Randolph County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Randolph County in 2026
RandolphALRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Randolph County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal history summaries, bond information, and court case filings. The availability and completeness of individual records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, the Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search portal, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's criminal records division, and the Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk's office. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for in-person case searches. Online tools maintained by state agencies provide real-time or regularly updated data on current inmates and criminal history.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the Randolph County Jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status, recent bookings, and charge information. The jail roster reflects individuals currently held in custody and is updated on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur. Available information includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and bond status.
2. Local Police Departments
Randolph County is a predominantly rural jurisdiction. Law enforcement within the county is handled primarily by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, with municipal police departments operating in incorporated areas such as Wedowee and Roanoke. The Roanoke Police Department handles arrests within the City of Roanoke and may maintain separate arrest logs and press releases. Members of the public seeking arrest information from a specific municipal jurisdiction should contact the relevant department directly to determine available records and applicable request procedures.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk maintains criminal case files associated with arrests that proceed to formal charges. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the Alabama Alacourt system or by visiting the clerk's office in person. Court case records linked to an arrest include the case number, charges filed, hearing dates, and case disposition. This resource is particularly useful when an arrest has resulted in formal prosecution.
Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk
Randolph County Courthouse, 1 Main Street
Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4551
Alabama Unified Judicial System
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Criminal Records Identification Unit of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. This database includes fingerprint-based arrest records for all individuals arrested in Alabama. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search; certified background checks require fingerprinting and are subject to a fee. The unit's records include arrests, dispositions, and conviction data from jurisdictions statewide. The Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search provides a complementary tool for locating individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
PO Box 347, Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4545
Fax: (256) 357-2790
Sheriff's Office – Randolph County Alabama
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Fees for copies of records are assessed at the time of the request. Office hours follow standard county business hours; members of the public should contact the office in advance to confirm availability.
Clerk of Court:
Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk
1 Main Street, Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4551
Alabama Unified Judicial System
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular courthouse business hours. Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with Alabama law. Members of the public may inspect case files without charge; fees apply to reproduced copies.
By Mail:
Written public records requests may be submitted to the Randolph County Sheriff's Office at PO Box 347, Wedowee, AL 36278. A written request should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if available, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copy fees should be included with the request in the form accepted by the office. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (256) 357-4545 during regular business hours. The Randolph County Sheriff's Department Hotline is available at 1-877-247 for general inquiries. Telephone inquiries are limited in scope; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person for detailed record access. Information available by phone is limited to general custody status and may require the caller to provide the subject's full name and date of birth.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued to compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. In civil litigation, arrest records may be obtained through standard discovery mechanisms applicable under Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Randolph County
Arrest records in Randolph County are public records subject to disclosure under the Alabama Open Records Act, codified at § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, which establishes the right of every citizen to inspect and copy public writings maintained by state and county agencies. Arrest records are treated as public documents because they reflect the exercise of governmental authority and serve the interests of transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, legal proceedings, and background screening.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot or 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 following a court order
- Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
- Identities of undercover law enforcement officers
- Confidential informant information
- Victim-identifying information in applicable cases
- Information pertaining to participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The public's right to access arrest records is grounded in both the Alabama Open Records Act and First Amendment principles recognizing press and public access to governmental proceedings. Courts have consistently held that the government's interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges have not resulted in conviction. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating in compliance with federal law
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and adverse action requirements. Alabama does not currently maintain a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though individual municipalities may have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and may not be used as evidence of criminal conduct.
What's in Randolph 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 gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest, including street address or general area
- Arresting agency, such as the Randolph County Sheriff's Office or a municipal police department
- 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 the time of booking
- Statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of the booking facility
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints, which are collected during booking but are not included in standard public 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 bond, 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 formal charging
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment, where available
Prior Arrest History:
Prior arrests within the county may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request.
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques employed
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number, which is redacted from public copies
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information not routinely available to the public
- Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest and are maintained by the Clerk of Court
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Randolph County?
