DeKalb County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in DeKalb County in 2026
DeKalbCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in DeKalb County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, court case references, and related criminal justice data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, inmate rosters, court case filings, warrant records, and sex offender registry entries. Access to these records is subject to applicable state law, and completeness of any individual record cannot be guaranteed.
Records may be searched through official government resources, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that is updated on a continuous basis. Members of the public may access the current inmate roster sorted by booking time to identify individuals currently held in custody. The roster displays each detainee's name, booking date and time, charges, and custody status. The Sheriff's Office also publishes press releases containing arrest information and maintains a registered sex offender locator tool on its official website.
2. Local Police Departments
Several municipal police departments operate within DeKalb County and may maintain their own arrest logs or press release archives. Agencies serving Fort Payne, Fyffe, Sylvania, Rainsville, and other municipalities within the county may publish arrest information independently. Members of the public seeking records from a specific city department should contact that department's records division directly, as arrest data from municipal agencies is not always consolidated into the Sheriff's Office roster.
Fort Payne Police Department
101 Glenn Blvd SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-1666
Rainsville Police Department
95 McCurdy Ave N
Rainsville, AL 35986
Phone: (256) 638-2023
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The DeKalb County Circuit Clerk, operating within the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, maintains criminal case records linked to arrests processed through the county court system. Members of the public may search by an arrestee's name to locate associated court case filings, charge dispositions, and scheduled hearing dates. Court case records provide a secondary source of arrest-related information, particularly for cases that have progressed beyond the initial booking stage.
DeKalb County Circuit Clerk
300 Grand Ave SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-8525
DeKalb County - Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search provides access to records of individuals currently incarcerated within the state prison system. This database reflects individuals who have been sentenced to state custody following conviction and does not include individuals held at the county jail level pending trial. No fee is assessed for use of this online search tool. Historical data on previously released individuals is not available through this portal at present.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
2801 Jordan Rd SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Phone: (256) 845-3801
Jail: (256) 845-8565
DeKalb County Alabama Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Copy fees for records obtained in person are assessed pursuant to applicable Alabama law.
Clerk of Court:
DeKalb County Circuit Clerk
300 Grand Ave SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-8525
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
DeKalb County - Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the Clerk's office during regular business hours. Copy fees apply to documents reproduced from case files.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at 2801 Jordan Rd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35968. Each written request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (256) 845-3801 is staffed 24 hours per day. The jail information line at (256) 845-8565 may be used to inquire about current custody status. Information available by phone is limited; requestors seeking detailed records are directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record in a criminal matter may obtain records through the discovery process. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records sought in connection with active legal proceedings are subject to applicable court rules governing disclosure.
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, municipal department, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in DeKalb County
Arrest records in DeKalb County are public records under Alabama law. The Alabama Open Records Act, codified at § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, establishes that all public writings of every description are open to inspection by any citizen of Alabama, except as otherwise provided by law. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
The public interest in access to arrest records encompasses government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic and academic research, background screening for employment and housing, and use in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed under Alabama law
- Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access by court order
- Records sealed pursuant to court order
- Information pertaining to active investigations
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
- Victim identifying information in certain categories of cases
- Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Alabama's public records framework reflects a balance between governmental transparency and individual privacy. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest, which reflects probable cause, and a conviction, which reflects proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic and policy researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when those records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers subject to FCRA must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on criminal history. Alabama does not currently maintain a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt.
What's in DeKalb County Arrest Records
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
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public-facing records
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or a state law enforcement agency
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed at time of booking
- Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge classification, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints, which are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status, reflecting whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance release, or no bond
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, to the extent they are part of the public record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date, if available
- Judge assignment, where reflected in public records
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:
- Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in DeKalb County?
Alabama law permits public agencies to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. The following fee structure applies to records obtained from DeKalb County agencies under current policy:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page (standard rate) |
| Certified copies (court records) | $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| Record search fee | No statutory search fee required |
Members of the public may inspect public records without charge; fees apply only to reproduction. Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk's office include cash, money order, and in some cases personal check. The fee structure for public records reproduction is governed by § 36-12-41 of the Code of Alabama, which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable costs of reproduction.
Online access to the inmate roster through the Sheriff's Office website and the inmate search through the Alabama Department of Corrections is available at no charge. Court case information accessible through the Alacourt system may require registration and payment of access fees depending on the level of detail requested.
Fee waiver provisions are not broadly established under Alabama's open records framework, though agencies retain discretion to waive fees in appropriate circumstances, such as for indigent requestors or requests serving a clear public interest.
