Tallapoosa County, Alabama Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Tallapoosa County, Alabama?
Arrest records in Tallapoosa County, Alabama are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that all public writings are open to inspection by any member of the public during regular business hours. Law enforcement agencies within Tallapoosa County maintain these records as part of their official duties, documenting arrests made within county jurisdiction.
The Alabama Public Records 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." This provision ensures transparency in governmental operations, including those of law enforcement agencies. Records maintained by the Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments fall under this category of public writings.
Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of arrest records in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or when disclosure would compromise public safety. These exceptions are outlined in Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which provides statutory authority for withholding specific information under defined circumstances.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Tallapoosa County?
Digital access to Tallapoosa County arrest records is available through several official platforms. The Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that allows members of the public to search for current inmate information and recent arrest data. This service is provided in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which encourages government agencies to make public records accessible through electronic means when feasible.
The Fifth Circuit Court of Alabama provides online access to court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate information about arrests that have resulted in formal charges within the county judicial system.
Additionally, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains statewide databases that may include arrest information from Tallapoosa County. These records are accessible to authorized users and, in some cases, to members of the general public through designated portals.
Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office
125 N Broadnax Street, Suite 2
Dadeville, AL 36853
(256) 825-4264
Official Website
How to Look Up Tallapoosa County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Tallapoosa County. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, these records must be made available for public inspection during regular business hours. The following options are available to individuals seeking arrest record information:
Visit the Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office in person to request arrest records. Staff will assist with searches of their database for specific individuals. A nominal fee may apply for printed copies in accordance with Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for reproduction of public records.
Access the Alacourt system through the Tallapoosa County Circuit Court. This system contains information about arrests that have proceeded to formal charges and court proceedings. Users may need to create an account and pay applicable search fees.
Contact the Tallapoosa County Jail directly for information about current inmates and recent arrests. This facility maintains booking records that include arrest information.
Utilize the Alabama Department of Corrections online inmate search for individuals who have been transferred to state custody following conviction.
Submit a formal public records request to the arresting agency, citing Alabama Code § 36-12-40. Requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and other identifying information.
Tallapoosa County Circuit Court Clerk
125 N Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
(256) 825-4038
Official Website
Contents of a Tallapoosa County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Tallapoosa County law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Alabama Code § 15-4-1 through § 15-4-9, which govern arrest procedures and documentation. A typical Tallapoosa County arrest record includes:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative identities
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Biometric data including fingerprints and, in some cases, DNA samples
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
- Residence address at time of arrest
- Booking number and unique identifiers assigned during processing
- Custody status information, including bond amount if applicable
- Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
These records are maintained in accordance with Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center regulations and may be shared with other law enforcement agencies through established information-sharing networks. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency coordinates many of these information-sharing initiatives across jurisdictions.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Tallapoosa County
Under Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, certain individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Tallapoosa County. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access, effectively sealing them from view by most entities. The Alabama Legislature has established specific criteria that must be met for expungement eligibility.
Individuals may qualify for expungement in Tallapoosa County under the following circumstances:
- The charge was dismissed with prejudice
- The charge was no-billed by a grand jury
- The defendant was found not guilty of the charge
- The charge was dismissed without prejudice more than two years ago and has not been refiled
- The defendant completed a diversion program, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court program
- The charge was a misdemeanor or non-violent felony and the defendant received a pardon
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Tallapoosa County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-3, the petition must include specific information about the case and be accompanied by a filing fee of $300 unless waived by the court due to substantial hardship.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the District Attorney's Office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which may contest the petition. If the court grants the expungement, all records related to the arrest will be sealed from public view, though they may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes as outlined in Alabama Code § 15-27-16.
Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney's Office
1 Courthouse Square, Suite 300
Dadeville, AL 36853
(256) 825-4226
Official Website
Search Arrest Records in Tallapoosa County
