>Marion County Arrest Records Online

Marion County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Marion County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Marion County, Alabama are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as expressly provided by statute. The Marion County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court maintain these records as part of their official duties to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.

Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through various official channels. The transparency of arrest records serves multiple public interests, including:

Maintaining accountability within the criminal justice system
Enabling informed decision-making by community members
Supporting public safety through awareness of criminal activity
Facilitating research and statistical analysis of law enforcement practices

The Marion County Circuit Court serves as the primary repository for official court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings within the county.

Marion County Circuit Clerk's Office
132 Military Street South
Hamilton, AL 35570
Phone: 205-921-7451
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Marion County?

Marion County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The digital accessibility of these records is governed by Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which authorizes the creation and maintenance of electronic record systems by government entities. Online access to arrest records provides a convenient alternative to in-person requests, particularly for individuals located outside Marion County.

The public records search portal maintained by the Twenty-Fifth Circuit Court of Alabama offers a comprehensive database of court records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings. Users should note that while basic information is typically available without charge, fees may apply for obtaining certified copies or extensive record searches in accordance with Alabama Administrative Code 355-4-1-.05.

Online arrest record searches may be conducted through:

The Alabama Judicial System's public access portal (Alacourt)
The Marion County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system
The Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search database
Third-party background check services that aggregate public records

How to Look Up Marion County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking arrest records in Marion County have multiple methods available to obtain this information. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, custodians of public records must provide reasonable access during regular business hours. The following procedures are established for accessing arrest records:

In-Person Requests: The most direct method involves visiting the Marion County Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's Office in person. Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth if available.

Marion County Sheriff's Office
340 Winchester Drive
Hamilton, AL 35570
Phone: 205-921-7433
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Online Access: The Marion County court records system provides electronic access to arrest information. Users must create an account and may be required to pay nominal fees for certain searches or document retrieval.

Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate agency by mail. Requests should include:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Requestor's contact information
Required fees for document reproduction

All requests must comply with Alabama Administrative Code 355-4-1-.04 regarding proper identification and authorized access to records.

Contents of a Marion County Arrest Record

Marion County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Alabama Code § 15-4-1 through § 15-4-9, which governs the documentation of arrests and booking procedures. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Subject's full legal name and any known aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges and offense descriptions
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records
Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
Initial bail determination or bond amount
Case number and court assignment information

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Records related to juvenile arrests are subject to additional confidentiality provisions under Alabama Code § 12-15-133.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Marion County

The expungement process in Marion County follows the provisions established in the Alabama Record Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19). This legislation provides a legal pathway for eligible individuals to petition for the removal of certain arrest records from public access. Expungement effectively seals the record from public view, though limited access remains available to law enforcement and judicial officials.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Marion County include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (typically 5 years)
Misdemeanor convictions (excluding violent offenses, sex offenses, or offenses involving moral turpitude)
Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Pardoned offenses (excluding violent crimes)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Marion County Circuit Court, payment of filing fees (currently $300 as of 2025), and submission of supporting documentation. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-5, the district attorney's office has 45 days to file any objections to the petition.

Marion County District Attorney's Office
132 Military Street South, Suite 205
Hamilton, AL 35570
Phone: 205-921-7453
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Successful expungement results in the sealing of records held by the court, law enforcement agencies, and the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center. However, certain specialized agencies may retain access to expunged records for specific purposes as outlined in Alabama Code § 15-27-16.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records in Marion County are generally public, several statutory exceptions limit access to certain information. These restrictions are designed to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable populations. The following limitations apply to arrest record access:

Juvenile records are confidential under Alabama Code § 12-15-133, with limited exceptions for school officials and law enforcement
Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-21-3.1
Information regarding victims of domestic violence or sexual offenses may be redacted to protect their identity
Records sealed by court order or expunged through proper legal procedures
Information that would compromise confidential informants or undercover operations

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains guidelines for the proper handling and dissemination of criminal justice information in accordance with both state law and federal regulations, including the Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - Marion County Office
4521 Military Street South
Hamilton, AL 35570
Phone: 205-921-4743
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities in Marion County may utilize arrest records as part of background screening processes, subject to compliance with applicable state and federal laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) establishes requirements for third-party background check companies, including obtaining consent before conducting searches and providing notice before taking adverse actions based on findings.

Alabama state law does not explicitly prohibit consideration of arrest records in employment decisions, but employers should exercise caution to avoid potential discrimination claims. Best practices for utilizing arrest records include:

Considering only convictions directly relevant to the position
Evaluating the recency and severity of offenses
Providing opportunities for explanation by applicants
Maintaining consistent policies for all applicants
Complying with notice requirements before adverse actions

Public employers in Marion County must adhere to additional regulations regarding background checks pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 670-X-13-.03, which governs pre-employment screening for state agencies.