Arrest records are public documents in Madison County, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by government entities, including arrest records, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Madison County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Public access to these records serves to uphold governmental transparency and accountability in accordance with Alabama state law.
Members of the public seeking arrest records may obtain them through various official channels established by Madison County authorities. The Madison County Sheriff's Office processes requests for arrest records during regular business hours. Requestors should note that while arrest records are public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Alabama law.
Madison County Sheriff's Office 100 North Side Square Huntsville, AL 35801 Phone: (256) 532-3412 Official Website
Madison County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Madison Police Department provides digital access to arrest reports through their official website as part of their commitment to public information accessibility. This digital availability aligns with Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which promotes government transparency while maintaining necessary privacy protections.
Online access to arrest records is administered through the Madison County information technology infrastructure, which maintains security protocols to ensure data integrity. The electronic system allows for efficient retrieval of public records while adhering to state regulations regarding the dissemination of criminal justice information. Users should be aware that online records may not include all arrest information, as certain details may be restricted pursuant to Alabama law or court order.
The Twenty-Third Circuit Court of Alabama also maintains an electronic database that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This system operates in accordance with Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration and provides another avenue for accessing public arrest information.
Madison County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records, in compliance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following officially sanctioned channels:
In-person requests at the Madison County Sheriff's Office Records Division, located at 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Electronic access through the Madison County Sheriff's Office website, which maintains a searchable database of recent arrests and inmate information.
Written requests submitted to the Records Division of the Madison County Sheriff's Office. All written requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Access through the Madison Municipal Court for arrests within city limits. The court is located at 100 Hughes Road, Madison, AL 35758, and operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Utilization of the Madison County Circuit Court electronic case management system for arrests that have resulted in formal charges.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval services in accordance with the fee schedule established by Madison County authorities pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code.
Madison County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Alabama Bureau of Investigation guidelines and Alabama Code § 41-9-590 et seq. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Alabama Criminal Code citation and description of the alleged offense(s).
Case processing information, including the booking number, fingerprint classification, and photograph (mugshot) taken during the booking process.
Custody status information, including bond amount if applicable, and detention facility location.
Preliminary court information, including arraignment date and initial appearance before a magistrate.
The Madison County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Alabama law enforcement records retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-23, which governs the protection of confidential information in government records.
The expungement process in Madison 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. Individuals may petition for expungement when their circumstances meet statutory criteria, including:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Madison County Circuit Court, located at 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801. Petitioners must submit the appropriate forms, pay the filing fee established by state law (currently $300 as of 2025), and provide supporting documentation as required by Alabama Code § 15-27-5.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where a circuit judge will determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records related to the specified arrest. These agencies include:
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, expunged records are not destroyed but are sealed from public view and may only be accessed through court order or in limited circumstances prescribed by law.