Dallas County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dallas County in 2026
DallasCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Dallas County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and court case filings. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable state law.
Arrest records in Dallas County may be searched through official government resources, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online databases maintained by state and local agencies. The following resources are currently available for conducting a search.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Dallas County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates or recent bookings. The jail roster reflects individuals currently held in the Dallas County Jail and is updated as bookings and releases occur. Information available through this resource includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status.
Dallas County Sheriff's Office
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2530
Dallas County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The Selma Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Dallas County. Members of the public may request a police report through the department's records division. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically made available through the department. Requests for incident reports and arrest-related documentation are processed during regular business hours.
Selma Police Department
1300 Alabama Avenue
Selma, AL 36703
Phone: (334) 876-1259
Selma Police Department
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Circuit Clerk of Dallas County maintains criminal case records associated with arrests processed through the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Members of the public may search court case records by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal proceedings. The Dallas County Fourth Circuit Court of Alabama provides online access to case information and court filings. Court cases linked to arrests include charge information, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing records.
Dallas County Circuit Clerk's Office
105 Lauderdale Street, Suite 100
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2527
Dallas County Circuit Clerk
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains a statewide criminal history repository through its Criminal Records Identification Unit. This database contains fingerprint-based criminal history records for arrested individuals across all Alabama jurisdictions. Members of the public may request a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal history record check. A fee applies for non-law-enforcement requests; current fee schedules are published on the ALEA website. The Alabama Department of Corrections also maintains an inmate search tool for individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities, though historical data is not available through that portal.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Criminal Records Unit
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 353-4700
ALEA Criminal Records
In-Person Access:
Members of the public seeking in-person access to arrest records may visit the Dallas County Sheriff's Office records division or the Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply for printed records.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Dallas County Sheriff's Office at 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701. The written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on record volume and staff availability.
By Phone:
The Dallas County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (334) 874-2530 for general inquiries regarding current inmates and recent bookings. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information may require an in-person visit or written request.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated case files through the discovery process in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records not otherwise available through public access channels. Defense counsel and prosecutors have access to records beyond what is available to the general public under applicable court rules.
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, Selma Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Dallas County
Arrest records in Dallas 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 the public in the interest of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, legal proceedings, and background screening purposes.
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
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
Certain categories of arrest information are restricted from public disclosure under state and federal law:
- Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed under Alabama law
- Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
- Victim identifying information in applicable cases
- Information relating to participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The public's right to access arrest records is grounded in both the Alabama Open Records Act and First Amendment principles recognizing the press and public's interest in the administration of criminal justice. Courts have consistently recognized that transparency in law enforcement activity serves a compelling public interest, while also acknowledging that privacy interests must be weighed in specific circumstances, particularly where charges were not pursued or where records have been expunged.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
- Occupational licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and landlords who use arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies may not report arrests that did not result in conviction beyond a seven-year period in most circumstances. Alabama does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest alone does not establish guilt and may not lawfully be treated as evidence of criminal conduct in many employment and housing contexts.
What's in Dallas County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Dallas County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during subsequent processing.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race or ethnicity
- 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 by street address or general area
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, the name and badge number of the arresting officer
- Booking date, time, and assigned booking number
- Warrant information, where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and applicable statute numbers
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of the booking facility
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Release date and time if the individual has been released
- Release conditions where publicly available
Court Information:
- Assigned court case number
- Court jurisdiction and location
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted under state and federal law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information beyond what appears in the arrest record
- Court records document legal proceedings initiated after the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
- Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Dallas County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Dallas County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under § 36-12-41 of the Alabama Code, custodians of public records may charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and reproduction of public documents.
| Record Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 |
| Certified copy | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic records | Varies by agency |
| Search fee | Varies; some agencies charge no search fee |
| ALEA criminal history (name-based) | $25.00 (current standard fee) |
| ALEA criminal history (fingerprint-based) | $51.50 (current standard fee) |
Inspection of public records at the Circuit Clerk's Office or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge during regular business hours. Copy fees apply when printed reproductions are requested. Accepted payment methods vary by agency and may include cash, money order, or credit card. Fee waiver provisions may apply for indigent requestors or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requestors should inquire directly with the custodial agency regarding waiver eligibility.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Dallas County
In Alabama, the legal mechanism for removing arrest records from public access is expungement, which refers to the destruction or sealing of records relating to a criminal charge. Sealing restricts public access to a record while preserving it for law enforcement purposes, whereas expungement results in the physical destruction or permanent removal of the record from agency files. Under Alabama's Expungement Act, § 15-27-1 et seq., individuals may petition the circuit court for expungement of qualifying arrest records.
