Jefferson County Arrest Records

In Jefferson County, Alabama, arrests are typically carried out when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe that an individual has committed a crime. This can include witnessing a crime in progress, responding to a complaint, or executing a warrant issued by a judge.

Arrest records in Jefferson County are detailed documents that include information about the individual’s identity, the charges they are facing, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office plays a central role in public safety by carrying out arrests and maintaining arrest records. There are also other police departments of the municipalities in the county that carry out similar functions at the local level:

• Adamsville Police Department
• Argo Police Department
• Bessemer Police Department
• Birmingham Police Department
• Brighton Police Department
• Center Point Public Safety
• Fairfield Police Department
• Fultondale Police Department
• Gardendale Police Department
• Helena Police Department
• Homewood Police Department
• Hoover Police Department
• Hueytown Police Department
• Irondale Police Department
• Kimberly Police Department
• Lake View Police Department
• Leeds Police Department
• Midfield Police Department
• Mountain Brook Police Department
• Tarrant Police Department
• Trussville Police Department
• Vestavia Hills Police Department
• Warrior Police Department

Inmates arrested in Jefferson County are typically held in one of the Jefferson County Jails in Birmingham or Bessemer.

Birmingham Jail
Jefferson County Jail
809 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N
Birmingham, AL 35203-0122

Bessemer Jail
Jefferson County Jail
1822 2nd Ave. N.
Bessemer, AL 35020

These jails are managed by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Some local police departments also run jail facilities where inmates are held after arrests:

• Bessemer City Jail
• Birmingham City Jail
• Homewood City Jail
• Hoover City Jail
• Hueytown City Jail
• Trussville Municipal Jail

In certain instances, arrest records form part of Jefferson County Court Records when the arrests are cleared, and a case is instituted before a court. Although arrest records may suggest that a person has been taken into custody as part of an active investigation, it does not conclusively mean that the person was involved in the crime or conviction. Therefore, arrest records should not be used as an alternative for criminal history information.

Are Arrest Records Public in Jefferson County?

By the Alabama Public Records Law, Jefferson County arrest records are generally considered public records. This means that most arrest records can be accessed by the public. However, there are certain types of information within these records that may be exempt from public disclosure to protect privacy and the integrity of ongoing investigations.

The following types of information in arrest records are typically exempt from public disclosure:

• Juvenile Records.
• Information that could identify victims of crimes, especially in sensitive cases such as sexual assault.
• Information pertaining to active investigations to avoid compromising the investigation or the safety of involved parties.
• Records that have been legally expunged.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Jefferson County contain various information about the individual who has been arrested and the circumstances surrounding their arrest. The following details are usually found in public arrest records:

• Personal information - full name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, and physical description (height, weight, etc.).
• Arrest details - date and time of the arrest, location, alleged offense committed, name of arresting officer, and agency.
• Booking information - mugshot, booking date and time, and jail facility holding the individual, booking number.
• Court information (if any).
• Release information - date of release and release conditions.

Jefferson County Crime Rate

Crime data submitted by law enforcement agencies in Alabama through the Uniform Crime Reporting System is published in Crime in Alabama by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. In 2022, Jefferson County reported 20,725 crimes, comprising 4,250 violent crimes and 16,475 property crimes. The violent crimes reported include 160 homicides, 71 rapes, 689 robberies, and 3,330 assaults. The property crimes include 2,652 burglaries, 11,495 larcenies, and 2,328 motor vehicle thefts.

Jefferson County Arrest Statistics

Crime in Alabama reports arrest statistics based on Part I (Adult and Juvenile) and Part II (Adult and Juvenile) arrests.

• Part I (Adult) Arrests include arrests of adults for serious offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
• Part I (Juvenile) Arrests are arrests of juveniles for the same serious offenses listed above.
• Part II (Adult) Arrests are arrests of adults for less serious offenses, including but not limited to simple assault, drug abuse violations, DUI, disorderly conduct, etc.
• Part II (Juvenile) Arrests are arrests of juveniles for the same less serious offenses listed above.

