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Tallapoosa County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Tallapoosa County in 2026

TallapoosaRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal case filings, bond information, and disposition records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the nature of the case.

Arrest records in Tallapoosa County may be searched through official law enforcement resources, the county clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online government databases. The sections below outline each available method in detail.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status and recent arrest activity. The Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of county-level arrest records and booking photographs.

  • Arrest information includes: full legal name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status
  • Roster updates occur as bookings are processed
  • Inquiries may be directed to the records division by phone or in person

Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office
100 Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-4264
Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipalities within Tallapoosa County maintain their own police departments, each of which generates arrest records for incidents occurring within their respective jurisdictions. The Alexander City Police Department is the largest municipal law enforcement agency in the county and handles arrest records for incidents within Alexander City limits.

  • Arrest logs and press releases with arrest information may be available through individual department public information offices
  • Records requests should be directed to the records division of the arresting agency

Alexander City Police Department
4 Court Square
Alexander City, AL 35010
Phone: (256) 234-0404
Alexander City Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search case records by the arrestee's name to locate associated court filings, charge information, and case dispositions. The Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt platform provides online access to court case information statewide, including Tallapoosa County criminal cases, subject to registration and applicable fees.

  • Search by defendant name to locate criminal case numbers tied to an arrest
  • Case records include charge descriptions, court dates, and disposition information
  • Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for in-person searches

Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk
125 N. Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-1082
Alabama Judicial System

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains a statewide criminal history repository through its Criminal Records Identification Unit. This database includes arrest and conviction records submitted by law enforcement agencies across Alabama, including those in Tallapoosa County. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search, and employers or licensing agencies may request a fingerprint-based Alabama background check.

  • Public name-based searches are available for a fee
  • Fingerprint-based searches are required for certain employment and licensing purposes
  • The database includes arrests, dispositions, and conviction records from all Alabama jurisdictions

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

  • Address: 100 Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 36853
  • Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
  • Phone: (256) 825-4264
  • What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
  • Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per page; contact the office for current rates

Police Departments:

  • Alexander City Police Department, 4 Court Square, Alexander City, AL 35010, Phone: (256) 234-0404
  • Records requests are processed through the records division during regular business hours
  • Fees vary by department; payment is accepted in person

Clerk of Court:

  • Address: 125 N. Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 36853
  • Criminal records division is located within the Tallapoosa County Courthouse
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
  • Phone: (256) 825-1082
  • Case files are available for public inspection during business hours
  • Copy fees: Standard per-page fees apply as set by Alabama court rules

By Mail:

  • Mailing address: Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office, 100 Broadnax Street, Dadeville, AL 36853
  • Written requests should include:
    • Arrestee's full legal name
    • Date of arrest (if known)
    • Booking number (if known)
    • Requestor's full name and return mailing address
  • Include payment for applicable copy fees (contact the office in advance for the current fee schedule)
  • Processing time varies; allow a minimum of 5–10 business days for written requests

By Phone:

  • Sheriff's Office: (256) 825-4264
  • Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone
  • Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
  • Detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request
  • Staff may direct callers to the online system or in-person records division for comprehensive information

Through Legal Channels:

  • Licensed attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients
  • Subpoenas may be issued for detailed arrest and investigative records in the context of litigation
  • Discovery in criminal proceedings provides defense counsel access to arrest-related documentation through the court process

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, Alexander City PD, or other municipal agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Tallapoosa County

Arrest records in Tallapoosa County are public records under Alabama law. Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act, § 36-12-40, 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 made available to the public in the interest of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

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:

  • Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Alabama law
  • 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
  • Undercover officer identities are protected from disclosure
  • Confidential informant information is exempt from public release
  • Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
  • Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Alabama Constitution and § 36-12-40 of the Alabama Code establish the public's right to access government records, including arrest documentation. Courts have recognized that this right must be balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where charges are dismissed or no conviction results. The First Amendment provides press organizations with access to arrest information as part of the broader principle of open government. Due process considerations also inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of 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 housing discrimination laws
  • Licensing agencies conducting applicant reviews
  • Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance requirements
  • Attorneys and legal professionals
  • Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

  • Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
  • 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
  • Housing providers must exercise caution in using arrest records without conviction to avoid potential fair housing violations
  • The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt

What's in Tallapoosa 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 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, Police Department, Alabama State Troopers, etc.)
  • 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 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
  • Bail bondsman information, if applicable
  • Release date and time, if the individual has been released
  • Release conditions, if made part of the public record

Court Information:

  • Court case number assigned following arrest
  • Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or District Court)
  • Scheduled arraignment date
  • Court location
  • Judge assignment, if available at the time of the record

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

  • Previous arrests recorded in Tallapoosa County
  • Historical booking numbers
  • Prior charges
  • Not always included in a current arrest record; comprehensive history requires a separate criminal history request

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

  • Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
  • Witness statements
  • Victim identifying information
  • Evidence collected during the investigation
  • Investigative techniques or methods
  • Medical information
  • Mental health status
  • Substance abuse information
  • Full residential address or personal phone number
  • Social Security number (redacted by law)
  • Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and:

  • Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in the booking record
  • Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
  • Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
  • Background checks: 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 Tallapoosa County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Tallapoosa County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records provided. Under Alabama law, agencies are authorized to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. The following fee structure reflects current standard rates:

Record TypeFee
Standard paper copies$0.25–$1.00 per page (varies by agency)
Certified copies$1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic records (where available)Varies; some agencies provide at no charge
Search feesSome agencies charge a flat search fee
Booking photograph (mugshot)Varies by agency
  • Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is available at no charge during regular business hours
  • Copy fees are assessed per page for paper reproductions
  • Certification fees apply when a notarized or officially certified copy is required
  • Electronic format fees vary; some agencies provide digital copies at reduced cost
  • Search fees may be assessed when staff time is required to locate records
  • Payment methods accepted at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, money order, and in some cases personal check; credit card acceptance varies by office
  • Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requestors should submit a written waiver request to the relevant agency
  • Court case records accessed through the Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt platform require account registration and may involve per-search or subscription fees
  • Statewide criminal history requests through ALEA carry a fee established by the agency; the current fee schedule is available through the Criminal Records Identification Unit
  • Basic custody status inquiries by phone are available at no charge

How To Delete Arrest Records in Tallapoosa County

Alabama law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the arrest record from public databases, while sealing restricts access without physically destroying the record. Under Alabama's expungement statute, § 15-27-1 et seq. of the Alabama Code, eligible individuals may petition the court to expunge arrest records under specific circumstances.

Circumstances Under Which an Arrest Record May Be Expunged 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
  • The charges were no-billed by a grand jury
  • The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
  • The arrest did not result in charges being filed

Felony convictions and certain serious misdemeanor convictions are not eligible for expungement under current Alabama law. Individuals with convictions must seek other forms of relief, such as a pardon from the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Tallapoosa County:

  1. Confirm eligibility under § 15-27-1 based on the outcome of the case
  2. Obtain a certified copy of the case disposition from the Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk
  3. Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available through the Alabama court system
  4. File the petition with the Tallapoosa County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $300.00 for most petitions, subject to change)
  5. Serve copies of the petition on the arresting agency and the district attorney's office
  6. Attend the scheduled hearing if the district attorney objects to the petition
  7. If the court grants the petition, the order is forwarded to ALEA and the arresting agency for record removal

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Tallapoosa County Circuit Court Clerk
125 N. Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-1082
Alabama Judicial System

Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles
301 S. Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 353-7771
Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles

Tallapoosa County District Attorney's Office
125 N. Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-1083

What Happens After Arrest in Tallapoosa County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Tallapoosa County Jail, located at the Sheriff's Office complex in Dadeville. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested person is handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

Tallapoosa County Jail
100 Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-4264
Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Tallapoosa County Jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:

  • Personal information recorded by jail staff
  • Miranda rights read if not previously administered
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
  • Fingerprints collected and submitted to ALEA and the FBI
  • Criminal history check conducted
  • Outstanding warrants check performed
  • Personal property inventoried and stored
  • Clothing exchanged for jail-issued uniform
  • Medical screening completed
  • Brief mental health screening conducted
  • Housing classification assigned

