Lawrence County Arrest Records

Arrests in Lawrence County, Alabama, occur when law enforcement officers have probable cause to believe an individual has committed a criminal offense (Alabama Code § 15-10-1). Common reasons for arrests include suspected violations of laws or local ordinances and failure to comply with court orders.

The County Sheriff's Office and other county law enforcement agencies are responsible for creating arrest documents. Arrest records serve as valuable public records and are often interconnected with other official documents, such as Lawrence County court records, probation reports, and criminal history checks managed by the Criminal Records Identification Unit of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Are Arrest Records Public in Lawrence County?

Yes. Lawrence County arrest records are generally public. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, records maintained by government bodies, including county arrest records, are publicly accessible.

However, specific files such as juvenile arrest records, ongoing investigation details, and information about sensitive crime victims are restricted to protect privacy and legal integrity. Access to non-exempt arrest records may require submitting a formal request with valid identification and following the specific procedures of the relevant agency.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

The public details revealed in a Lawrence County arrest record include the following information:

• Full name of the arrestee
• Date and location of the arrest
• Charges filed against the individual
• Arresting agency's name
• Booking details, including date and time
• Bond or bail amount, if applicable
• Case number

Lawrence County Arrest Statistics

Per the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program, Lawrence County has recorded 733 arrests over the past two years. The "other offenses" category comprised the majority, with 586 arrests (80%). Property crimes, which include burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, accounted for 64 arrests (9%). Drug-related offenses totaled 47 arrests (6%), reflecting charges for narcotics and drug-related violations. Finally, violent crimes, including aggravated assault, homicide, and robbery, accounted for 36 arrests (5%).

Find Lawrence County Arrest Records

The Moulton Police Department and the County Sheriff's Office handle most arrests in Lawrence County. To obtain an arrest record, intending requesters should contact the arresting agency. Each office might have distinctive procedures and fees for record requests, but most accept in-person and mail-in inquiries. The following information may be required of individuals seeking records:

• The arrestee's full name
• Date of birth (if known)
• The arrest date and location
• The requester's contact information
• A valid government-issued ID to confirm eligibility for accessing nonpublic records.

For arrests resulting in detention before a court appearance, parties can contact the arresting agency or the Lawrence County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (256) 974-2500 or through its jail division at the same number.

The Lawrence County Jail's online inmate roster is a key resource for locating individuals detained after arraignment. Searches can be done by name, booking number, or booking date. Assistance is also available by calling the jail directly at (256) 974-2500.

Free Arrest Record Search in Lawrence County

The Lawrence County Jail online inmate roster provides details about individuals held in the county jail for free. The tool allows parties to open the roster and search by name, booking number, booking date, or other fields.

Free arrest record searches are available through third-party websites that aggregate data from public sources. These platforms provide details on arrests, charges, and incarceration status. Although convenient, the information may not always be up-to-date. To ensure accuracy, users should verify details with the county jail ((256) 974-2500) or the arresting law enforcement agency whenever possible.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Indefinitely. Lawrence County arrests may remain on a person's record unless legally expunged. For this, Alabama Code Chapter 27: Expungement. (§15-27-1 to §15-27-21) allows certain arrests, including those without resulting convictions or dismissed charges, to qualify for expungement. However, arrests leading to convictions typically stay on record permanently unless eligible for removal under specific circumstances, such as receiving a pardon with restoration of rights.

Expunge Lawrence County Arrest Records

Lawrence County arrest records expungement eligibility depends on the offense type and other specific criteria, as dictated by Alabama Code Chapter 27: Expungement. (§15-27-1 to §15-27-21).

For Misdemeanors, Traffic Violations, and Municipal Ordinance Violations (Section 15-27-1):

• The charge was dismissed, no-billed, or the person found not guilty, with at least 90 days since the outcome
• Completion of a court-approved program (e.g., drug court) is required, and it must have been completed within one year
• No refiled charges within the specified time
• The offense occurred while the person was trafficked, with evidence proving it wouldn't have happened without the trafficking, including the trafficker's conviction under Section 13A-6-152 or 13A-6-153.

Eligible parties under this category should file an appeal to the criminal division of the Circuit Court, including the necessary documentation proving the above criteria have been met.

For felony offenses (Section 15-27-2):

• The charge was dismissed, no-billed, or the person found not guilty, with more than 90 days since the result.
• Completion of any court-mandated program, and no refiled charges within five years.
• A certificate of pardon with restored civil rights is required for convictions with no violent or sex offenses, and 180 days since the pardon.

Eligible parties under this category should submit an expungement petition to the Circuit Court with supporting documents, such as the pardon certificate.

(Note: Expunged charges may still be disclosed for criminal investigations or civil cases, but all references will be redacted after expungement.)

Lawrence County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant in Lawrence County is a legal instrument discharged by a judge or magistrate authorizing law enforcement to apprehend a named individual (Alabama Code § 15-10-1). These warrants are typically issued when probable cause exists to believe the person committed a criminal offense. Common circumstances necessitating an arrest warrant include evidence from an investigation or a sworn complaint filed by a victim or law enforcement officer.

According to Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 3.2, county arrest warrants should contain the following details:

• The defendant's name, or a description for identification if the name is unknown.
• The offense with which the defendant is charged.
• An order to arrest the defendant and bring them before the issuing or nearest available judge.
• Conditions for release if the offense is bailable as a matter of right, including recognizance or bond amounts.

Do Lawrence County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Lawrence County arrest warrants do not expire. These warrants stay in effect until the individual is arrested or the case reaches resolution. The duration a warrant remains active may depend on factors like the crime's severity, the individual's location, and available law enforcement resources. If a warrant goes unexecuted for an extended period, it may be subject to review, but generally, warrants remain enforceable indefinitely until served.