The cost of obtaining arrest records in Randolph County is governed by Alabama law and the fee schedules established by the relevant custodial agency. Under § 36-12-41 of the Code of Alabama, agencies are authorized to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records.
| Record Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 per page |
| Certified copy | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic format | Varies by agency |
| Search fee | May apply for extensive searches |
| In-person inspection | No charge for inspection only |
Members of the public may inspect arrest records in person at no charge. Fees apply to reproduced copies. Certification fees are assessed separately when a certified copy is required for legal or official purposes. Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, money order, or check payable to the relevant agency. Electronic payment options, if available, are confirmed at the time of the request.
Fee waiver provisions may apply in limited circumstances, such as requests submitted by indigent individuals or by members of the media for records of significant public interest. Requesters seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation with their request. Fees for state-level criminal history records obtained through the ALEA Criminal Records Identification Unit are set separately and are subject to change; members of the public should confirm current fees directly with that agency.
Members of the public may access the following at no charge:
- In-person inspection of public arrest records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
- Online inmate search through the Alabama Department of Corrections
- Name-based case searches through the Alabama Alacourt public portal
How To Delete Arrest Records in Randolph County
Alabama law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under § 15-27-1 et seq. of the Code of Alabama, individuals who meet statutory eligibility criteria may petition the court for expungement of qualifying arrest records.
Expungement is available in Alabama under the following circumstances:
- 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
- The individual successfully completed a pretrial diversion program
- Certain nonviolent misdemeanor and felony convictions, subject to waiting periods and eligibility requirements established by statute
The expungement process in Randolph County requires the following steps:
- Determine eligibility based on the disposition of the underlying case and the nature of the charges
- Obtain a certified copy of the case disposition from the Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk
- Complete the petition for expungement on the form prescribed by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
- File the petition in the Randolph County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee
- Serve the petition on the arresting agency and the district attorney's office
- Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition
- If the court grants the petition, provide certified copies of the expungement order to all agencies maintaining records of the arrest
The filing fee for an expungement petition in Alabama is currently $300.00, payable to the circuit court clerk. Fee waiver provisions may apply in cases of demonstrated indigency.
Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk
1 Main Street, Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4551
Alabama Unified Judicial System
Randolph County District Attorney's Office
Randolph County Courthouse, 1 Main Street
Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4551
Members of the public seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Alabama attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The Alabama State Bar's lawyer referral service may assist individuals in locating qualified counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Randolph County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Randolph County Jail, operated by the Randolph County Sheriff's Office under the direction of Sheriff David Cofield. The facility is located at the address associated with the Sheriff's Office in Wedowee. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires additional processing.
Randolph County Jail
PO Box 347, Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4545
Sheriff's Office – Randolph County Alabama
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Randolph County Jail, the individual undergoes the booking process, which includes recording of personal information, photographing (mugshot), fingerprinting, a criminal history check, an outstanding warrants check, inventory and storage of personal property, issuance of a jail uniform, and medical and mental health screening. The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. A booking number is assigned and becomes the primary identifier for the arrest record.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Alabama law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate for an initial appearance within 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, advises the individual of the right to counsel, determines bond or bail, and appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent and cannot afford private counsel. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: Cash bond requires payment of the full bond amount in cash. The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate based on the nature of the charges, the individual's criminal history, and flight risk assessment. Cash bond is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A surety bond is posted through a licensed bail bondsman. The individual or a family member pays a non-refundable premium, which is set by Alabama law at ten percent of the total bond amount. The bondsman posts the full bond with the court.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): A personal recognizance bond releases the individual on a written promise to appear at all future court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.
No Bond: Certain individuals are held without bond, including those charged with serious violent offenses, individuals assessed as a danger to the community or a significant flight risk, individuals on probation or parole at the time of arrest, and individuals subject to immigration detainers 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 Posted: Following payment of bond, the individual is processed for release, which takes approximately one to eight hours. Personal property is returned, and the individual receives written notice of all upcoming court dates and conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
If Bond Not Posted: Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody at the Randolph County Jail pending resolution of their case. They are assigned housing within the facility, receive an orientation to jail rules and procedures, and are provided access to commissary, telephone, and visitation in accordance with the facility's schedule.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender: Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointment of a public defender. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance. The public defender's office serving Randolph County is part of the Alabama circuit public defender system.
