Clarke County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clarke County in 2026
ClarkeRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Clarke County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, mugshots, and bond details through this resource. Record categories available may include felony arrests, misdemeanor bookings, warrant information, and associated court filings. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not be complete or current.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Clarke County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state agencies. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records, what those records contain, applicable fees, and the legal framework governing public access in Alabama.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records for individuals processed at the county jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates or recent bookings. At present, a dedicated online jail roster for Clarke County is not publicly hosted on a standalone portal, and requesters are directed to contact the office by phone or in person for current custody information.
- Available information: name, charges, booking date, bond status, custody status
- Updates: records updated as bookings occur
- Search capability: by name or booking number
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Grove Hill, the county seat, is served by the Grove Hill Police Department. Arrest logs and press releases with arrest information may be available through the department upon request. Members of the public seeking arrest information from municipal jurisdictions within Clarke County should contact the relevant city police department directly.
Grove Hill Police Department
101 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3131
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains an online case search system that allows members of the public to search for court cases by defendant name. Arrest records are frequently linked to associated criminal case filings, and searching by an arrestee's name may return case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and disposition information.
- Search by: defendant name, case number
- Includes: criminal, traffic, and civil case records
- Access: available online through the Alabama court portal
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Criminal Records Identification Unit of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains the state's centralized criminal history repository. This database includes fingerprint-based arrest records submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search; certified background checks require fingerprinting and are subject to fees.
- Includes: arrests, charges, dispositions, and conviction history
- Fee: name-based search fees apply; contact ALEA for current schedule
- Access: in-person or by mail through ALEA's Criminal Records division
In-Person Access:
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3158
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
- What to bring: valid government-issued photo ID, full name of subject, approximate date of arrest
- Fees for copies: standard copy fees apply per Alabama law
Clarke County Circuit Clerk
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3363
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection
- Copy fees: $1.00 per page for standard copies; certification fees additional
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Clarke County Sheriff's Office at 114 Court Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.
By Phone:
The Clarke County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (251) 275-3158 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may confirm general custody status but are not able to provide detailed arrest record information by phone. Requesters may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and investigative files are not part of the public arrest record and require legal process to obtain.
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, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Clarke County
Arrest records in Clarke County are public records under Alabama law. Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act, § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, all citizens have a right to inspect and copy public writings maintained by state and local government agencies, including law enforcement records, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records are maintained as public documents because they reflect the exercise of governmental authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, and community awareness.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records: restricted or sealed under Alabama law
- Expunged arrest records: removed from public access by court order
- Sealed records: subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Active investigation information: withheld to protect investigative integrity
- Undercover officer identities: exempt from disclosure
- Confidential informant information: protected from release
- Victim identifying information: restricted in certain offense categories
- Witness protection participants: exempt from disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Alabama Constitution and the Alabama Open Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations require that arrest records not be treated as proof of guilt, as an arrest reflects a charge rather than a conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when a consumer reporting agency is involved. Employers using third-party background checks must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Alabama does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law, but federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest alone does not establish criminal liability.
What's in Clarke County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest (street address or general area)
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- 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 per 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 but not included in public 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 at time of record creation
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques or surveillance methods
- 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 not part of the public arrest record
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Clarke County?
Fees for arrest records in Clarke County are governed by Alabama law and local agency policies. Under § 36-12-41 of the Code of Alabama, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $1.00 per page (Circuit Clerk) |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee applies |
| Sheriff's Office copies | Fees set by local policy; contact office |
| ALEA name-based criminal history | Fee schedule available from ALEA |
| Court record copies (AOC system) | Varies by document type |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public may inspect records at no charge; fees apply to copies
- Electronic format fees: May apply for records provided in digital format
- Search fees: Not separately charged for standard public records requests
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, money order, or check made payable to the relevant agency; contact each office to confirm accepted forms of payment
- Fee waivers: Alabama law does not mandate fee waivers for public records requests, though agencies retain discretion to waive fees in certain circumstances
- Free access: Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost; the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides free online case status searches through its public portal
How To Delete Arrest Records in Clarke County
Alabama law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under § 15-27-1 et seq. of the Code of Alabama, individuals who meet eligibility criteria may petition the court to expunge arrest records.
