Cullman County Public Records / Cullman County Arrest Records

Cullman County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cullman County

Arrest records in Cullman County are generally considered public information under Alabama law. Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act, codified in § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, every citizen has the right to inspect and take a copy of public writings except as expressly provided by statute. Law enforcement agencies in Cullman County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are typically accessible to the public with certain limitations.

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 on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under Alabama law, both types of records are generally public, though arrest records that did not lead to conviction may be eligible for expungement under specific circumstances.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) oversees the state's criminal history information and provides guidelines for public access to such records. However, certain categories of arrest records may be exempt from public disclosure, including:

Juvenile records (individuals under 18 years of age)
Records sealed by court order
Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
Records designated as confidential by specific statutes

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cullman County should be aware that while these records are generally public, access may be restricted based on the above exemptions and other factors determined by the custodian agency.

What's in Cullman County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Cullman County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized to ensure consistency across jurisdictions and to facilitate information sharing between agencies. A complete Cullman County arrest record generally includes the following components:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, or other distinguishing features)
Residential address
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance citations
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
Charge severity level
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer information
Property inventory
Medical screening results

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type (cash, surety, property)
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Conditions of release (if applicable)

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Expected release date (if known)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior criminal history
Probation or parole status
Risk assessment scores
Special custody requirements
Immigration status or holds

The comprehensiveness of arrest records serves multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including facilitating proper identification, ensuring appropriate detention conditions, and providing necessary information for court proceedings.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cullman County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cullman County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The following procedures outline the current process for accessing arrest records through official channels:

Submit a request to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office
- Complete the public records request form available at the Sheriff's Office
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record search and copies

Cullman County Sheriff's Office
1910 Beech Avenue SE
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 734-0342
Cullman County Sheriff's Office

Request records from the Cullman County Circuit Court
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office in person
- Complete the court records request form
- Provide case number if available, or name and date of birth
- Pay required fees for document search and reproduction

Cullman County Circuit Court
500 2nd Avenue SW
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 775-4654
Cullman County Circuit Court

Contact the arresting agency directly
- Determine which law enforcement agency made the arrest
- Submit a written request to that agency's records division
- Include specific details about the arrest record being sought
- Follow the agency's established procedures for record requests
Submit a request to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- Complete the ALEA Criminal History Information Request Form
- Provide required identification and payment
- Submit request by mail or in person to ALEA headquarters

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
201 South Union Street, Suite 300
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 517-2500
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to:

Provide proper identification
Pay applicable fees (typically $15-25 per record)
Allow processing time (ranging from same-day to several weeks)
Receive records in the format provided by the agency (paper or electronic)

Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-2-.03, agencies may require written requests for certain records and may establish reasonable fees for record reproduction and search time.

How To Find Cullman County Arrest Records Online

Cullman County offers several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online platforms. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests while maintaining compliance with Alabama public records laws. The following online methods are currently available for searching Cullman County arrest records:

Cullman County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster
- Navigate to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Roster" or "Current Inmates" section
- Search by name to view currently incarcerated individuals
- Access basic arrest information including charges and booking dates
- Note that this resource only includes current inmates, not historical arrest data
Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt Portal
- Visit the Alacourt website
- Create a user account (fees may apply for certain searches)
- Select Cullman County from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- View case information including charges, court dates, and disposition
- Download available documents (additional fees may apply)
Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Access the Alabama DOC inmate search portal
- Enter the individual's name or AIS (Alabama Institutional Serial) number
- Review information about individuals currently in state custody
- View conviction information, sentence details, and custody location
- Note that this system only includes state prisoners, not county jail inmates
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Criminal History Information
- Visit the ALEA website's public records section
- Complete the online application for criminal history information
- Submit payment for the record search (fees apply)
- Receive results electronically or by mail
- Note that this provides official criminal history, not just arrest information

When utilizing online resources for arrest record searches, users should be aware of several important considerations:

Information accuracy varies between platforms
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
Some detailed information may only be available through formal records requests
Online access may require payment of fees
Certain records may be restricted from online viewing

The electronic availability of arrest records is subject to change based on agency policies and system updates. Users experiencing difficulties with online searches may need to contact the relevant agency directly or submit a formal records request.

