Baldwin County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Baldwin County
Arrest records in Baldwin County are considered public records under Alabama law. Pursuant to the Alabama Open Records Act, codified in § 36-12-40 of the Alabama Code, citizens have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by governmental bodies. This statute establishes that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of the offense through legal proceedings. Under Alabama law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.
The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes basic information available to the public in accordance with state transparency laws. However, certain information may be redacted or restricted if its release would:
- Compromise an ongoing investigation
- Violate personal privacy beyond the scope of public interest
- Endanger the safety of law enforcement personnel
- Interfere with judicial proceedings
It should be noted that juvenile arrest records are generally not public and are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under § 12-15-133 of the Alabama Code.
What's in Baldwin County Arrest Records
Baldwin County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race
- Height and weight
- Address (may be partially redacted)
- Identifying marks or tattoos
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name or badge number
- Reason for arrest
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge description
- Alabama Code section violated
- Multiple charges if applicable
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Processing facility
- Fingerprint information
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond amount
- Bond type
- Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
- Conditions of release if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judge assigned
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Expected release date (if applicable)
- Facility where detained
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status
- Vehicle information related to arrest
- Property seized during arrest
- Incident reports related to the arrest
The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and the 28th Judicial Circuit Court.
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Baldwin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Baldwin County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that accommodate both in-person and remote requests.
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours.
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office
310 Hand Avenue
Bay Minette, AL 36507
(251) 937-0202
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office
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Complete a public records request form, providing:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Requestor's contact information
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying:
- Search fee: $5.00 per name
- Copy fee: $0.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
Written Requests:
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Submit a formal written request to the Records Division by mail, including:
- Specific information requested
- Purpose of request
- Requestor's contact information
- Notarized signature if requesting complete records
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Address written requests to:
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Records Division
310 Hand Avenue
Bay Minette, AL 36507
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Include payment for applicable fees by check or money order.
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Allow 7-10 business days for processing.
Pursuant to § 36-12-41 of the Alabama Code, the custodian of records must respond to requests within a reasonable time. For expedited service, requestors may consider utilizing the online search options detailed in subsequent sections.
How To Find Baldwin County Arrest Records Online
Baldwin County provides several digital platforms for accessing arrest records electronically. These online resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The primary online resource is the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Arrest Search portal. This official database allows users to search for recent arrest information using the following steps:
- Navigate to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office website arrest search section.
- Enter search criteria in at least one of the following fields:
- Last name (required)
- First name (optional but recommended)
- Date range (optional)
- Click "Search" to view results.
- Review the list of matching records, which typically display:
- Name of arrestee
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Select a specific record to view additional details.
Additionally, the Open Baldwin portal serves as a comprehensive resource for county public records, including arrest information. This platform provides:
- Historical Circuit Court cases
- Inmate search capabilities for the Baldwin County Corrections Center
- Sex offender registry information
- Links to other county services and information
For statewide criminal history information, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains a criminal records database that may include Baldwin County arrests. Access to complete criminal history records through ALEA requires:
- Submission of a Criminal History Information Request Form
- Payment of required fees
- Proper identification
- Legal authorization for certain types of background checks
Online searches typically display only basic information, with more detailed records requiring formal requests through official channels. Information available online is generally limited to recent arrests and may not include complete case disposition or historical records.
How To Search Baldwin County Arrest Records for Free?
Baldwin County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several publicly available resources.
The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office provides a free online arrest search tool that allows users to view basic information about recent arrests. This resource includes:
- Names of individuals arrested
- Booking dates
- Charges filed
- Current custody status
- Bond information
To utilize this free service:
- Visit the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Arrest Search" section
- Enter the individual's last name (minimum requirement)
- Refine search with additional parameters if needed
- Review the results displayed
The Open Baldwin portal also offers free access to various public records, including limited arrest information. This county transparency initiative provides:
- Inmate search capabilities
- Court case information
- Sex offender registry data
For in-person research at no cost, individuals may visit:
Baldwin County Courthouse
312 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
(251) 937-9561
Baldwin County Circuit Court
At this location, public access terminals are available during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday) for searching court records related to arrests.
Local public libraries in Baldwin County also provide free internet access where residents can utilize the online resources mentioned above. Major library locations include:
Foley Public Library
319 East Laurel Avenue
Foley, AL 36535
(251) 943-7665
Fairhope Public Library
501 Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope, AL 36532
(251) 928-7483
While basic information is available at no cost, comprehensive records or certified copies typically require payment of statutory fees as outlined in § 12-19-90 of the Alabama Code.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Baldwin County
The process of removing arrest records from public access in Baldwin County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These procedures are governed by Alabama's expungement law, codified in § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16 of the Alabama Code.
Expungement Eligibility:
Under current Alabama law, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:
- Charges were dismissed with prejudice
- No-bills were returned by a grand jury
- The person was found not guilty of the charge
- The charge was dismissed without prejudice more than two years ago and has not been refiled
- The person completed a diversion program, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court
- For certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies where the person has satisfied all requirements of the sentence
Expungement Process:
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File a Petition for Expungement with the 28th Judicial Circuit Court in Baldwin County.
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Pay the filing fee of $300 (non-refundable) as required by § 15-27-4.
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Provide certified copies of:
- Arrest record
- Case disposition documents
- Court records related to the case
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Submit to fingerprinting and a criminal background check.
