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Lawrence County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lawrence County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Lawrence County, Alabama are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This legislation establishes that public records, including arrest documentation, shall be available for inspection by any member of the public during regular business hours. The Alabama Open Records Act serves to promote government transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county.

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest records supports community awareness and facilitates various legitimate purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, and journalistic reporting. Individuals seeking arrest records may obtain them through established procedures that balance public access rights with privacy considerations as outlined in Alabama state law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lawrence County?

Lawrence County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department provides digital access to current inmate information and recent arrest data through their official website. This online accessibility is part of the department's commitment to public service and transparency in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40.

Online record availability is subject to certain limitations established by Alabama law. While basic arrest information is typically accessible online, comprehensive records may require formal requests through designated channels. The digital systems are regularly updated to reflect current information, though processing times may vary depending on departmental resources and case complexity. Users should note that online records may not contain all details found in complete arrest files maintained at the Sheriff's Department physical location.

Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
242 Parker Road
Moulton, AL 35650
(256) 974-9291
Official Website

How to Look Up Lawrence County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Lawrence County arrest records. Members of the public may utilize any of the following methods to access this information:

  • Submit a formal records request to the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department in person during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
  • Access the Lawrence County inmate database for current detention information.
  • File a written request with the Lawrence County Circuit Court Clerk for arrest records related to court proceedings.
  • Utilize the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) criminal history request system for statewide arrest information that includes Lawrence County data.
  • Contact the Records Division of the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department by telephone at (256) 974-9291 to inquire about record availability and request procedures.

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, reasonable fees may be assessed for the reproduction of arrest records. Payment methods accepted include cash, money orders, and in some cases, credit cards for online requests. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of the inquiry, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate efficient processing.

Lawrence County Circuit Court Clerk
14451 Market Street
Moulton, AL 35650
(256) 974-0663
Official Website

Contents of a Lawrence County Arrest Record

Lawrence County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Alabama law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Complete demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest incident.
  • Detailed enumeration of all charges filed, including applicable Alabama Criminal Code citations.
  • Name, badge number, and department affiliation of the arresting officer(s).
  • Booking information, including fingerprints and mugshot photographs.
  • Custody status and bail determination information.
  • Case disposition details if available (pending, dismissed, convicted).
  • Record of personal property confiscated during the arrest process.

In accordance with Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations where disclosure could compromise public safety. The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in compliance with state retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lawrence County

The expungement process in Lawrence County follows procedures established under Alabama Code § 15-27-1 et seq., which provides mechanisms for the removal of qualifying arrest records from public access. Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lawrence County include:

  • Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi.
  • Arrests where no charges were filed within the statutory timeframe.
  • Non-violent felony convictions after completion of all sentencing requirements and a waiting period (pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-5).
  • Misdemeanor convictions, excluding violent offenses, domestic violence, and sex offenses, after completion of all sentencing requirements and applicable waiting periods.

The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:

  • File a Petition for Expungement with the Lawrence County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated.
  • 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 for verification purposes.
  • Attend scheduled court hearings as required by the presiding judge.

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the Lawrence County Circuit Court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to seal the specified records. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-6, expunged records are not accessible to the general public but may remain available to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes authorized by statute.

Lawrence County Circuit Court
14451 Market Street
Moulton, AL 35650
(256) 974-0663
Official Website

Search Arrest Records in Lawrence County