Arrest records are public in Mobile County, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by government entities shall be open for inspection by any member of the public. The law specifically includes arrest records, which document the apprehension and detention of individuals by law enforcement agencies operating within Mobile County jurisdiction. These records are maintained as part of the official documentation of law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings.
Members of the public seeking access to arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted in accordance with Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which protects sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other identifying information that could lead to identity theft or invasion of privacy.
Mobile County Sheriff's Office
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36603
Phone: (251) 574-8040
Official Website
Arrest records can be accessed online in Mobile County through various digital platforms maintained by county law enforcement and judicial agencies. The Mobile County Sheriff's Office provides a searchable database that includes current inmate information and recent booking data. Additionally, the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama maintains electronic court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts also provides access to the Alacourt system, which contains case information for individuals processed through the Mobile County court system. This system is accessible to registered users and contains information on criminal cases, including those originating from arrests in Mobile County.
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-23, electronic access to public records must be provided when feasible, though agencies may charge reasonable fees for the provision of these services. Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, obtaining complete arrest records may require additional steps or formal requests.
To obtain Mobile County arrest records in 2025, members of the public may utilize several established methods:
In-person requests: Individuals may visit the Mobile County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 510 South Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36603, during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM). Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search and pay applicable fees as established by Alabama Code § 12-19-180.
Online databases: The Mobile County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides current detention information. For historical arrest records, the Probate Court Records Search may contain relevant information for cases that proceeded to court.
Written requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to:
Records Division
Mobile County Sheriff's Office
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36603
Requests should include the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and contact information for the requestor. A fee schedule for copies is available pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41.
Third-party vendors: Commercial background check services may provide compiled arrest record information, though the accuracy and completeness of such records should be verified against official sources.
All requests must comply with the provisions of Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and § 36-12-41, which govern public access to government records and the fees that may be charged for such access.
Mobile County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-4-1 through § 15-4-3, which governs arrest procedures, these records generally include:
The Mobile County Metro Jail, located at 450 St. Emanuel Street, Mobile, AL 36603, maintains these records in accordance with Alabama Department of Corrections regulations and local record-keeping requirements. Records are maintained in both physical and electronic formats to ensure proper documentation and accessibility as required by law.
The expungement process in Mobile County allows for the removal of certain arrest records from public access under specific conditions established by Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19. Individuals seeking expungement must meet statutory eligibility requirements, which generally include:
The expungement petition must be filed with the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama at:
Government Plaza
205 Government Street, Suite 913
Mobile, AL 36644-2913
Phone: (251) 574-8806
Petitioners must submit Form CR-65 (Petition for Expungement) along with a certified disposition of the case, a criminal history background check from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the filing fee of $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4. The District Attorney's Office must be served with a copy of the petition and has 45 days to file an objection.
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records related to the arrest. However, pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, certain government agencies may retain access to expunged records for specific purposes, including law enforcement investigations and judicial appointments.