In 2022, Jefferson reported a total of 15,913 arrests, 15,531 of which were adult arrests and 382 of which were juvenile arrests. Part I arrests included 2,070 adult arrests and 94 juvenile arrests, while Part II arrests included 13,461 adult arrests and 288 juvenile arrests.

Find Jefferson County Arrest Records

Depending on the facility, Jefferson's arrest records and inmate information can be found at municipality, county, state, and federal resources. At the county level, members of the public can use the inmate inquiry portal to obtain information about persons incarcerated in either county correctional facility (Bessemer and Birmingham). The portal can be searched by name, subject number, booking number, booking date, and housing facility.

Obtaining inmate information at the municipal level depends on the city jail below:

• Bessemer City Jail - call (205) 481-4347.
• Birmingham City Jail - Inmate search portal.
• Homewood City Jail - call (205) 332-6250).
• Hoover City Jail - call (205) 444-7737; (205) 739-7234.
• Hueytown City Jail (205) 491-3523).
• Trussville Municipal Jail - (205) 661-4060.

At the state level, the Alabama Department of Corrections provides an inmate search tool that allows the general public to search for information about inmates in correctional facilities. This portal provides different search options, including the inmate’s name or Alabama Institutional Serial (AIS) number.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) provides an Inmate Locator tool to locate federal inmates. This portal enables users to search for information on federal inmates by name, age, race, and BOP register number. The portal also provides information on inmate location, release date, and facility details.

Free Arrest Record Search in Jefferson County

Free official resources provide arrest record search options in Jefferson County at the municipal, county, state, and federal levels. Some of these include:

• Jefferson County Jail Inmate Inquiry portal.
• Bessemer City Jail - call (205) 481-4347.
• Birmingham City Jail Inmate Search Portal.
• Homewood City Jail - call (205) 332-6250.
• Hoover City Jail - call (205) 444-7737 or (205) 739-7234.
• Hueytown City Jail - call (205) 491-3523.
• Trussville Municipal Jail - call (205) 661-4060.
• Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search Tool.
• BOP Inmate Locator Tool.

Free arrest records are also available through third-party websites. These sites often aggregate public records from various sources and can provide arrest records and related information. However, it is important to note that the accuracy and comprehensiveness of these third-party databases may vary, and they may not always be as up-to-date as official government resources.

While third-party websites can be a useful resource for obtaining arrest records, it is always best to verify the information through official channels to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Get Jefferson County Criminal Records

Jefferson criminal records are official documents containing information about a person’s criminal activity and history. It provides information about arrests, charges, prosecution, pleas, and convictions or sentences. Jefferson criminal records are mostly accessible to the record owner and employers who want to carry out background checks on prospective employees.

Jefferson County criminal records can be obtained online, by mail, or in person. The Alabama Background Check System (ABC) provides qualified employers with access to the criminal history information and records of current and prospective employees. The ALEA maintains this online check system. To obtain more information about ABC, call (334) 353-4340, or visit the ALEA office from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Complete the ALEA Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) to obtain criminal records in person or by mail. The applicant’s fingerprint will be taken. The applicant will also be required to provide a copy of a valid ID and payment of $25 (and $5 for each additional copy). Payment can be made in the form of a money order or Cashier’s checks. The documents should be submitted in person or by mail to:

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 353-4340

They can also be submitted via mail to:

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

Jefferson County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

In Jefferson County, arrest records are documents created when an individual is apprehended by law enforcement. These records include detailed information about the arrest incident but do not necessarily indicate that the person was convicted of a crime. Key components of arrest records include the arrested person’s information, details of the arrest, reason for the arrest, and booking information. Arrest records do not confirm guilt; they simply document that an individual was detained based on suspicion or probable cause of involvement in a criminal activity.

