Chilton County Arrest Records

Chilton County, Alabama, arrest records are law enforcement documents detailing the arrests of individuals within the county. In Chilton County, arrests become necessary when law officers witness criminal activities. Law enforcement may also make arrests if the court issues arrest warrants or if an individual poses an immediate risk to the public.

The Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, local police departments, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and other law enforcement agencies within Chilton County generate arrest records that may be accessible as part of Chilton County court records.

In Chilton County, law enforcement agencies detain arrestees at the Chilton County Jail and other temporary holding cells; they transfer individuals serving long-term sentences to state or federal prisons.

Are Arrest Records Public in Chilton County?

Yes, arrest records are public in Chilton County. According to the Alabama Open Records Act, Code § 36-12-40), every individual has the right to inspect and copy public documents (including Chilton arrest records) unless the law restricts access to such documents. However, there are exemptions to accessing some Chilton County arrest records due to privacy rights and legal reasons. For instance, the public cannot access Chilton County arrest records that relate to:

• Minors
• Sealed or expunged records
• Victim witness information
• Medical or mental health
• Ongoing law enforcement investigations
• Sensitive national security records.

In Chilton County, access to exempted arrest records is open to the record owners and legally authorized persons. Interested individuals seeking access to Chilton County arrest records should call, fax, mail, or visit the sheriff's office at:

Chilton County Sheriff's Office
500 2nd Avenue North
Clanton, AL 35045
Phone: (205) 755-4698
Fax: (205) 280-7245

Chilton County Arrest Statistics

Between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023, Chilton County made over 6,200 arrests. The FBI Uniform Crime Reporting database shows 4,489 male and 1,795 female arrests. Chilton County law enforcement agencies arrested 951 people for drug-related offenses. There were also high numbers of arrests for simple assault (476), larceny (346), and liquor Law violations (263). The table below outlines the arrest statistics for various offenses within Chilton County during this period.

Chilton County Arrest Statistics 2020 to 2023

Find Chilton County Arrest Records

Interested individuals seeking access to Chilton County arrest records should Log in to the Chilton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster Webpage and view current inmate records. Also, for Chilton County court-related arrest records, information seekers may visit, call, or mail the Chilton County Circuit Clerk Office at:

Chilton County Circuit Clerk's Office
500 2nd Avenue North
Clanton, AL 35046
P.O. Box 1946
Clanton, Alabama 35046-1946
Phone: (205) 755-4275

Alternatively, inquirers should contact the Chilton County Sheriff's Office or local police departments and request access to Chilton County arrest records in their custody.

Chilton County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Although Chilton County arrest and criminal records are distinct, they play significant roles in the justice system.

Arrest records detail detentions by law enforcement; they contain personal information of the arrestees, the reasons for their arrests, and the conditions for release. Also, arrest records do not indicate guilt or innocence until the court proves otherwise. Chilton County arrest records may not significantly impact the record owners unless they result in criminal convictions.

Chilton County criminal records are compilations of criminal activities and their prosecutions under the Chilton County criminal justice system. These documents include Chilton County arrest records and other files relating to criminal trials. Unlike arrest records, criminal records are guilty verdicts by the court for criminal offenses. In addition, criminal records may influence their employment and housing opportunities.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Chilton County arrest information may remain indefinitely on a record unless the court removes it. In Alabama (including Chilton County), convictions are not expungeable under current law, with limited exceptions for youthful offenders and persons granted pardons. Under Alabama Code Section 15-27-1, individuals may petition the criminal division of the Chilton County Circuit Court to expunge their arrest records if they meet the eligibility requirements:

• The arrests did not result in convictions
• There are no pending charges
• The arrestees are youthful offenders (under 21 years)
• The persons are victims of human trafficking during the period of the crime
• The applicants complete the sentence for the crime, including probation or parole
• The petitioner pays all court-ordered fines, fees, or restitution.

Also, petitioners must adhere to the following waiting periods:

• Arrests without convictions– the applicant may petition the court 90 days after:
  • Dismissal with prejudice or acquittal
  • No bill by a grand jury
• Dismissal without prejudice – the individual must wait until the statute of limitations for the offense expires
• Pretrial diversion programs – one year after successful completion of the program.

Chilton County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are legal documents authorizing law enforcement to arrest individuals for violating state or federal statutes. A Chilton County judge/magistrate may issue an arrest warrant if there is probable cause to believe an individual has committed an arrestable offense. Also, the court may issue arrest warrants if:

• An ongoing investigation implicates an individual in a criminal act
• A convict violates probation or parole
• An individual flouts court orders
• A suspect tries to avoid prosecution for a crime.

A valid arrest warrant contains information which includes but is not limited to:

• The full name, aliases, and physical description of the subject
• The statute allegedly violated
• Statement of probable cause
• Name, title, and signature of issuing judge/magistrate
• Name and location of issuing court
• Instructions to law enforcement for the execution of the warrant
• Jurisdiction for the warrant.

Do Chilton County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, Chilton County arrest warrants do not have expiry dates. In Alabama and its counties, once a judge/magistrate issues an arrest warrant, it remains active until law enforcement arrests the subject or the court revokes it. However, some factors may affect the enforcement of an arrest warrant. For instance, upon the death of the individual named on the warrant, a warrant ceases to be lawful. Although an arrest warrant remains valid indefinitely, the underlying crime may have a statute of limitations that defines the time limit for issuing an arrest warrant.