Arrest records in Russellville, Alabama are considered public documents pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records created, maintained, or received by public agencies, including those generated by law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to members of the public. The legislative intent behind this provision is to ensure governmental transparency and accountability through citizen oversight.
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Russellville Police Department maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of violating state laws or municipal ordinances within Russellville jurisdiction. Public access to these records is subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal identifying information as specified in Alabama Code § 41-13-1.
Requesters seeking arrest records must comply with established procedural requirements, which may include submission of formal written requests and payment of reasonable reproduction fees as permitted under Alabama law.
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Russellville, Alabama. The following procedures have been established pursuant to Alabama Public Records Law:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may appear at the Russellville Police Department located at 301 North Jackson Avenue, Russellville, AL 35653. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requesters must complete a standard records request form and present valid government-issued identification.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division, Russellville Police Department, 301 North Jackson Avenue, Russellville, AL 35653. All mail requests must include the requester's full name, contact information, specific information sought, and a copy of government-issued identification.
Franklin County Sheriff's Office: Records may also be requested from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office located at 410 North Jackson Avenue, Russellville, AL 35653. Telephone: (256) 332-8811. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Russellville Municipal Court: Court records related to arrests within city limits may be accessed through the Russellville Municipal Court, located at 304 North Jackson Avenue, Russellville, AL 35653. Telephone: (256) 332-8770. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Online Access: The Russellville Police Department maintains limited online access to certain arrest information through their official website. This electronic resource provides basic information on recent arrests and outstanding warrants.
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, agencies may assess reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current fee schedules are posted at each agency location and typically range from $5-25 depending on the scope of the request.
Arrest records maintained by Russellville law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Alabama Bureau of Investigation protocols. These documents typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Russellville Police Department conform to the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center guidelines as established in Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-1.
The State of Alabama provides statutory 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 records pertaining to arrests that did not result in conviction or were otherwise resolved favorably.
The expungement process in Russellville requires:
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
Upon judicial approval of expungement, all records pertaining to the arrest are sealed from public access and the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in circumstances specifically enumerated in § 15-27-15. Law enforcement agencies, including the Russellville Police Department, are required to comply with expungement orders within 30 days of receipt.
The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles, located at 100 Capitol Commerce Boulevard, Suite 310, Montgomery, AL 36117, provides additional information regarding pardons and restoration of rights for individuals with conviction records.