Alabama Court Records

Alabama's judicial system is organized into three main levels: courts of limited jurisdiction, general jurisdiction, and appellate jurisdiction, all functioning under a unified court structure. More than one million cases are disposed of in Alabama courts annually.

At the base of the court system in the state are the courts of limited jurisdiction, which handle more specific and local matters. Alabama's courts of limited jurisdiction include district courts, small claims courts, juvenile courts, probate courts, and municipal courts. Municipal courts oversee violations of city ordinances and misdemeanors within city limits. Most cities in Alabama operate a municipal court. Probate courts are present in every Alabama county and are responsible for handling issues such as wills, estates, real estate transfers, adoptions, and mental health commitments.

Small claims courts handle civil disputes where the contested amount is $3,000 or less and allow individuals to represent themselves. District courts manage misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings, and they also hear civil cases with claims between $3,000 and $10,000. Each county has its own district court. Juvenile courts, also found in every county, handle cases involving minors under 18, including delinquency, dependency, or supervision cases.

Above these are the circuit courts, which serve as Alabama's courts of general jurisdiction. These courts have authority over a broad range of legal issues, including all felony criminal cases and civil cases exceeding the jurisdiction of district courts. Circuit courts may also review cases initially filed in lower courts.

Alabama's appellate courts consist of three distinct bodies: the Court of Civil Appeals, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Alabama. The court of civil appeals hears civil cases involving disputes of $50,000 or less and appeals from administrative agencies, particularly in matters like workers' compensation. It also reviews family law cases, including divorce, child custody, support, and adoption. In addition, the court of criminal appeals handles all appeals from criminal cases, including both misdemeanors and felonies, even those originating in municipal courts.

At the top of the Alabama court system, the Supreme Court of Alabama is the state's highest court. It reviews decisions from the lower courts and hears cases involving over $50,000 or those not under the jurisdiction of any other Alabama court. In addition, the court is authorized to make rules governing the administration, practice, and procedures for all other courts in the state.

What Are the Types of Court Records In Alabama?

Records are created in Alabama courts when cases are filed. Additional records are also generated during court proceedings by court staff, defendants, or plaintiffs, such as during petitions, motions, or other actions. The records filed or generated in each court are maintained by the clerk of that court. Under Alabama law, court clerks are the official custodians of court records.

Examples of records maintained in each court in the Alabama court system include:

• Supreme Court of Alabama
• Opinions and Rulings: Final decisions on appeals and constitutional matters.
• Case Dockets: Records of filings, motions, and court actions.
• Administrative Orders: Policies and rule changes affecting lower courts.
• Petitions for Review: Requests to hear cases from lower appellate courts.
• Alabama Court of Civil Appeals
• Appellate Case Dockets: Listings of civil appeals and related actions.
• Court Opinions: Written rulings interpreting state civil law.
• Motions and Briefs: Legal arguments filed by involved parties.
• Oral Argument Transcripts: Records of spoken arguments before appellate judges.
• Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals
• Criminal Appeal Case Dockets: Records of felony and misdemeanor appeals.
• Court Opinions: Written decisions on criminal appeals.
• Post-Conviction Appeals: Cases challenging convictions or sentences.
• Oral Argument Transcripts: Records of hearings for criminal appeals.
• Alabama Circuit Courts
• Felony and Misdemeanor Case Records: Indictments, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and trial proceedings.
• Civil Case Records: Lawsuits, contract disputes, and judgments.
• Family Law Records: Divorce decrees, child custody rulings, and support orders.
• Personal Injury and Property Dispute Records: Cases involving negligence, damages, and real estate conflicts.
• Alabama Probate Courts
• Wills and Estate Records: Probate of wills and administration of estates.
• Guardianship and Conservatorship Records: Legal arrangements for minors and incapacitated adults.
• Name Change and Adoption Records: Legal records of name changes and finalized adoptions.
• Alabama Juvenile Courts
• Delinquency Case Records: Cases involving minors accused of crimes.
• Dependency and Neglect Cases: Court proceedings regarding child welfare.
• Juvenile Protective Orders: Restraining orders involving minors.
• Adoption and Parental Rights Termination Records: Cases involving foster care and custody transfers.
• Alabama Municipal Courts
• Traffic Case Records: Parking violations, speeding, and other minor infractions.
• Misdemeanor Case Records: Shoplifting, disorderly conduct, and minor public disturbances.
• City Ordinance Violations: Infractions like noise violations and curfew violations.

Are Alabama Court Records Public?

Since all Alabama courts are subject to the state public records law, court records in the state are generally considered open to anyone who submits a request to access them. However, some records may be exempt from public disclosure. Examples of court records that may not be open to the public include juvenile records, adoption records, mental health commitment records, records of trade secrets or proprietary business information, and expunged or sealed criminal records.

Court records may be sealed in Alabama for reasons such as protecting minors and vulnerable individuals, preserving the right to a fair trial, avoiding disclosure of confidential or sensitive information, complying with federal or state privacy laws, and preventing threats to public safety or personal activity.

How Do I Search Alabama Court Records?

