Montgomery County Public Records / Montgomery County Arrest Records

Montgomery County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Montgomery County in 2026

MontgomeryALRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Montgomery County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, mugshots, bond details, and warrant records through this resource. Record availability may vary depending on the arresting agency, the disposition of the case, and applicable state law.

Official resources for searching arrest records in Montgomery County include the following:

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office jail roster and booking records
Montgomery Police Department arrest logs and press releases
Montgomery County – Fifteenth Circuit Court of Alabama case search portal
Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) criminal history records

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that lists individuals held at the Montgomery County Detention Facility. The roster is updated regularly and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status. Members of the public may access this information through the Sheriff's Office official website.

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office
115 S. Perry Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-4980
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

The Montgomery Police Department publishes arrest logs and press releases that include information on recent arrests made within city limits. These records are available through the department's public information office and official website.

Montgomery Police Department
320 N. Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 625-2532
Montgomery Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama serves Montgomery County and provides online access to criminal case records. Members of the public may search by name to locate court cases associated with an arrest, including charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions.

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
251 S. Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1260
Montgomery County Circuit Court

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history record check through ALEA. A fee of $25.00 applies for non-fingerprint-based searches. Fingerprint-based searches, which provide more comprehensive results, are available for a fee of $51.50. These searches include arrests, dispositions, and conviction data from jurisdictions across Alabama.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 S. Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 676-6000
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 115 S. Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Records Division is located on the ground floor
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (334) 832-4980
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known booking or case number
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Montgomery Police Department Records Division, 320 N. Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, Phone: (334) 625-2532
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Written requests may be submitted in person or by mail; fees apply per page

Clerk of Court:

Address: 251 S. Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Criminal Records Division is located within the Circuit Court Clerk's office
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (334) 832-1260
Case files are available for public inspection; copy fees apply

By Mail:

Sheriff's Office mailing address: Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, 115 S. Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Written requests must include:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Include a check or money order payable to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office for applicable copy fees
Processing time: 5–10 business days

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (334) 832-4980
Inmate information line: (334) 832-4980
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to the online system or in-person visit

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files directly through the Clerk of Court. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available to the public. In active criminal proceedings, discovery rules govern the exchange of arrest-related documentation between prosecution and defense.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Montgomery Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Montgomery County

Arrest records in Montgomery County are public records under Alabama law. Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act, § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, all citizens have a right to inspect and copy public writings of every description, including records maintained by law enforcement agencies, unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records are maintained as public documents to promote government transparency, support public safety, and enable community awareness of law enforcement activity.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Alabama law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Alabama Constitution and § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama establish the public's right to access government records. Courts have recognized that this right must be balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where arrests have not resulted in conviction. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public accountability.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords who use consumer reporting agencies to obtain background check information must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Alabama does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish guilt.

What's in Montgomery County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Alabama statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Judge assignment, where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted)
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including court and law enforcement databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Montgomery County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Montgomery County varies by agency and record type. Under Alabama law, agencies are authorized to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records.

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.25
Certified copy (per document)	$1.00–$5.00
ALEA name-based criminal history	$25.00
ALEA fingerprint-based criminal history	$51.50
Court case copy (per page)	$0.25
Electronic records (where available)	Varies

Inspection of records at the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge during regular business hours
Accepted payment methods include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit cards
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application; documentation of financial hardship is required
Fees for certified copies are governed by § 12-17-94 of the Code of Alabama, which authorizes the Clerk of Court to collect fees for copies and certifications
Online access to court case information through the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court is available at no charge for basic case lookups

How To Delete Arrest Records in Montgomery County

Alabama law provides two primary mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access: expungement, which results in the destruction or sealing of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under § 15-27-1 et seq. of the Code of Alabama, individuals may petition for expungement of certain arrest records where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, charges were not filed, or the individual successfully completed a diversion program.

Expungement is not available for convictions involving serious violent offenses, sex offenses, or offenses against children. Individuals convicted of Class A felonies are not eligible for expungement under current Alabama law.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Charges dismissed with prejudice
Charges dismissed without prejudice and the statute of limitations has expired
Acquittal at trial
No charges filed following arrest
Successful completion of a pretrial diversion or drug court program
Certain non-violent misdemeanor and felony convictions, subject to waiting periods and conditions

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and court disposition from the Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
Complete the Petition for Expungement form, available through the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court
File the petition with the Circuit Court Clerk at 251 S. Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Pay the filing fee of $300.00, as established under § 15-27-1
Serve copies of the petition on the arresting agency and the district attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing if the petition is contested
If granted, the court order is forwarded to ALEA and the arresting agency for record destruction or sealing

Montgomery County District Attorney's Office
251 S. Lawrence Street, Suite 800
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-2550
Montgomery County District Attorney

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
251 S. Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1260
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court

Following a granted expungement, the arresting agency and ALEA are required to update their records. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the court order and may retain records independently; individuals must contact those entities separately to request removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Montgomery County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Montgomery County Detention Facility, located at 115 S. Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process begins. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to ALEA and the FBI
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Alabama law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance within 72 hours of arrest. The Magistrates & Warrants division of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit handles initial appearances in Montgomery County. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
Bond or bail is determined
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Rights are formally advisement

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is 10% of the bond amount in Alabama.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, release processing takes approximately one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to facility rules, commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Montgomery County Public Defender's Office
251 S. Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1300
Alabama Public Defender

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any time, and attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial proceedings include discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, and motions to suppress or dismiss may be filed. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement prior to trial.

Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (including drug court, mental health court, and veterans court), plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: May take six months to over one year
Alabama's right to a speedy trial is established under Article I, Section 6 of the Alabama Constitution

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of release

Important Contacts:

Montgomery County Detention Facility
115 S. Perry Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-4980
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Montgomery County Circuit Court Clerk
251 S. Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1260
Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court

Montgomery County District Attorney's Office
251 S. Lawrence Street, Suite 800
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-2550

Montgomery County Public Defender's Office
251 S. Lawrence Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1300

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Montgomery County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Montgomery County is governed by Alabama state law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Under current law, different retention periods apply depending on the type of record, the arresting agency, and the disposition of the case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Clerk of Court, ALEA, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the subject's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and ALEA
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years following case closure

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of two to five years
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
ALEA retains records unless updated by court order

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently unless expunged
Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of two years
Eligible for expungement under § 15-27-1

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records retained for a minimum of two years
Eligible for expungement upon petition

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic databases are retained indefinitely in most cases. Physical booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable retention schedule. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years for non-conviction records and permanently for conviction records.

Montgomery Police Department: Arrest records and incident reports are retained for a minimum of five years; major case files may be retained permanently.

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of six years following case closure. Electronic records are retained permanently.

ALEA State Repository: Maintains arrest and disposition records from all Alabama jurisdictions. Retention is permanent for conviction records; non-conviction records may be updated or sealed following a court order. Members of the public may access the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for criminal history inquiries.

FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records permanently and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. An expungement results in the physical destruction or sealing of local records and requires ALEA to update the state repository; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record. Third-party commercial background check companies are not bound by expungement orders and may retain records independently, though the FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years for positions paying under $75,000 annually; there is no time limit for higher-paying positions. Alabama does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by state law. Arrests without conviction may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain regulated industries.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (334) 832-4980
Submit a written public records request to the relevant agency
Fees may apply for copies of records or written responses