Search Madison County Arrest Records

Madison County arrest records are kept by the Madison County Sheriff's Office. They run a full inmate roster online with booking info and mugshots. The county is home to Huntsville, Alabama's largest city. Madison County is in the 23rd Judicial Circuit. The jail on Wheeler Avenue handles thousands of arrests each year. The sheriff's office has one of the better online inmate search tools in the state. It's easy to look up who's in jail right now.

Madison County Sheriff's Office

The Madison County Sheriff's Office handles all arrests in parts of the county outside city limits. They run the main jail where all local arrests get processed. This includes arrests made by police in Huntsville, Madison, and other cities in the county. The sheriff's office is one of the bigger law enforcement agencies in North Alabama. They keep an active website with resources for the public.

Madison County Detention Facility

The Madison County Detention Facility is a medium-security jail on Wheeler Avenue in Huntsville. It can hold about 1,220 inmates. People waiting for trial stay here. So do those serving short sentences. The jail handles all bookings for arrests made in Madison County. It doesn't matter which agency made the arrest. Inmates can get visits. The jail posts info about visit times and rules on the sheriff's website.

How to Search Madison County Arrest Records

Online Inmate Roster

The Madison County Sheriff's Office keeps a full inmate roster on their website. This roster shows all current inmates in the jail along with booking info. You can search by name to find someone. Or just browse the full list. The roster usually shows the inmate's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and mugshot. It's free to use. You don't need to sign up.

The inmate roster updates often as new arrests happen and inmates get released. Keep in mind that someone arrested late at night may not show up until the next morning. Processing takes time. If you don't find someone you think is in jail, try again later. You can also call the jail directly.

Alacourt Case Search

Once charges get filed in court, you can search for case info through the Alacourt Public Access system. Pick Madison County from the dropdown. Choose the case type (Criminal, Traffic, etc.). Then enter the name or case number. Alacourt shows case filings, hearing dates, case outcomes, and sentencing details. It's free and covers all Alabama counties.

VINELink Notifications

Madison County uses the VINELink victim notification system. You can sign up for alerts when an inmate's status changes. Get notified by phone, email, or text when someone gets released, transferred, or escapes. This is really useful for crime victims who want to know when an offender is getting out. The service is free. It works 24/7.

In-Person Records Requests

For records that aren't online, you can ask in person. Go to the sheriff's office or the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Bring a valid ID. Be ready to say exactly what records you need. Some records take time to pull up. Older records might be stored off-site. The clerk's office can give you certified copies of court records for a fee.

Madison County Court Records

Criminal cases in Madison County go to the 23rd Judicial Circuit Court. The Circuit Court handles felony cases. The District Court handles misdemeanors and first hearings. Court records include the charging document, motions, hearing transcripts, and the final outcome. These records become public once the case gets filed. Some documents may be sealed by court order.

Circuit Court Clerk

The Madison County Circuit Court Clerk keeps all court records. They handle requests for copies and certified documents. This office processes criminal case filings. They also keep dockets and give case info to the public.

District Court

Madison County District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic tickets, and first hearings for felony cases. The court is in the same building as the Circuit Court.

Additional Arrest Record Resources

Huntsville Police Department

The Huntsville Police Department is the biggest law enforcement agency in Madison County. Arrests made by Huntsville PD get processed at the Madison County jail. For records about Huntsville Police cases, contact their records division.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)

For official criminal history reports, you can ask ALEA for a background check. This gives you a more complete record than online searches. It includes arrests and convictions from all over the state. ALEA checks need fingerprints and a fee.

Federal Court Records

Madison County is in the Northern District of Alabama for federal cases. Federal arrests and cases are handled apart from state cases. You can search federal court records through the PACER system.

Fees for Madison County Arrest Records

Most online searches are free. That includes the sheriff's inmate roster and the Alacourt system. You pay fees when you need certified copies of court documents or official criminal history reports. Payment methods vary by office. The Circuit Clerk's office takes cash, checks, and money orders. Some offices may take credit cards too.

Legal Framework for Public Records Access

Alabama law gives the public access to arrest records and other government documents. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, every citizen can look at and copy any public writing in the state. Some records are blocked by other laws. But this forms the legal basis for getting arrest records in Madison County and all of Alabama.

What Information Is Available

Public arrest records in Madison County usually include the name of the arrested person. You'll also see the date and time of arrest, charges at booking, bond amount, mugshot, and the arresting agency. Once a case goes to court, more info opens up. That includes charges filed, hearing dates, plea entered, trial info, verdict, and sentence.

Records That May Be Restricted

Some records are not open to the public. Juvenile records are private under Alabama law. Sealed or expunged records get taken out of public view. Ongoing cases may have blocked info until an arrest is made. Some personal details like Social Security numbers and home addresses may be blacked out from public documents.

Expungement in Alabama

Alabama lets people clear certain arrest records in some cases. If charges were dropped, the person was found not guilty, or they finished a diversion program, they may be able to get the record expunged. You have to file a petition with the court and pay a filing fee. If the court says yes, the record gets sealed from public view.

Search Madison County Records

Use the search tool below to find arrest records and other public records in Madison County and across Alabama.

Cities in Madison County

Madison County has several cities and towns. Huntsville is the county seat. It's also the largest city in Alabama. Arrests made by city police get processed at the Madison County jail.

Other cities in Madison County include Madison, Triana, Gurley, New Hope, and Owens Cross Roads. These smaller cities don't have their own pages. But residents can still find arrest records through the Madison County Sheriff's Office.

Nearby Counties

Looking for arrest records in North Alabama? You may want to check these nearby counties too.