Gardendale Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Gardendale, Alabama?

Arrest records are public documents in Gardendale, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by government entities, including law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public for inspection. The law specifically states that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." Arrest records maintained by the Gardendale Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office fall under this provision, ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system and upholding the public's constitutional right to information.

Public access to these records serves multiple purposes, including allowing citizens to monitor law enforcement activities, enabling background checks for employment or housing, and facilitating journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as provided under Alabama Code § 41-13-1.

How to Look Up Gardendale Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Gardendale have several official channels available. The following methods are authorized pursuant to Alabama state law and local ordinances:

• Gardendale Police Department: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Records Division. Staff will assist with locating and providing copies of available arrest records. A standard fee schedule applies for document reproduction.

• Jefferson County Sheriff's Office: As the county-level law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over Gardendale, the Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records for the entire county, including Gardendale municipal arrests that resulted in county detention.

• Jefferson County Courthouse: The Clerk of Court maintains records of all criminal proceedings, including information related to arrests that led to formal charges. These records may be more comprehensive than police-only arrest documentation.

• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA): For statewide criminal history information, including arrests in Gardendale, ALEA provides background check services through their Criminal Records Division.

• Online Public Access Systems: The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about recent arrests and current incarcerations. Additionally, the Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt portal offers access to court records related to arrests, though subscription fees may apply.

When requesting records in person, requestors must complete a standard form providing the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and other identifying information to facilitate record location. Government-issued photo identification is required for all in-person requests. Processing times typically range from 3-10 business days depending on the complexity of the request and agency workload.

Contents of a Gardendale Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Gardendale law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Alabama Code § 12-21-3.1. These official documents typically include the following elements:

• Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifying marks.

• Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); the law enforcement agency conducting the arrest; and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.

• Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed at the time of arrest, including the specific Alabama Code sections allegedly violated, whether the charges are misdemeanors or felonies, and the classification level of each offense.

• Booking Information: Unique booking identification number, date and time of booking, fingerprint classification data, and mugshot photographs taken from front and side views.

• Detention Status: Information regarding pretrial detention, including the facility where the individual is held, or release information including bail or bond amount, conditions of release, and date of release if applicable.

• Case Disposition: Current status of the case in the judicial system, including court dates, preliminary hearing outcomes, and final disposition if the case has concluded.

• Vehicle Information: If a vehicle was involved in the incident leading to arrest, the record may include make, model, year, color, and license plate number.

It should be noted that juvenile arrest records (for individuals under 18 years of age) are subject to different confidentiality provisions under Alabama Code § 12-15-133 and may not be available through standard public records requests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Gardendale

The State of Alabama provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records through the Alabama Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16). Under this statutory framework, individuals who meet specific criteria may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access.

Eligibility for expungement in Gardendale arrest cases is limited to the following circumstances:

• Arrests that did not result in formal charges being filed
• Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
• Charges for which the individual was found not guilty
• Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of five years
• Certain non-violent felony charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Circuit Court of Jefferson County. The standard procedure includes:

• Filing a Petition for Expungement with the clerk of the court where the case was adjudicated
• Payment of a $300 administrative filing fee as required by Alabama Code § 15-27-4
• Submission of certified court records documenting case disposition
• Fingerprint-based criminal history verification from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
• Service of the petition on the District Attorney's Office, law enforcement agencies, and other parties as required by statute

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the District Attorney may contest the expungement request. If granted, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-6, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, including subsequent criminal proceedings.

It should be noted that expungement in Alabama does not physically destroy records but rather restricts their accessibility to the public. Certain government agencies retain access to expunged records for specific authorized purposes.

Search Arrest Records in Gardendale

• Gardendale Police Department
  1309 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071
  (205) 631-8787
  Official Website

• Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
  2200 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203
  (205) 325-5700
  Official Website

• Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk
  716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203
  (205) 325-5300
  Official Website

• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - Criminal Records Division
  301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
  (334) 353-4340
  Official Website