Franklin County, Alabama Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Franklin County, Alabama?
Arrest records in Franklin County, Alabama are public documents accessible to all citizens. This accessibility is established under the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), which states that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state." Law enforcement agencies in Franklin County maintain these records as part of their official duties. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments process and store arrest information that becomes part of the public record upon completion of booking procedures. Public access to these records serves the dual purpose of governmental transparency and community safety awareness.
Individuals seeking arrest records may encounter certain restrictions. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile cases (governed by Alabama Code § 12-15-133), or those sealed by court order remain confidential. Additionally, certain identifying information such as Social Security numbers may be redacted to protect privacy while maintaining the public nature of the arrest documentation.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Franklin County?
Franklin County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by government agencies. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office provides a current inmate roster on their official website that is updated regularly. This digital resource allows members of the public to view recent arrest information without visiting government offices in person.
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts also maintains an online case search system that includes arrest record information for cases processed through the court system. This statewide database includes Franklin County cases and provides basic arrest information connected to court proceedings.
Online access to these records is subject to the following conditions:
- Information may be delayed by 24-48 hours after an arrest occurs
- Some sensitive cases may not appear in online databases
- Complete arrest record details may require in-person requests
- Online records typically do not include document attachments or full case files
Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive records often require formal requests through the appropriate agencies.
How to Look Up Franklin County Arrest Records in 2025
Franklin County residents and interested parties have multiple channels through which they may access arrest records. Each method varies in comprehensiveness and processing time. The following options are available for obtaining arrest record information:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Franklin County Sheriff's Office located at:
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
410 North Jackson Avenue
Russellville, AL 35653
Phone: (256) 332-8811
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Office hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
The Franklin County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests and can provide documentation for cases that have entered the court system:
Franklin County Circuit Clerk
Franklin County Courthouse
405 North Jackson Avenue
Russellville, AL 35653
Phone: (256) 332-8861
For municipal arrests, contact the respective police department where the arrest occurred:
Russellville Police Department
311 North Jackson Avenue
Russellville, AL 35653
Phone: (256) 332-2230
Russellville Police Department
When requesting records, individuals must:
- Provide the full name of the subject
- Include approximate date of arrest if known
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Pay applicable fees (typically $5-25 per record)
- Complete required request forms
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, agencies must respond to record requests within a reasonable time period, generally within 10 business days.
Contents of a Franklin County Arrest Record
Franklin County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed at the time of booking
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification information
- Case or incident number
- Booking number assigned by the detention facility
- Initial bail amount if established
- Property inventory taken during booking
- Preliminary court appearance information
These records are maintained in accordance with Alabama law enforcement record retention schedules. The level of detail may vary depending on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records pertaining to felony arrests contain more extensive documentation than those for misdemeanor offenses.
Law enforcement agencies in Franklin County utilize the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) protocols for standardizing arrest record formats. This ensures consistency across jurisdictions and facilitates information sharing between agencies.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Franklin County
The expungement process in Franklin County follows Alabama state law regarding the removal of arrest records from public access. Under Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Franklin County include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
- Nolle prosequi dispositions where the statute of limitations has expired
- Cases where grand juries issued "no bills"
- Certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies after specified waiting periods
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Franklin County Circuit Court. Petitioners must:
- Complete Form CR-65 (Petition for Expungement)
- Pay the filing fee of $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4
- Provide certified copies of case dispositions
- Submit to fingerprinting for verification purposes
- Serve copies of the petition to the district attorney, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties
Upon receipt of a petition, the district attorney has 45 days to file any objections. If no objections are filed, or if the court overrules any objections after a hearing, the judge may grant the expungement order. When granted, the order directs all agencies to seal the records and remove them from public access.
Successful expungement does not result in physical destruction of records but rather their removal from public databases and restriction of access to authorized criminal justice agencies under limited circumstances.
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