Lee County Inmate Search

This guide walks everyday users through the Lee County, Alabama inmate lookup from start to finish. You’ll learn how to run a Lee County Alabama Inmate Search, what each field on an inmate profile means, how “Recent Arrests” compares with the inmate roster, and how to handle visitation, mail, calls, and records requests. We’ll also cover practical steps for checking case status, submitting tips, and reaching the correct Sheriff’s Office divisions if you need help.

Use Lee County Alabama Inmate Search the Right Way

What the inmate search is—and isn’t

When you open the Lee County inmate roster, you’re looking at people currently held in the Lee County Detention Center or otherwise in the Sheriff’s Office custody pipeline. The roster is meant to deliver timely booking information, charges as recorded at the jail, and bond status details that the general public can view. It is not a court docket, conviction list, or sentencing database. Because criminal cases change quickly, treat the jail roster as a snapshot of custodial status rather than a final legal outcome.

Go straight to the official inmate search

To start, visit the official Lee County Sheriff’s Office Inmate Search page. Use the list view or the built-in search and sort controls to narrow by name or booking date. The direct link is embedded here so you can launch it when ready: open the inmate search portal.

Understand the profile fields you’ll see

A standard Lee County inmate profile typically displays:

Name and Name ID: The Name ID is a jail management identifier used internally; it helps staff locate the correct record if you call.

Booking Date and Time: When the individual was processed. This is key for tracking court appearances and bond timelines.

Age, Race, Sex: Identifiers that help ensure you’re looking at the correct person when multiple results share similar names.

Charge Description(s) and Charge Status: The alleged offense(s) recorded at booking, plus status such as bonded, other non-sentenced, or sentenced.

Bond Amount and Bond Status: If a bond is set, you’ll see the amount and whether it’s posted, active, or no bond.

Because these entries reflect jail intake rather than judicial disposition, you should verify case stages separately with the courts or through the Sheriff’s Office channels discussed below.

Master the Search Tools: Sort, Scan, and Cross-Check

Sort options that speed up your search

From the inmate list view, choose between sorting by Date (ascending or descending) or by Name (A–Z or Z–A). If you’re tracking a very recent booking, sorting by date (descending) surfaces the newest entries first. If you know the person’s last name, sorting A–Z quickly gets you to the correct segment of the list.

Use “Recent Arrests” as a second data point

If you’re not seeing the person on the current custody roster or you’re confirming a fresh intake, compare the jail list against the Sheriff’s Office Recent Arrests page, which shows booking snapshots by date. It’s common for families to check both sources when a loved one has just been detained to confirm that the booking reached the public list. You can review that page here: see recent arrests.

Notes on timing and updates

Jail rosters and arrest logs update periodically, and short delays can happen. For example, when a person bonds out quickly, their roster entry may appear and then fall off in a short window. If your search yields inconsistent results, note the exact Booking Date/Time and then call the Sheriff’s Office during business hours for clarification using the number at the end of this page.

Read the Details Like a Pro: Charges, Bond, and Status

Charges and how to interpret them

The charge description reflects the allegation as recorded by the arresting agency and processed at intake. Charge phrasing can differ from the exact statutory language you’ll later see in court filings. Where you see multiple charges, each may carry its own bond and status. Some entries may indicate holds for outside agencies (for example, a federal or military hold), which can affect release eligibility.

Bond amount versus bond status

Bond Amount is the dollar figure required for release under the court or magistrate’s conditions.

Bond Status shows whether the bond is Posted, Active (still needed), or No Bond (not eligible for release at this time).
If bond is posted and all other holds are cleared, the inmate may be released following standard procedures. If you see “No Bond,” release will typically require a judicial order at a later hearing.

“Other non-sentenced” vs. “Sentenced”

Other non-sentenced generally means the person is awaiting further court action—arraignment, preliminary hearing, or trial stages.

Sentenced means a court has imposed a sentence and the individual is serving time, waiting for transport, or otherwise in a post-conviction stage.

Get the Most Out of Each Profile: Practical Tips for Families

Confirm identity with multiple points

When two people share similar names, cross-check Age, Booking Date, and Name ID. If you still aren’t sure, note those details before calling the Sheriff’s Office so staff can quickly confirm the correct record.

