Hale County, Alabama Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Hale County, Alabama?
Arrest records in Hale County, Alabama are classified as public documents in accordance with Alabama's Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This legislation establishes that public records shall be accessible for inspection by any member of the public during regular business hours. The statute specifically includes arrest records among documents considered public, unless explicitly exempted by statutory provision or court order.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal functions:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enables citizens to monitor the activities of public officials
- Facilitates background checks for employment and housing purposes
- Supports journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
- Provides statistical data for policy analysis and development
Certain exceptions may apply to juvenile records, ongoing investigations, or cases where disclosure would compromise public safety. In such instances, pursuant to Code of Alabama § 41-13-1, records may be temporarily or permanently sealed from public view.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hale County?
Hale County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Alabama's digital records accessibility initiatives. The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) maintains a centralized database that includes arrest information from Hale County law enforcement agencies.
Online access to these records is provided through several authorized channels:
- The Hale County Sheriff's Office maintains limited online records of recent arrests
- The Alabama Judicial System provides access to court records related to arrests through its Alacourt system
- The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) offers criminal history information through its Criminal Records Division
Users should note that online records may not be comprehensive, as digitization of older records remains ongoing. Additionally, pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-2-.04, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions of arrest records to protect privacy interests while maintaining public access to essential information.
How to Look Up Hale County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Hale County arrest records may utilize multiple methods established under Alabama Code § 41-13-23, which governs access to criminal justice information. The following procedures are currently authorized for obtaining arrest record information:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Hale County Sheriff's Office located at 1001 Main Street, Greensboro, AL 36744
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Telephone: (334) 624-3081
- Proper identification is required; requestors must complete Form HCSO-PR1
Mail Requests:
- Submit written requests to: Records Division, Hale County Sheriff's Office, PO Box 160, Greensboro, AL 36744-0160
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope, copy of government-issued ID, and $15.00 processing fee (money order only)
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
Online Access:
- The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama provides case information through its public access portal
- Registration and nominal fees may apply for comprehensive searches
- Records available include arrest dates, charges, and case dispositions
Third-Party Record Services:
- Commercial vendors maintain databases that include Hale County arrest information
- Fees vary by provider and search parameters
- Users should verify information obtained through third parties with official sources
Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-1-.05, all requestors must provide proper identification and may be required to state the purpose of their inquiry when seeking arrest record information.
Contents of a Hale County Arrest Record
Hale County arrest records are maintained in accordance with Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center Commission regulations (Administrative Code 265-X-2) and contain standardized information as prescribed by state law. Official arrest records typically include the following components:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Residential address at time of arrest
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility
- Enumeration of charges with corresponding Alabama Code sections
- Arrest circumstances and probable cause summary
- Weapon involvement (if applicable)
Case Processing Information:
- Court case number and assigned jurisdiction
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention status
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case disposition (if resolved)
Identification Records:
- Fingerprint classification and identification number
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Alabama State Identification Number (SID)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) number (if applicable)
In accordance with Alabama Code § 41-9-621, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information. Law enforcement agencies maintain complete unredacted versions for official use.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Hale County
The expungement of arrest records in Hale County is governed by Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, which establishes procedures for the removal of qualifying records from public access. Expungement petitions are processed through the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court with jurisdiction over Hale County criminal matters.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Misdemeanor charges dismissed with prejudice
- Felony charges no-billed by grand jury
- Verdicts of not guilty
- Cases dismissed without prejudice that have not been refiled within two years
- Non-violent felonies after completion of diversion programs
- Certain non-violent convictions after specified waiting periods
Application Process:
- Petition must be filed with the Circuit Court Clerk at 1001 Main Street, Greensboro, AL 36744
- Administrative filing fee of $300 applies (may be waived upon demonstration of hardship)
- Certified copies of case disposition documents must accompany petition
- District Attorney's Office must be served with petition copy
- Alabama Bureau of Investigation must conduct records verification
Effect of Expungement:
- Court orders all records in custody of law enforcement agencies, jails, and courts to be sealed
- Agencies must respond to inquiries as if the arrest never occurred
- Expunged records remain available for law enforcement purposes
- Certain licensing boards and government agencies retain limited access rights
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-15, individuals granted expungement may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, with exceptions for applications to regulatory bodies and certain employment sectors including education and healthcare.
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