Private Attorney: Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking qualified criminal defense representation. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Following arrest, the Randolph County District Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different or additional charges. For felony offenses, the case may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment. The grand jury process does not include participation by the defense.
Arraignment: At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase: The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Pretrial conferences facilitate communication between counsel and the court regarding case resolution.
Plea Negotiations: The district attorney may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation. The defendant, in consultation with counsel, decides whether to accept the agreement or proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed disposition
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial; the prosecution and defense present their respective cases, and a verdict is returned
Sentencing (if convicted): Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination of these options. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant retains the right to appeal the conviction and sentence.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | Within 72 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to several weeks |
| Arraignment to resolution (misdemeanor) | Weeks to several months |
| Arraignment to resolution (felony) | Several months to over one year |
Rights Throughout Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Randolph County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
PO Box 347, Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4545
Sheriff's Office – Randolph County Alabama
Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk
1 Main Street, Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4551
Alabama Unified Judicial System
Randolph County District Attorney's Office
Randolph County Courthouse, 1 Main Street
Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4551
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of bond or pretrial release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Randolph County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Randolph County is governed by Alabama law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Agencies maintaining arrest records are required to adhere to applicable retention schedules, which vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions: Records associated with felony convictions are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the ALEA state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center. These records form part of the individual's permanent criminal history and are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Records associated with misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court. The state repository maintains these records as part of the individual's criminal history. Retention periods for local copies may vary by agency policy.
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and the state repository unless the individual obtains an expungement order. Court records of dismissed cases are retained according to the applicable court records retention schedule.
Acquittals: Records of arrests resulting in a not guilty verdict at trial are retained by local law enforcement and the court. These records may be sealed or expunged upon petition by the individual.
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. Local arrest logs may be retained for a period of years before purging in accordance with the applicable retention schedule.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained in accordance with the agency's records retention schedule. Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense.
Digital Records: Computer-aided dispatch records, records management system entries, and electronic court records are often retained for extended periods or permanently. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely.
Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records beyond the retention periods applicable to government agencies. These entities are not required to update their records when a government agency expunges or seals a record, though the FCRA imposes accuracy obligations on consumer reporting agencies.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office: The Randolph County Sheriff's Office retains booking records, arrest reports, and investigative files in accordance with the Alabama records retention schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office at (256) 357-4545 to inquire about the retention status of a specific record.
Clerk of Court: The Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk retains criminal case files in accordance with the Alabama court records retention schedule. Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor and traffic case files are retained for periods specified in the applicable schedule. Electronic court records are retained permanently in most instances.
State Repository: The ALEA Criminal Records Identification Unit maintains arrest and criminal history records for all individuals arrested in Alabama. The state repository's retention policy provides for permanent retention of records associated with felony arrests and convictions, with varying policies for misdemeanor and non-conviction records.
FBI Database: The FBI's National Crime Information Center and Interstate Identification Index maintain arrest records submitted by Alabama law enforcement agencies. Federal retention is permanent for most categories of records. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Retention Outcome |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent retention in all databases |
| Dismissal | Remains unless expunged; may not appear on standard background checks |
| Acquittal | Remains unless expunged or sealed |
| No charges filed | Shortest retention; may be purged automatically |
| Expungement granted | Local records destroyed or sealed; state repository updated; FBI may retain with notation |
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 statewide restriction on the reporting period for conviction records beyond the FCRA framework. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies in certain circumstances, and employers in some jurisdictions are prohibited from considering non-conviction arrest records in employment decisions.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Randolph County Sheriff's Records Division at (256) 357-4545 or submit a written public records request through the Randolph County open records request process. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to a written request.