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 in most circumstances. The first appearance serves the following purposes:

  • Formal notification of the charges
  • Appointment of a public defender for indigent defendants
  • Bond and bail determination
  • Advisement of constitutional rights
  • Hearings may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

  • The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the jail or court
  • The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
  • Bond amounts are set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or according to a bond schedule for certain offenses

Surety Bond:

  • The defendant or family hires 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 court dates
  • No monetary payment is required
  • Granted based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

  • The defendant is held without the possibility of bond
  • Applicable 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:

  • Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
  • Travel restrictions
  • No-contact orders in domestic violence cases
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • GPS monitoring in certain cases
  • Pretrial supervision reporting

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

  • Processing and release takes approximately one to eight hours after bond payment
  • Personal property is returned upon release
  • A written notice of court dates is provided
  • Written conditions of release are issued and must be followed

If Bond Not Posted:

  • The individual remains in custody at the Tallapoosa 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:

Indigent defendants in Tallapoosa County are represented by the Alabama Office of Indigent Defense Services or appointed counsel. Eligibility is based on financial need and is determined at the first appearance.

Tallapoosa County Public Defender (Appointed Counsel)
125 N. Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-1082 (Circuit Clerk for referral)
Alabama Office of Indigent Defense Services

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 criminal defense representation. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Tallapoosa County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. This review 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 if the evidence is insufficient
  • File different or additional charges based on the evidence presented

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Felony charges in Alabama may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. The grand jury process does not include defense counsel and results in an indictment if the grand jury votes to proceed.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at arraignment.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery:

  • Both prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings

Pretrial Motions:

  • Common motions include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery
  • Hearings are scheduled by the court

Pretrial Conferences:

  • Meetings between attorneys and the judge to discuss case status, potential resolution, and trial readiness

Plea Negotiations:

  • The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation
  • The defendant decides whether to accept the offer or proceed to trial

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal:

  • Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case
  • A dismissal may make the defendant eligible to petition for expungement

Diversion Programs (if eligible):

  • Pretrial diversion, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court programs are available in Alabama
  • Successful completion results in dismissal of charges

Plea Agreement:

  • The defendant enters a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges
  • A sentencing hearing is scheduled following the plea

Trial:

  • Defendants have the right to a jury trial for most criminal charges
  • A bench trial (decided by the judge) may be elected in some cases
  • If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include:

  • Incarceration in jail or prison
  • Probation
  • Fines and court costs
  • Restitution to victims
  • Community service
  • Mandatory drug or alcohol treatment
  • A combination of the above

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence of incarceration. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

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 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
  • Alabama's right to a speedy trial is established under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, § 6 of the Alabama Constitution

Rights Throughout Process:

  • Right to remain silent
  • Right to an attorney
  • Right to a speedy trial
  • Right to confront witnesses
  • Right to present a defense
  • Right against self-incrimination
  • Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Sheriff's Office (Jail):
100 Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-4264
Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of Court:
125 N. Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-1082
Alabama Judicial System

District Attorney's Office:
125 N. Broadnax Street
Dadeville, AL 36853
Phone: (256) 825-1083

Public Defender/Indigent Defense:
Alabama Office of Indigent Defense Services
Phone: (334) 353-8494

What to Do If You're Arrested:

  1. Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
  2. Do not physically resist arrest
  3. Politely exercise the right to remain silent
  4. Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
  5. Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family, or friends
  6. Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
  7. Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
  8. Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Tallapoosa County?

