Alabama ArrestRecords.org
Search Public Records
Alabama Arrest Records Online >Lauderdale County Arrest Records Online

Lauderdale County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lauderdale County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Lauderdale 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 "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." The law ensures transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies within the county jurisdiction.

The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document all arrests made within their jurisdiction. Public access to these records serves multiple purposes including:

  • Enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
  • Providing information for background checks
  • Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
  • Facilitating research on crime patterns and trends
  • Ensuring proper documentation of law enforcement procedures

Individuals seeking arrest records may encounter certain limitations established by Alabama law, particularly regarding juvenile records or cases under active investigation. These exceptions are specifically outlined in Alabama Code § 12-15-133, which restricts access to juvenile records except under specific court orders.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lauderdale County?

Lauderdale County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Alabama's commitment to public information accessibility. The Lauderdale County Circuit Court maintains an electronic database of court proceedings, including those related to arrests within the county. This digital accessibility aligns with the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts' initiatives to modernize record-keeping systems across the state.

Online access to arrest records is facilitated through:

Users of these online systems should note that pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1, certain administrative fees may apply when accessing digital records. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts has established a standardized fee schedule for electronic document retrieval that applies to Lauderdale County records.

Digital records typically update within 24-48 hours of processing, though complex cases may require additional time. The Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office maintains the following schedule for records processing:

Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office
700 South Seminary Street
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-5757
Official Website

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

How to Look Up Lauderdale County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Lauderdale County arrest records in 2025 may utilize multiple authorized channels established by county authorities. The primary methods for obtaining these records include both in-person and remote options as outlined below.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office Records Division
700 South Seminary Street
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-5757
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's Office
200 South Court Street, Suite 102
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-5728
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

For electronic access, the following methods are available:

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, requestors must provide specific identifying information when seeking arrest records, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. A government-issued photo identification is required for all in-person requests. Standard processing fees apply in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Lauderdale County Commission.

Contents of a Lauderdale County Arrest Record

Lauderdale County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Alabama Code § 15-4-1 and administrative regulations established by the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Aliases or known alternative names
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Date, time, and location of arrest
  • Statutory charges filed at time of booking
  • Arresting agency and officer identification
  • Booking photographs (mugshots)
  • Fingerprint classification data
  • Case disposition information when available
  • Bond amount and conditions if applicable
  • Court appearance dates and locations

The Alabama Department of Public Safety maintains guidelines for the standardization of these records across all counties, including Lauderdale. These standards ensure consistency in record-keeping practices and facilitate information sharing between jurisdictions when necessary for law enforcement purposes.

Arrest records maintained by the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office are subject to quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and completeness. These procedures include regular audits conducted by the Records Division and compliance reviews by the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lauderdale County

The expungement process in Lauderdale County operates under the authority of Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, which establishes procedures for the removal of qualifying arrest records from public access. Expungement petitions must be filed with the Circuit Court of Lauderdale County, which has jurisdiction over these matters.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lauderdale County include:

  • Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
  • Non-violent felony convictions after completion of all sentencing requirements and a waiting period
  • Misdemeanor convictions (excluding violent offenses, sex offenses, or offenses involving moral turpitude) after completion of all sentencing requirements and applicable waiting periods
  • Arrests that did not result in formal charges within the statutory timeframe

The petition process requires:

  1. Filing of a standardized petition form with the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk
  2. Payment of filing fees (currently $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4)
  3. Submission of certified court records related to the case
  4. Fingerprint card processed by an authorized law enforcement agency
  5. Notification to the District Attorney's Office

Lauderdale County Circuit Court
200 South Court Street
Florence, AL 35630
Phone: (256) 760-5728
Official Website

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Petitioners should be aware that pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, certain agencies retain access to expunged records for specific purposes, including law enforcement investigations and certain employment background checks for positions of public trust.

Search Arrest Records in Lauderdale County

Cities
Florence
logo