How To Search Cullman County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to Cullman County arrest records have several options available through publicly accessible resources. While comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment of fees, the following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:

Visit the Cullman County Courthouse in person
- Go to the public access terminals in the Clerk of Court's office
- Search court records using the public access computer system
- View basic case information at no charge
- Note that printing documents will incur fees

Cullman County Courthouse
500 2nd Avenue SW
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 775-4654
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Use the Cullman County Sheriff's Office website
- Access the Sheriff's Office public website
- Navigate to the jail roster or recent arrests section
- View current inmate information at no cost
- Information is typically limited to current inmates only
Attend court proceedings
- Court sessions in Cullman County are generally open to the public
- Check the court calendar at the Cullman County Circuit Court
- Attend arraignments or other proceedings where arrest information is discussed
- Take notes on cases of interest
Review local news sources
- Local newspapers often report on significant arrests
- News websites may maintain searchable archives of crime reporting
- Television station websites frequently cover major criminal cases
- Social media accounts of local news outlets often post about notable arrests
Access the Municipal Court records
- Visit the Cullman Municipal Court for cases within city limits
- Use public access terminals to search for basic case information
- View arrest information for city ordinance violations and misdemeanors

Cullman Municipal Court
201 2nd Avenue NE
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 775-7144
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

When utilizing free resources for arrest record searches, individuals should be aware of certain limitations:

Information may be less comprehensive than paid record searches
Recent arrests may not be immediately available in free systems
Some case details may be restricted from public view
Free resources typically do not provide certified copies of records
Historical arrest data may be limited or unavailable

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-19-180, while basic record access may be available at no cost, fees may be charged for copies, certified records, or extensive searches.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cullman County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Cullman County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These distinct legal remedies are governed by Alabama state law and require specific procedures through the court system.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Expungement in Alabama refers to the legal process of removing an arrest record from public view and, in some cases, from government agency records. When a record is expunged, it is treated as if it never occurred. Sealing, by contrast, restricts public access to records but maintains them for certain government and law enforcement purposes. Alabama law primarily focuses on expungement rather than sealing.

Under Alabama's expungement statute, § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:

Non-conviction records may be expunged when:
- The charge was dismissed with prejudice
- The charge was no-billed by a grand jury
- The defendant was found not guilty
- The charge was dismissed without prejudice more than two years ago and has not been refiled
Misdemeanor conviction records may be expunged when:
- Five years have passed since completion of sentence
- All fines, restitution, and court costs have been paid
- The applicant has not been convicted of any other crime
- No charges are pending against the applicant
Certain felony conviction records may be expunged when:
- The offense falls within eligible categories under § 15-27-2
- Five years have passed since completion of sentence
- All fines, restitution, and court costs have been paid
- The applicant has not been convicted of any other crime
- No charges are pending against the applicant

To initiate the expungement process in Cullman County, individuals must:

File a petition for expungement with the Cullman County Circuit Court
Pay the filing fee (currently $300, non-refundable)
Submit fingerprints for a background check
Provide certified copies of court dispositions
Serve copies of the petition to the District Attorney, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant parties
Attend the scheduled court hearing (if required)
If granted, distribute the expungement order to all agencies with records

Cullman County Circuit Court
500 2nd Avenue SW
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 775-4654
Cullman County Circuit Court

Certain serious offenses are not eligible for expungement under Alabama law, including:

Violent felonies
Sex offenses
Offenses involving serious physical injury
Offenses involving death
Offenses involving a child victim

Individuals seeking expungement are strongly advised to consult with an attorney familiar with Alabama expungement law, as the process is complex and requirements must be strictly followed for successful record removal.

What Happens After Arrest in Cullman County?

Following an arrest in Cullman County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Alabama state law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Booking and Initial Detention
- The arrestee is transported to the Cullman County Detention Center
- Personal information is recorded and verified
- Fingerprints and photographs are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- The arrestee is placed in appropriate housing within the facility

Cullman County Detention Center
1910 Beech Avenue SE
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 734-0342

Initial Appearance
- Occurs within 48-72 hours of arrest
- Judge informs the defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Determination is made regarding legal representation
- Preliminary bail amount may be set
- Future court dates are scheduled
Bail Determination
- Judge considers factors including:
  - Nature and severity of the alleged offense
  - Defendant's criminal history
  - Community ties and flight risk
  - Public safety concerns
- Bail may be set as cash, property, or surety bond
- Release conditions may be imposed
- Some defendants may be released on their own recognizance
- Certain serious charges may result in bail being denied
Preliminary Hearing (for felony cases)
- Typically occurs within 30 days of arrest
- Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Defense may challenge evidence and cross-examine witnesses
- Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed
- Case may be bound over to grand jury or dismissed
Grand Jury Proceedings (for felony cases)
- Prosecutor presents evidence to grand jury
- Grand jury deliberates in secret
- If sufficient evidence exists, indictment is issued
- Without indictment, case may be dismissed
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in court
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
- Pretrial motions may be scheduled
Pretrial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
- Evidence suppression hearings
Trial
- Jury selection (except in bench trials)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury instructions
- Deliberation and verdict
Sentencing (if convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence according to Alabama sentencing guidelines
- Potential sentences include:
  - Incarceration
  - Probation
  - Fines and restitution
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction Proceedings
- Right to appeal within 42 days of sentencing
- Potential post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation or parole supervision if applicable

Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to a speedy trial. The timeline for case resolution varies significantly based on case complexity, court caseloads, and whether the defendant is in custody or released on bail.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cullman County?