Arrest records may be eligible for expungement in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed with prejudice
- The individual was found not guilty at trial
- The prosecution declined to file charges (no-information filed)
- Charges were dismissed without prejudice and the applicable statute of limitations has expired
- The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
- Certain nonviolent misdemeanor and felony convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period, subject to statutory eligibility requirements
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the disposition from the Dallas County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Circuit Clerk
- File the petition in the Dallas County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee (currently $300.00 for most petitions under § 15-27-4)
- Serve copies of the petition on the arresting agency, the district attorney's office, and any other required parties
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the district attorney objects to the petition
- If the court grants the petition, certified copies of the order are distributed to all agencies holding the record
Dallas County Circuit Court – Expungement Petitions
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2527
Dallas County Circuit Clerk
Dallas County District Attorney's Office
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2516
Following a court-ordered expungement, the Circuit Clerk notifies the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which updates the state criminal history repository. Law enforcement agencies retain access to expunged records for limited purposes authorized by statute.
What Happens After Arrest in Dallas County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Dallas County, the arrested individual is transported to the Dallas County Jail located at 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Dallas County Jail, the individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Collection of fingerprints
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check through state and federal databases
- Inventory and storage of personal property
- Medical and brief 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. 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, where applicable, appoints a public defender for indigent defendants. Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Information regarding magistrates and warrant procedures is available through the Dallas County Fourth Circuit Court.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the jail or clerk's office. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond. The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance.
Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order the defendant held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, 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 release process typically takes one to eight hours. The defendant receives a written notice of court dates and conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to jail rules and procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Dallas County Public Defender's Office
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2530
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Defendants who do not qualify for appointed counsel retain the right to hire private counsel. The Alabama State Bar provides attorney referral services for individuals seeking private representation.
Charging Decision:
The Dallas 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, the case may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment. The arraignment follows, at which the defendant enters a formal plea. The vast majority of defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, a diversion program, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. Diversion programs available in Alabama include pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges. If the case proceeds to trial, the defendant has the right to a jury trial for most offenses. Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
- Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, § 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 by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive that right
- Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dallas County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Dallas County is governed by Alabama state law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Under Alabama's records management statutes, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, ALEA state repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the subject's permanent criminal history record
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of five years depending on the offense classification
- Court records are retained permanently in electronic form
- State repository retains records indefinitely
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Typically retained for a minimum of five years
- Court records: Often retained permanently unless expunged
- State repository: Retained unless expungement order received
Acquittals:
- Court records: Retained permanently absent an expungement order
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of five years
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum of two to five years
- Eligible for expungement petition under § 15-27-1
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable records retention schedule. Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification.
Digital Records: Records management system entries and court electronic records are retained permanently in most instances. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of one year. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party vendors are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records beyond the periods maintained by law enforcement agencies. These entities are not controlled by Dallas County or the State of Alabama. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies are required to maintain accuracy in reported records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework are not subject to the same obligations. Expungement orders do not automatically compel removal from private databases.
Retention by Agency:
Dallas County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by offense classification; serious violent offenses retained permanently
- Phone: (334) 874-2530
Selma Police Department:
- Arrest records and incident reports: Minimum five years
- Phone: (334) 876-1259
Dallas County Circuit Clerk:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Electronic records: Permanent
- Phone: (334) 874-2527
State Repository (ALEA): The Criminal Records Identification Unit at ALEA maintains fingerprint-based criminal history records for all arrested individuals in Alabama. Records are retained indefinitely unless an expungement order is received from a court of competent jurisdiction.
FBI Database: The NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other federally regulated purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; local retention varies
- Expungement: Physical destruction or sealing of local records; state repository updated upon receipt of court order; FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to five years; eligible for expungement petition
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting period for arrests that did not result in conviction. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Alabama does not currently impose a statewide restriction shorter than the federal standard for private employers. Arrests without conviction may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment action in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance ordinances.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Records Division at (334) 874-2530 or submit a written public records request to the Circuit Clerk's Office at 105 Lauderdale Street, Selma, AL 36701 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive documents.