Russell County Arrest Records

Arrests happen in Russell County when law enforcement officers have probable cause to suspect an individual has committed a crime. Depending on the circumstances, such as observing a crime in progress or through a valid arrest warrant issued by the courts (Code of Alabama Section 15-22-31), arrests can happen with or without a warrant.

Once arrested, individuals are generally held at the Russell County Jail pending their court appearance or release. Various county law enforcement departments generate and maintain these county arrest documents. If a case proceeds to arraignment and trial, additional information will be available in Russell County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Russell County?

Yes, Russell County arrest records are generally public. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes that public records, including arrest records, are open for inspection unless a specific exemption applies. This law promotes transparency by allowing access to records generated by government agencies, including those from law enforcement related to arrests.

However, certain types of arrest information may be exempt from public disclosure. Alabama Code § 12-21-3.1 allows for the sealing of files in cases where the disclosure of specific arrest details could affect personal privacy or jeopardize investigations. Arrest records involving minors are also often restricted, as per Alabama Code § 12-15-133, which governs the confidentiality of juvenile records.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public information revealed in a Russell County arrest record generally shows the following:

• Arrestee's full name
• Date of birth
• Arrest date
• Offense(s) charged
• Arresting agency
• Location of arrest
• Booking details (including the facility where the person is held)
• Mugshot(s)
• Bail or bond information, if applicable.

Russell County Arrest Statistics

Per the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR), Russell County law enforcement agencies have reported a total of 677 arrests over the last two years.

"All Other Offenses" had the most significant percentage of arrests with 404 incidents (60%), Drug/Narcotic offenses followed with 86 arrest reports (13%), while simple assault accounted for 55 incidents (8%). Driving under the influence (DUI) represented 35 offenses (5%), and aggravated assault made up 16 cases (2%). Family offenses, nonviolent, were reported 15 times (2%), while stolen property offenses accounted for 14 reports (2%).

Other notable categories include disorderly conduct (10 cases), fraud offenses (8), weapon law violations (8), and larceny (6). Additionally, burglary, destruction/damage/vandalism of property, liquor law violations, counterfeiting/forgery, homicide, and sex offenses contributed to fewer than five arrest incidents each.

Find Russell County Arrest Records

The Russell County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for making most arrests in the county. To find an arrest record, contact the office directly, either by phone or in person at:

305 Prentiss Drive
Phenix City, AL 36869
Phone: (334) 298-6535

When making inquiries, the following information may be required:

• The arrestee’s first and last name
• The arrestee’s date of birth (if known)
• The incident date and location
• The requester’s contact information
• Valid government-issued ID (to verify eligibility for requesting nonpublic arrest records).

Alternatively, the Russell County Sheriff’s Office website features the latest bookings into the Russell County Jail and information on Russell County's "Most Wanted". To access this information. Requesters should do the following:

• Visit the County Sheriff’s Office’s website
• Under the “COMMUNITY” tab, click on “Russell County Mugs”
• Select “Click to Search Mugshots” on the pop-up tab
• Search inmates by their last name.

Note: The County Jail holds both individuals who have been recently arrested and those serving sentences post-arraignment. Therefore, the online inmate search may include pre-arraignment detainees and sentenced individuals. This dual-purpose holding facility means that both records can be found in the same system.

Free Arrest Record Search in Russell County

The Russell County Sheriff’s Office provides access to basic inmate information through its website, where users can view recent bookings and check the county’s "Most Wanted" list. To do this, interested parties can visit the office's website, navigate to the "COMMUNITY" tab, and select "Russell County Mugs". Users can then search for records by last name. This service is free of charge.

Third-party websites also offer arrest record searches. These sites often aggregate public data, making finding arrest information from multiple sources more accessible. While many third-party platforms claim to provide free searches, most will require payment or a subscription to access detailed reports.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Indefinitely. Russell County arrests remain permanently on a person's record unless legally expunged. Per Alabama Code § 15-27-2, eligible individuals can petition for expungement under certain conditions, such as acquittal, case dismissal, or after completing a diversion program. Russell County law enforcement follows these guidelines, meaning arrests stay on records unless successfully expunged through a formal court process.

