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