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Huntsville Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Huntsville, Alabama?

Arrest records are public in Huntsville, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that all governmental records, unless specifically exempted by law, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and reproduction. The Alabama Public Records Law operates under the principle that citizens have a fundamental right to information concerning the affairs of their government, including law enforcement activities such as arrests. This transparency serves multiple public interests, including governmental accountability, informed civic participation, and public safety awareness within the Huntsville community.

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy as determined by judicial precedent. However, the general presumption favors public access to arrest information maintained by the Huntsville Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.

How to Look Up Huntsville Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Huntsville arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The Huntsville Police Department maintains comprehensive arrest data that can be accessed through multiple methods:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Huntsville Police Department Records Division located at 815 Wheeler Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Proper identification is required when requesting records in person.
Online Access: The Huntsville Police Department provides digital access to certain arrest records through their official online portal. This service allows for remote searches using name, date of arrest, or case number identifiers.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Division by mail. All requests must include specific information about the record being sought, the requestor's contact information, and any applicable processing fees.
Madison County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county authorities, records may be requested from the Madison County Sheriff's Office located at 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801.
Huntsville Municipal Court: Records of arrests resulting in municipal court proceedings can be obtained from the Huntsville Municipal Court at 815 Wheeler Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35801. The court maintains records of misdemeanor cases and ordinance violations within city jurisdiction.

Standard processing fees apply to all record requests in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which permits reasonable charges for the reproduction of public records.

Contents of a Huntsville Arrest Record

Huntsville arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Alabama law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including the specific Alabama Code sections or Huntsville municipal ordinances allegedly violated.
Case Identifiers: Booking number, case number, and other administrative identifiers used for tracking within the criminal justice system.
Physical Descriptors: Photograph (mugshot) taken during booking process and fingerprint classification information.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail amount, if applicable, and current detention status.
Procedural Information: Date of arraignment, court assignment, and scheduled court appearances.

It should be noted that pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances, at which point they would no longer be accessible through standard public record requests.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Huntsville

The expungement process in Huntsville operates under the authority of Alabama Code § 15-27-1 et seq., which provides a legal mechanism for the removal of certain arrest records from public access. Individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
Charges for which the individual was found not guilty
Certain non-violent felonies and misdemeanors after specified waiting periods

The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court of Madison County, located at 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801. The petition must include certified copies of arrest records, court dispositions, and payment of the filing fee established by state law (currently $300 as of 2025).

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify all agencies possessing records related to the arrest. The District Attorney's Office has 45 days to file any objections to the expungement request. If the court grants the petition, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest will be ordered to seal those records from public view.

It is important to note that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, such as applications for employment in law enforcement or if the individual is subsequently arrested for other offenses.

Search Arrest Records in Huntsville

Huntsville Police Department Records Division
815 Wheeler Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-427-7020
Official Records Division Website

Madison County Sheriff's Office
100 North Side Square
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: 256-532-3412
Official Sheriff's Office Website