>Russell County Arrest Records Online

Russell County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Russell County, Alabama?

Arrest records are public in Russell 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 to public inspection. The law 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." Arrest records, as official documentation of law enforcement actions, fall within this category of public records, thereby ensuring transparency and maintaining public oversight of criminal justice proceedings in Russell County.

The Russell County Circuit Court maintains these records as part of its official duties. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may obtain them through established procedures that balance the public's right to information with privacy considerations outlined in state statutes.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Russell County?

Russell County arrest records can be accessed online through several official platforms. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains a comprehensive electronic database that includes Russell County arrest information. This digital accessibility is authorized under Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and § 41-13-1, which govern public records access and electronic record-keeping standards.

The Russell County Court Records system provides electronic access to arrest documentation, allowing citizens to obtain information without physically visiting government offices. Online access is available 24 hours per day, enhancing public convenience while maintaining the integrity and security of sensitive information contained within these records.

Digital platforms maintain security protocols that comply with Alabama's data protection requirements while still fulfilling the statutory obligation to provide public access to government records. The electronic systems implement authentication measures to protect against unauthorized alterations while preserving the records' evidentiary value.

How to Look Up Russell County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Russell County arrest records, several official methods are available to members of the public:

Visit the Russell County Sheriff's Office in person at 305 Prentiss Drive, Phenix City, AL 36867. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Telephone: (334) 298-6535.
Access the Alabama Court Records portal where digital records are maintained pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which authorizes electronic record-keeping by state agencies.
Utilize public access terminals available at the Russell County Courthouse located at 501 14th Street, Phenix City, AL 36867. These terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time).
Submit a written request to the Russell County Probate Court, which maintains certain public records. The office is located at 1000 Broad Street, Phenix City, AL 36867. Telephone: (334) 298-7979.

Requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to locate specific records, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, reasonable fees may be charged for search, retrieval, and duplication of records.

Contents of a Russell County Arrest Record

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

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s), including applicable Alabama Criminal Code citations
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks
Case disposition information, including bail determination, court dates, and preliminary hearing outcomes
Warrant information, if the arrest was executed pursuant to a warrant

The Phenix City Police Department Records Division maintains many of these records for arrests within city limits. The Records Division is located at 1111 Broad Street, Phenix City, AL 36867. Telephone: (334) 448-2800.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Russell County

In Russell County, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific conditions established by the Alabama Record Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16). This process allows for the removal of arrest records from public access when statutorily defined criteria are met.

Eligibility requirements for expungement in Russell County include:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges (§ 15-27-1)
Charges that were dismissed with prejudice (§ 15-27-2)
Acquittals by judge or jury (§ 15-27-2)
Successful completion of diversion programs (§ 15-27-4)
Certain non-violent felony convictions after a waiting period (§ 15-27-5)
Misdemeanor convictions, excluding violent offenses, after applicable waiting periods (§ 15-27-5)

The expungement petition must be filed with the Russell County Circuit Court that handled the original case. The court evaluates each petition against statutory standards to determine eligibility. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (1320 Broad Street, Phenix City, AL 36867, Telephone: 334-298-1953), to seal the records from public view.

Pursuant to § 15-27-16, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies and judicial officials for legitimate investigative purposes, despite being removed from public access. The expungement process includes a filing fee of $300 as established by statute, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners upon proper showing of financial hardship.