Search Alabama Jail Mugshots

Alabama jail mugshots are public records maintained by each of the 67 county sheriffs across the state. When someone is arrested and booked into a county jail, the sheriff's office takes a booking photo and records details about the charges. These records are available to the public under Alabama's Open Records Act. You can search for mugshots online through many county sheriff websites, or request them in person at the local jail. The Alabama Department of Corrections also keeps mugshots for state prison inmates. This guide explains how to find and access jail mugshots throughout Alabama.

Search Alabama Jail Mugshots

Who Keeps Jail Mugshots in Alabama

County sheriffs are the main keepers of jail mugshots in Alabama. Under Alabama Code Section 14-6-1, the sheriff has legal custody of the county jail and all prisoners held there. This means each county sheriff is responsible for taking mugshots during booking and storing those records.

Alabama Code Section 36-22-8 requires sheriffs to keep a public record book of all prisoners. The book must show the name, age, sex, race, and distinguishing marks of each person. It also shows the charges and when the person came in and went out. This book must be open for public viewing during office hours.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency serves as the central repository for criminal records. ALEA receives arrest reports from local agencies within 24 hours of booking. They keep fingerprint files and mugshots for all arrested offenders in Alabama. You can request a criminal history from ALEA, though fees apply.

ALEA criminal records request page for Alabama jail mugshots

The Alabama Department of Corrections keeps mugshots for state prison inmates. ADOC runs 28 correctional facilities across the state. Their online inmate search shows current inmates with photos. County jails hold people before trial or for short sentences. State prisons hold people after conviction for longer terms.

What Alabama Jail Mugshots Show

A mugshot record in Alabama contains more than just a photo. The booking process creates a detailed file on each person arrested.

The photo itself shows a front view of the person's face. Many jails also take a side profile shot. A height chart often appears in the background. These images help law enforcement identify people later if needed.

Alabama jail mugshots typically include the following booking details:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description including height and weight
Hair color, eye color, race, and sex
Distinguishing marks like tattoos or scars
Booking number assigned by the jail
Date and time of the booking
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Bond or bail amount if set
Name of the arresting agency

Some county jail rosters in Alabama also show the court date. Others may list the cell block or housing unit. The amount of detail varies by county. Larger counties tend to publish more information online than smaller ones.

How to Find Jail Mugshots in Alabama

There are several ways to search for Alabama jail mugshots. The method you use depends on who you are looking for and where they were arrested.

County sheriff websites are the best place to start. Many Alabama counties now post their jail rosters online. These rosters show current inmates with mugshots. You can usually search by last name. Some let you browse the full list. The roster updates daily or in real time. Once someone is released, they may drop off the active roster.

Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search for state prison mugshots

For state prison inmates, use the ADOC inmate search at doc.alabama.gov. This covers all 28 state correctional facilities. Enter a last name or an AIS number if you have one. The search shows current inmates only. ADOC does not display historical records online.

For a formal background check, contact ALEA. Their criminal records unit handles requests by mail or online. The fee is $25 by mail or $15 online. You get a report of criminal history in Alabama. This may include mugshots along with arrest and conviction records. Processing takes 3 to 15 business days depending on the method.

You can also visit a county sheriff's office in person. Ask to see the jailer's log book. Under Alabama law, this is a public record. Staff can help you look up specific names. You may request copies for a small fee. Most offices charge between $0.25 and $1.00 per page.

Alabama Counties with Online Jail Rosters

Not all Alabama counties publish jail rosters on the internet. Some have full online access. Others require you to call or visit in person. Here is a breakdown of online access across the state.

Many Alabama counties use similar web platforms for their jail rosters. You can often search by name and view mugshots at no cost. Counties with confirmed online jail rosters include Jefferson, Madison, Mobile, Morgan, Baldwin, Escambia, Etowah, Colbert, DeKalb, Blount, Cherokee, Pickens, Chilton, Elmore, Marion, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Walker, Limestone, Lauderdale, Marshall, Houston, Lee, Calhoun, Cullman, and Montgomery.

