Mobile County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Mobile County
Arrest records in Mobile County, Alabama are considered public records under the Alabama Open Records Act, Code of Alabama § 36-12-40. This statute establishes that every citizen has the right to inspect and make copies of public writings, except as expressly provided by statute. The Alabama Supreme Court has interpreted this law to include most records created or maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement records.
It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through the judicial process. Under Alabama law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains the state's criminal history repository and provides guidance on records access through their Criminal Records and Identification Unit. At the local level, the Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county jurisdiction.
While arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted or restricted, particularly if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, reveal confidential informant information, or violate privacy protections established under Code of Alabama § 41-13-1.
What's in Mobile County Arrest Records
Mobile County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Home address
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Circumstances leading to arrest
- Use of force documentation (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity level
- Statute or ordinance citation
- Charge description
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Warrant type (arrest, bench, search)
- Judge who signed the warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing officer information
- Property inventory
- Medical screening results (non-confidential)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Expected release date (if sentenced)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation/parole status
- Protective order information
- Vehicle information (if involved in arrest)
- Victim information (often redacted for privacy)
- Witness information (often redacted for privacy)
The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's policies and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with Alabama privacy laws.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Mobile County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Mobile County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The primary agencies maintaining these records are the Mobile County Sheriff's Office and the Mobile Police Department.
To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:
Mobile County Sheriff's Office Records Division
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 574-2423
Mobile County Sheriff's Office
The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters should:
- Complete an Arrest Record Request Form (available at the counter or downloadable from the Sheriff's Office website)
- Provide the full name and date of birth of the subject of the record search
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay the applicable search fee ($15 per name search, currently)
- Specify whether the request is for a specific incident or a complete arrest history
For Mobile Police Department arrest records, visit:
Mobile Police Department Records Unit
2460 Government Boulevard
Mobile, AL 36606
(251) 208-1700
Mobile Police Department
The Records Unit operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The request process is similar to that of the Sheriff's Office.
Written requests may be submitted by mail to either agency, including:
- Completed request form
- Copy of requester's identification
- Check or money order for applicable fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Pursuant to Alabama law, agencies typically process record requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. Requesters should note that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records to protect privacy rights or ongoing investigations as permitted under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40.
How To Find Mobile County Arrest Records Online
Mobile County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenience while maintaining compliance with Alabama public records laws.
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals and recent arrests. This database can be accessed through the Mobile County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal. Users can search by:
- First and last name
- Booking number
- Date of birth
The search results typically display:
- Arrestee name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
- Custody status
For historical arrest records not available through the inmate search, the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) provides a statewide background check service through their Criminal History Information portal. This service requires:
- Creation of an online account
- Payment of the required fee ($25 per record search)
- Submission of the subject's identifying information
The Mobile County Metro Jail also maintains a separate Inmate Lookup system that provides information on current detainees.
For case information related to arrests that have proceeded to court, the Alabama Judicial System offers the Alacourt online case management system. This subscription-based service provides access to court records, including criminal cases stemming from arrests in Mobile County.
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete arrest histories, and certain information may be restricted from public view. For comprehensive arrest record searches, direct contact with the Sheriff's Office Records Division or Mobile Police Department Records Unit remains the most reliable method.
How To Search Mobile County Arrest Records for Free?
Mobile County residents and other interested parties have several options for accessing arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information about arrests and inmate status.
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible Jail View database that allows users to search for currently incarcerated individuals and those recently processed through the county jail system. This free resource provides:
- Inmate name and demographic information
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond amount
- Next court date
- Expected release date (if applicable)
The Mobile County Courthouse provides public access terminals where individuals can search court records related to criminal cases. These terminals are available during regular business hours at:
Mobile County Courthouse
205 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8400
Mobile County Circuit Court
Local news outlets often publish daily arrest reports and maintain searchable databases of recent arrests. The Mobile County Crime Reports section of local media websites frequently includes this information at no cost.
The Alabama Department of Corrections offers a free Inmate Search tool that includes individuals who have been transferred from county custody to state prison facilities following conviction.
For those seeking historical arrest information, the Mobile Public Library provides free access to newspaper archives that may contain published arrest reports. Library staff can assist with navigating these resources at:
Mobile Public Library - Main Branch
701 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 208-7097
Mobile Public Library
While these free resources provide valuable information, they may not offer the comprehensive detail available through official record requests. Additionally, free resources typically do not include arrest records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Mobile County
Alabama law provides limited mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records from public access. The process, commonly referred to as expungement, is governed by the Alabama Expungement Act, Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19.
It is important to distinguish between record expungement (legal erasure) and record sealing (restricting public access):
- Expungement: The physical destruction or deletion of records, making them inaccessible to both the public and most government agencies.
- Sealing: Records remain intact but are removed from public view, accessible only to law enforcement and certain government entities.
In Mobile County, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:
- Non-conviction records: Cases resulting in dismissal, no-bill by grand jury, no probable cause finding, acquittal, or nolle prosequi.
- Misdemeanor convictions: Limited to certain non-violent offenses after a waiting period.
- Pardoned convictions: Records of convictions for which the individual has received a pardon.
- Youthful offender cases: Records related to cases processed under Alabama's Youthful Offender Act.
The expungement process in Mobile County requires:
- Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Mobile County Circuit Court
- Payment of a $300 administrative filing fee
- Submission of fingerprints for verification
- Notification to the district attorney, law enforcement agencies, and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- Attendance at a hearing (if scheduled by the court)
Petition forms and assistance may be obtained from:
Mobile County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
205 Government Street, Room 902
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8420
Mobile County Circuit Court
Individuals seeking expungement are strongly advised to consult with an attorney, as the process is complex and subject to strict statutory requirements. The Mobile Bar Association offers referral services for attorneys specializing in expungement:
Mobile Bar Association
153 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 433-9790
Mobile Bar Association
If expungement is granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records related to the arrest. However, certain law enforcement and regulatory agencies may retain access to expunged records for specific purposes as permitted by Code of Alabama § 15-27-16.