Criminal records, also known as rap sheets, provide a comprehensive history of an individual’s interactions with the criminal justice system, including all charges, convictions, and sentences. These records are more detailed and follow a person through their legal history. Key components of criminal records include the subject’s personal information, full criminal history, convictions, sentences, and other important information. Criminal records are primarily maintained by the ALEA and may be available to local law enforcement. These records provide a complete legal history of an individual compared to arrest records and are often used for background checks, licensing, and employment screening.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Alabama, arrests stay on a person’s record unless they are expunged by legal process. Arrest records are not automatically removed under Alabama Law. To remove an arrest from one’s record, the individual must submit a petition for expungement of record, provided they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in state law.

Expunge Jefferson County Arrest Records

Expunging arrest or criminal information in Jefferson County involves a legal process through which an individual’s record is removed from public access. The Code of Alabama 1975, Section 15-27, allows for the expungement of criminal records in the following instances:

• Non-conviction cases in any of the following situations:
  • Charges dismissed with prejudice for more than 90 days.
  • Charges dismissed without prejudice and not refiled within the statutory time limits for at least 90.
  • The individual was found not guilty.
  • The grand jury returned a no-bill on the charges.
  • The individual successfully completed a diversion program, including pretrial diversion, drug court, or any other similar program where charges are dropped upon successful completion.
• Conviction Cases in any of the following situations:
  • Certain misdemeanor offenses and certain non-violent felony offenses if the individual has completed all terms of the sentence, including probation, parole, and any other post-release supervision.
  • At least three years must have passed since the completion of the sentence for a misdemeanor and five years for a felony.
  • The individual must not have been convicted of any other felony or misdemeanor (excluding minor traffic violations) during the period after the conviction they wish to expunge.

To expunge records, you have to submit a filled-out Petition for Expungement of Records form to a circuit court. The form has sections for persons charged but not convicted and those with misdemeanor or felony convictions who are eligible for expungement. The form should be accompanied by (1) or (2), and (3) below:

1. A certified copy of the arrest record that the petitioner seeks to expunge from the agency that made the arrest;
2. A certified record of disposition or the case action summary that the petitioner seeks to expunge from the court. Visit our Alabama court records for information on how to apply for this information.
3. A certified official criminal record obtained from the ALEA. This can be obtained by following the steps provided above.

Deliver a copy of the petition to the applicable court, agency, or entity. This is usually the District Attorney’s Office and the arresting agency. If they object to the expungement, a hearing will be scheduled. If there are no objections, the court may grant the expungement without a hearing.

The court will review the petition, any objections, and the evidence presented. If the court grants the expungement, the arrest record will be sealed and removed from public access.

When an arrest record is expunged in Alabama, it has the following effects:

• The arrest or legal proceedings related to the charge are treated as if they never happened.
• Courts and agencies will respond to inquiries by stating that no record exists.
• The individual does not need to disclose the expunged record on applications for jobs, credit, or other types of applications.
• However, the individual must disclose the expunged record to government regulatory or licensing agencies, utilities, their agents, and financial institutions.
• These entities have the right to access the expunged records after notifying the court.

Jefferson County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are legal documents issued by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement officers to detain and arrest a person suspected of committing a crime. They are issued following evidence of probable cause that the individual has committed a crime. They are issued by a judge or magistrate upon the application of a law enforcement agency.

Arrest warrants are issued in various situations, including when an individual:

• Is suspected of committing a crime.
• Fails to appear in court as required.
• Violates the terms of their probation.

An arrest warrant usually contains the following information:

• Personal details of the arrested subject - name, physical description, and other identifying information of the suspect.
• Offense details - the specific crime(s) the individual is suspected of committing.
• Probable cause statement - A brief description of the evidence supporting the issuance of the warrant.
• The issuing judge or magistrate.
• The date the warrant was issued and the jurisdiction in which it is valid.

Jefferson County Arrest Warrant Search

To search for active arrest warrants in Jefferson County, contact the Warrant Division at any of its locations and contact information below:

Birmingham Warrant Division
801 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 325-5725

Bessemer Warrant Division
1826 2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020
(205) 481-4201

Do Jefferson County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Jefferson County do not expire. If an arrest warrant is issued, it remains active until it is executed (i.e., the person named in the warrant is arrested), recalled, or quashed by the court.