Alabama Criminal Records

Are criminal records public in Alabama?

Because of the Alabama Open Records Law, criminal records are available to the public and can be accessed by anyone. The law’s purpose is to disclose all documents held by government agencies to the public in order to prevent corruption and secrecy in our society. Criminal records contain past convictions, arrests, mugshots, and any information related to crimes committed in the past.

How do I find criminal records in Alabama?

The Alabama Law Enforcement Criminal Records Department has a criminal record check service via application through the mail. You can find the application on the website and need to provide a copy of the identification. A way to find criminal records in Alabama online is through a third-party website, which can be much faster.

How do I access arrest records in Alabama?

Arrest records will be shown under a typical criminal record search, whether that be through the Alabama Law Enforcement Criminal Records Department or through an online service. Arrests are different than convictions in that having an arrest on your record does not prove that you are guilty.

What’s inside an arrest record in Alabama?

In Alabama, arrest records show information relating to the arrest and charges of an individual. This will include the name of the arresting officer, the charges, the detention facility the individual was held at, mugshots, and other personal information of the individual such as name, weight, height, etc.

What is considered a felony in Alabama?

A felony in Alabama is a crime that comes with more severe sentences as compared to misdemeanors. There are classes A through D, with the most punishable being Class A and the least punishable being Class D. Examples of felonies are murder, burglary, kidnapping, and rape. The most severe sentence in Alabama is either death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

What is considered a misdemeanor in Alabama?

A misdemeanor in Alabama is a much less severe type of crime that comes with shorter sentences and fewer fines as compared to felonies. Instead of four classes like felonies, there are only classes A, B, and C. Class A misdemeanors have a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a possible fine of up to $6000 dollars. Examples of misdemeanors include public intoxication, dogfighting, vandalism, and shoplifting.

Are mugshots public record in Alabama?

Mugshots will appear in most criminal records, background checks, inmate records, and court records. They are used for victims to confirm the identity of an individual or if there is a fugitive. Mugshots are usually taken right after someone is taken into a police station, even if they weren’t necessarily guilty.

What is Megan’s Law in Alabama?

Megan’s Law in Alabama is a law that requires sex offenders to be strictly kept track of and put on a registry. Every state has a version of Megan’s Law. Alabama’s version is one of the harshest in the nation, with all sex offenses in any location being required to register for life.

How do I find sex offenders in Alabama?

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains an online sex offender registry that allows anyone to search for registered sex offenders. You can search for offenders near you by inputting your address or search for offenders in a city. There is also a name search function.

How do I find court records in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County has a court records website that allows for people to search for any public records maintained by the Jefferson County Circuit Court. To search for criminal records, you can enter your name to view any past criminal cases.

Can I get rid of my criminal record in Alabama?

There is a process in Alabama called expungement, which lets you remove past criminal convictions or arrests that are on your record. However, there are certain waiting times depending on the offense. If you were found not guilty of a crime, then you can apply for expungement immediately. However, if you were convicted of a misdemeanor, you must wait two years till the end of your sentence and have no more convictions since then. If you were convicted of a felony, you must wait five years to be eligible.

How do I get my record expunged in Alabama?

To start the expungement process in Alabama, you need to gather your official criminal record through the ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) and some other court records. It is highly suggested during this process to get an attorney since they can gather all of the forms and do the paperwork for you, as well as give you the highest chance possible of successfully getting an expungement.

How far back can employers check criminal background in Alabama?

Employers are required federally to not inquire about prior arrests. However, in Alabama, there is no state law preventing employers from inquiring about past convictions, no matter how far back they were committed. You have the right to receive a copy of all background check information employers receive about you when applying for a job.

How do I find inmates in Alabama?

The Alabama Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate search that gives inmate records on everyone inside the prison system. The information found through this search is extensive and provides mugshots, all prior convictions, and their sentencing, parole status, good behavior days, and minimum release date.

How do I find police reports in Alabama?

Police reports in Alabama can be found on the ALEA website, which gives information on traffic accidents and things related to that matter. Police reports are different than a police record or criminal record since they deal with traffic incidents primarily.

Is DWI a felony in Alabama?

Whether or not a DWI or DUI is considered a felony depends on the circumstances of the DUI. A first-time offense is typically not a felony in Alabama unless there was great bodily harm or death involved. Typically, a 4th time DUI will be sentenced as a felony; however, if multiple DUI’s are committed in a short time frame, then it will also be a felony.

Are juvenile criminal records sealed in Alabama?

Juvenile criminal records have to be requested to be sealed and can only be done two years after the case. After the juvenile turns 23, however, they can petition the record to be expunged. The difference between sealing and expunging is that sealing hides the record from the public eye and can only be viewed by certain people, whereas expungement completely destroys the record.

How do you check for arrest warrants in Alabama?

There are multiple online resources for arrest warrants in Alabama. The best way to find out if you or someone else has an arrest warrant is by calling the local police department. However, other third-party sites contain information for outstanding arrest warrants.

How do I find someone’s parole status in Alabama?

The parole status in Alabama is found in the online inmate locator tool. After finding the person you are searching for, their parole status and if they are eligible for it or not will be on their profile. Parole is the possibility of reducing your sentence if you have a history of good behavior while in the prison system.