Alabama Criminal Records Check

This website aims to offer electronic access to criminal and court records across Alabama in a straightforward, efficient, and user-friendly way. Additionally, it provides an overview of the state's judicial system and insights into court operations. In accordance with state's Public Record Laws, all citizens have the right to view or obtain copies of public records from courts or other government agencies, unless the records are specifically exempted from disclosure by law or court order.

How to Run an Alabama Criminal Records Search Online

To look up someone’s criminal records in Alabama, several resources are available online.  If you want to just do some research and verify someone's criminal past, such as a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or anyone else, all you need is their first and last name. If you want to run an official criminal history check then you will need more information to do so. We will outline the various ways to run this type of search, whether it's for official or unofficial reasons. Here are the most popular online methods:

1). Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA): The ALEA maintains a Criminal Records Identification Unit, which offers criminal history reports for a fee.  You can download the form to run this search online, fill it out, and either mail it in or submit it online. There is typically a 4-5 week turnaround time to get your report. These can be used for official purposes so you will need to verify your identification for this report.

2). County Courthouses: Many county courthouses offer public access to criminal records which include convictions, court proceedings, sentencing information and incarceration records. You can visit the respective county courthouse website, or try searching through the state's main judicial website.

3). Online Public Record Databases: There are various third-party public record websites that aggregate public records, including criminal records. While these services might charge a fee, they offer a suitable way to access multiple records at once. These resource are accessible by anyone and are intended for unofficial uses for the most part. These sites offer a quick and convenient way to gain instant access to most all publicly available records online.

4). Official Background Checks:  The state's Department of Human Resources has an Office of Criminal History that can be used to run official background checks that include live scans of fingerprints that can be used for official purposes. These reports can be used for security clearances, special contracting services, employment applications, and other official uses. These are costly reports but are sometimes necessary for specific applications. You will need to visit an office to get your fingerprinting and authenticate your identification.

Understanding The Alabama Criminal Justice System

The Justice System in Alabama s a structured network of courts designed to ensure fairness and justice. Each court within the system has specific roles and handles different types of cases. If you're interested in learning more about Alabama court records or performing an Alabama court records search, it's important to know how the system is organized and what types of cases each court handles.

The Structure of the Alabama Criminal Justice System

The Alabama justice system is composed of several levels of courts. Each level has its unique responsibilities and jurisdictions. Here, we'll break down the main courts in Alabama and what types of cases they typically hear.

Municipal Courts: This is the lowest division in the Alabama court system. These courts handle cases that involve violations of city ordinances and minor criminal offenses. Examples include traffic tickets, misdemeanors, and city code violations. If you're looking for Alabama court records related to minor offenses, municipal courts are a good place to start.

District Courts: This division handles a broader range of cases compared to municipal courts. They deal with both criminal and civil cases, including preliminary hearings for felony charges, small claims cases, and civil disputes involving amounts less than $10,000. These courts play a crucial role in the Alabama justice system courts and cases, offering a platform for resolving less severe legal matters.

Circuit Courts: This is the primary trial courts in Alabama. They have the authority to hear all types of cases, including serious criminal offenses like felonies, civil cases involving larger sums of money, family law cases, and appeals from lower courts. If you're conducting an Alabama court records search for significant legal proceedings, circuit courts are often the source.

Probate Courts: This division handle matters related to estates, wills, and guardianships. They also oversee the administration of deceased persons' estates and the distribution of their assets. If you need to find Alabama court records about wills or guardianship cases, probate courts are the right place to look.

Juvenile Courts: These courts focus on cases involving minors, typically under the age of 18. These cases can include delinquency, dependency, and child protection issues. The goal of juvenile courts is to provide guidance and rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Expunging a Criminal Record in Alabama

Expungement is the legal process of removing certain records from public access. In Alabama, not all records are eligible for expungement, and the process can be complex. To expunge a criminal record you must first make sure you are qualified to do so. You might also want to hire an attorney to help you though the expungement process as it can sometimes be quite complicated. Here are eligibility requirements and the process you will need to go through.

Eligibility for Expungement:

1). Non-Felony Charges: **  Charges that did not result in a conviction, together with dismissed cases and those resulting in a not-guilty verdict.

2). Certain misdemeanors and Violations: **  Convictions for specific misdemeanors and violations may be suitable, mainly if they were non-violent offenses.

3). Under the Youthful Offender Act: **  Some offenses committed by individuals under 21 years of age may be eligible for expungement.

The Framework of the Alabama Expungement Process:

1). Petition Filing:  The very first step is to find if  the record is eligible for expungement.  If eligible, the next step is to file a petition with the court where the charge was originally filed. This includes paying a filing fee and providing required documentation.

2). Notification:  The petitioner must inform the district attorney’s office and any relevant law enforcement agencies.

3). Court Hearing:  A judge will review the petition and may hold a hearing to regulate eligibility. The petitioner must demonstrate that expungement serves the interests of justice.

4). Judicial Decision:  If the judge grants the petition, the records will be expunged, effectively removing them from public access.

Are Criminal Records Public in Alabama?

Yes, in fact they are public in every state. To lookup someone's Alabama criminal record all you need is their first and last name and using either state or county resources, you can quickly view their criminal history. You can also find out if they have any active warrants, or are currently on probation or parole.

How Can I Check My Alabama Criminal Record For Free?

There are various online government and third-party resources that offer free searches however, if you want to run a comprehensive criminal background check that will cost a few bucks. To perform a free search you will need to know the complete name and date of birth of the person in question. While their birth date is not necessary, it will help you filter your results and many people have the same name.