Keep a running log of changes

Because charge status and bond can shift between hearings, keep a brief log of the date and time you checked the roster and what you saw. That log helps you explain changes when you speak with jail staff or an attorney.

Know that online info has limits

In rare circumstances—such as sealed cases or sensitive investigations—information can be restricted. If you have a legitimate interest in the case and can’t find what you need online, call the appropriate office listed at the end of this article.

When You Don’t Find Someone: Smart Troubleshooting

They may have been released or transferred

If bond was posted, charges were dismissed, or a transfer occurred, the person may no longer appear on the roster. Check Recent Arrests for confirmation by date and, if needed, contact the Sheriff’s Office to ask whether a transfer to another facility or jurisdiction occurred.

Spelling and formatting matter

Try both the last name only and the full name; switch sorting modes; and scan surrounding entries alphabetically. Simple spelling differences (e.g., hyphenated last names) can affect search results.

Very new bookings can lag

Immediately after an arrest, there’s a processing window before the entry appears. If you believe a booking is in progress, wait a reasonable period and then recheck the roster, or call during business hours with the person’s full name and date of birth if you have it.

What to Do After You Find the Record

Plan contact and support steps

Once you locate the person on the roster, decide whether your next action is arranging a phone call, setting up a remote video visit, depositing commissary funds, or speaking with counsel. Each step has a different workflow at the jail and may involve scheduled timing.

Check official visitation and communication rules

The Sheriff’s Office outlines mail, phone, text/email, and video visitation options under its Visitation information. Review those specifics for days, times, remote nature of visits, and costs per minute before scheduling, then coordinate with the inmate to avoid conflicts or missed sessions. Read the current rules here: review visitation guidance.

Review corrections policies and property rules

If you plan to deliver allowable personal property for a newly booked inmate (within the first seven days, with strict limits), read the Corrections Information page for accepted items, quantities, and the drop-off location (Detention Center visitation lobby). These rules differ for male and female inmates and change after seven days, after which purchases go through commissary. Get those details here: see corrections information.

Mail, Calls, Text/Email, and Video: How Communication Works

Mail to the inmate

Standard mail should be addressed exactly as instructed by the Sheriff’s Office to ensure delivery. Follow formatting closely and avoid prohibited enclosures. When you write, include the person’s full name on the first line and the designated P.O. Box line as provided in the Sheriff’s Office guidance.

Phone calls and messages

Phone access is available for inmates under the jail’s vendor program. Families typically set up prepaid phone accounts or accept collect calls. If you intend to talk regularly, coordinate times with the inmate so you’re ready to accept calls and avoid dropped connections. Remember that calls may be recorded and monitored.

Remote video visitation

Remote video visits run in scheduled blocks. Because all visits are remote, make sure your internet connection and device camera are ready beforehand. You’ll book sessions through the vendor portal referenced in the Sheriff’s Office guidance and pay per minute as posted in the rules. One free visit per week may be available per vendor policy, but verify current details before planning your schedule.

Tip: Check the Visitation page the morning of any planned session in case operational updates are posted. Jail operations occasionally adjust due to security or maintenance needs.

Commissary: What Families Should Know Before Depositing

Weekly ordering and what’s available

Commissary typically runs weekly and includes snacks, instant meals, hygiene items, clothing basics, OTC medications, and postage materials. Even if an inmate doesn’t purchase commissary, the facility provides daily meals, hygiene necessities, medical services, and indigent postage. If you plan to assist via commissary, pay attention to order cutoffs and weekly maximums.

Funds and refunds

Deposits can be made through the lobby kiosk at the Sheriff’s Office or online with the designated vendor noted in the Sheriff’s Office materials. If the inmate is released, any remaining balance is returned via check or debit card per the jail’s procedures.

Records and Case Information: Where to Look Next

Request records through the official channel

If you need incident reports, records related to bookings, or other documents held by the Sheriff’s Office, submit a formal request through the agency’s records process. This helps you track your request and ensures it’s routed to the correct staff. Start here: submit a records request.

Check a case file or status update

If you’re an involved party needing updates on a case associated with an inmate, the Sheriff’s Office provides online forms to streamline the request to the right division. Begin with case file information or use the case status update form to route your question.

Contact the Sheriff’s Office directly if needed

When your situation is time-sensitive or complex, a phone call can be the fastest route. Have the inmate’s full name, Name ID, and booking date/time on hand when you call so staff can find the right record quickly. Use the contact line provided at the end of this article, or start with the general contact page here: contact the Sheriff’s Office.

Safety, Victim Concerns, and Tips

If you’re a victim seeking guidance

If you’re concerned about safety, want to understand release conditions, or need resource referrals, call the Sheriff’s Office for assistance. You can also speak with your local court clerk about protective orders if applicable. Jail staff can explain custodial status but cannot provide legal advice; an attorney or victim advocate can help you navigate court processes.

Submit non-emergency information or tips

If you have information relevant to a case connected to someone on the inmate roster—or any separate investigation—use the Sheriff’s Office tip channel. Provide as much detail as you can, including names, dates, addresses, and any digital evidence description so investigators can follow up efficiently. Use the official channel here: submit a tip. For emergencies, call 911.

FAQs for Families Using Lee County Alabama Inmate Search

“Why does the inmate profile say ‘Other non-sentenced’?”

That label means the person is in a pre-trial posture—awaiting hearings, bond decisions, or transfer. It is not a finding of guilt and does not necessarily reflect the final charges that may proceed in court.

“What if bond shows as ‘Active’ but we’re told there’s another hold?”

A separate agency hold—such as a warrant in another county or a federal detainer—can prevent release even if you post the listed bond. Ask jail staff directly if any other holds apply before posting.

“The charges on ‘Recent Arrests’ differ slightly from the inmate record. Why?”

Arrest logs and the live jail roster pull from different points in the intake process. Minor description differences happen; use the booking date/time and Name ID as your anchor when calling for clarification.

“How do I get proof that someone was booked on a specific date?”

For written confirmation or documentation suitable for work, school, or legal purposes, submit a Records Request through the Sheriff’s Office to receive official documentation.

“Can I bring clothing for a new inmate?”

For inmates booked within the first seven days, the Corrections Division lists specific clothing items and quantities that may be dropped off at the visitation lobby. After seven days, those items must be purchased through commissary. Review the Corrections Information page before visiting to avoid delays.

“Are jail calls private?”

Assume calls (and most electronic communications) are monitored or recorded, with standard exceptions for privileged attorney communications. Keep conversations appropriate and avoid sharing sensitive personal data you don’t want recorded.

How to Prepare Before You Call the Sheriff’s Office

Write down key identifiers: Full legal name, Name ID, and date of birth if known.

Note the Booking Date/Time: Staff can use this to confirm the exact record.

State your request clearly: For example, “I’m trying to confirm bond status and any other holds for [Name].”

Have a callback number ready: If staff need to research your question, this helps them return your call.

Be mindful of business hours: General administrative lines run on weekday business hours; for urgent custody questions outside those hours, explain your situation briefly and request guidance.

When Your Concern Involves Court Security or Transport

If you have questions about court appearance logistics—such as when inmates are transported to court or how to coordinate with an attorney—those matters often fall under the Sheriff’s Office Court Security & Transport Division. For time-sensitive questions, calling the main number and requesting transfer to the appropriate division is the most direct path.

If You Need Background Checks or Fingerprints

Related but separate from jail records, the Sheriff’s Office provides services like Local Background Checks and Fingerprints for residents. These services do not replace court records or the jail roster but can help with employment or licensing requirements. For availability and requirements, reach out through the main contact line or the agency website’s service pages.

Keep Information Organized

If you’re supporting an inmate over several weeks, keep a simple folder containing:

The person’s identifying details (Name ID, DOB).
A running note of bond and charge status as you see it on different dates.
Any court dates or times you’ve been told.
Confirmation numbers or emails from records or visitation scheduling forms.

This makes follow-ups faster and ensures you don’t repeat steps or lose track of requests you’ve already submitted.

Lee County Alabama Inmate Search—Relevant Official Offices

Lee County Sheriff’s Office — 1900 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801 — (334) 749-5651

Corrections Division (Lee County Detention Center) — 1900 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801 — (334) 749-5651

Visitation Lobby (Detention Center) — 1900 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801 — (334) 749-5651

Records Unit — 1900 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801 — (334) 749-5651

Court Security & Transport Division — 1900 Frederick Rd, Opelika, AL 36801 — (334) 749-5651

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