Bayou La Batre Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Bayou La Batre, Alabama?
Arrest records are public documents in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by governmental bodies shall be accessible for public inspection. The law specifically includes records generated by law enforcement agencies regarding arrests within the jurisdiction. Public access to these records serves the dual purpose of maintaining governmental transparency and enabling citizens to exercise their right to information concerning law enforcement activities within their community.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims in accordance with Alabama Code § 15-23-60. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different regulations under Alabama Code § 12-15-134 and may have limited public accessibility.
How to Look Up Bayou La Batre Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Bayou La Batre provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests by visiting the Bayou La Batre Police Department located at 13785 S Wintzell Avenue, Bayou La Batre, AL 36509. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A valid government-issued identification must be presented when requesting records.
Written Correspondence: Written requests may be submitted via certified mail to: Records Division, Bayou La Batre Police Department, 13785 S Wintzell Avenue, Bayou La Batre, AL 36509. Requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the record being sought.
Electronic Access: The Bayou La Batre Municipal Court provides limited online access to certain public records through their electronic portal. Users must register for an account and may be subject to verification procedures.
Mobile County Sheriff's Office: As the overarching law enforcement agency for the county, the Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests that occurred within their jurisdiction, including Bayou La Batre. Their office is located at 510 South Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36603.
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, governmental agencies may assess reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current fee schedules are posted at the respective agencies and may include charges for document retrieval, copying, and certification.
Contents of a Bayou La Batre Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Bayou La Batre Police Department and associated agencies typically contain the following information as prescribed by Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-2-.03:
- Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrestee, date of birth, gender, race, and last known address
- Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Arrest Details: Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
- Jurisdictional Information: Arresting agency, officer identification number, and booking facility
- Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of applicable Alabama Code sections
- Case Disposition: Current status of the case within the judicial system
- Bail/Bond Information: Amount set, conditions imposed, and payment status
- Photographic Evidence: Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken at the time of processing
- Fingerprint Records: Digital or ink impressions collected during booking procedures
The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) maintains standardized protocols for the collection and storage of this information in accordance with Alabama Code § 41-9-620 through § 41-9-640.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Bayou La Batre
The State of Alabama provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records through the Alabama Expungement Act (Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16). Within Bayou La Batre jurisdiction, individuals may petition for expungement under the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed with prejudice
- The individual was found not guilty of all charges
- The grand jury returned a "no bill" (declined to indict)
- The case was dismissed without prejudice and has not been refiled within the statutory limitations period
- The individual completed a diversion program, drug court, or veterans court program
- The charge was a non-violent felony and the individual received a pardon
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court of Mobile County, located at 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36644. Petitioners must submit:
- A certified copy of the arrest record
- A sworn statement that the petitioner meets eligibility requirements
- A filing fee of $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4
- Supporting documentation demonstrating case disposition
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the District Attorney's Office may present objections. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the arrest record from public view. However, pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, certain government agencies retain limited access to expunged records for specific administrative purposes.
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