>Lee County Arrest Records Online

Lee County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lee County, Alabama?

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:

Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
Ensuring accountability of public officials
Facilitating informed civic participation
Supporting public safety through awareness

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.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lee County?

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:

Restrictions on information related to ongoing investigations
Protection of juvenile records except as specifically authorized
Redaction of certain personal identifying information
Compliance with federal privacy regulations

How to Look Up Lee County Arrest Records in 2025

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:

Submit a records request in person during business hours
Utilize the online inmate search function for current detainees
Submit a written request by mail with required identification

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:

In-person access to non-confidential court records
Certified copies of court documents for statutory fees
Access to the Alacourt system for registered users

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:

Submit fingerprint-based background check requests
Request criminal history information with proper authorization
Access certain online criminal record services

Contents of a Lee County Arrest Record

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

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address of record
Gender and race as observed by arresting officer

Arrest Details

Date, time, and location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory authority for the arrest
Whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant
Booking number and processing information

Criminal Charges

Alabama Criminal Code citations for alleged violations
Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
Brief description of the alleged criminal conduct
Weapon involvement, if applicable
Victim information (with appropriate redactions)

Procedural Information

Bail or bond amount established
Detention status
Initial appearance date
Assigned court and case number
Arresting officer's narrative (may be restricted)

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.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lee County

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:

Arrests where charges were dismissed with prejudice
Arrests where no-bills were returned by grand juries
Arrests resulting in acquittals
Arrests for non-violent felonies dismissed after successful completion of diversion programs
Certain misdemeanor convictions after specified waiting periods

The expungement process requires petitioners to:

File a petition with the Lee County Circuit Court
Pay the statutory filing fee of $300 (unless waived by the court)
Provide certified copies of relevant court documents
Submit to a fingerprint-based background check
Serve copies of the petition on the District Attorney, law enforcement agencies, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

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.

Search Arrest Records in Lee County

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