What Happens After Arrest in Mobile County?
Following an arrest in Mobile County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Alabama law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:
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Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Mobile County Metro Jail, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Assignment of booking number
- Entry into jail management system
-
Initial Appearance: Within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), defendants appear before a judge who:
- Informs them of charges
- Advises them of constitutional rights
- Determines bail eligibility and amount
- Appoints counsel if the defendant qualifies for public defender services
-
Bail Determination: The court sets bail based on:
- Nature and severity of charges
- Criminal history
- Flight risk assessment
- Community ties
- Public safety considerations
Defendants may be released on:
- Cash bail (full payment to court)
- Surety bond (percentage paid to bondsman)
- Property bond
- Own recognizance (no payment required)
-
Preliminary Hearing: For felony cases, a preliminary hearing may be held within 30 days where:
- Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Defense may challenge evidence and cross-examine witnesses
- Judge determines if case should proceed to grand jury
-
Grand Jury Proceedings: Felony cases are presented to the Mobile County Grand Jury, which:
- Reviews evidence in closed proceedings
- Issues indictments if sufficient evidence exists
- Returns "no bill" if evidence is insufficient
-
Arraignment: Following indictment, defendants appear for formal arraignment where:
- Charges are formally read
- Defendants enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
-
Pre-trial Proceedings: Before trial, both sides engage in:
- Discovery (exchange of evidence)
- Filing of motions (suppress evidence, dismiss charges, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences
-
Trial: If no plea agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial:
- Misdemeanors are tried in Mobile Municipal Court or District Court
- Felonies are tried in Circuit Court
- Defendants may choose jury trial or bench trial (judge only)
-
Sentencing: Upon conviction:
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence according to Alabama sentencing guidelines
- Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, or alternative programs
-
Post-Conviction: Following conviction, defendants may:
- File appeals to higher courts
- Seek sentence modifications
- Apply for probation or parole when eligible
Throughout this process, cases may be resolved through plea agreements, diversion programs, or dismissal of charges. The Mobile County District Attorney's Office prosecutes state-level offenses, while the City of Mobile Prosecutor handles municipal violations.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Mobile County?
Arrest records in Mobile County are subject to retention requirements established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History under authority granted by Code of Alabama § 41-13-20, which governs public records management. The retention periods vary based on record type and agency.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Records Retention Schedule, developed pursuant to Code of Alabama § 41-13-23, mandates the following retention periods for arrest-related records:
- Arrest Reports: Permanent retention
- Booking Records: 20 years after creation
- Arrest Warrants (executed): 20 years after execution
- Arrest Photographs (mugshots): 75 years after creation
- Fingerprint Cards: Permanent retention
- Criminal History Files: Permanent retention
- Incident Reports Related to Arrests: 20 years after case closure
Different agencies maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:
-
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the state retention schedule, with most records kept permanently in electronic format.
-
The Mobile Police Department follows similar retention guidelines but may have department-specific policies for certain categories of records.
-
The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) maintains the central state repository for criminal history information, including arrest data, indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court.
-
The Mobile County Circuit Court retains case files related to arrests according to the Judicial Records Retention Schedule, which typically requires permanent retention for felony cases and 20 years for misdemeanor cases.
Records retention serves several important purposes in the criminal justice system:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
- Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies
- Facilitates research on criminal justice trends
While records are maintained according to these schedules, access to older records may require additional processing time, particularly if they have been transferred to archival storage or older electronic systems. Additionally, some historical records may have been lost due to natural disasters, particularly Hurricane Frederic (1979) and Hurricane Katrina (2005), which damaged some Mobile County facilities.
How to Find Mugshots in Mobile County
Mugshots, the photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are maintained as part of the official arrest record in Mobile County. These images serve both administrative and identification purposes within the criminal justice system.
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots typically consist of two images: a front-facing (portrait) photograph and a profile (side) view of the arrestee. These photographs are taken under controlled lighting conditions and include a placard or digital overlay displaying the arrestee's name, booking number, and date of arrest. Law enforcement agencies use these images for identification purposes, including lineup presentations and fugitive searches.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
In Mobile County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:
- The Mobile County Sheriff's Office, which operates the Metro Jail booking facility
- The Mobile Police Department for arrests processed through their facilities
- The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's central criminal records repository
- Municipal police departments within Mobile County for their respective arrests
Finding Mugshots
To obtain official copies of mugshots, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the arresting agency, specifying the name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date of the subject
- Visit the Records Division of the Mobile County Sheriff's Office in person:
Mobile County Sheriff's Office Records Division
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 574-2423
Mobile County Sheriff's Office
- Request copies through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Criminal Records and Identification Unit:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 353-4340
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office publishes recent booking photos through their Inmate Search portal. These images typically remain accessible while the individual is in custody and for a limited time after release. Historical mugshots are generally not available through official online sources.
Various third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records. However, the accuracy and currency of information on these sites vary significantly, and they may continue to display mugshots even after cases have been dismissed or records expunged.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
Official requests for mugshots require:
- Completed records request form
- Payment of applicable fees ($5-15 per photograph, currently)
- Valid identification of the requester
- Specific information about the arrest (date, name, charges)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrest records (under age 18) are generally confidential
- Expunged or sealed records are not publicly accessible
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily restricted
- Certain victim-related crimes may have restricted booking photos
- Records subject to court-ordered sealing are not available
Individuals concerned about their own mugshots appearing in public records should consult with an attorney regarding Alabama's expungement laws, which may provide relief under specific circumstances as outlined in Code of Alabama § 15-27-1.