Arrest records in Lee County, Alabama are classified as public records pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This legislation establishes that citizens have the fundamental right to inspect and copy public records maintained by governmental bodies, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings. The statute specifically provides 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 Lee County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records as part of its official duties in law enforcement. These records document the apprehension and detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity within the jurisdiction. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental purposes, including:
Interested parties may access these records through various governmental agencies in Lee County, including the Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. While the records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information in accordance with Alabama law.
Lee County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by local and state governmental agencies. The Lee County Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search function that allows members of the public to access current detention information. This digital resource is maintained pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which establishes the public's right to access governmental records.
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains a comprehensive database of court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings in Lee County. This system, known as Alacourt, provides authorized users with access to case information, including arrest details, charges filed, and case dispositions.
Additionally, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency offers online services that include access to certain criminal history information. Users should note that while basic arrest information is generally available online, comprehensive criminal history reports may require formal requests and payment of statutory fees.
Digital access to these records is subject to certain limitations established by state law, including:
Members of the public seeking Lee County arrest records have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The following governmental agencies maintain and provide access to these records:
Lee County Sheriff's Office
1900 Frederick Road
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 749-5651
Official Website
Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains current arrest records and booking information. Requestors may:
Lee County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
2311 Gateway Drive
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 737-3580
Official Website
Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Circuit Court maintains records of all criminal cases, including arrest information. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, the Clerk's Office provides:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 517-2800
Official Website
Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
ALEA maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state. Under Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-2, requestors may:
Lee County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Alabama law and administrative regulations. These official documents typically include the following categories of information:
Demographic Information
Arrest Details
Criminal Charges
Procedural Information
Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 4.3, certain arrest records may contain additional information regarding probable cause determinations. The Lee County Commission oversees the general administration of county records, including those related to law enforcement activities.
The State of Alabama provides statutory 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 legal framework for removing eligible arrest records from public access. The Lee County Circuit Court processes expungement petitions for arrests occurring within its jurisdiction.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lee County include:
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
Upon granting of an expungement order, all records of the arrest are removed from public access and the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances outlined in § 15-27-15. The expungement process does not automatically remove records from private databases or third-party background check companies.