Blount County

Blount County, Alabama, is located in the northeastern part of the state, including approximately 648 square miles of rolling hills and scenic valleys in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Blount County seat is Oneonta, with a secondary judicial center in Cullman. Established on February 6, 1818, Blount County was named after Willie Blount, the governor of Tennessee from 1809 to 1815. As of the 2020 Census, Blount County's population was approximately 58,000 residents. Major municipalities include Oneonta, the largest city, as well as Cleveland, Hayden, Locust Fork, and Snead. Blount County is renowned for its Covered Bridge Festival, held annually in October, celebrating three historic covered bridges that remain standing in Blount County. Blount County Courthouse, located at 220 2nd Avenue East in Oneonta, is the administrative hub. Key county offices include Blount County Revenue Commissioner at 220 2nd Avenue East, Oneonta, AL 35121; Blount County Probate Office at the same address; and Blount County Circuit Clerk's Office, also housed in the courthouse. Blount County's economy traditionally relied on agriculture and poultry production, with significant timber resources. Blount County is unique for maintaining two courthouses—one in Oneonta and one in Bluffton—reflecting historical divisions within Blount County. Major landmarks include the Horton Mill Covered Bridge, the highest covered bridge above water in the United States, Palisades Park with stunning rock formations, and Rickwood Caverns State Park. Blount County offers a blend of rural character, outdoor recreation, and proximity to the Birmingham metropolitan area.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Requests for arrest records, incident reports, and related documents can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department involved.
• Written requests may be required for certain records, and fees for copying may apply.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail roster system or by specific request to the Sheriff's Office.
• For records older than a few years, requesters may need to contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency or the custodian of records at the Circuit Clerk's office where criminal cases are filed.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Alabama's legal framework, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions, which can be handled through local bail bondsmen.

• The Alabama Judicial System's online portal, AlaFile, provides electronic access to case filings in participating courts, though a subscription fee applies for extensive searches.
• Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Circuit Clerk's office for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 per page plus certification fees.

• Blount County Probate Office provides a searchable index of recorded documents, organized by grantor/grantee name and by legal description.
• Online property record searches may be available through third-party vendors or Blount County's website, though access and fees vary.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Probate Office for statutory fees, typically $1.00 per page for regular copies and additional fees for certification.
• Requests for bulk data or specialized searches should be directed to the Probate Office or Revenue Commissioner with advance notice and appropriate fees.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies.
• Processing time varies from immediate issuance for in-person requests to 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
• Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, the state's authorized vendor, at additional convenience fees.