AlacourtAccess portal for searching Alabama court records and case information

Smaller rural counties may not have online rosters. For these, you must contact the sheriff's office directly. Some post updates on social media instead of a formal roster. Facebook pages for county sheriff offices often show recent arrests. But this is not a complete record.

Note: Online jail rosters only show current inmates. Once a person posts bond or is released, their information may disappear from the active list.

Alabama Laws on Public Records and Mugshots

Alabama law treats mugshots as public records. The Open Records Act sets out the rules for public access to government documents.

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives every resident the right to inspect and copy public records. Courts interpret this law broadly in favor of disclosure. Mugshots and booking records fall under this law. Anyone can request to see them. You do not need to give a reason.

However, some information can be withheld. Home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and driver's license numbers are often redacted. These details are considered private even though the arrest itself is public. Financial account information is also not released.

Juvenile mugshots are not public. Under Alabama Code Section 12-15-102, records involving minors are confidential. You cannot access mugshots for anyone under 18 at the time of arrest. These records are sealed to protect young people.

Alabama has an expungement law that can remove mugshots from public view. Under Alabama Code Sections 15-27-1 and 15-27-2, certain records can be expunged after charges are dropped or if the person is found not guilty. The filing fee is $500, though waivers are available. Once a record is expunged, agencies must remove it from public databases.

ALEA expungement information for removing Alabama criminal records

Ongoing investigations may also limit access. If releasing a mugshot could harm an active case, law enforcement can delay the release. Records involving confidential informants or sealed court orders are also exempt.

County Jail vs State Prison Mugshots

There is a difference between county jails and state prisons in Alabama. The type of facility affects where you search for mugshots.

County jails hold people who are awaiting trial. They also hold people serving short sentences, usually one year or less. The county sheriff runs the jail. Mugshots are taken at booking. Each county keeps its own records. To find a county jail mugshot, you check with that county's sheriff.

State prisons hold people convicted of crimes with sentences over one year. The Alabama Department of Corrections runs these facilities. ADOC takes new photos when inmates arrive at state prison. They use AIS numbers to track inmates. You can search ADOC records online, but only for current inmates.

Someone arrested in Alabama may have records at both levels. First, they get booked into county jail. If convicted and sentenced to state prison, they transfer to ADOC. Each stage creates separate records. A full search may require checking both sources.

Federal inmates in Alabama are held at FCI Aliceville, FCI Montgomery, or FCI Talladega. The Federal Bureau of Prisons handles these records. Search at bop.gov for federal inmates. The BOP locator does not typically show mugshots, but does confirm custody status.

Fees for Alabama Mugshot Records

The cost to get mugshot records in Alabama varies by source and method.

Viewing online jail rosters is free. Many county sheriff websites let you search current inmates and see mugshots at no charge. This is the easiest and cheapest way to check recent bookings in Alabama.

ALEA charges fees for criminal history checks. A mail request costs $25. Online requests through their portal cost $15. Employers can get an annual subscription for $95 through the ABC system. These reports include statewide arrest and conviction records. Processing time is 3 to 15 business days.

County sheriffs may charge for copies of records. Most charge between $0.25 and $1.00 per page. In-person viewing of the jailer's log is free during business hours. If you want your own copies, expect to pay a small fee. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.

Note: Fees can change. Contact the specific agency to confirm current costs before submitting a request.

Legal Help for Alabama Criminal Records

If you need help with criminal records in Alabama, several resources are available.

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to low-income residents. They can assist with expungement petitions and other criminal record issues. Contact them at (866) 456-4995.

Alabama Legal Help offers self-help guides and legal information. Their website has resources for understanding your rights regarding public records and criminal history.

The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral service. Call 1-800-392-5660 to connect with an attorney. The initial consultation costs up to $50 for 30 minutes. They can refer you to a criminal defense lawyer or someone who handles record expungement.

For questions about ALEA records, contact their Criminal Records Unit at 334-676-7897 or toll-free at 1-866-740-4762. Staff can explain the request process and fees.