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Find Alabama Criminal Records

Are Criminal Records Public in Alabama?

Yes, Alabama’s public records law allows public access to criminal records. The Alabama Law Enforcement Criminal Records Department (ALECRD) maintains these records. To obtain criminal history documents, individuals must submit applications to the ALECRD either in person or by mail. Requesters must provide:

The record subject’s name, unless the subject is a juvenile.
The record subject’s last known location, including cities, counties, and states.

Third-party websites also offer access to criminal records, but they are not government-sponsored and availability may vary.

What Constitutes a Criminal Record in Alabama?

A criminal record in Alabama, also known as a rap sheet, is an official document containing information on offenses for which a person was arrested, prosecuted, charged, entered a plea, convicted, or sentenced. It also includes details on offenses for which a person was acquitted or discharged. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) and other criminal justice departments are responsible for maintaining these records.

What Information Is Included in Alabama Criminal Record?

First, middle, and last name of the offender
Offense(s) committed and law violated
Physical descriptions such as race, height, eye color, and hair color
Date of birth
Pending charges
Acquitted or dismissed charges

How To Check Criminal Records in Alabama

Individuals can obtain criminal records by completing an application and submitting it to the ALECRD. This can be done in person or by mail. The required administrative fee is $25, payable by money order or cashier’s check to the ALEA Criminal Records and Identification Unit.

The ALECRD issues the certificates. Requesters must provide the necessary information and payment to receive the records. Third-party websites also offer access to these records, although they are not government-sponsored.

Are Arrest Records Public in Alabama?

Yes, Alabama arrest records are public under the state's Open Records Law. These records are maintained by local police stations and sheriff's offices, which often hold the original copies. Interested individuals may visit their local police station to perform an arrest search and obtain copies of arrest records at a cost.

While it is not possible to get free arrest records, fees for copying, certification, and authentication may apply. Some third-party websites also provide access to these records.

What Are Arrest Warrants in Alabama?

An Alabama arrest warrant is a formal document that authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest an individual in connection with a crime. Issued by a judge or magistrate, these warrants require probable cause, supported by an oath or affirmation, that the person named has committed an offense.

How To Lookup Mugshots in Alabama

Mugshots are photographs taken by the police during the booking process after an individual is arrested. These images are publicly available and are stored by local police departments and sheriff's offices. Individuals can find mugshots by contacting these agencies or by searching online through law enforcement databases.

How To Search Inmate Records in Alabama

Inmate records in Alabama are publicly available. These records are maintained by the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC). Individuals can search for inmate records through the ADOC inmate search page, which provides information on current inmates, including their status, offenses, and Alabama Institutional Serial Number (AIS).

How To Find Alabama Criminal History Record for Free

A criminal history record in Alabama summarizes an individual's interactions with criminal justice agencies. These records are publicly available and maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Records Identification Unit. To obtain these records, individuals must submit an application form with fingerprints to a local police agency and pay a $25 fee.

Arrests
Pleas
Convictions
Sentences
Discharges or acquittals

Are Juvenile Criminal Records Publicly Available in Alabama?

Juvenile criminal records in Alabama are not public. These records pertain to individuals under 18 years of age involved in delinquent acts and are maintained by the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center. Access to these records is restricted to the child’s parents, legal guardians, attorney, or other authorized representatives, unless a court orders their disclosure.

How To Find Sex Offenders in Alabama

Sex offender records in Alabama contain information on individuals convicted of sexually motivated crimes. These records are publicly available and maintained in the Alabama sex offender registry. Residents can look up sex offender information using the registry, which includes details such as the offender's residence, name, date of birth, and physical descriptions.

Are Police Records Public Information in Alabama?

Yes, police records are public information in Alabama under the Alabama Open Records Law. These records include:

Audio/video recordings
Accident reports
Crime/incident reports
Warrants
Arrest logs
Investigation reports

Police records are stored by local law enforcement agencies and can be accessed by contacting the records division of the specific police department.

Alabama Misdemeanor Laws: Types of Offenses and Punishments

Misdemeanors in Alabama are offenses punishable by a maximum of one year in jail, fines, and hard labor. They are classified into three types:

Class A Misdemeanors: Most severe, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $6,000.
Class B Misdemeanors: Less severe, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $3,000.
Class C Misdemeanors: Least severe, punishable by up to 3 months in jail and a maximum fine of $500.

Alabama Criminal Laws: Offenses and Penalties Explained

Felony offenses in Alabama carry the most severe penalties, ranging from one year and a day to a death sentence. Felonies are classified into four types:

Class A: Most severe, including crimes like homicide and kidnapping.
Class B: Serious, including offenses like armed robbery.
Class C: Less severe, including certain types of fraud.
Class D: Added in 2016, includes lower-level felonies.

Overview of Alabama DUI Laws

An Alabama DUI is a serious traffic violation where a person is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Law enforcement officers conduct field sobriety tests and arrest individuals with a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08%. Penalties include imprisonment, fines, and license suspension.

Are Alabama Probation Records Public?

Probation records in Alabama are official documents detailing the court's decision to allow a convicted person to remain in the community under supervision instead of serving time in jail. These records are not publicly available and are maintained by the Alabama probation office. Access is typically restricted to authorized personnel and the individuals involved.

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Other Categories in Alabama

Court Records Criminal Records Inmate Records Vital Records