Cherokee County Public Records / Cherokee County Arrest Records

Cherokee County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cherokee County in 2026

CherokeeCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Cherokee County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and inmate roster entries. The completeness and currency of any record depends on the originating agency and applicable disclosure rules.

Records may be searched through official government resources, the county clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies. The following sections outline each available method in detail.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that members of the public may access online. The Cherokee County Inmate Search portal allows users to search for individuals currently held in the county detention facility. Available information includes the inmate's full name, booking date, arresting agency, charges, and bond amount. The roster is updated on a rolling basis as new bookings are processed and releases are recorded.

2. Local Police Departments

Cherokee County, Alabama, is served primarily by the Sheriff's Office, with municipal law enforcement operating in Centre, Gaylesville, Cedar Bluff, and other incorporated communities. The Centre Police Department and other municipal agencies may publish arrest logs or press releases through their respective websites or local media outlets. Members of the public seeking arrest information from a specific municipal jurisdiction should contact that department's records division directly to confirm availability and request procedures.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Cherokee County Circuit and District Courts. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides online case search tools through the Alacourt system, which allows users to search by defendant name and retrieve associated case numbers, charge descriptions, and hearing dates. The Magistrates & Warrants page for Cherokee County also provides information on warrant status, noting that "an arrest warrant is NOT a matter of public record until it is served."

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains a statewide criminal history repository through its Criminal Records Identification Unit. According to ALEA, "the Criminal History Section maintains fingerprint files for all arrested offenders in the state of Alabama, as well as deceased persons, and ensures the accuracy and completeness of criminal history records." Members of the public may submit a name-based or fingerprint-based request for criminal history information through the Criminal Records Identification Unit. A fee applies for non-law-enforcement requests; current fee schedules are posted on the ALEA website.

The Alabama Department of Corrections also provides a statewide Inmate Search tool. The search fields accept first and last name separately or in combination, and the system returns records for individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
100 Main Street SW, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3365
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located within the main facility
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

Centre Police Department
101 West Main Street, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3226

Records requests are accepted in person during business hours
Requestors should provide the subject's full name and approximate date of incident
Fees for copies follow the standard schedule established under Alabama Code § 36-12-40

Clerk of Court:

Cherokee County Circuit Clerk's Office
100 Main Street SW, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3668
Cherokee County Commission

Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Case files may be inspected at the public access terminal in the clerk's office
Copy fees: $0.25–$1.00 per page depending on document type; certified copies carry an additional fee

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 100 Main Street SW, Centre, AL 35960. Each written request should include:

The subject's full legal name
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
The requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact phone number
Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Cherokee County Sheriff's Office)

Processing time for mailed requests is two to four weeks, depending on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office: (256) 927-3365
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Phone inquiries yield limited information; staff may direct callers to the online inmate search or an in-person visit for complete records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may obtain arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the custodial agency compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and evidence inventories are accessible through this mechanism.

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 police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Cherokee County

Arrest records in Cherokee County are public records subject to disclosure under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which establishes the right of every citizen to inspect and copy public writings maintained by state and local government agencies. Arrest records are treated as public documents because they reflect the exercise of governmental authority, support community awareness of law enforcement activity, and serve the interests of transparency in the criminal justice system.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Certain categories of arrest information are withheld from public disclosure under state and federal law:

Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed pursuant to Alabama's juvenile justice statutes
Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information pertaining to active investigations where disclosure would compromise law enforcement operations
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
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 the First Amendment's protection of the press and public access to government proceedings. Courts have recognized that transparency in the arrest process serves the dual purpose of deterring governmental misconduct and informing the public about law enforcement activity. This right is balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly where charges are not pursued or result in acquittal.

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 housing discrimination laws
Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers and landlords who obtain arrest records through consumer reporting agencies must comply with the FCRA, which governs the permissible use of criminal history information in employment and housing decisions. Under the FCRA, an arrest that did not result in conviction may not be reported by a consumer reporting agency after seven years. Alabama does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, but federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest record reflects a law enforcement action, not a judicial finding of guilt.

What's in Cherokee 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 or ethnicity
Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (subject to partial redaction in some records)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest, including street address or general area
Arresting agency and, where available, the name and badge number of the arresting officer
Booking date, time, and assigned booking number

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges and applicable statute numbers
Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence or gang-related designations, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of the booking facility
Intake timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Release date and time, if applicable
Conditions of release, where publicly available

Court Information:

Assigned court case number
Court jurisdiction (Circuit or District Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location and judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within the county may appear in booking records, including historical booking numbers and prior charge information. 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 or police report
Witness statements and victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques or surveillance methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted under state and federal law)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions, sentences, and dispositions
Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources, including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Cherokee County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Cherokee County is governed by Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying public records. Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25–$1.00 per page
Certified copies (Clerk of Court)	$1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee
Criminal history (ALEA, name-based)	$25.00 per request
Criminal history (ALEA, fingerprint-based)	$51.50 per request
Inspection of records (in-person)	No charge
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency

Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. ALEA accepts payment by check or money order for mailed requests and credit card for online submissions.

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests submitted by nonprofit organizations for public interest purposes. Requestors seeking a waiver should submit a written statement of financial hardship or organizational purpose along with the records request.

