Pike County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pike County in 2026
PikeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Pike County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this platform. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Criminal charge information
- Inmate custody status
- Court case filings linked to arrests
- Warrant information
- Bail and bond records
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Pike County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Pike County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible inmate search tool on its official website. Members of the public may use this tool to locate individuals currently held in the county jail. Available information includes the inmate's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis to reflect current detainee information.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Troy Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Pike County. Arrest information related to city-level incidents may be obtained by contacting the department directly or by reviewing press releases issued through the department's public affairs office. The Troy Police Department does not maintain a publicly searchable online arrest log at present; members of the public seeking specific arrest information are directed to submit a written public records request.
Troy Police Department 500 N. Three Notch Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-0500 City of Troy
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Pike County Circuit and District Courts. Members of the public may search court case records through the Alabama Alacourt system, which provides access to case filings, charge information, and hearing schedules associated with arrests. Searching by the arrestee's name will return associated criminal case numbers and docket entries.
Pike County Circuit Court Clerk 120 W. Church Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-1246 Pike County Courts
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Records Identification Unit maintains a statewide criminal history repository that includes arrest records submitted by law enforcement agencies throughout Alabama. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through ALEA. A fee of $25.00 applies to name-based background checks requested by the general public. Fingerprint-based searches are available for a higher fee and provide a more comprehensive record. The ALEA Criminal History Section maintains fingerprint files for all arrested offenders in the state of Alabama, as well as deceased persons.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Pike County Sheriff's Office 120 W. Church Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-4182 Pike County Sheriff's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo ID
- Specific information about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest, should be provided
- Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
Troy Police Department 500 N. Three Notch Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-0500 City of Troy
- Records requests must be submitted in writing
- Standard copy fees apply per Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which governs public access to government records
- Processing time: 5–10 business days
Clerk of Court:
Pike County Circuit Court Clerk 120 W. Church Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-1246 Pike County Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection requests
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are $1.00 per page plus copy fees
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Pike County Sheriff's Office at 120 W. Church Street, Troy, AL 36081. Requests should include the following:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
- Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Pike County Sheriff's Office)
- Processing time: 10–15 business days
By Phone:
- Pike County Sheriff's Office: (334) 566-4182
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Limited information is available by phone; callers may be directed to the online inmate search or an in-person visit for detailed records
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed arrest records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in criminal proceedings provide defense counsel with access to arrest reports, booking records, and related documentation.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Troy Police Department, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Pike County
Arrest records in Pike County are public records under Alabama law. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, all citizens of Alabama have a right to inspect and copy any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. Arrest records fall within the category of public writings maintained by law enforcement agencies and are accessible to members of the public absent a specific statutory exemption.
The public nature of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:
- Government transparency and accountability
- Public safety and community awareness
- Support for journalism and academic research
- Facilitation of background screening processes
- Use in legal proceedings and civil litigation
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information, including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under Alabama law and applicable federal statutes:
- Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-15-133
- Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access by court order
- Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active criminal investigations
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
- Victim identifying information in certain categories of cases
- Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Alabama Constitution and the state's open records statute establish the legal framework for public access to government records, including arrest records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the disposition of charges, including dismissals and acquittals, to prevent undue prejudice to individuals whose cases did not result in conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Alabama does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records: an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and the use of arrest records without conviction in adverse employment or housing decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.
What's in Pike County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Troy Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Alabama statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected during booking but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if released
- Release conditions, if made part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit or District Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, if available
Prior Arrest History (may be included):
- Previous arrests recorded in Pike County
- Previous booking numbers
- Historical charge information
- Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques and methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Substance abuse information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Pike County?
