>Hale County Arrest Records Online

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.