Expunge Russell County Arrest Records

Under Section 15-27-1, individuals charged with a misdemeanor, traffic violation, or municipal ordinance violation may petition for expungement in the criminal division of the Russell County Circuit Court. The law outlines specific eligibility criteria:

• Dismissed Charges: A petition can be filed 90 days after the charge has been dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by a grand jury, or after a not guilty verdict has been delivered.
• Nolle Prossed Cases: A petition is allowed 90 days after a charge is nolle prossed without conditions, provided the charge hasn't been refiled.
• Indictments Quashed: If the indictment is quashed and the statute of limitations for refiling has expired, expungement is possible.
• Completion of Court Programs: Successful completion of specific programs like drug or mental health courts can lead to expungement. A petition may be filed one year after the program's completion.
• Dismissal Without Prejudice: If the charge was dismissed without prejudice more than one year ago and hasn't been refiled, a person may petition for expungement if no other criminal convictions occurred within the past two years.
• Human Trafficking Victims: Victims of human trafficking may seek expungement if they can prove their offense was a direct result of being trafficked.

For individuals convicted of a misdemeanor, violation, or traffic offense, the following requirements are to be met to qualify for expungement (Section 15-27-1):

• Completion of Court Orders: All probation, parole, fines, and court-ordered amounts to be fulfilled.
• Three-Year Waiting Period: The conviction must be at least three years old.
• No Commercial License Involvement: Expungement cannot be sought if the offense involved a commercial vehicle or a commercial driver’s license.
• Non-Violent and Non-Sex Offenses: The conviction must not be for a violent offense, a sex offense, or an offense involving moral turpitude.
• Traffic and Moral Offenses: Serious traffic offenses are excluded from expungement eligibility.

Petitioners should note that records subject to expungement can still be disclosed to certain entities, such as criminal justice agencies, financial institutions, and child protection services. Additionally, expunged records may be used in civil cases relating to the charges, with the court ultimately redacting them after the case concludes (Section 15-27-1).

Individuals charged with a felony may petition the Russell County Circuit Court for expungement under Section 15-27-2 if certain conditions are met:

• Dismissal or No Bill: The felony charge must have been dismissed with prejudice, not billed by a grand jury, or acquitted, and at least 90 days must have passed since the resolution.
• Nolle Prossed or Quashed Charges: If a felony charge is nolle prossed without conditions or the indictment is quashed and not refiled, expungement may be pursued.
• Completion of Court Programs: A petition may be filed one year after successfully completing programs like drug court, mental health court, or veterans court.
• Human Trafficking Victims: Individuals who can prove their felony offense was directly related to being trafficked may petition for expungement.

Also, for parties convicted of a felony, there are additional requirements:

• Pardon with Restoration of Rights: The person must have received a pardon, with full civil and political rights restored.
• 180-Day Waiting Period: A petition may be filed 180 days after receiving the pardon.
• Non-Violent and Non-Sex Offenses: The conviction must not involve a violent offense or sex crime.
• Moral Turpitude Exclusion: The conviction cannot involve an offense of moral turpitude unless it has been reclassified as a misdemeanor and no arrests have occurred in the past 15 years.

Petitioners should note that certain entities may still access expunged records, and these records may be used in civil matters. The court retains exclusive jurisdiction over petitions filed under Section 15-27-2.

Russell County Arrest Warrants

A Russell County arrest warrant is a lawful document issued by a judge or magistrate permitting law enforcement to arrest a suspect. Warrants are normally issued when there is reason that the individual has committed a crime (Alabama Code Section 15-6-21). Arrest warrants are issued by a judge or magistrate based on probable cause presented through sworn affidavits or evidence from law enforcement.

Do Russell County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Russell County arrest warrants do not typically expire. Once issued, a warrant remains active until executed or recalled by the court. Factors like the severity of the offense and the circumstances of the case may impact how long authorities pursue the warrant, but it generally remains enforceable indefinitely unless addressed by the court, resolved by arrest, or dismissed by a judge.