Marengo County Jail Mugshots

Marengo County jail mugshots and booking records are kept by the sheriff's office in Linden. This west-central Alabama county handles bookings for all arrests made within its borders. The sheriff maintains custody of the jail and all prisoner records under state law. Currently, Marengo County does not offer an online jail roster, so you need to contact the sheriff's office by phone or in person to request mugshot information. The records are still public under Alabama's Open Records Act, but you have to make a direct request rather than searching online. This guide explains how to access jail mugshots and other arrest records in Marengo County.

Marengo County Sheriff's Office

The Marengo County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency for jail records in the county. The sheriff has legal custody of the county jail under Alabama Code Section 14-6-1. This office handles all booking records, mugshots, and inmate information.

Contact the Marengo County Sheriff at:

• Address: 101 E Coats Avenue, Linden, AL 36748
• Phone: (334) 295-4221

The office is open during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Staff can help you with inmate lookups and record requests. If you plan to visit in person, it is a good idea to call first to confirm hours and what you need to bring.

How to Get Marengo County Jail Mugshots

Without an online roster, you have a few ways to get jail mugshot records from Marengo County. Each method has its own advantages depending on your situation.

In-Person Requests

Visiting the sheriff's office in Linden is the most direct way to get records. Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, you have the right to inspect public records during normal business hours. Ask to see the jailer's log book. This book is required to be open for public viewing under Alabama Code Section 36-22-8. Staff can help you look up specific names and provide copies for a fee.

Phone Requests

Call the sheriff's office at (334) 295-4221 to ask about a specific person. Give the full name and date of birth if you have it. Staff can tell you if the person is currently in custody and share basic booking information. For copies of records, you may need to follow up in person or with a written request.

Written Requests

You can send a letter to the sheriff's office requesting specific records. Include the person's full name, any identifying information you have, and exactly what records you need. Include your contact information and a return address. The office may require payment before releasing copies.

Statewide Options

For criminal history that covers all of Alabama, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. ALEA keeps statewide arrest and conviction records. The fee is $15 online or $25 by mail. Visit alea.gov to submit a request. This is useful when you need official records for employment or legal purposes.

What Marengo County Booking Records Include

When someone is booked into the Marengo County Jail, staff create a record with detailed information about the person and the arrest.

A typical booking record includes:

• Full legal name and known aliases
• Date of birth and current age
• Height, weight, and other physical details
• Hair and eye color
• Race and sex
• Tattoos, scars, or other identifying marks
• Booking number assigned by the jail
• Date and time of booking
• Charges at the time of arrest
• Bond amount if one was set
• The agency that made the arrest

The mugshot itself is a photograph taken during booking. It shows the front of the person's face, and sometimes a side profile. A height chart may appear in the background. These photos become part of the permanent booking record.

Your Right to Access Jail Records

Alabama law protects your right to see public records including jail mugshots and booking information. The Open Records Act, found in Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, allows any citizen to inspect and copy government documents. You do not need to explain why you want the records.

The sheriff is required to keep a log of all prisoners under Alabama Code Section 36-22-8. This log must show names, ages, physical descriptions, charges, and dates. It must be open for inspection during business hours. This is a legal requirement, not just a courtesy.

Some information may be redacted for privacy. Home addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, and financial account information are usually not released. Records for juveniles are sealed under Alabama Code Section 12-15-102. Ongoing investigations may also limit what can be disclosed.

If you are denied access to records you believe are public, you can appeal. Start by asking to speak with a supervisor. You may also contact the district attorney's office or seek help from an attorney. Legal Services Alabama offers free help to qualifying individuals. Call them at (866) 456-4995.

Removing Mugshots from Public Records

Alabama law provides a way to remove certain arrest records from public view through expungement. If you have a mugshot in Marengo County records that you want sealed, you may qualify under Alabama Code Sections 15-27-1 and 15-27-2.

You may be eligible for expungement if:

• The charges against you were dismissed
• You were found not guilty
• You completed a diversion program
• You received a pardon
• Enough time has passed since a qualifying conviction

The filing fee for expungement is $500, though waivers are available for those who cannot afford it. You file a petition in the circuit court where the arrest occurred. If the court grants expungement, all agencies must remove the record from their public databases.

For assistance with expungement, contact Legal Services Alabama or the Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660. An attorney can evaluate your case and guide you through the process.

Other Marengo County Criminal Justice Resources

Several other agencies and courts handle criminal justice matters in Marengo County.

17th Judicial Circuit Court

Marengo County is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit along with Greene and Sumter counties. The circuit court handles felony cases and appeals from district court. Search court records at pa.alacourt.com to find case information.

Marengo County District Court

District court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. The courthouse is in Linden.

Alabama Department of Corrections

People convicted and sentenced to state prison are transferred to ADOC custody. You can search current state inmates at doc.alabama.gov.

Linden Police Department

Arrests in the city of Linden may generate records with the police department as well as the sheriff. Contact city police for arrests made within city limits.

Nearby County Jails

If you need to check jail records in neighboring counties, here are links to nearby Alabama county jail pages. People arrested near county borders may be booked in an adjacent county.

Search Marengo County Records

Use our search tool to find jail mugshots and arrest records. Search across multiple databases to find the information you need.