State of Alabama Most Updated Online Public and Criminal Records Portal

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Alabama Public Records Search
Alabama's most requested public records relate to an individual's criminal history, real estate transactions of property, vital certificates and courts files. State and county governments are the original recorders and providers of information. Alabama Criminal Justice Information repository and the Alabama Background Check System (ABC) for current and prospective employees are two methods in which the public can obtain information from a central statewide repository. Circuit clerks, registrars, coroners, correctional facilities, probate judges, funeral homes and hospitals are few private and government entities in Alabama which provide certificates of death, birth, marriages and divorces. Alabama's 41 circuit courts have general jurisdiction over trials and maintains case files of felonies, judgments, liens, dissolution of marriage, juvenile, appeals from district courts and other court actions and motions. About Alabama Public Records

Alabama Public Records and Court Information

Located in the southeastern region of the U.S., Alabama became the 22nd state on December 14, 1819. The state had a vital role in the civil war, and the capitol city of Montgomery was the confederate government's first capital. Alabama early economy benefited from slave labor and cotton production. Today, Alabama's economy is comprised of car production, agriculture, aerospace, mining of natural gas, coal and oil. Government services are third in the state's economy.

Alabama has a population of 4.7 million people in 52,423 square miles making it the 30th largest in the U.S. The state is divided into 67 counties and 460 incorporated localities such as cities and towns.

Ratified in 1901, Alabama has the longest constitution in the world. The state is governed by 3 branches of government which includes the executive branch with an elected governor, attorney general, secretary of state, commissioners, treasurer and auditor. The state legislature is an assembly of a 105 member house of representatives and 35 members of the state senate. The judicial branch is the court system of the state and interprets the law with the top court being the supreme court of Alabama. Lower courts are in the appellate divisions, circuit trial courts for local issues and jurisdiction, probate and municipal courts involving smaller claims.

Alabama government is comprised of 67 counties, and has 460 incorporated cities and towns. Each level of government whether state, county or municipality, elects and appoints governing officials by its citizens. Certain government functions such as licensing drivers are the sole responsibility of the state whereas law enforcement can be local to counties and have an elected sheriff a county funded department or city level police. County courts in Alabama are broken down into various jurisdiction depending on venue and types of cases.

The state's statutes provide the public's right to government records. Similar to the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Alabama gives its residents an open record government with few exceptions. This law allows citizens of Alabama (or anyone) to obtain, copy and inspect government records. The law also allows the public's access to open meetings and deliberations by agencies. Government transparency lets its residents see government finances, elections and oversight of many other state and local operations. Freedom of information act requests are often made by reporters uncovering data that the Alabama public can greatly benefit from by exposing overspending and abuses by local and state officials. Students, residents and the general public also benefit greatly from open records for personal reasons.

Many record requests in Alabama are for personal documentation requests and historical research. A resident can conduct a background search by obtaining criminal records history checks from the Alabama criminal justice information center. Certified copies of Alabama births, deaths marriages and divorces are requested from the department of public health. Historical records of the state for genealogy and ancestry research are held in the Alabama department of archives and history. Alabama courts offer an online source to the public in obtaining criminal case information, civil records such as domestic relations, judgments, liens, traffic and small claims. Property details, taxes, real estate ownership and value can be easily obtained from the revenue commissioner of Alabama.

The Alabama Court Access system is an electronic case search for criminal, civil, domestic relations, small claims, traffic and child support filings. Information of the search can show setting dates, court actions, party information, case action summary, financial data and images. Open to the public and attorneys, searches can be conducted by name or case number.

The Alabama district courts are the state's trial courts for torts, contracts, real property rights from $3,000 to 10,000, exclusive small claims jurisdiction of $3,000, criminal felony, misdemeanor, DWI or DUI, traffic, juvenile cases and preliminary hearings.

Probate courts have exclusive mental health, estate jurisdiction as well as real property rights and adoptions, misdemeanors, traffic, parking, and exclusive ordinance violation jurisdiction.

Circuit courts deal with torts, contracts, real property rights from $3,000 with no maximum, civil appeals jurisdiction, domestic relations, felony, misdemeanor, exclusive criminal appeals jurisdiction and juvenile issues.

Civil appeals court have mandatory jurisdiction in civil less than $50,000, domestic relations, administrative agency, juvenile, original proceeding cases. Court of criminal appeals have mandatory jurisdiction in capital criminal, criminal, juvenile, original proceeding, interlocutory decision cases.

The supreme court of Alabama has mandatory jurisdiction in civil over $50,000, administrative agency, disciplinary, original proceeding cases, discretionary jurisdiction in civil, noncapital criminal, administrative agency, juvenile, advisory opinion, original proceeding, interlocutory decision cases.

Alabama Statewide Public Records

What is the process for someone who is arrested in Alabama to go through the jail and court system?

If you are arrested in Alabama, you will likely be taken to the local county jail. The exact address of the jail will depend on the county in which you were arrested. You will then appear in court at the local county courthouse. The exact address of the courthouse will depend on the county in which you were arrested.

What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Alabama Library?

The Alabama State Library does offer a variety of public records. Some records that can be found in the library include state constitutional documents, state laws, regulations, legal opinions, court decisions, and more.

What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Alabama, and what information is provided in the records?

The Alabama Center for Health Statistics (ACHS) is the state agency responsible for issuing vital records, such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain a vital record from the ACHS, you must submit a completed application form, along with the appropriate fee and proof of identity. The application form can be found on the ACHS website. Birth certificates include the full name of the person, date and place of birth, parents' names, and the date the certificate was filed. Death certificates include the full name of the deceased, date and place of death, cause of death, and the date the certificate was filed. Marriage certificates include the full names of the bride and groom, date and place of marriage, and the date the certificate was filed. Divorce decrees include the full names of the parties, date and place of divorce, and the date the decree was filed.

Where is the best place to locate police reports in Alabama?

Police reports in Alabama can be obtained from the local police department or sheriff's office that handled the incident. You can also contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for statewide records.

What information is typically included in a Alabama background check?

A background check in Alabama typically includes a search of criminal records, driving records, and sex offender registry records. Depending on the type of background check being conducted, additional searches may be included, such as credit reports, employment history, and education verification.

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