Birmingham Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Birmingham, Alabama?
Arrest records in Birmingham, Alabama are public documents available for inspection by members of the public. This accessibility is governed by the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), which establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Alabama Public Records Law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding arrests made within the jurisdiction.
Pursuant to Alabama law, these records are maintained by various agencies including the Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain records may be sealed or redacted in accordance with Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, particularly in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure would compromise public safety.
How to Look Up Birmingham Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Birmingham. The City of Birmingham has implemented enhanced digital access protocols in accordance with Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-1-.06, which governs the dissemination of criminal history information. Available methods include:
Birmingham Police Department Records Division 1710 1st Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 254-1700 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Records Department 2200 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 325-5700 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Criminal Records Division 301 South Ripley Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: (334) 353-4340 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Birmingham Municipal Court 801 17th Street North Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 254-2161 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk's Office 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 325-5300 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Requestors seeking arrest records must complete a formal request form and may be required to present valid identification in accordance with Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-2-.03. Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-19-90 and may vary based on the scope of the request and the agency providing the information.
Contents of a Birmingham Arrest Record
Birmingham arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-2-.02 regarding criminal history record information. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
- Case number and booking identification
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Detention facility information
- Bond amount and status
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition information if available
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-9-621, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Birmingham
The State of Alabama provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in Birmingham. The Alabama Expungement Act, codified in Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, establishes the criteria and procedures for expungement.
Eligibility for expungement in Birmingham is generally limited to the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
- Charges for which the individual was found not guilty
- Charges dismissed after successful completion of a diversion program
- Certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies after specified waiting periods
The expungement process requires the filing of a petition with the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, accompanied by the following:
- Certified copy of the arrest record
- Certified disposition of the case
- Affidavit stating the applicant meets all requirements for expungement
- Filing fee of $300 as prescribed by Alabama Code § 15-27-4
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the District Attorney's Office may contest the expungement. If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-15, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and judicial officials for limited purposes.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process is governed by strict statutory requirements and may benefit from legal consultation. The Jefferson County Bar Association maintains a referral service for attorneys specializing in expungement proceedings.
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