Lawrence County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lawrence County in 2026
LawrenceCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Lawrence County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, mugshots, bond information, and charge classifications.
Arrest records in Lawrence County may be searched through official resources including the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, the Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's Office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department maintains a current jail roster that members of the public may access online. The inmate roster, available through the Sheriff's Department inmate search, displays the names of individuals currently held in the Lawrence County Jail, along with booking dates, charges, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects current detainee information.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Moulton Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Lawrence County. Arrest information originating from city police activity may appear in court records or be referenced in press releases issued by the department. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from municipal agencies may submit a written public records request directly to the relevant department.
Moulton Police Department
750 Seminary Street
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0571
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains criminal case records associated with arrests that have proceeded to formal court proceedings. Members of the public may search by the name of the individual to locate associated case filings, charge information, and court dates. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts also provides the "Just One Look" on-demand access system for Alabama state trial court records, which includes Lawrence County criminal case data.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Department of Public Safety maintains statewide criminal history records. Individuals and authorized entities may request a criminal history background check through ALEA. Fees apply for non-law-enforcement requests, and the requester must provide identifying information including full legal name and date of birth.
In-Person Access:
Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
242 Parker Road
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0683
Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Alabama law.
Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's Office
14330 Court Street, Suite 117
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0663
Lawrence County Circuit Court
The Circuit Clerk's Office maintains criminal case files and may be inspected during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Copy fees are assessed per page.
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if available, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies must accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume.
By Phone:
The Sheriff's Office may be reached at (256) 974-0683. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; staff may direct callers to the online inmate roster or advise an in-person visit for detailed records. The requester should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may request arrest records through formal discovery processes, subpoena, or direct agency request. Records obtained through legal proceedings may include materials not available to the general public.
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
Are Arrest Records Public in Lawrence County
Arrest records in Lawrence County are public records under Alabama law. Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act, § 36-12-40, all citizens have a right to inspect and copy public writings of every description, including records maintained by law enforcement agencies, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records are made available to promote government transparency, support public safety awareness, facilitate journalism and research, assist in background screening, and serve as evidence in legal proceedings.
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 exempt
- Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
- Witness protection participant information is not disclosed
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Alabama Constitution and the Open Records Act establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. At the same time, due process considerations require that arrest records be understood as documentation of an accusation, not a determination of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the 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 using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. 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 does not constitute a finding of guilt.
What's in Lawrence County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, the arresting officer's name and badge number
- Booking date and time
- Booking or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Assigned judge, if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Lawrence County?
Under Alabama law, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the inspection and copying of public records. The following fee structure applies at present to records requests submitted to Lawrence County agencies:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copies (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page (varies by agency) |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic records | Fees may vary based on format and volume |
| Search fee | No statutory search fee under current law |
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge; fees apply to physical or electronic copies. Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk's Office include cash, money order, and in some cases personal check. Under § 36-12-41 of the Alabama Code, agencies are authorized to establish reasonable copying fees. Fee waiver provisions are not broadly established under Alabama's open records framework, though indigent requesters may inquire with the specific agency regarding available accommodations.
Basic inmate roster information available through the Sheriff's online portal is accessible at no cost. Court case information accessible through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts' online system may be subject to per-case access fees depending on the platform used.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Lawrence County
Alabama law provides two primary mechanisms for the removal or restriction of 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 Alabama Code, individuals may petition for expungement of certain arrest records under qualifying circumstances.
Eligibility for Expungement in Alabama:
- Charges that were dismissed with prejudice
- Charges for which the individual was found not guilty at trial
- Charges that were no-billed by a grand jury
- Charges dismissed after successful completion of a diversion program or drug court
- Certain non-violent felony and misdemeanor charges, subject to waiting periods and conditions
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the disposition from the Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Circuit Clerk
- File the petition in the circuit court in the county where the arrest occurred
- Pay the filing fee (currently $300.00 for most petitions under Alabama law, subject to change)
- Serve 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 all relevant agencies for record destruction or sealing
Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's Office
14330 Court Street, Suite 117
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0663
Lawrence County Circuit Court
Lawrence County District Attorney's Office
14330 Court Street
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0681
Following a granted expungement, the record is removed from public access. Law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for specified purposes. Third-party commercial databases may not update promptly following expungement, and individuals may need to contact those entities separately to request removal.
What Happens After Arrest in Lawrence County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Lawrence County Jail, located at 242 Parker Road, Moulton, AL 35650, which is operated by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and includes the following steps:
- Personal information recorded
- Photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history check
- Outstanding warrants verified
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- Medical and brief mental health screening conducted
- Housing classification assigned
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Alabama law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 72 hours of arrest in most circumstances. At the first appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and, if the individual is indigent, initiates the process for appointment of a public defender.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount in Alabama.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The court may deny bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned to general population pending further court proceedings.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Lawrence County Public Defender's Office
14330 Court Street
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0681
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.
Charging Decision:
The Lawrence County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
Court Process Overview:
Following arraignment, the case proceeds through pretrial discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense may engage in plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion program completion, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If the defendant is convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
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
- Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to a few months
- Felony cases: may extend six months to over one year
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under both the Alabama Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Important Contacts:
Lawrence County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
242 Parker Road
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0683
Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's Office
14330 Court Street, Suite 117
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0663
Lawrence County Circuit Court
Lawrence County District Attorney's Office
14330 Court Street
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0681
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lawrence County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Lawrence County is governed by Alabama law and the policies of the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Under the Alabama Records Preservation Act and applicable local government records disposition authorities, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods before authorized destruction.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
Misdemeanor Convictions: Retained permanently or for a minimum of five years at the local level; the state repository retains these records indefinitely.
Dismissed Charges: Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years. Court records are retained for varying periods based on case type. Records may remain in databases unless expungement is obtained.
Acquittals: Court records are often retained permanently. Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years. State repository records may remain unless the individual petitions for expungement.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records are retained for a minimum of two to five years at the local level. These cases are among those most readily eligible for expungement under Alabama law.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing platforms are retained indefinitely in most cases. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained for the applicable minimum period and may be destroyed thereafter pursuant to an authorized records disposition schedule.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and destruction requirements as government agencies. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but expungement does not automatically result in removal from third-party databases.
Retention by Agency:
Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
242 Parker Road
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0683
Lawrence County Sheriff's Department
Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of five years for non-conviction cases and permanently for felony conviction cases.
Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's Office
14330 Court Street, Suite 117
Moulton, AL 35650
Phone: (256) 974-0663
Lawrence County Circuit Court
Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of five years. Electronic records are retained indefinitely.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 517-2220
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Department of Public Safety
ALEA maintains the statewide criminal history repository and retains arrest records from all Alabama jurisdictions. Retention is indefinite for all entries unless modified by court order.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal may remain in local and state databases unless expungement is granted. An expungement order directs the physical destruction or sealing of local records and the updating of the state repository; however, the FBI database may retain a notation of the record with an expungement flag. The timeframe for removal following an expungement order varies by agency but is required to be completed within a reasonable period under Alabama law.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks are limited to seven years for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Alabama does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute. Arrests without convictions may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain regulated industries.