Online access to the inmate roster through the Sheriff's Office portal and the Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search is available at no charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cherokee County

In Alabama, the legal mechanism for removing arrest records from public access is expungement, which refers to the sealing of records so that they are no longer accessible to the general public. Expungement does not result in the physical destruction of records; rather, the records are sealed and withheld from public disclosure. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to sealed records for official purposes.

Under Alabama Code § 15-27-1 et seq., individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition the court for expungement of their arrest records. Eligibility depends on the disposition of the case:

Charges that were dismissed with prejudice are eligible for expungement immediately
Charges dismissed without prejudice may be eligible after a waiting period
Cases in which the prosecutor declined to file charges (nolle prosequi) are eligible after 90 days
Acquittals at trial are eligible for expungement
Certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Felony convictions are not eligible for expungement under current Alabama law, with limited exceptions for nonviolent Class C felonies under specific conditions

The expungement process requires the filing of a petition in the court where the case was adjudicated, payment of a filing fee (currently $300.00 in Alabama), service of the petition on the arresting agency and the district attorney's office, and a hearing before the circuit court judge. If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records.

Cherokee County Circuit Court
100 Main Street SW, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3668
Cherokee County Commission

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
300 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 954-5000
Alabama Courts

What Happens After Arrest in Cherokee County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center, located at 100 Main Street SW, Centre, AL 35960. 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.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process begins. The process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:

Recording of personal identification information
Administration of Miranda rights advisement, if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted for criminal history and outstanding warrant checks
Personal property inventoried and secured
Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Alabama law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge for an initial appearance within 72 hours of arrest. At this hearing:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
Bond or bail is determined
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
Rights are formally advisement

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. The Magistrates & Warrants page for Cherokee County provides information on the magistrate process and warrant status.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the detention facility
Funds are refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the magistrate or judge at the initial appearance or according to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically 10% of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's court appearances

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The defendant is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The defendant is held without the possibility of bond
Circumstances include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Conditions imposed at release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision reporting.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release takes one to eight hours following payment
Personal property is returned
The defendant receives a written notice of court dates and conditions of release
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The defendant remains in custody pending trial or case resolution
Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, and visitation scheduling are completed

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Indigent defendants are entitled to appointed counsel under the Sixth Amendment. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.

Cherokee County Public Defender's Office
100 Main Street SW, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3668

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660. Attorney visits to the detention facility are conducted in confidential consultation rooms.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Cherokee County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file charges by information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.

Cherokee County District Attorney's Office
100 Main Street SW, Suite 200, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3364

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or, in some circumstances, no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions—including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges—are filed and heard. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the arrest or charging process. A dismissal may support a subsequent expungement petition.
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 to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a recommended sentence.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. A not guilty verdict results in immediate release; a guilty verdict proceeds to sentencing.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The court may impose a sentence that includes incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant retains the right to appeal a conviction and sentence.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by charge complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: May extend six months to over one year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment and Alabama Constitution, Article I, § 6

Important Contacts:

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
100 Main Street SW, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3365
Inmate Information: (256) 927-3365
Cherokee County Commission

Cherokee County Circuit Clerk's Office
100 Main Street SW, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3668
Alabama Courts – Cherokee County

Cherokee County District Attorney's Office
100 Main Street SW, Suite 200, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3364

Cherokee County Public Defender's Office
100 Main Street SW, Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3668

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is 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 arrangements
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cherokee County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Cherokee County is governed by Alabama law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Agencies are required to maintain records for minimum periods specified in the applicable schedule and may not destroy records before those periods expire.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, ALEA, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without time limitation

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Clerk of Court and ALEA
Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years following case closure

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of five years
Court records are retained permanently unless expunged by court order
Records may remain in the ALEA repository unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals:

Court records are retained permanently
Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of five years
Eligible for expungement under Alabama Code § 15-27-1

Charges Not Filed or Nolle Prosequi:

Booking records are retained for a minimum of two to five years
Eligible for expungement 90 days after the nolle prosequi entry

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Minimum five years
Photographs: Retained with the associated booking record
Evidence: Retention varies based on case outcome and charge classification

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Permanent for felonies; variable for misdemeanors

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records and update them when notified of expungements, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not comply with expungement orders.

Retention by Agency:

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum five years
Arrest reports: Minimum five years
Investigative files: Varies by charge classification
Contact: (256) 927-3365

Cherokee County Circuit Clerk's Office:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum five years
Electronic records: Permanent
Contact: (256) 927-3668

ALEA Criminal Records Identification Unit: The Criminal Records Identification Unit maintains fingerprint-based criminal history records for all arrested individuals in Alabama. As stated by ALEA, "the Criminal History Section maintains fingerprint files for all arrested offenders in the state of Alabama." Records are retained in accordance with state and federal retention requirements and are accessible to law enforcement agencies statewide.

FBI Database:

NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Remains in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard employment background checks after seven years under the FCRA
Expungement: Local records are sealed; ALEA updates its repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to five years; eligible for expedited expungement in some circumstances

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests: Available through the online inmate search portal and ALEA
Arrests from five to twenty years ago: May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court; retrieval fees may apply
Arrests older than twenty years: May not be digitized; paper records are stored in agency archives and may be subject to destruction per the applicable retention schedule

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Alabama does not currently impose additional restrictions on the reporting period for convictions beyond the FCRA baseline. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not considered evidence of criminal conduct and may not be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance ordinances.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (256) 927-3365 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request submitted under Alabama Code § 36-12-40 may be required, and applicable copy fees will apply.