Tuscaloosa County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Tuscaloosa County

Arrest records in Tuscaloosa County are considered public information under Alabama law. Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act, codified in § 36-12-40 of the Alabama Code, citizens have the legal right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. This statute establishes 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."

Law enforcement agencies in Tuscaloosa County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. These records document the apprehension and detention of individuals suspected of criminal activity. It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

• Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause that they committed a crime
• Conviction records indicate that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) oversees the state's criminal history information system and provides guidelines for public access to arrest records. Under current Alabama law, arrest records remain public even if charges are later dismissed or the individual is acquitted, unless specifically sealed or expunged through court order.

However, certain limitations exist regarding the disclosure of arrest information. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile arrests (governed by § 12-15-133), and certain sensitive cases may be exempt from public disclosure requirements.

What's in Tuscaloosa County Arrest Records

Tuscaloosa County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

• Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Home address
• Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
• Fingerprints
• Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Arresting officer's name and badge number
• Circumstances leading to arrest
• Use of force documentation (if applicable)

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Statute/code violations cited
• Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
• Charge severity level
• Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Issuing court
• Date issued
• Judge who signed the warrant
• Probable cause statement

Booking Information:

• Booking date and time
• Booking facility
• Booking number/identification
• Property inventory
• Medical screening information

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond amount
• Bond type
• Bond status (posted or not)
• Conditions of release
• Release date (if applicable)

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Case number
• Scheduled court appearances
• Court outcomes

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Housing location (if incarcerated)
• Expected release date (if sentenced)

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Probation/parole status
• Risk assessment scores
• Behavioral notes during custody
• Special custody requirements

The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Alabama state law and departmental policies.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Tuscaloosa County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Tuscaloosa County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest record information:

1. In-Person Requests at the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office

   Individuals may visit the Records Division during regular business hours to submit a request for arrest records.

   Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office
   714 1/2 Greensboro Avenue
   Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
   (205) 752-0616
   Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office

   Required documentation includes:

   • Government-issued photo identification
   • Completed records request form (available on-site)
   • Payment of applicable fees (currently $15 per record)
   • Name and date of birth of the subject of the search

2. Written Requests by Mail

   Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division at the address listed above. Requests must include:

   • Requestor's full name and contact information
   • Subject's full name and date of birth
   • Specific information being requested
   • Notarized signature of requestor
   • Check or money order for applicable fees

3. Requests through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts

   The Alabama Judicial System maintains court records related to arrests and case dispositions through their Alacourt system.

   Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
   300 Dexter Avenue
   Montgomery, AL 36104
   (334) 954-5000
   Alabama Administrative Office of Courts

4. Criminal Background Checks through ALEA

   For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrest records, individuals may request an official background check through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

   Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
   Criminal Records and Identification Unit
   P.O. Box 1511
   Montgomery, AL 36102
   (334) 353-4340
   Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Pursuant to § 41-9-638 of the Alabama Code, requestors must provide proper identification and may be required to state the purpose of their request. Fees for record searches are established in accordance with state law and agency policies.

How To Find Tuscaloosa County Arrest Records Online

Tuscaloosa County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. The following online methods are available to the public:

1. Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search

   The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmates and recent arrests.

   Steps to access:

   • Navigate to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office website
   • Locate the "Inmate Search" or "Jail Roster" section
   • Enter search criteria (name, booking number, etc.)
   • Review results showing current custody status and basic arrest information

2. Alabama Judicial System Online Access

   The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides online access to court records through their Alacourt system. This system includes case information related to arrests in Tuscaloosa County.

   Steps to access:

   • Visit the Alacourt website
   • Register for an account (fees apply for full access)
   • Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
   • Review case information, including charges and court dates

3. Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search

   For individuals who have been transferred to state custody following arrest and conviction, the Alabama Inmate Search portal provides custody information.

   Steps to access:

   • Visit the Alabama Department of Corrections website
   • Navigate to the inmate search function
   • Enter the individual's name or AIS (Alabama Institutional Serial) number
   • Review custody status and facility information

4. Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Records

   The Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court maintains records of criminal cases, including information related to arrests.

   Steps to access:

   • Visit the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court website
   • Navigate to the records search section
   • Enter search criteria (name, case number)
   • Review available case information

When accessing arrest records online, users should be aware that information may be limited compared to official records obtained directly from law enforcement agencies. Additionally, pursuant to § 41-9-645 of the Alabama Code, certain information may be restricted from online access for privacy and security reasons.

How To Search Tuscaloosa County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Tuscaloosa County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods are currently available for free searches:

1. Tuscaloosa County Jail Inmate Roster

   The Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible online roster of current inmates.

   Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office
   714 1/2 Greensboro Avenue
   Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
   (205) 752-0616
   Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office

   This resource provides:

   • Names of currently incarcerated individuals
   • Booking dates
   • Charges
   • Bond information
   • Next court appearance dates

2. Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse

   The Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court provides public access terminals for searching court records related to arrests and criminal cases.

   Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court
   714 Greensboro Avenue
   Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
   (205) 349-3870
   Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court

   Available during regular business hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

3. Local Law Library Resources

   The Tuscaloosa County Law Library provides public access to legal resources, including certain arrest record information.

   Tuscaloosa County Law Library
   714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 214
   Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
   (205) 349-3881

4. Local Newspaper Archives

   The Tuscaloosa News and other local publications often report on arrests, particularly in high-profile cases. Archives may be accessed for free at the Tuscaloosa Public Library.

   Tuscaloosa Public Library
   1801 Jack Warner Parkway
   Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
   (205) 345-5820

It is important to note that while these free resources provide basic arrest information, they may not contain complete records. Pursuant to § 36-12-41 of the Alabama Code, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for the production of copies or certified records. Free access is typically limited to viewing records rather than obtaining official copies.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Tuscaloosa County

Under Alabama law, individuals may have options to limit public access to their arrest records through expungement or sealing processes. These legal remedies differ significantly:

Expungement refers to the legal process of erasing or removing arrest records from public view, effectively treating the arrest as if it never occurred.

Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes, such as law enforcement and judicial review.

In Tuscaloosa County, the expungement process is governed by the Alabama Expungement Act, codified in § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16 of the Alabama Code. This legislation provides specific criteria for expungement eligibility:

1. Eligibility Requirements

   Expungement may be available for:

   • Arrests that did not result in charges
   • Charges that were dismissed
   • Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
   • Certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions (after a waiting period)
   • Certain non-violent felony charges (under limited circumstances)

   Expungement is generally NOT available for:

   • Violent felony convictions
   • Sex offenses
   • Serious traffic violations (including DUI)
   • Cases where the defendant has other pending criminal charges

2. Application Process

   The expungement procedure involves:

   • Filing a petition with the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court
   • Paying the filing fee (currently $300)
   • Providing certified copies of arrest records and case disposition
   • Submitting fingerprints for verification
   • Attending a hearing (if scheduled by the court)

3. Legal Representation

   While not required, legal representation is strongly recommended for navigating the expungement process. The Tuscaloosa County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys specializing in expungement cases.

   Tuscaloosa County Bar Association
   2200 Jack Warner Parkway, Suite 200
   Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
   (205) 469-2385

4. Effect of Expungement

   If granted, expungement results in:

   • Removal of records from public access
   • Authorization to deny the arrest occurred in most circumstances
   • Restoration of certain civil rights

It is important to note that even after expungement, certain government agencies may retain access to sealed records for specific purposes, such as law enforcement investigations and judicial proceedings. Additionally, pursuant to § 15-27-16, expunged records may still be considered for certain sensitive employment positions, including law enforcement and positions working with vulnerable populations.

What Happens After Arrest in Tuscaloosa County?

Following an arrest in Tuscaloosa County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Alabama state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

1. Booking and Initial Detention

   After physical arrest, individuals are transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail for booking, which includes:

   • Photograph and fingerprinting
   • Personal property inventory
   • Medical screening
   • Background check
   • Initial custody classification

   Tuscaloosa County Jail
   1600 26th Avenue
   Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
   (205) 752-0616

2. Initial Appearance

   Within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge for:

   • Formal notification of charges
   • Determination of probable cause
   • Bail/bond consideration
   • Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants
   • Setting of preliminary hearing date (for felonies)

3. Bail/Bond Determination

   The court establishes conditions for pre-trial release, which may include:

   • Cash bail
   • Property bond
   • Surety bond through a licensed bondsman
   • Release on recognizance (ROR)
   • Electronic monitoring
   • Pre-trial supervision

4. Preliminary Hearing (Felonies Only)

   For felony charges, a preliminary hearing may be held to:

   • Determine if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the crime
   • Decide if the case should proceed to grand jury
   • Defendants may waive this hearing

5. Grand Jury Proceedings (Felonies Only)

   The Tuscaloosa County Grand Jury reviews evidence presented by the District Attorney to:

   • Determine if sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment
   • Issue formal charges through indictment if appropriate
   • Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public

6. Arraignment

   Following indictment (felonies) or formal charging (misdemeanors), defendants appear for arraignment to:

   • Hear formal charges
   • Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
   • Receive trial date

7. Pre-Trial Proceedings

   Before trial, various legal matters are addressed, including:

   • Discovery exchange
   • Motion hearings
   • Plea negotiations
   • Case management conferences

8. Trial

   If the case proceeds to trial, defendants have the right to:

   • Jury trial (guaranteed for offenses punishable by more than six months)
   • Bench trial (judge only, if defendant waives jury)
   • Present evidence and witnesses
   • Cross-examine prosecution witnesses
   • Testify or remain silent

9. Sentencing (If Convicted)

   Following conviction, the court imposes penalties, which may include:

   • Incarceration
   • Probation
   • Fines and court costs
   • Restitution to victims
   • Community service
   • Treatment programs

10. Appeals

    Defendants have the right to appeal convictions to:

    • Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals
    • Alabama Supreme Court (in certain cases)
    • Federal courts (for constitutional issues)

Throughout this process, records are maintained by the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court and become part of the individual's criminal history. These records document each stage of the criminal justice process from arrest through final disposition.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Tuscaloosa County?

Arrest records in Tuscaloosa County are maintained according to Alabama's records retention requirements, which establish specific timeframes for preserving various categories of law enforcement and court documents. The retention of these records is governed by Alabama Code § 41-13-23, which establishes the State Records Commission and authorizes the development of records disposition schedules.

Law Enforcement Records Retention

The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county retain arrest records according to the following general guidelines:

• Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention
• Incident Reports Related to Arrests: Minimum of 20 years
• Arrest Photographs (Mugshots): Permanent retention
• Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention
• Investigation Files:
  • Felony cases: Permanent retention
  • Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of 10 years after case closure
• Body/Dash Camera Footage of Arrests: Minimum of 3 years, longer for cases involving serious offenses

Court Records Retention

The Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court and District Court maintain records according to the Alabama Unified Judicial System's records disposition schedule:

• Criminal Case Files:
  • Capital cases: Permanent retention
  • Non-capital felonies: 75 years after final disposition
  • Misdemeanors: 25 years after final disposition
• Grand Jury Records: Permanent retention
• Court Dockets and Indexes: Permanent retention

Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center Records

The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) maintains a centralized repository of arrest records from all jurisdictions in the state, including Tuscaloosa County. These records are generally maintained indefinitely unless expunged by court order.

Digital Records Retention

With the transition to digital record-keeping, many arrest records are now maintained in electronic format through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts Alacourt system and law enforcement databases. These digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical records.

It is important to note that even after the official retention period expires, information about arrests may persist in various databases, background check systems, and archives. Additionally, pursuant to § 41-13-24, records scheduled for destruction may be transferred to the Alabama Department of Archives and History if deemed to have historical significance.

How to Find Mugshots in Tuscaloosa County

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system in Tuscaloosa County.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically include:

• Front-facing (portrait) photograph
• Profile (side-view) photograph
• Identification information (name, booking number, date)
• Height measurement markers in background

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Tuscaloosa County, booking photographs are officially maintained by:

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office
1600 26th Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 752-0616
Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office

Municipal police departments within the county may also maintain mugshots for arrests they process before transferring individuals to county custody.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots have several options:

1. Direct Request to Law Enforcement

   Individuals may submit a public records request to the arresting agency or the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office. Requests should include:

   • Full name of the subject
   • Date of birth (if known)
   • Approximate date of arrest
   • Purpose of request

   Fees may apply for search and reproduction of records.

2. Court Records

   In some cases, mugshots may be included in court case files accessible through the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court.

Online Availability

The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office currently publishes recent booking photos as part of their online inmate roster. This information typically includes:

• Mugshot
• Name
• Charges
• Booking date
• Bond information

However, these online records are generally limited to current inmates and may be removed once an individual is released from custody.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

• Juvenile arrests (protected under § 12-15-133)
• Expunged records
• Ongoing sensitive investigations
• Cases sealed by court order

Additionally, Alabama law enforcement agencies may exercise discretion in limiting the distribution of mugshots in certain cases to protect the integrity of investigations or the privacy of victims.

It is important to note that while mugshots are generally considered public records, their use for commercial purposes (such as mugshot websites that charge for removal) has been subject to increasing regulation in many jurisdictions.

Lookup Arrest Records in Tuscaloosa County

City of Tuscaloosa

Alabama Inmate Search

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts

Public Records Request - Alabama Secretary of State

Tuscaloosa County - Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama