Limestone County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Limestone County?
Inmate records in Limestone County are official government documents maintained by the Limestone County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities that document the custody, care, and control of individuals who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive documentation system that tracks an individual from initial booking through release.
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, these records are maintained as part of the state's public records requirements, though certain elements may be restricted due to privacy concerns or ongoing investigations. Inmate records are distinct from court records in several important ways:
- Court records document judicial proceedings, charges, hearings, and case dispositions
- Inmate records document physical custody, housing assignments, and institutional behavior
- Court records are maintained by the Limestone County Circuit Clerk
- Inmate records are maintained by detention facilities and the Sheriff's Office
The creation of inmate records begins at booking, when an individual is processed into custody. The Limestone County Sheriff's Office collects identifying information, photographs, fingerprints, and charge details. Throughout incarceration, these records are continuously updated to reflect housing assignments, disciplinary actions, medical information, visitation logs, and program participation. Upon release, final disposition information is added, and the record is archived according to state retention schedules.
Are Inmate Records Public In Limestone County?
Inmate records in Limestone County are generally considered public records under Alabama law, with certain limitations to protect privacy and security interests. The Alabama Public Records Law 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."
Under current Alabama statutes, the following inmate record information is typically available to the public:
- Current inmate roster (individuals currently in custody)
- Basic booking information (name, age, gender)
- Charges filed and their status
- Mugshots/booking photographs
- Bond/bail amounts
- Expected release dates for sentenced inmates
- Facility housing location (general information)
However, pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1, certain information within inmate records is exempt from public disclosure, including:
- Medical and mental health records
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Information that would compromise institutional security
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
The Limestone County Sheriff's Office maintains discretion regarding the release of certain information, particularly when disclosure might compromise safety, security, or ongoing investigations. Members of the public seeking inmate information should be aware that while basic custody information is public, access to comprehensive inmate files typically requires proper authorization or a court order.
What's Included Inmate Records in Limestone County
Inmate records in Limestone County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the detention system. These records typically include the following categories of information:
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprints and other biometric data
- Last known address
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency and officer
- Intake assessment results
- Housing assignment history
- Classification status
- Disciplinary records
- Grievance filings
Charge Information:
- Current charges (misdemeanor or felony)
- Warrant information
- Case numbers
- Arresting circumstances
- Charge status (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, property)
- Bond amount
- Bond status (posted, denied, reduced)
- Conditions of release if applicable
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned
- Scheduled court appearances
- Court outcomes and dispositions
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length and terms
- Credit for time served
- Probation/parole eligibility dates
- Projected release date
- Good time/work time credits earned
Release Information:
- Release date and time
- Type of release (bond, time served, transfer)
- Release conditions
- Post-release supervision requirements
The comprehensiveness of these records ensures accountability within the corrections system and provides necessary documentation for administrative, legal, and public safety purposes in accordance with Alabama Administrative Code 420-2-5.
Limestone County Prison System
The Limestone County correctional system operates under a tiered structure that distinguishes between local detention and state incarceration facilities. The primary component of this system is the Limestone County Detention Center, which serves as the county's main facility for pre-trial detention and sentences of up to one year as prescribed by Alabama law.
The Limestone County Sheriff's Office has statutory responsibility for operating the county detention facilities. Under Alabama Code § 14-6-1, the sheriff is designated as the custodian of the county jail and is responsible for the safety, feeding, and care of all prisoners.
It is important to distinguish between county detention facilities and state prisons:
- County detention facilities primarily house individuals awaiting trial, serving misdemeanor sentences (typically under one year), or awaiting transfer to state facilities
- State prisons, operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections, house individuals convicted of felonies serving longer sentences
- County facilities focus on short-term custody and pre-trial services
- State facilities provide long-term rehabilitation and vocational programming
The Limestone County detention system operates under the direct supervision of:
Limestone County Sheriff's Office
101 South Jefferson Street
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 232-0111
Limestone County Sheriff's Office
Individuals sentenced to terms exceeding the county's jurisdiction are transferred to the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections, which maintains several facilities throughout the state, including the nearby Limestone Correctional Facility, a state prison located within Limestone County but operated by the state rather than county authorities.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Limestone County
Limestone County maintains several types of correctional facilities to accommodate various custody levels and inmate populations. Each facility serves specific functions within the county's correctional system:
Limestone County Detention Center
101 South Jefferson Street
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 232-0111
Limestone County Sheriff's Office
This is the primary detention facility for Limestone County, housing pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and those awaiting transfer to state facilities. The detention center provides multiple security levels and specialized housing units for various inmate classifications.
Limestone Correctional Facility
28779 Nick Davis Road
Harvest, AL 35749
(256) 233-4600
Alabama Department of Corrections
While located within Limestone County, this facility is operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections rather than county authorities. It is a state prison housing medium and minimum-security male inmates serving longer sentences for felony convictions.
Limestone County Community Corrections
1109 West Market Street
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-6427
Limestone County Community Corrections
This facility administers alternative sentencing programs, including work release, electronic monitoring, and community service. It focuses on non-violent offenders who can safely remain in the community while serving their sentences under supervision.
Limestone County Juvenile Detention Center
1109 West Market Street
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-6401
Limestone County Juvenile Services
This specialized facility houses juvenile offenders separately from the adult population in accordance with Alabama Code § 12-15-208, which mandates sight and sound separation between juvenile and adult detainees.
Each facility operates under specific security protocols and housing classifications based on factors including offense severity, criminal history, behavior while incarcerated, and special needs considerations.
Who's in Prison In Limestone County
The Limestone County detention facilities house a diverse population of individuals at various stages of the criminal justice process. The inmate population typically consists of:
Pre-trial Detainees:
- Individuals who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted
- Those who could not post bail or were denied bail
- Persons awaiting arraignment, preliminary hearings, or trial
- Individuals held on behalf of other jurisdictions (holds or detainers)
Sentenced Misdemeanants:
- Persons convicted of misdemeanor offenses serving sentences of up to 12 months
- Weekend or intermittent sentence servers (those permitted to serve time on weekends)
- Individuals serving time for probation violations on misdemeanor cases
Short-term Felony Offenders:
- Recently sentenced felony offenders awaiting transfer to state facilities
- Individuals returning from state custody for court appearances
- Persons serving split sentences (partial incarceration followed by probation)
Specialized Populations:
- Work release participants who work in the community but return to custody during non-working hours
- Mental health cases awaiting evaluation or transfer to appropriate facilities
- Individuals in protective custody due to safety concerns
- Immigration detainees held under contract with federal authorities
According to data from the Alabama Department of Corrections, the Limestone County detention system typically operates at 85-95% of its rated capacity. The average length of stay for pre-trial detainees is approximately 45 days, while sentenced misdemeanants serve an average of 90 days.
The demographic composition of the inmate population generally reflects broader trends in the criminal justice system, with disproportionate representation of economically disadvantaged individuals and those with substance abuse or mental health issues. The county provides various programs aimed at reducing recidivism, including substance abuse treatment, educational opportunities, and vocational training.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Limestone County in 2026
Members of the public seeking inmate records in Limestone County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains current systems that allow for efficient record searches through multiple channels:
Online Inmate Search:
- Visit the Limestone County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Roster" or "Jail Information" section
- Enter the required search criteria (typically name, booking number, or date of birth)
- Review the results, which generally include basic booking information, charges, and custody status
- Note that online records typically display only current inmates, not historical data
In-Person Record Requests:
- Visit the Limestone County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete a public records request form, available at the front desk
- Provide specific information about the inmate (full name, approximate booking date)
- Present valid government-issued identification
- Pay any applicable fees for document reproduction (currently $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page)
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to:
Limestone County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
101 South Jefferson Street
Athens, AL 35611
- Include the inmate's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate dates of incarceration
- Provide your contact information and relationship to the inmate
- Specify exactly what records you are requesting
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
Alabama Department of Corrections Database: For inmates who have been transferred to state custody, utilize the Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search portal, which provides information on all state prisoners, including those originally processed through Limestone County.
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, public agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable time, not to exceed 30 days. Requestors should be prepared to pay reasonable fees for document reproduction and staff time for extensive searches.
How To Find an Inmate in Limestone County for Free?
Locating an inmate in Limestone County without incurring costs is possible through several publicly available resources. The following methods provide free access to basic inmate information:
Limestone County Sheriff's Office Online Inmate Roster:
- Access the Limestone County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Current Inmates" or "Jail Roster" section
- Use the search function to enter the inmate's name (last name, first name)
- Review the results, which typically include:
- Full name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Current charges
- Bond information
- Housing facility
- Next court date (if scheduled)
Alabama Statewide Inmate Locator:
- Visit the Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Enter the inmate's name or AIS (Alabama Institutional Serial) number
- This database includes inmates who have been transferred from county custody to state facilities
Telephone Information Line:
- Call the Limestone County Detention Center's public information line at (256) 232-0111
- Provide the operator with the inmate's full name and approximate age
- Basic custody status information is typically provided without charge
- Available during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
Victim Notification System:
- Victims of crimes can register with the Alabama VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system
- This free, confidential service provides:
- Custody status updates
- Release notifications
- Court date information
- Protective order status
Court Records Search:
- Visit the Alabama Judicial System's Online Court Records
- Search by the defendant's name to locate case information
- Court records often indicate custody status and facility location
- Basic case information is viewable without charge, though detailed documents may require fees
These free resources provide essential information for locating inmates, though more comprehensive records may require formal requests and associated fees. Information is updated regularly but may experience slight delays between system updates.
How To Visit an Inmate In Limestone County
Visitation with inmates housed in Limestone County detention facilities is governed by strict protocols designed to maintain security while facilitating important family connections. Prospective visitors must adhere to the following guidelines:
Visit Rules and Procedures:
- All visitors must be on the inmate's approved visitation list
- Inmates may update their visitation list once every 30 days
- Visitors must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent/legal guardian
- Maximum of two adults and two children per visit
- All visitors must present valid, government-issued photo identification
- Former inmates must wait 90 days after release before visiting
- Visitors with active warrants or on probation/parole may be denied entry
Visit Schedule:
- General Population: Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Maximum Security: Thursday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Work Release: Wednesday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes per session
- Visitors should arrive 30 minutes before scheduled visitation time
What to Bring:
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Vehicle keys (will be secured during visit)
- Baby necessities if accompanied by infant (one clear bottle, two diapers, small blanket)
- Medication required during visit (must be declared and approved)
What NOT to Bring:
- Cell phones or electronic devices
- Weapons of any kind
- Tobacco products or lighters
- Food or beverages
- Purses, bags, or backpacks
- Excessive jewelry or accessories
- Cash exceeding $20 for vending machines
Dress Code:
- Conservative attire required
- No revealing clothing (shorts above mid-thigh, tank tops, low-cut shirts)
- No gang-related colors or symbols
- No clothing with offensive language or images
- No uniforms resembling law enforcement or corrections staff
- Shoes and shirts required at all times
Visit Types:
- In-person visitation (through glass partition with telephone communication)
- Video visitation available at designated terminals within the facility
- Professional visits (attorneys, clergy) conducted in private interview rooms
- Special visits may be arranged for out-of-state visitors with advance approval
Visit Restrictions: Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 420-2-5-.04, visitation privileges may be suspended for:
- Violation of facility rules
- Attempting to introduce contraband
- Disruptive behavior
- False identification
- Appearing under the influence of alcohol or drugs
For additional information or to schedule special visits, contact:
Limestone County Detention Center
Visitation Office
101 South Jefferson Street
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 232-0111
Limestone County Sheriff's Office
How To Send Money to a Limestone County Inmate
Individuals wishing to provide financial support to inmates housed in Limestone County detention facilities have several secure methods available. These funds enable inmates to purchase commissary items, make phone calls, and access certain services within the facility.
