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Hoover Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hoover, Alabama?

Arrest records are public in Hoover, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and reproduction. The law operates under the principle that citizens have a fundamental right to information about governmental operations, including law enforcement activities. Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including:

Promoting transparency in the criminal justice system
Enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities
Supporting accountability of public officials and agencies
Facilitating informed civic participation

The Hoover Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other sensitive information as specified under Alabama law.

How to Look Up Hoover Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Hoover have several methods available for accessing this information. The City of Hoover has implemented multiple channels to facilitate public records requests in compliance with Alabama's open records provisions. Individuals may obtain arrest records through the following official channels:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Hoover Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a records request form. Proper identification is required.

Hoover Police Department
100 Municipal Drive
Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: 205-444-7700
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Records Request: The City of Hoover maintains an electronic records request portal where citizens may submit formal requests for public records, including arrest information.
Municipal Court Inquiries: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be available through the Hoover Municipal Court.

Hoover Municipal Court
2020 Valleydale Road
Hoover, AL 35244
Phone: 205-444-7526
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for records to Hoover City Hall, addressed to the Records Custodian.

Hoover City Hall
100 Municipal Lane
Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: 205-444-7500
Official Website

Pursuant to Alabama law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current fee schedules are available at the time of request.

Contents of a Hoover Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Hoover Police Department contain specific categories of information as mandated by Alabama law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any known aliases or identifiers
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Offense Information: Nature and classification of alleged criminal violations, including applicable Alabama Code sections
Case Processing Data: Booking number, fingerprint records, and photographic identification (mugshot)
Custody Status: Information regarding detention, release conditions, or bail/bond amounts as determined at initial appearance
Jurisdictional Information: Court of jurisdiction and scheduled appearance dates
Agency Information: Identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest

It should be noted that pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-15-134, records pertaining to juvenile arrests (individuals under 18 years of age) are subject to different confidentiality requirements and may not be publicly accessible through standard records requests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hoover

The State of Alabama provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The Alabama Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 et seq.) establishes the procedures and eligibility criteria for removing arrest records from public access. Individuals may petition for expungement in Hoover under the following conditions:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The charge was dismissed with prejudice
The individual was found not guilty of the charge
The charge was dismissed after successful completion of a diversion program
The conviction was for a non-violent felony and has been pardoned

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the circuit court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Hoover residents, this typically means filing with:

Jefferson County Circuit Court
716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: 205-325-5300

Shelby County Circuit Court
112 North Main Street
Columbiana, AL 35051
Phone: 205-669-3760

The petition must include specific documentation as required by statute, including:

Certified copy of arrest record
Court disposition documents
Criminal history background check
Filing fee (currently $300 as of 2025)
Affidavit certifying eligibility under the statute

Upon successful expungement, all records of the arrest are sealed from public view and the individual may legally state that the arrest never occurred in most circumstances. However, certain government agencies may retain access to expunged records for specific purposes as permitted by law.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records in Hoover are generally public, Alabama law establishes several important exceptions and limitations to protect privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system. The following restrictions apply to arrest record access:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-15-133, records pertaining to juvenile offenders (under 18 years) are confidential and not subject to public disclosure except by court order.
Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged or sealed by court order are not available for public inspection.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to pending investigations may be temporarily withheld if disclosure would compromise law enforcement activities.
Grand Jury Proceedings: Information presented to a grand jury remains confidential under Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Victim Protection: Certain identifying information regarding victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or human trafficking may be redacted from public records.
National Security: Records that implicate national security concerns may be subject to federal restrictions on disclosure.

The Hoover Municipal Court and Police Department are required to evaluate each records request against these statutory exemptions. Denials of records requests must cite the specific legal basis for withholding information.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records from Hoover may be utilized for background screening purposes subject to certain legal limitations. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Alabama state regulations govern how arrest information may be used in employment, housing, and other contexts. Entities conducting background checks using Hoover arrest records should be aware of the following provisions:

Arrest records without convictions that are more than seven years old generally cannot be reported for employment purposes under FCRA for positions with annual salaries under $75,000.
Employers must obtain written consent before conducting background checks that include arrest record searches.
Individuals have the right to be notified if information from their arrest record is used to make an adverse employment decision.
The City of Hoover does not verify the accuracy of arrest records used by third-party background check companies.

Employers and landlords should consult with legal counsel regarding compliance with federal and state regulations when utilizing arrest records for screening purposes. The Hoover Police Department Records Division can provide certified copies of arrest records for authorized purposes upon submission of proper documentation and payment of applicable fees.