You may search Alabama court records in the following ways:

• Just One Look: This system is also known as Alabama's ON-DEMAND Public Access to Trial Court Records and allows users to access criminal records, civil records, small claims records, and state traffic records. You may perform a search on the portal using a name or case number. Note that a name or case number search on this portal costs $9.99 (one case detail included). Images cost $5 for the first 20 pages and $0.50 per page thereafter. Lifetime access to monitor and access information for a case costs $19.99 for a district case and $29.99 for a circuit case.
• C-Track E-filing: This resource is only available to attorneys and allows them to access court documents. Registration is required to use this tool.
• AlaFile: This tool is designed to allow users to file and receive copies of court documents electronically. It is available to Alabama licensed attorneys, account managers, pro se individuals, and pro se businesses.
• Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal: Also called the AACS (Alabama Appellate Court System) Case Index, this portal provides access to court dockets of the state appellate courts. This public portal offers access only to documents issued by or filed in the state appellate courts on or after March 20, 2022. However, only registered users may view and purchase documents. Unregistered AACS users have access to the Search capabilities of the portal, but only registered attorneys may purchase documents in cases.
• Decisions and opinions of the following appellate courts are also available online:
• Supreme Court
• Court of Civil Appeals
• Court of Criminal Appeals

How To Retrieve Court Records Offline

To obtain certified copies of Alabama court records, you must visit the office of the clerk in person. The first step is to identify the court where the record you need is maintained or filed. Once you determine the court, visit the courthouse to request at the office of the clerk. You will need to provide relevant information such as the full names of parties involved in the case, the case number (if known), and the case filing date.

Typical copying cost for requesting court records in person at the office of the office of the court clerk is between $0.50 and $1 per page, although most counties charge $0.50. Certification also costs between $5 and $10 per document, in addition to the per-page copy fee. Note that clerical fees for searching may apply in some jurisdictions. Some counties may charge between $5 and $10 for clerical fees if extensive searching is required by the staff.

For most basic or current court files, requesters may obtain requested records on the same day, while it may take up to three business days if the request is more detailed, includes archived files, or requires certification. For large requests, sealed cases requiring a judge's approval, it may take up to 15 business days for requests to be processed.

Can I Seal or Expunge an Alabama Court Record?

Expungement in Alabama refers to the erasure or removal of a criminal record from public view, making it appear as though the incident never occurred. On the other hand, sealing means a record still exists, but access to it is restricted. While the general public cannot view sealed records, certain agencies and courts may still have access under specific circumstances. Note that Alabama's expungement statutes are outlined under Sections 15-27-1 through 15-27-10 of the Alabama Code.

Expungement in Alabama is allowed for the following:

• Non-conviction records
• The charge was dismissed with prejudice or after the completion of an Alabama diversion program.
• The charge was no-billed per the finding of a grand jury.
• The individual was adjudicated not guilty.
• Misdemeanor convictions: Alabama law permits the expungement of certain misdemeanor convictions under specific conditions:
• The individual has been granted a certificate of pardon with restoration of civil and political rights.
• The offense is not a violent offense, a sex offense, or an offense involving moral turpitude.
• All terms of the sentence, including probation, parole, fines, fees, and restitution, have been fully satisfied
• Felony convictions: Alabama law also allows for the expungement of certain felony convictions, subject to stringent criteria:
• The individual has been granted a certificate of pardon with restoration of civil and political rights.
• The offense is not a violent offense, a sex offense, or an offense involving moral turpitude.
• All terms of the sentence, including probation, parole, fines, fees, and restitution, have been fully satisfied.

Note that there is a required waiting period for petitioners to wait before their records may be expunged. In some cases, this period may take up to five years. You may file for expungement in Alabama by following these steps:

• Obtain Certified Records: Secure certified copies of the case action summary and disposition from the court where the charge was filed.
• Prepare the Petition: Complete the expungement petition, ensuring all required information and documentation are included.
• File the Petition: Submit the petition to the criminal division of the circuit court in the county in which the charge was filed, along with the necessary fees (typically between $300 and $500).
• Serve Relevant Parties: Provide copies of the petition to the district attorney, the arresting agency, and any other required parties.
• Await Court Decision: The court will review the petition and may schedule a hearing. If no objections are raised, the court may grant the expungement without a hearing

How To Search Federal Court Records in Alabama

There are three federal courts in Alabama: the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, and theUnited States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. These courts handle cases related to the violation of federal laws in Alabama and bankruptcy.

To obtain records from these courts, you may use the PACER system. PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) requires users to first create an account on the system before they may provide a case number or party name to conduct a search. Note that assessing records on the PACER system costs $0.10 per page, capped at $3 per document.

Alternatively, you may access records of the three federal courts in Alabama by visiting the courthouse where the case was filed to submit a request at the clerk's office. You will need to provide relevant details such as party name, case filing date, and case number to obtain copies of court records in person.

How To Get Alabama Court Records Online for Free?

Alabama's primary online court databases (AlaCourt or Just One Look portal and the Alabama Appellate Courts Online portal) are subscription-based. Hence, it is difficult to access records of the state trial courts and appellate courts online for free. However, the state allows the public to search and access case information for traffic tickets and minor violations online for free via the traffic court portal. You may also consider using reliable online third-party databases such as PeopleRecords.us to search Alabama court records.