Available Deposit Methods:
-
Online Deposits
- Visit the TouchPay Payment Systems portal
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Select "Limestone County Detention Center" from the facility list
- Enter the inmate's full name and ID number
- Follow prompts to complete payment using credit/debit card
- Processing fee: $2.50 for transactions up to $50; $3.50 for transactions $50.01-$100
-
Lobby Kiosk
- Available in the Limestone County Detention Center lobby
- Accessible during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards
- Provide receipt for all transactions
- Processing fee: $2.00 per transaction
-
Money Order by Mail
- Make money order payable to "Limestone County Inmate Trust Fund"
- Write inmate's full name and ID number on money order
- Do not send cash or personal checks
- Mail to:
Limestone County Detention Center
Inmate Accounts
101 South Jefferson Street
Athens, AL 35611
Amount Limits:
- Minimum deposit: $5.00
- Maximum single deposit: $300.00
- Maximum weekly deposit: $500.00
- Maximum monthly deposit: $1,500.00
Deposit Restrictions:
- Funds from unidentified sources will be returned
- Money from other inmates or their families is prohibited
- Deposits from individuals with active criminal cases may require approval
- Funds suspected of being associated with criminal activity will be investigated
Permitted Fund Uses:
- Commissary purchases (hygiene items, snacks, writing materials)
- Telephone account funding
- Medical co-pays
- Haircuts and other personal services
- Educational materials and program fees
Prohibited Fund Uses:
- Payment of fines or court costs (separate process required)
- Bond payments (must be arranged through bail bondsman or court)
- Transfers to other inmates
- Outside purchases or bill payments
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 14-6-19, all inmate funds are subject to deductions for outstanding debts, including restitution, court costs, and child support obligations. A percentage of deposits may be automatically deducted to satisfy these obligations before funds become available for inmate use.
How To Send Jail Mail In Limestone County
Correspondence with inmates housed in Limestone County detention facilities is subject to specific regulations designed to maintain security while facilitating communication with family, friends, and legal representatives. All mail must comply with the following guidelines:
General Mail Guidelines:
- All incoming mail must include:
- Inmate's full name (as booked, no nicknames)
- Inmate ID number (if known)
- Facility name and address:
Limestone County Detention Center
Inmate Mail
101 South Jefferson Street
Athens, AL 35611
- Sender's full name and complete return address must appear on the envelope
- Mail lacking proper identification will be returned to sender
- All non-legal mail is opened and inspected before delivery to inmates
- Mail is typically distributed within 24-48 hours of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays
Permitted Mail Items:
- Letters (maximum 10 pages, standard white paper only)
- Greeting cards (plain cards only, no musical, padded, or oversized cards)
- Photographs (maximum 5 per envelope, 4"x6" or smaller, no Polaroids)
- Money orders (must follow procedures outlined in the financial support section)
- Legal documents (marked as "Legal Mail" and sent by attorneys of record)
- Religious materials (soft-cover only, subject to security review)
Prohibited Mail Items:
- Packages of any kind (must be sent through approved vendors only)
- Stickers, labels, or adhesive materials
- Crayon, marker, or colored pencil writings
- Perfumed or scented items
- Cash or personal checks
- Stamps or envelopes
- Sexually explicit materials
- Gang-related content
- Items depicting weapons or violence
- Hardcover books or magazines (must be sent directly from publisher)
Publications and Books:
- Books must be shipped directly from publisher or approved vendor
- Soft-cover books only (paperback)
- Maximum of 3 books per shipment
- Subject to content review for security concerns
- Religious texts are permitted but subject to quantity limitations
Legal Mail:
- Must be clearly marked "Legal Mail" or "Attorney-Client Communication"
- Must come from licensed attorney, legal aid service, or court
- Opened in presence of inmate to maintain confidentiality
- Not subject to content inspection, only physical contraband check
- No page limit for legal documents
In accordance with Alabama Administrative Code 420-2-5-.06, all correspondence is subject to monitoring except privileged legal communications. Violation of mail rules may result in rejection of correspondence and possible suspension of mail privileges. The Limestone County Sheriff's Office reserves the right to prohibit correspondence that threatens security or facilitates criminal activity.