>Morgan County Arrest Records Online

Morgan County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Morgan County, Alabama?

Yes, arrest records are public in Morgan County, Alabama. This accessibility is governed by the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), which establishes that records maintained by government entities shall be available for public inspection. The statute specifically states that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." This legal framework ensures transparency and accountability in law enforcement and governmental operations throughout Morgan County and the state of Alabama.

Members of the public seeking arrest records may access them through various county agencies, including the Morgan County Sheriff's Office and the Morgan County Circuit Clerk's Office. These records are maintained as part of the county's commitment to public information accessibility pursuant to state law.

Morgan County Sheriff's Office
351 Sparkman Street
Decatur, AL 35601
(256) 351-4800
Official Website

Morgan County Circuit Clerk's Office
Morgan County Courthouse
302 Lee Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601
(256) 351-4770
Official Website

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Morgan County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Morgan County through several official digital platforms. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that is updated regularly with current detention information. Additionally, the Eighth Circuit Court of Alabama provides access to court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.

The availability of these records on digital platforms facilitates easier access for individuals seeking information for various legitimate purposes, including:

Background checks for employment or housing
Personal record verification
Legal research
Public safety awareness

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which addresses the management and preservation of government records, Morgan County has implemented digital systems to maintain these records while ensuring their accessibility to the public. The online systems are designed to balance public access with privacy considerations as mandated by state and federal regulations.

How to Look Up Morgan County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Morgan County arrest records in 2025, individuals have several options available through both in-person and digital channels. The following methods are authorized pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which governs the procedures for requesting public records:

Visit the Morgan County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 351 Sparkman Street, Decatur, AL 35601. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. A valid government-issued photo identification is required when requesting records in person.
Access the Morgan County Sheriff's online inmate roster, which provides current booking information and is updated daily.
Submit a written request to the Records Division by mail, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the required fee for document reproduction.
Utilize the Alabama Court Records system to search for case information related to arrests in Morgan County. This system provides access to court proceedings that followed an arrest.
Access public terminals available at the Morgan County Courthouse (302 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601) during regular business hours (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday).

Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which permits reasonable charges for the reproduction of public records. Current fees include $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of arrest records. Payment methods accepted include cash, money order, or certified check made payable to "Morgan County Sheriff's Office."

Contents of a Morgan County Arrest Record

A Morgan County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement at the time of apprehension. In accordance with Alabama Code § 12-21-3.1, which governs the documentation of arrests, these records include the following standard elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information (age, gender, race)
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of charges filed, including applicable Alabama Code sections
Classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony)
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency (e.g., Morgan County Sheriff's Office, Decatur Police Department)
Booking information, including fingerprints and booking photograph (mugshot)
Case or docket number assigned by the court
Bail or bond amount set, if applicable
Initial court appearance date
Detention facility information if the individual was incarcerated

These records are maintained in accordance with Alabama's records retention schedule as established by the Department of Archives and History pursuant to Code of Alabama § 41-13-20. The information contained in arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including law enforcement operations, judicial proceedings, and statistical reporting to state and federal agencies.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Morgan County

In Morgan County, individuals who meet specific criteria established under Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19 may petition for the expungement of their arrest records. The Alabama Record Expungement Act provides legal pathways for the removal of certain arrest records from public access under qualifying circumstances.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in Morgan County include:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
Charges dismissed after completion of a diversion program, drug court, or mental health court
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
Pardoned offenses (excluding violent crimes)
Non-violent misdemeanors or felonies after specified waiting periods

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Morgan County Circuit Court where the arrest or charge occurred. Petitioners must submit:

A certified copy of arrest record from the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center
A filing fee of $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4
Supporting documentation demonstrating eligibility
Verification that all fines, court costs, and restitution have been paid in full

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the District Attorney's Office may contest the expungement request. If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to seal the records from public view. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-6, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and judicial officials for specific purposes but are removed from public access.

Morgan County Circuit Court
Morgan County Courthouse
302 Lee Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601
(256) 351-4770
Official Website

Search Arrest Records in Morgan County

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