The cost of obtaining arrest records in Pike County is governed by Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which authorizes custodians of public records to charge reasonable fees for copies. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (Clerk of Court) | $1.00 per page + copy fee |
| ALEA name-based criminal history check | $25.00 per request |
| ALEA fingerprint-based criminal history check | $51.50 per request |
| Inspection of records (in-person review) | No charge |
- Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order payable to the respective agency
- ALEA accepts payment by credit card, check, or money order for criminal history requests
- Fee waivers are not broadly available for routine public records requests; however, indigent individuals involved in active legal proceedings may petition the court for waiver of court-related copy fees
- Inspection of public records in person is available at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested
- Electronic format fees may vary; members of the public should confirm current rates directly with the records custodian at the time of request
How To Delete Arrest Records in Pike County
Alabama law provides two primary mechanisms for the legal removal or restriction of arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or sealing of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under Alabama Code § 15-27-1 et seq., individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria may petition the court for expungement of arrest records.
Eligibility for Expungement in Alabama:
- Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
- Charges that were nolle prossed (prosecutor declined to proceed)
- Charges resulting in a not guilty verdict at trial
- Charges dismissed after successful completion of a court-approved diversion program
- Certain non-violent felony and misdemeanor convictions, subject to waiting periods and additional eligibility requirements enacted under recent amendments to Alabama's expungement statute
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the disposition of the case from the Pike County Circuit Court Clerk
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available through the Alabama court system
- File the petition in the Pike County Circuit Court, paying the applicable filing fee (currently $300.00 for most petitions, subject to change)
- Serve copies of the petition on the arresting agency and the district attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether expungement is warranted
- If granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy the record
Important Limitations:
- Expungement in Alabama does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases or commercial background check services
- Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for certain official purposes
- The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency updates its criminal history repository upon receipt of a valid court order; however, federal databases, including the FBI's National Crime Information Center, may retain records with a notation of expungement
- Individuals with questions about eligibility should consult a licensed Alabama attorney
Pike County Circuit Court Clerk 120 W. Church Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-1246 Pike County Courts
Pike County District Attorney's Office 120 W. Church Street, Suite 200 Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-1246 Alabama District Attorneys Association
What Happens After Arrest in Pike County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Pike County, the arrested individual is transported to the Pike County Jail, located at 120 W. Church Street, Troy, AL 36081. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires immediate completion of field procedures.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Pike County Jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Administration of Miranda rights advisement, if not previously given
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
- Criminal history check conducted through ALEA and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
- Outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Clothing exchanged for jail-issued attire
- Medical screening
- Brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Alabama law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance within 72 hours of arrest. The initial appearance serves the following purposes:
- Formal notification of the charges
- Appointment of a public defender for individuals who qualify based on financial need
- Bond or bail determination
- Advisement of constitutional rights
Initial appearances in Pike County may be conducted in person or via video conference. The Pike County magistrates and warrants page provides information regarding warrant and initial appearance procedures. As noted on that page, an arrest warrant is not a matter of public record until it is served.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable administrative fees
- Bond amounts are set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or pursuant to a bond schedule for certain offenses
Surety Bond:
- The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman
- A non-refundable premium of approximately 10% of the bond amount is paid to the bondsman
- The bondsman posts the full bond amount with the court
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all scheduled court dates
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk
No Bond:
- The defendant is held without the possibility of bond
- Circumstances warranting no bond include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violation of probation or parole conditions, immigration holds, or the existence of an out-of-state warrant
Conditions of Release:
Conditions of release may include regular check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, mandatory drug or alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision by the court.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing time for release following bond payment is typically one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned upon release
- The defendant receives written notice of all upcoming court dates
- Written conditions of release are provided; failure to comply may result in bond forfeiture and re-arrest
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The defendant remains in custody at the Pike County Jail
- Housing assignment is made following classification
- Inmate orientation is conducted
- Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Pike County Public Defender's Office. Eligibility is determined based on income and assets.
Pike County Public Defender's Office 120 W. Church Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-1246 Alabama Public Defender Commission
Private Attorney:
Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits to the Pike County Jail are conducted in designated confidential consultation areas.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Pike County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may:
- File formal charges by information or indictment
- Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
- Decline to prosecute (nolle prosequi)
- File different or additional charges beyond those listed at booking
Grand Jury (for Felonies):
Felony charges in Alabama may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed to trial. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel. A finding of probable cause results in a formal indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea. Available pleas include not guilty, guilty, and nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving all available defenses. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at arraignment.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings on these motions are scheduled by the court.
Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.
Plea negotiations may result in an offer from the prosecutor to resolve the case through a reduced charge or agreed-upon sentencing recommendation. The defendant retains the right to reject any plea offer and proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the arrest or charging process. A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may be offered participation in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of the charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to the charges as negotiated, waiving the right to trial. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or, by agreement, a bench trial before the judge. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty results in a sentencing hearing; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate release.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, mandatory treatment programs, or a combination of these. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of the right to appeal the conviction and sentence.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 6 of the Alabama Constitution
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Pike County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 120 W. Church Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-4182 Pike County Sheriff's Office
Pike County Circuit Court Clerk 120 W. Church Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-1246 Pike County Courts
Pike County District Attorney's Office 120 W. Church Street, Suite 200 Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-1246 Alabama District Attorneys Association
Pike County Public Defender's Office 120 W. Church Street Troy, AL 36081 Phone: (334) 566-1246 Alabama Public Defender Commission
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail arrangements
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply fully with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pike County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Pike County is governed by Alabama law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Under current law, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, which vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the ALEA criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide through interstate databases
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years; many agencies retain these records permanently in digital format
- State repository retains records indefinitely
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged by court order
- State repository: Records remain unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement under Alabama Code § 15-27-1
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records: Retained permanently
- State repository: Records remain and may be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum of two years
- Local arrest logs: Retained for a minimum of five years
- May be eligible for expungement petition upon demonstration that no charges were filed
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement records: Retained for a minimum of five years
- Often eligible for expungement under Alabama's expungement statute
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Retained per the applicable retention schedule, typically five years minimum for non-conviction records
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently by ALEA
- Photographs: Retained for the duration of the applicable retention period; digital copies may be retained permanently
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of two years
- Records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency; digital records are frequently retained beyond the minimum required period
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases
Third-Party Databases:
- Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
- These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and are not required to update records when expungement orders are issued
- The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records and to update information when notified of a change in status
Retention by Agency:
Pike County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years for non-conviction records; permanent for conviction-related records
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies based on case outcome and classification
- Contact: (334) 566-4182
Troy Police Department:
- Arrest records: Minimum five years
- Incident reports: Minimum five years
- Contact: (334) 566-0500
Pike County Circuit Court Clerk:
- Felony case files: Retained permanently
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained for a minimum of five years; many retained permanently in electronic format
- Traffic cases: Retained for a minimum of five years
- Electronic records: Retained permanently
State Repository: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Criminal Records Identification Unit maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Records submitted by all law enforcement agencies in Alabama are retained in this database. The ALEA Criminal History Section maintains fingerprint files for all arrested offenders in the state of Alabama, as well as deceased persons, and ensures the accuracy and completeness of the state's criminal history records. Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be updated or sealed upon receipt of a valid court order.
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records
- Federal retention is permanent for most arrest records
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all relevant databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on standard background checks, but the arrest record itself may appear.
Expungement: Following a valid court order, local law enforcement and the ALEA repository update their records. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. The timeframe for removal from all relevant systems varies and may take several weeks to several months following issuance of the order.
No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable minimum retention period. Individuals may also petition for expungement in appropriate cases.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent Arrests (Within the Last Five Years):
- Available online through the Pike County inmate search and the Alacourt case search system
- Updated on a regular basis
Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):
- May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
- Possible retrieval fee for archived records
- Processing time may be longer than for current records
Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):
- Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper format
- Paper records are stored in archives and may be subject to destruction following expiration of the applicable retention period
- Contact the Pike County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (334) 566-4182 for information about specific historical records
Destruction of Records:
Authorized destruction of arrest records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Alabama does not currently impose additional state-law restrictions on the reporting period for conviction records. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain regulated industries, and employers are advised to consult applicable federal and state guidance when using arrest records in hiring decisions.