>Jackson County Arrest Records Online

Jackson County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Jackson County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Jackson County, Alabama are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that all public writings are open to inspection by any member of the public during regular business hours. The Alabama Supreme Court has consistently interpreted this law to include arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies and court systems within the state.

The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental purposes:

Promotes transparency in the criminal justice system
Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
Provides citizens with information about potential public safety concerns
Facilitates background checks for employment and housing purposes

Exceptions to public access may apply in certain circumstances, such as ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure would compromise public safety as determined by the Jackson County Circuit Court.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Jackson County?

Jackson County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party services. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information that is updated regularly in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and § 41-13-1.

Online access to these records is provided through:

The Jackson County Jail Inmate Roster system
The Alabama Judicial System's public access portal
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's criminal history information system

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, comprehensive records may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies. Online records are subject to the same legal protections and exemptions as physical records under Alabama law.

How to Look Up Jackson County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Jackson County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are authorized under Alabama Code § 36-12-40 for accessing arrest records:

Online Database Search: The Jackson County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains a searchable database of court records, including arrest information. Users may search by name, case number, or date of arrest.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Jackson County Circuit Clerk's Office to request physical copies of arrest records.

Jackson County Circuit Clerk's Office
102 East Laurel Street
Scottsboro, AL 35768
Phone: (256) 574-9320
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Official Website
Jackson County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff maintains arrest records for the county and can provide copies upon request.

Jackson County Sheriff's Office
128 East Laurel Street
Scottsboro, AL 35768
Phone: (256) 574-2610
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Official Website
Written Requests: Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records to the appropriate agency. Requests must include the full name of the individual, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest.

Standard fees apply for copies of records as established by Alabama Code § 12-19-90, with certified copies typically costing $5.00 per document and uncertified copies $1.00 per page.

Contents of a Jackson County Arrest Record

Jackson County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Alabama Code § 15-10-1 through § 15-10-4. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, including applicable Alabama Code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer
Booking agency and facility information
Physical description including height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Residential address (may be redacted in public versions)
Booking photograph (commonly known as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint classification information
Case or docket number assigned by the court
Bail or bond amount set, if applicable
Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled

The Alabama Department of Corrections maintains additional records for individuals who are subsequently convicted and sentenced to state custody. These records contain information about incarceration history, institutional behavior, and release dates.

Legal Uses of Arrest Records in Jackson County

Arrest records in Jackson County may be lawfully utilized for various purposes as permitted under Alabama law. The following constitute authorized uses of publicly available arrest information:

Employment Background Checks: Employers may review arrest records when evaluating candidates for positions, particularly those involving security clearances, financial responsibilities, or work with vulnerable populations. This usage is subject to the limitations established in the Alabama Fair Employment Practices Act.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may consider arrest records when evaluating rental applications, though they must comply with federal Fair Housing Act provisions.
Professional Licensing: State licensing boards for professions such as healthcare, education, and legal services may review arrest records as part of character and fitness evaluations pursuant to Alabama Code § 34-1-1 et seq.
Volunteer Screening: Organizations working with children, elderly, or vulnerable populations may screen volunteers using arrest records as authorized by the Alabama Child Protection Act of 1999.
Personal Safety Research: Individuals may access arrest records to make informed decisions about personal associations and safety concerns.
Journalistic Reporting: News organizations may utilize arrest records for reporting on matters of public interest, consistent with First Amendment protections.

It should be noted that under Alabama law, an arrest record alone does not constitute proof of guilt, as all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Jackson County

The Alabama Record Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16) provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records in Jackson County. Expungement removes records from public access and, in some cases, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Jackson 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
Successful completion of a diversion program, drug court, or mental health court
Certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies after specified waiting periods

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

File a Petition for Expungement with the Jackson County Circuit Court
Pay the filing fee of $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4
Provide certified copies of court dispositions and arrest records
Submit to fingerprinting and criminal history verification
Attend a hearing if ordered by the presiding judge

If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and court clerks to seal the records from public view. However, certain government agencies retain limited access to expunged records for law enforcement and judicial purposes.