Search Shelby County Jail Mugshots

Shelby County jail mugshots are managed by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office in Columbiana. The sheriff publishes monthly intake and release records but does not have a real-time online roster. For current inmate information, you need to contact the sheriff's office directly.

Shelby County Sheriff Jail Information

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office operates the county jail in Columbiana. Unlike many counties that post real-time jail rosters, Shelby County publishes monthly intake and release reports. These give you a look at who was booked during the previous month.

Shelby County is one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama. The population is over 220,000 and still climbing. Despite this size, the county does not have a real-time online inmate search like Jefferson or Madison counties.

The monthly reports are useful but not current. If you need to know if someone is in jail right now, you have to call the sheriff's office. The reports come out after the month ends, so there is always a delay.

The county is part of the 18th Judicial Circuit. Cases are heard at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana. The courthouse is also where you can access court records.

How to Find Shelby County Jail Mugshots

There are several ways to search for jail records in Shelby County depending on what you need.

For current inmates, call the sheriff's office at (205) 669-3900. Staff can tell you if someone is in custody right now. They can provide information about charges and bond amounts. This is the fastest way to get current information.

For recent bookings, check the sheriff's website. Go to shelbyso.com and look for the monthly intake reports. These show everyone booked during the past month along with their charges. The reports may include mugshots.

For in-person requests, visit the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 100 Courthouse Lane in Columbiana. Staff can search records and provide copies. Bring ID and know the name of the person you are looking for. Copy fees apply, usually $0.25 to $1.00 per page.

For official background checks, use ALEA. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency handles statewide criminal history checks. The fee is $25 by mail or $15 online. Call 334-676-7897 for details.

Court records are available through Alacourt at pa.alacourt.com. You can search Shelby County cases by name or case number. Mugshots are not included but you can track cases through the court system.

Cities in Shelby County

Several cities are located in Shelby County. Each has its own police department, but all book arrestees into the county jail.

Hoover is the largest city in Shelby County. Actually, Hoover sits in both Shelby and Jefferson counties. The Hoover Police Department books arrestees into whichever county jail matches where the arrest happened. If the arrest was in the Shelby County portion of Hoover, the person goes to the Shelby County Jail.

Alabaster is another major city in Shelby County. With about 35,000 residents, it is the second largest city in the county. The Alabaster Police Department handles law enforcement within city limits.

Other cities include Pelham, Helena, Chelsea, and Montevallo. All of these use the Shelby County Jail. The county seat, Columbiana, is a smaller town but hosts the courthouse and sheriff's office.

What Shelby County Booking Records Include

When someone is booked into the Shelby County Jail, detailed records are created. These records are kept by the sheriff's office.

A typical Shelby County booking record includes:

• Full legal name and any aliases
• Date of birth and age
• Physical description: height, weight, hair color, eye color
• Race and sex
• Booking number and date
• All charges at time of arrest
• Bond amount if set
• Arresting agency and officer
• Mugshot photograph
• Release date and reason if applicable

The monthly reports include most of this information. The mugshot is part of the permanent booking record. All of this is public under Alabama law.

Alabama Laws on Jail Records

Alabama law makes jail records public. The Shelby County Sheriff must follow these laws.

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 is the Open Records Act. It gives all Alabama citizens the right to inspect and copy public records. Jail mugshots and booking records are public. You do not need to give a reason to see them.

Alabama Code Section 36-22-8 requires the sheriff to maintain a record book of prisoners. The book must include name, age, sex, race, and physical description of each inmate. It must show charges and dates of commitment and release. The law requires this book be open for public inspection during office hours.

Alabama Code Section 14-6-1 gives the sheriff custody of the county jail. The Shelby County Sheriff is legally responsible for the jail and all inmates. This includes maintaining accurate booking records.

Expungement is possible in Alabama. Under Alabama Code Sections 15-27-1 and 15-27-2, charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal can sometimes be expunged. The filing fee is $500. Fee waivers exist for those who qualify.

Shelby County and Jefferson County

Shelby County shares a border with Jefferson County. Some cities, like Hoover, are split between the two counties. This can cause confusion when searching for records.

If someone was arrested in the Jefferson County portion of a border city, they go to the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham. If arrested in the Shelby County portion, they go to the Shelby County Jail in Columbiana.

Jefferson County has a full online inmate search system. If you cannot find someone in Shelby County, try the Jefferson County jail roster as well.

The two counties have different judicial circuits. Jefferson is the 10th Circuit while Shelby is the 18th Circuit. Court records are kept separately.

Contact Shelby County Sheriff

For questions about jail records, mugshots, or current inmates, contact the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.

Shelby County Sheriff's Office
100 Courthouse Lane
Columbiana, AL 35051
Phone: (205) 669-3900

Visit the sheriff's website at shelbyso.com for monthly intake reports and contact information. Staff can help with records requests during normal business hours.

Nearby Counties

Shelby County borders several other Alabama counties. If someone is not in the Shelby County jail, they may be in a neighboring county.

Search Shelby County Mugshots

Use our search tool to find jail mugshots and arrest records in Shelby County, Alabama.