Arrest records in Cullman County are maintained according to Alabama's records retention requirements, which establish specific timeframes for preserving various categories of law enforcement and court documents. The retention of these records is governed by Alabama Code § 41-13-23, which establishes the State Records Commission and authorizes the development of records disposition schedules.

Under current Alabama law enforcement records retention schedules, arrest records are typically maintained as follows:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: Minimum of 10 years
- Non-criminal arrests (protective custody): 5 years
- Juvenile arrests: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
- Digital fingerprint records: Maintained indefinitely in electronic format
Mugshot Photographs
- Felony arrests: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor arrests: 10 years from date of arrest
- Digital image files: Maintained in electronic format according to same schedules
Investigation Reports Related to Arrests
- Felony cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Unfounded allegations: 5 years
Court Records of Arrests
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 25 years after case disposition
- Traffic violations: 10 years after disposition

Different agencies within Cullman County maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

The Cullman County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to law enforcement schedules
The Cullman County Circuit Court preserves case files according to judicial retention schedules
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains state-level criminal history information indefinitely
The Alabama Department of Corrections retains inmate records for 50 years after final release

It is important to note that even when physical records reach the end of their retention period, information may be maintained in electronic databases for longer periods. Additionally, records that have been expunged through court order are removed from public access regardless of retention schedules.

The preservation of arrest records serves several important public functions:

Maintains evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Provides documentation for background checks and security clearances
Ensures accountability within the criminal justice system
Preserves statistical data for crime analysis and policy development
Facilitates identification of patterns in criminal activity

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies should contact the agency that created or maintains the records in question.

How to Find Mugshots in Cullman County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographic records taken during the arrest booking process. These images serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and become part of the official arrest record. In Cullman County, mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee, often with identifying information such as a booking number visible in the image.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Cullman County, booking photographs are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

Cullman County Sheriff's Office
1910 Beech Avenue SE
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 734-0342
Cullman County Sheriff's Office

Cullman Police Department
601 2nd Avenue NE
Cullman, AL 35055
(256) 734-1434
Cullman Police Department

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
201 South Union Street, Suite 300
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 517-2500
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to mugshots in Cullman County may utilize several methods:

Submit a public records request to the arresting agency
- Complete the agency's public records request form
- Provide specific information about the individual (name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction
- Allow processing time as determined by the agency
Check the Cullman County Sheriff's Office inmate roster
- Visit the Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the current inmate or recent booking section
- Search by name to locate current inmates
- View basic booking information and possibly mugshots
Review court records
- Visit the Cullman County Circuit Court
- Request to view case files that may contain booking photographs
- Note that not all court files include mugshots

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

The online availability of Cullman County mugshots varies based on several factors:

The Cullman County Sheriff's Office may publish current inmate mugshots on their official website
Third-party websites may aggregate and publish mugshot information, though these sources may not be current or accurate
Commercial background check services may provide access to mugshots for a fee
News media websites may publish mugshots related to newsworthy arrests

It is important to note that online mugshot availability has become increasingly restricted in many jurisdictions due to privacy concerns and the potential impact on individuals who were arrested but not convicted.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For the most reliable access to mugshot records, individuals should:

Contact the law enforcement agency that made the arrest
Submit a formal public records request specifying the mugshot being sought
Provide sufficient identifying information to locate the correct record
Pay any required fees for record reproduction
Receive the record in the format provided by the agency (paper or digital)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Cullman County may be restricted under certain circumstances:

Juvenile mugshots (under age 18) are generally not public records
Mugshots related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Expunged arrest records and associated mugshots are removed from public access
Records sealed by court order are not available to the public
Certain sensitive cases (e.g., some sex crimes) may have restricted access

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1, while public records are generally accessible, agencies may establish reasonable procedures for record requests, including verification of identity and payment of reproduction costs.

Lookup Arrest Records in Cullman County

Cullman County Circuit Court

Alabama Inmate Search

Cullman Municipal Court

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Alabama Secretary of State Public Records