agencies include the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and any other entities maintaining such records. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate investigative purposes but are removed from public access.