Sylacauga Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sylacauga, Alabama?
Arrest records in Sylacauga, Alabama are classified as public documents under Alabama state law. The Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40) establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including those documenting arrests, shall be available for public inspection. This statute, commonly referred to as the "Open Records Act," ensures citizens have access to government-held information with limited exceptions. The Sylacauga Police Department and Talladega County Sheriff's Office maintain these records in accordance with state regulations.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes. These records provide transparency in law enforcement operations, allow citizens to monitor the activities of government agencies, and contribute to public safety awareness. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy rights protected by state or federal law, or endanger public safety as determined by relevant authorities.
Individuals seeking arrest records should note that while the information is public, agencies may require formal requests and charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and duplication services pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41. These fees are designed to cover administrative costs rather than restrict access.
How to Look Up Sylacauga Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Sylacauga. Each method offers different advantages depending on the requester's specific needs and time constraints.
In-person requests remain a reliable method for obtaining comprehensive arrest information:
Visit the Sylacauga Police Department at 301 N Broadway Avenue, Sylacauga, AL 35150. Counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requesters should bring government-issued identification and be prepared to complete a records request form.
The Talladega County Sheriff's Office maintains county-wide arrest records at 140 N Court Street, Talladega, AL 35160. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A formal written request may be required for certain records.
The Talladega County Courthouse houses judicial records related to arrests at 1 Court Square, Talladega, AL 35160. The Clerk's Office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and provides access to court proceedings following arrests.
Remote access options have expanded in recent years:
The Sylacauga Police Department accepts records requests via mail addressed to: Records Division, 301 N Broadway Avenue, Sylacauga, AL 35150. Requests must include the subject's full name, approximate date of arrest, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Telephone inquiries for basic arrest information can be made to the Records Division at (256) 401-2464, though detailed records typically require written requests.
Electronic requests may be submitted through official government portals, though complete implementation of digital systems varies by department and may require in-person verification for certain records.
Requesters should note that processing times vary based on staffing levels, record age, and complexity of the request. Standard processing typically requires 5-10 business days pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40.
Contents of a Sylacauga Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Sylacauga law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as mandated by Alabama state recordkeeping requirements. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include:
Biographical information about the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases or known nicknames
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
- Residential address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted in public copies)
- Identifying numbers such as driver's license information
Details of the arrest incident:
- Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
- Statutory charges filed, including Alabama Criminal Code citations
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest (Sylacauga PD, Talladega County Sheriff, etc.)
- Booking information including processing location and time
Supplementary documentation often attached to arrest records:
- Fingerprint cards and classification information
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") showing front and profile views
- Property inventory listing items in possession at time of arrest
- Initial appearance information including bail determination
- Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or when disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations. Medical information collected during booking is generally protected under federal HIPAA regulations and Alabama privacy statutes.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Sylacauga
The State of Alabama provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records through a formal judicial process. Expungement in this context refers to the legal procedure by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed.
Alabama's expungement statute (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19) establishes specific eligibility criteria for individuals seeking to expunge arrest records in Sylacauga and throughout the state. The primary qualifying circumstances include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
- Charges dismissed after successful completion of a diversion program
- Acquittals by judge or jury
- Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions after specified waiting periods
- Pardoned offenses (excluding violent crimes as defined in § 12-25-32)
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Talladega County Circuit Court located at 1 Court Square, Talladega, AL 35160. Required filings include:
- Petition for Expungement (Form CR-65)
- Certified disposition records for the case in question
- Alabama Bureau of Investigation criminal history report
- Filing fee of $300 (may be waived upon demonstration of substantial hardship)
- Supporting affidavits or documentation as applicable
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the District Attorney's Office may contest the expungement request. If granted, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records related to the arrest. These agencies include the Sylacauga Police Department, Talladega County Sheriff's Office, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and any other entities maintaining records of the arrest.
Successful expungement permits individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, with limited exceptions for certain professional licensing bodies and law enforcement agencies as specified in § 15-27-15.
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