Eligibility for Expungement in Alabama:
- Charges were dismissed with prejudice
- Charges were dismissed without prejudice and the statute of limitations has expired
- The individual was found not guilty at trial
- Charges were no-billed by a grand jury
- The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
- Certain non-violent felony and misdemeanor convictions may be eligible after a waiting period under 2021 amendments to Alabama expungement law
Steps to Expunge an Arrest Record:
- Obtain a certified copy of the disposition from the Clarke County Circuit Clerk
- Complete the petition for expungement (Form CR-57, available from the Alabama court system)
- File the petition in the Clarke County Circuit Court
- Pay the filing fee (currently $300.00 for most petitions; fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
- Serve 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 agencies to seal or destroy the record
Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:
Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3363
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
Clarke County District Attorney's Office
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3363
Following a granted expungement, the Clarke County Sheriff's Office, ALEA, and other agencies are directed to update their records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to court expungement orders and may retain records independently; individuals should contact those entities separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in Clarke County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Clarke County, the arrested individual is transported to the Clarke County Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office facility in Grove Hill. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Clarke County Jail, the booking process is initiated. This process involves recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history check, checking for outstanding warrants, inventorying personal property, and completing medical and mental health screening. Booking typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Alabama law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 72 hours of arrest for most offenses. At the first appearance, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond, advises the defendant of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the defendant is indigent. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. Funds are returned at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The court may deny bond for serious violent offenses, when the defendant poses a flight risk or danger to the community, or when a probation or parole violation is alleged.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which may take between one and eight hours. A court date is provided in writing, and conditions of release are explained. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned housing within the facility.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Clarke County Public Defender's Office
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3363
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.
Charging Decision:
The Clarke County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and motions to suppress or dismiss may be filed. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, a diversion program, a plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: resolved more quickly, often within 90 to 180 days
- Felonies: may take six months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Alabama Constitution
Important Contacts:
Clarke County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3158
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
Clarke County Circuit Clerk
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3363
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
Clarke County District Attorney's Office
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3363
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Clarke County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Clarke County is governed by Alabama law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Local agencies are required to follow state-mandated retention schedules, which vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retention: permanent
- Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, ALEA, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention: permanent in most cases
- Local law enforcement and court records are retained in accordance with state schedules
- State repository retains records indefinitely
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: retained for a minimum of several years per state schedule
- Court records: retained and may remain accessible unless expunged
- State repository: retained unless expungement order is received
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Local law enforcement: retained per state schedule
- Court records: often retained permanently
- May be eligible for expungement under Alabama law
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: retained for a minimum period per state schedule
- May be eligible for expungement immediately in some circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork: retained per state records schedule
- Digital records management systems: often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: retention varies by agency policy
- Court electronic records: generally retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to court expungement orders. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the consumer reporting framework are not bound by the same obligations. Individuals whose records have been expunged should contact third-party sites directly to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3158
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: retained per Alabama state records schedule
- Arrest reports: retained per state schedule
- Investigative files: retained based on case outcome and offense classification
Clarke County Circuit Clerk
114 Court Street
Grove Hill, AL 36451
Phone: (251) 275-3363
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
- Felony case files: permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: retained per state schedule
- Electronic records: generally permanent
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) — State Repository
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 353-4340
Criminal Records Identification Unit
- Maintains fingerprint-based criminal history records for all arrested individuals in Alabama
- Retention: indefinite for most records; updated upon receipt of expungement orders
FBI Database:
The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records of arrests reported by Alabama agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Local Retention | State Repository | FBI Database |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent |
| Dismissal | Per state schedule | Retained unless expunged | Retained with notation |
| Acquittal | Per state schedule | Retained unless expunged | Retained with notation |
| No charges filed | Shortest retention | May be purged | Varies |
| Expungement granted | Sealed or destroyed | Updated per court order | Retained with notation |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to seven years for non-conviction records when the position pays less than $75,000 annually. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Alabama does not currently impose additional state-level restrictions on the reporting period for criminal history in background checks. Arrests without convictions may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance laws.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Clarke County Sheriff's Records Division at (251) 275-3158 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 114 Court Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.