How To Delete Arrest Records in DeKalb County
Alabama law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or sealing of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under the Alabama Expungement Act, codified at § 15-27-1 et seq. of the Code of Alabama, eligible individuals may petition the circuit court to expunge arrest records under specified circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Expungement May Be Available:
- Charges were dismissed with prejudice
- The individual was found not guilty at trial
- Charges were no-billed by a grand jury
- The prosecution declined to file charges and the applicable statute of limitations has expired
- The individual successfully completed a court-approved diversion program
- Certain nonviolent misdemeanor and felony convictions, subject to waiting periods and eligibility criteria
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the disposition of the case from the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk
- Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Circuit Clerk's office
- File the petition in the circuit court in the county where the arrest occurred
- Pay the filing fee, which is currently set at $300.00 for most petitions under Alabama law
- Serve the petition on the arresting agency and the district attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing if the petition is contested
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the record
Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:
DeKalb County Circuit Clerk
300 Grand Ave SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-8525
DeKalb County - Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama
DeKalb County District Attorney's Office
300 Grand Ave SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-5160
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Alabama attorney, as eligibility determinations are fact-specific and procedural requirements are strictly enforced. Expungement does not guarantee removal from third-party commercial databases, which are not subject to court expungement orders.
What Happens After Arrest in DeKalb County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the DeKalb County Jail, which serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The jail houses individuals arrested by the Sheriff's Office as well as those arrested by municipal police departments in Fort Payne, Fyffe, Sylvania, Rainsville, and other municipalities within the county. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest.
DeKalb County Jail
2801 Jordan Rd SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Phone: (256) 845-8565
DeKalb County Jail Information
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the 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 information, photographing (mugshot), fingerprinting, criminal history and outstanding warrant checks, personal property inventory, medical screening, and housing classification.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Alabama law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 72 hours of arrest in most circumstances. At the initial 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. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. 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 engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Alabama law. 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 status, 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 out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
Release on bond may be subject to conditions including regular check-in with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision requirements.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours. The defendant receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. Defendants who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to jail rules and procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
DeKalb County Public Defender's Office
300 Grand Ave SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-5160
Eligibility for public defender representation is based on financial need. Defendants who retain private counsel may arrange confidential attorney visits at the jail. The Alabama State Bar's lawyer referral service is available at (800) 354-6154 for individuals seeking private representation.
Charging Decision:
The DeKalb County District Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed by indictment. The timeframe for charging decisions varies from days to several weeks depending on case complexity.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or, in some circumstances, no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence; pretrial motions, which may include motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges; pretrial conferences; and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion program completion, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial.
Sentencing (if convicted):
Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination thereof. The defendant receives credit for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: within 72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: days to several weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying widely by case complexity
- Misdemeanor cases: resolved within weeks to several months
- Felony cases: resolved within several months to over one year in complex matters
- Right to speedy trial: guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 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 this right
- Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail arrangements
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in DeKalb County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in DeKalb County is governed by Alabama law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Under current law, the retention period for a given arrest record depends on the outcome of the case, the severity of the offense, and the agency maintaining the record.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions: Records of felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's criminal history repository, and the FBI's Interstate Identification Index. These records form part of the individual's permanent criminal history and are accessible through background checks indefinitely.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently at the court level. Local law enforcement retention periods may vary, but state repository records are maintained on a long-term basis consistent with the permanent nature of conviction records.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges: Local law enforcement agencies retain arrest records for dismissed charges for a period that varies by agency policy. Court records for dismissed cases are retained permanently in the court's electronic case management system. These records may remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement order.
Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in acquittal are retained by local law enforcement and the court. Court records are maintained permanently in electronic form. State repository records may be updated to reflect the acquittal but the underlying arrest record may remain unless expunged.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests in which no charges were filed are subject to shorter retention periods and may be eligible for expungement under Alabama law upon expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the applicable records retention schedule. Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome.
Digital Records: Records management system entries and computer-aided dispatch records are retained for periods established by agency policy, with electronic court records maintained on a permanent basis in most instances. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial operators are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.
Retention by Agency:
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
2801 Jordan Rd SW
Fort Payne, AL 35968
Phone: (256) 845-3801
DeKalb County Alabama Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office retains booking records and arrest reports in accordance with the Alabama records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained for periods that vary based on the nature and disposition of the case.
DeKalb County Circuit Clerk
300 Grand Ave SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-8525
DeKalb County - Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama
Criminal case files for felony matters are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of six years following disposition. Electronic records are maintained on a permanent basis.
State Repository:
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest records from all jurisdictions within Alabama. State repository records are retained in accordance with ALEA policy and are accessible to authorized agencies for background check purposes.
FBI Database:
The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records of arrests reported by Alabama agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all relevant databases. A dismissal may result in the record remaining in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order. An expungement order directs local agencies and the state repository to seal or destroy the record, but the FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement rather than removing the underlying record entirely. The timeframe for removal following an expungement order varies by agency.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Alabama does not currently impose a shorter reporting period for non-conviction records by statute. Third-party background check companies and commercial mugshot websites are not subject to court expungement orders and may not update their records following expungement, requiring separate action by the subject to request removal.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (256) 845-3801 or submit a written public records request to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office at 2801 Jordan Rd SW, Fort Payne, AL 35968. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to such requests.