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Serve copies of the petition to:
- District Attorney's Office
- Law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Alabama Bureau of Investigation
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Attend the scheduled hearing if the District Attorney contests the petition.
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If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order and distribute to all agencies with records.
Record Sealing:
For juvenile records, § 12-15-136 provides a separate process for sealing records. Juvenile records may be sealed if:
- Two years have passed since the final discharge of the person
- No criminal charges are pending against the person
- The person has not been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude
It is important to note that even when records are expunged from public access, certain government agencies may still retain access to these records for specific purposes, including law enforcement and certain types of employment screening.
Due to the legal complexity of the expungement process, individuals seeking to delete arrest records are strongly encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney familiar with Alabama expungement law.
What Happens After Arrest in Baldwin County?
Following an arrest in Baldwin County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several key stages:
Initial Custody and Booking:
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Baldwin County Corrections Center for processing. The booking procedure includes:
- Photographing (mugshot)
- Fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Recording of arrest information
Initial Appearance:
Within 72 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), defendants appear before a judge for:
- Formal notification of charges
- Advisement of constitutional rights
- Determination of bail eligibility and amount
- Appointment of counsel if the defendant qualifies
This proceeding takes place at the Baldwin County Courthouse under the jurisdiction of the 28th Judicial Circuit Court.
Bail Considerations:
Bail determinations are made according to a schedule for common offenses or at judicial discretion for more serious charges. Factors considered include:
- Nature and severity of the alleged offense
- Defendant's criminal history
- Community ties and flight risk
- Public safety concerns
Preliminary Hearing:
For felony cases, defendants may request a preliminary hearing within 30 days of arrest. At this hearing:
- The prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- The defense may challenge the sufficiency of evidence
- The judge determines if the case should proceed to grand jury
Grand Jury Proceedings:
Felony cases proceed to the Baldwin County Grand Jury, which:
- Reviews evidence presented by the District Attorney
- Determines whether sufficient evidence exists to issue an indictment
- Meets in closed sessions not open to the public or defendants
Arraignment:
Following indictment (for felonies) or formal charging (for misdemeanors), defendants appear for arraignment to:
- Hear the formal charges
- Enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest)
- Receive trial dates and other procedural information
Case Disposition:
Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea agreements negotiated between the defense and prosecution
- Pretrial diversion programs for eligible defendants
- Trial by judge or jury
- Dismissal of charges
Throughout this process, arrest records are generated and maintained by various agencies including the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, the District Attorney's Office, and the 28th Judicial Circuit Court.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Baldwin County?
Arrest records in Baldwin County are maintained according to Alabama's records retention requirements, primarily governed by Alabama Code § 41-13-23, which establishes the State Records Commission and its authority over public records retention.
Standard Retention Periods:
- Arrest reports: Permanent retention
- Booking photographs: Minimum 75 years
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Arrest warrants: 25 years after execution or recall
- Incident reports related to arrests: 20 years
- Juvenile arrest records: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed (with exceptions)
Different agencies maintain separate retention schedules:
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The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office retains arrest records according to law enforcement standards established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
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The 28th Judicial Circuit Court maintains case files related to arrests according to judicial retention schedules, which typically require permanent retention for felony cases and 25 years for misdemeanor cases.
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The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains statewide criminal history information, including Baldwin County arrests, in perpetuity unless expunged by court order.
Electronic records are increasingly replacing paper documentation, but retention requirements remain consistent regardless of format. The Alabama Department of Archives and History provides oversight and guidance on records management practices to ensure compliance with state law.
Records retention serves several critical purposes:
- Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
- Maintains documentation for background checks and security clearances
- Provides statistical data for crime analysis and resource allocation
- Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
- Facilitates research and policy development
Individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest records must pursue expungement through legal channels as described in the previous section, as natural expiration of retention periods does not typically occur for most arrest documentation.
How to Find Mugshots in Baldwin County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Baldwin County, mugshots are captured as part of standard booking procedures at the Baldwin County Corrections Center.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots for Baldwin County arrests are primarily maintained by:
- The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- The Baldwin County Corrections Center
- The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (for statewide criminal history records)
Finding Mugshots
To locate official mugshots in Baldwin County, individuals may:
- Submit a public records request to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Records Division:
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Records Division
310 Hand Avenue
Bay Minette, AL 36507
(251) 937-0202
-
Include in the request:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information and identification
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Pay applicable fees:
- Search fee: $5.00
- Reproduction fee: $5.00 per mugshot
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Arrest Search portal provides limited booking information but does not typically display mugshots publicly. This policy reflects a balance between public information access and privacy considerations.
Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sources:
- May not be current or accurate
- Often charge fees for removal (a practice discouraged by law enforcement)
- Are not officially sanctioned by Baldwin County authorities
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official purposes such as legal proceedings or authorized background checks, mugshots may be obtained through:
- Court-ordered discovery in criminal cases
- Formal criminal history requests through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- Certified public records requests with proper documentation of purpose
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted in certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrests (protected under § 12-15-133)
- Expunged records (pursuant to § 15-27-6)
- Active investigations where release could compromise public safety
- Cases involving certain victims (domestic violence, sexual assault)
Baldwin County follows Alabama state law regarding the balance between public records access and privacy protections when determining mugshot release policies.
Lookup Arrest Records in Baldwin County
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Arrest Search
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office
Open Baldwin Public Records Portal