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Marshall County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Marshall County, Alabama?

Arrest records are public in Marshall County, Alabama, 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 Alabama Supreme Court has consistently interpreted this law to include arrest records among the public documents accessible to citizens.

The Marshall County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to document law enforcement activities. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental interests, including:

  • Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
  • Enabling citizens to monitor governmental activities
  • Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
  • Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters

Individuals seeking arrest records may encounter certain restrictions, particularly when records involve ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders. In such cases, portions of the records may be redacted or access may be limited in accordance with Alabama Code § 12-15-133, which governs confidentiality of juvenile records.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Marshall County?

Marshall County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Marshall County Circuit Court provides digital access to court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. This online accessibility is authorized under Alabama Administrative Order No. 42, which established guidelines for electronic access to court records.

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains the Alacourt system, which provides comprehensive access to court records, including those stemming from arrests in Marshall County. Public terminals for accessing this system are available at:

Marshall County Circuit Clerk's Office
424 Blount Avenue
Guntersville, AL 35976
(256) 571-7764
Marshall County Circuit Court

Hours of operation for public access terminals are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding legal holidays.

Additionally, the Marshall County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmates and recent arrests as part of their public information services. This database is updated regularly in compliance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which mandates timely provision of public records.

How to Look Up Marshall County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Marshall County arrest records in 2025 have multiple avenues available, as prescribed by Alabama state law and county procedures:

In-Person Requests:

The primary repository for comprehensive arrest records is the Marshall County Sheriff's Office:

Marshall County Sheriff's Office
423 Blount Avenue, Suite 108
Guntersville, AL 35976
(256) 582-2034
Marshall County Sheriff's Office

Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Requestors must complete a Public Records Request Form and present valid government-issued identification. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, reasonable fees may be charged for search, retrieval, and copying services.

Court Records Access:

Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through:

Marshall County Circuit Court
424 Blount Avenue
Guntersville, AL 35976
(256) 571-7764
Marshall County Court System

The Circuit Clerk's Office maintains records of all criminal cases filed in Marshall County. Records may be searched by name, case number, or filing date.

Digital Access Options:

The Alabama Court Records system provides online access to public court records, including those related to arrests. Users must register and may incur fees for certain searches or document retrievals.

For verification of current incarceration status, the Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search portal includes individuals held in Marshall County facilities awaiting trial or serving sentences.

Contents of a Marshall County Arrest Record

Marshall County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Alabama Code § 15-4-1 through § 15-4-9, which govern arrest procedures and documentation. A typical arrest record includes:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory charges filed, including Alabama Code citations
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Booking agency and facility information
  • Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
  • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
  • Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Residential address at time of arrest
  • Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled
  • Bond amount, if applicable
  • Detention status (released or in custody)

In accordance with Alabama law, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Driver's license numbers
  • Medical information protected under HIPAA
  • Information related to confidential informants
  • Details that might compromise ongoing investigations

The Marshall County Probate Judge's Office maintains historical arrest records as part of the county's permanent legal archives, with records dating back to the county's establishment in 1836.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Marshall County

Under Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16, certain arrest records in Marshall County may be eligible for expungement. The Alabama Record Expungement Act provides legal mechanisms for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances:

Qualifying conditions for expungement include:

  • 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 misdemeanors after a waiting period (typically 2-5 years)
  • Certain non-violent felonies after a waiting period (typically 5 years)

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Marshall 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.

If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the arrest record, including:

  • Marshall County Sheriff's Office
  • Alabama Bureau of Investigation
  • Alabama Department of Public Safety
  • All municipal police departments within Marshall County

After expungement, individuals may legally answer "no" when asked about the expunged arrest on employment or housing applications, except for certain positions in law enforcement, education, or healthcare as specified in Alabama Code § 15-27-15.

The Marshall County Alabama government portal provides standardized forms and instructions for the expungement process.

Search Arrest Records in Marshall County