Records Retention Overview:

Records retention in Tallapoosa County is governed by Alabama state law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Local law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with these schedules. The Alabama Public Records Law and associated retention regulations establish minimum retention periods for various categories of arrest and criminal records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

  • Retention: Permanent
  • Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, ALEA's state criminal history repository, and the FBI's national databases

Misdemeanor Convictions:

  • Retention: Permanent in most cases
  • Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of several years; many agencies retain permanently
  • Court records: Retained permanently in electronic systems
  • State repository: Retained in ALEA's criminal history database

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

  • Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of several years unless expunged
  • Court records: Retained in the court's electronic system, often permanently
  • State repository: Retained unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement under § 15-27-1

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

  • Local law enforcement: Retained for several years; may remain unless expunged
  • Court records: Retained permanently in most electronic systems
  • State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order

Charges Not Filed:

  • Booking records: Retained for a minimum of several years
  • Local arrest logs: Retained per agency policy
  • May be eligible for expungement petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

  • Law enforcement records: Retained per agency retention schedule
  • Often eligible for expungement under Alabama law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

  • Booking paperwork: Retained per Alabama records retention schedule
  • Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently by ALEA
  • Photographs: Retained per agency policy; digital images often retained permanently

Digital Records:

  • Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of several years
  • Records management systems: Often retained permanently
  • Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency and third-party platform
  • Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most jurisdictions

Third-Party Databases:

  • Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
  • These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
  • The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

  • Booking records: Retained per Alabama records retention schedule (minimum several years)
  • Arrest reports: Retained per schedule
  • Investigative files: Retained based on case type and outcome
  • Contact: (256) 825-4264

Police Departments:

  • Arrest records: Retained per Alabama records retention schedule
  • Incident reports: Retained per schedule
  • Retention periods may vary slightly between municipal departments

Clerk of Court:

  • Criminal case files: Retained based on case disposition
  • Felony cases: Retained permanently
  • Misdemeanor cases: Retained for a minimum of several years; electronic records often permanent
  • Electronic records: Retained permanently in the Alabama court system

State Repository:

  • ALEA's Criminal Records Identification Unit maintains arrest and conviction records submitted by all Alabama law enforcement agencies
  • Retention policy: Permanent for most records; updated upon receipt of expungement orders

FBI Database:

  • The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records
  • Federal retention: Permanent in most cases
  • Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide
  • Used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

  • Permanent retention in all major databases
  • Appears on background checks indefinitely under federal law
  • Part of the subject's permanent criminal history

Dismissal:

  • May remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order
  • Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
  • Local retention varies by agency

Expungement:

  • Physical records are sealed or destroyed at the local level following a court order
  • ALEA updates the state repository upon receipt of the expungement order
  • The FBI database may retain a notation with restricted access
  • Removal from all databases may take several weeks to months following the court order

No Charges Filed:

  • Shortest retention period in most cases
  • Some agencies purge booking records automatically after a set number of years
  • Subjects may request removal through the expungement process

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

  • Available online through the Sheriff's Office and court case search systems
  • Updated in real time or on a daily basis

Older Arrests (Several Years Prior):

  • May require an in-person records request
  • Some records may be stored in archives
  • A retrieval fee may apply
  • Processing time is longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests (Decades Prior):

  • Records may not be digitized
  • Paper records may be held in archival storage
  • Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
  • Contact the Sheriff's Office records division at (256) 825-4264 for assistance

Destruction of Records:

Authorized Destruction:

  • Occurs after the applicable retention period expires
  • Follows a court order for expungement
  • Conducted in accordance with the Alabama records retention schedule
  • Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency

Records That Cannot Be Destroyed:

  • Felony conviction records
  • Records related to serious violent offenses
  • Sex offense records
  • Records in cases with ongoing appeals or post-conviction proceedings

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard Background Check Period:

  • Most employment background checks cover seven years of history under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act for positions paying under a certain salary threshold
  • Convictions may be reported indefinitely regardless of the seven-year period
  • Alabama does not currently impose additional restrictions beyond federal FCRA requirements for most private employers

Important Notes:

  • Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases or commercial background check services
  • Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed and expunged records for law enforcement purposes
  • Immigration records are maintained separately and are subject to different federal retention rules
  • Juvenile records are subject to separate retention rules and are not accessible through standard public records requests

How to Check Retention Status:

  • Contact the Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (256) 825-4264
  • Submit a written public records request specifying the arrest date and subject name
  • Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to the request
  • The Alabama Governor's Office public records page provides guidance on submitting public records requests to state agencies

Lookup Arrest Records in Tallapoosa County

  • [Inmate Search - Alabama Department