>Shelby County Arrest Records Online

Shelby County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Shelby County, Alabama?

Arrest records are public in Shelby County, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that all government records, unless specifically exempted by law, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and reproduction. Law enforcement agencies in Shelby County maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation of criminal justice proceedings. These records document interactions between individuals and law enforcement agencies, including arrests, bookings, and charges filed.

The Alabama Open Records Act further reinforces public access to these records by stating 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." Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through designated channels established by county authorities.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Shelby County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Shelby County through several official digital platforms. The Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains electronic records of court proceedings related to arrests and subsequent legal actions. These digital repositories are part of Alabama's statewide effort to increase government transparency and facilitate public access to official records.

The Alabama Judicial System has implemented the Alacourt system, which provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests in Shelby County. Additionally, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate database that is updated regularly with current arrest information.

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which governs the management and preservation of public records, these online systems must maintain accurate and timely information. Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, certain details may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and judicial orders.

How to Look Up Shelby County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Shelby County arrest records may utilize several authorized methods established by county authorities. The following options are available for record retrieval:

Online Database Access: The Alacourt system provides digital access to court records related to arrests. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate relevant records.
Shelby County Sheriff's Office: In-person requests may be submitted at the Sheriff's Office Records Division. Shelby County Sheriff's Office 380 McDow Road Columbiana, AL 35051 Phone: (205) 669-4181 Official Website Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests may be requested through the Circuit Clerk. Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office 112 North Main Street Columbiana, AL 35051 Phone: (205) 669-3760 Official Website Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency: For comprehensive criminal history information, requests may be submitted to the state agency. Alabama Law Enforcement Agency 301 South Ripley Street Montgomery, AL 36104 Phone: (334) 517-2800 Official Website Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification and, in some cases, pay applicable fees for record retrieval as authorized under Alabama Code § 12-19-90, which establishes fee schedules for court records.

Contents of a Shelby County Arrest Record

Shelby 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 the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific charges filed, including applicable Alabama Code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking agency information
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint records
Physical description including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Residential address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
Case disposition information, if available
Bond amount and status

The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles may maintain additional information regarding post-arrest proceedings for individuals who enter the parole system. Records maintained by this agency supplement the initial arrest documentation with supervision and compliance information.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Shelby County, certain legal restrictions limit access to specific information. Alabama Code § 12-15-133 provides for the confidentiality of juvenile records, with limited exceptions for authorized agencies and individuals. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order are not available for public inspection.

The Alabama Department of Corrections and law enforcement agencies may withhold certain sensitive information from public arrest records when disclosure would:

Compromise an ongoing investigation
Endanger the safety of law enforcement personnel
Violate federal privacy laws such as HIPAA
Reveal the identity of confidential informants
Interfere with judicial proceedings

Records containing protected health information or other confidential data may be redacted prior to public release in accordance with Alabama Code § 22-11A-38, which governs the confidentiality of certain medical information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Shelby County

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Shelby County pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16, which establishes the legal framework for record expungement. The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Shelby County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated.

Eligibility for expungement generally includes:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Cases dismissed with prejudice
Acquittals
Certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies after specified waiting periods
Pardoned offenses (excluding violent crimes)

The expungement petition must be filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office and served upon the District Attorney's Office, which has 45 days to file an objection. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies to seal or destroy records related to the arrest, effectively removing them from public access.

The Calera Field Office of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles can provide guidance on the relationship between pardons and expungement eligibility. Calera Field Office 8260 Highway 31 Calera, AL 35040 Phone: 205-669-4611 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM