St. Clair County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in St. Clair County in 2026
StClairCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records, booking data, court case filings, and related criminal justice records in St. Clair County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking photographs, charge information, custody status, bond amounts, and associated court case numbers through the resources listed below. Record availability varies by agency and record type, and not all arrests result in formal charges or convictions.
Arrest records in St. Clair County may be searched through the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit and District Court Clerk, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and several online public access tools. The following sections detail each available method, including online portals, in-person access, mail requests, and telephone inquiries.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The St. Clair County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that members of the public may access to identify individuals currently in custody. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond information. The Sheriff's Office serves both the Ashville and Pell City divisions of the county.
St. Clair County Sheriff's Office
1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2131
St. Clair County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
Several municipalities within St. Clair County maintain their own police departments, each of which may publish arrest logs or press releases containing arrest information. The Pell City Police Department and the Moody Police Department are among the primary municipal agencies operating within the county.
Pell City Police Department
1905 1st Ave N, Pell City, AL 35125
Phone: (205) 338-2323
Pell City Police Department
Moody Police Department
670 Park Ave, Moody, AL 35004
Phone: (205) 640-6411
Moody Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The St. Clair County Circuit and District Court Clerk maintains criminal case records that are linked to arrests processed through the county's judicial system. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts online portal, which provides on-demand access to state trial court records including case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
St. Clair County Circuit Court Clerk
1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2120
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains the state's centralized criminal history repository through its Criminal Records Identification Unit. This database contains fingerprint-based arrest and conviction records submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. Members of the public and authorized entities may submit requests for criminal history information through the Alabama Background Check System. A fee applies for name-based and fingerprint-based background checks; current fee schedules are published on the ALEA website. The ALEA online services portal provides access to criminal history record information, sex offender registry data, and related public safety resources.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953 (Ashville Division); 165 5th Ave N, Pell City, AL 35125 (Pell City Division)
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (205) 594-2131
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Copy fees apply per page; the current standard rate is $1.00 per page for most records
Police Departments:
- Pell City Police Department: 1905 1st Ave N, Pell City, AL 35125; (205) 338-2323; Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Moody Police Department: 670 Park Ave, Moody, AL 35004; (205) 640-6411; Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Records requests at municipal departments require a written request form, valid identification, and applicable copy fees
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Phone: (205) 594-2120
- Criminal case files are available for public inspection at the clerk's office; copy fees are $1.00 per page for standard copies and $5.00 for certified copies
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office at 1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953. Each request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number. Payment for copies should be included in the form of a check or money order made payable to the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days.
By Phone:
The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (205) 594-2131 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited to general custody status and basic booking information. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record requests are referred to the online system or in-person visit.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. In active criminal proceedings, records are exchanged pursuant to the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in St. Clair County
Arrest records in St. Clair County are public records under Alabama law. Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act, Ala. Code § 36-12-40, all citizens of the state have a right to inspect and copy public writings maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement records, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records are maintained as public documents in recognition of the government's obligation to transparency, the public's interest in community safety, and the role of open records in supporting journalism, legal research, and background screening.
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
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted under Alabama law and are not available to the general public
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
- Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt from disclosure
- Victim identifying information may be withheld in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The public's right of access to arrest records is grounded in both the Alabama Constitution and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects the press and public's access to government proceedings and records. Courts have recognized that transparency in the arrest process serves the dual purpose of deterring government misconduct and informing the public of law enforcement activity. This access is balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where charges are not pursued or result in acquittal.
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 housing discrimination laws
- Licensing and regulatory agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and background screening companies must comply with the FCRA when using arrest records for employment decisions. The FCRA limits the reporting of non-conviction arrest records to a seven-year period for most employment purposes. 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. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt and should not be treated as evidence of criminal conduct.
What's in St. Clair County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or state agency)
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date, time, and assigned booking number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed at the time of booking
- Alabama statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations, where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of the booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit or District Court)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Medical or mental health 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 that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in St. Clair County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at no charge during regular business hours at the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Ala. Code § 36-12-41, agencies may charge a reasonable fee for copies of public records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified court copies | $5.00 per document |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| ALEA name-based background check | $25.00 |
| ALEA fingerprint-based background check | $51.50 |
| Search fee (Sheriff's Office) | No charge for basic search |
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the request serves a demonstrated public interest; requestors should submit a written waiver request to the applicable agency. Inspection of records at a public access terminal is available at no cost.
How To Delete Arrest Records in St. Clair County
Alabama law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to 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 Ala. Code § 15-27-1 et seq., individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria may petition the court for expungement of qualifying arrest records.
Expungement is available in Alabama for arrests that did not result in conviction, including cases where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, the prosecutor declined to file charges, or the individual successfully completed a diversion program. Certain felony convictions may also be eligible for expungement under amendments to the statute, subject to waiting periods and other conditions.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and associated court disposition from the St. Clair County Circuit Court Clerk
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
- File the petition in the Circuit Court of St. Clair County in the division where the arrest occurred (Ashville or Pell City)
- Pay the filing fee, currently set at $300.00 for most expungement petitions; fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners
- Serve copies of the petition on the arresting agency and the district attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the petition is contested
- If granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all relevant agencies to destroy or seal the record
Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:
St. Clair County Circuit Court Clerk – Ashville Division
1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2120
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
St. Clair County Circuit Court Clerk – Pell City Division
165 5th Ave N, Pell City, AL 35125
Phone: (205) 338-9449
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
St. Clair County District Attorney's Office
1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2180
Following the issuance of an expungement order, the arresting agency, the court clerk, and ALEA are required to update their records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expungement order and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those entities separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in St. Clair County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the St. Clair County Jail, which is operated by the Sheriff's Office and located at 1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953, or to the Pell City detention facility at 165 5th Ave N, Pell City, AL 35125, depending on the location of the arrest. Transport time varies based on the distance from the arrest location to the facility.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the booking facility, the individual undergoes a standard intake process that typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes recording of personal information, administration of Miranda rights if not previously given, collection of a booking photograph and fingerprints, a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventory and storage of personal property, issuance of jail clothing, and medical and mental health screening. Housing classification is completed prior to assignment to a cell block.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Alabama law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate within 72 hours of arrest for an initial appearance. At this hearing, the individual is formally notified of the charges, advised of the right to counsel, and a bond determination is made. The hearing may be conducted via video conference. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains court schedules and case information online.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Alabama law.
Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The individual is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are provided information regarding commissary, telephone privileges, and visitation.
Accessing Legal Representation:
St. Clair County Public Defender's Office
1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2180
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who do not qualify may retain private counsel; the Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The St. Clair County District Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment. At arraignment, the defendant enters a formal plea; most defendants enter a not guilty plea at this stage while the case proceeds through pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, 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. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, a diversion program, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, the defendant proceeds to a sentencing hearing at which the judge may impose incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination of these sanctions.
Important Contacts:
St. Clair County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2131
St. Clair County Sheriff's Office
St. Clair County Circuit Court Clerk
1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2120
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
St. Clair County District Attorney's Office
1 Courthouse Square, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2180
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 without counsel 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 if needed
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in St. Clair County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in St. Clair County is governed by Alabama law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Under Ala. Code § 41-13-21, public records may not be destroyed without authorization from the appropriate records disposition authority. Retention periods vary based on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Court Clerk, the ALEA state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records form a permanent part of the individual's criminal history and appear on background checks indefinitely.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently at the state repository and by the courts. Local law enforcement agencies retain booking records for a minimum of five years, with many agencies maintaining records indefinitely in electronic format.
Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges remain in agency databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Court records for dismissed cases are retained for a minimum of six years. These records may not appear on standard employment background checks but remain accessible through direct public records requests unless expunged.
Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal are retained by local law enforcement and the courts. These records are eligible for expungement under Alabama law and may be sealed upon petition.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for a minimum of two years by local agencies and are among the most readily eligible for expungement.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Electronic records maintained in records management systems and court databases are retained indefinitely in most cases. Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable retention schedule, with fingerprint records maintained permanently at the state repository. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely regardless of case outcome.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years; investigative files are retained based on the nature of the offense, with serious felony files retained permanently.
Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of six years. Electronic court records are maintained indefinitely.
ALEA State Repository: The Criminal Records Identification Unit maintains fingerprint-based arrest records for all arrested offenders in Alabama. Records are retained in accordance with state and federal retention requirements and are accessible to authorized agencies statewide.
FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records submitted by Alabama agencies at the federal level. Federal retention is permanent for most offense categories, and these records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background check and investigative purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal or acquittal leaves records in place unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs local agencies and the state repository to destroy or seal the record; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an updated disposition. Third-party commercial background check companies are not bound by expungement orders and may require separate requests for record removal.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting period for non-conviction arrest records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Alabama does not currently impose additional state-level restrictions on the reporting period for conviction records. Individuals subject to background checks for positions with no salary cap, financial industry licensing, or security clearances may be subject to extended or unlimited reporting periods under applicable federal regulations.