Butler County

Butler County, Alabama, is located in the south-central portion of the state, including approximately 777 square miles of territory characterized by rolling pine forests, agricultural lands, and the Conecuh River watershed. Established on December 13, 1819, Butler County was one of Alabama's original counties, named after Captain William Butler, a soldier killed at the Battle of Moccasin Gap during the Creek War. Butler County Seat is Greenville, situated along Interstate 65, which is the primary commercial and governmental hub for Butler County's approximately 19,000 residents.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Butler County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Butler County. It oversees Butler County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs meant to enhancing public safety and supporting the community relations. The Sheriff's Office also is key to coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure full coverage of Butler County's law enforcement needs.

Police Departments

Law enforcement in Butler County is provided by Butler County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Greenville and Georgiana. The Greenville Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Greenville, focusing on local crime prevention and community policing. The Georgiana Police Department serves the city of Georgiana, working closely with the sheriff's office on major crimes and regional issues.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Butler County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 823 Dunklin Street in Greenville, Alabama 36037, provides primary law enforcement services for unincorporated areas of Butler County and operates Butler County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached for The current detention facility houses county inmates and those awaiting trial in Butler County court system. Inmate information and jail roster searches can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as Butler County does not currently maintain a full online inmate lookup system.

• Mugshots and booking information are available through public records requests submitted to the Sheriff's Office.
• To request arrest records, citizens should submit a written request to Butler County Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department, specifying the name and approximate date of the arrest.
• Processing times vary, and the requesting party may be charged reasonable copying fees.
• The Sheriff's Office maintains booking logs, incident reports, and arrest warrants that can be accessed during regular business hours.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Butler County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic, and sex offender registry records. Butler County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which compiles statewide criminal history information. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about registered offenders in their area.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Butler County are maintained by Butler County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, adhering to the procedures outlined under the Alabama Open Records Act. A Butler County arrest record typically contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details.

Jail & Inmate Records

Butler County Jail, located in Greenville, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Butler County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and regulations to ensure security and order.

• The bond and bail process follows Alabama state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Butler County are taken and retained by Butler County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These photographs are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office website or by submitting a formal request. Mugshots may also appear in court records if they are relevant to a case. Alabama does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges or proven inaccuracies in the records.

Butler County's judicial system operates under Alabama's unified court structure. Butler County Circuit Court, located at 700 Court Square in Greenville, Alabama 36037, handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court can be reached for Butler County District Court, also situated at the courthouse, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, small claims up to $6,000, and civil cases under $10,000.

• Certified copies of court documents cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
• Online access provides case numbers, parties, filing dates, dispositions, and docket entries, though some confidential matters such as juvenile cases and sealed records are excluded from public access.

Property and land records for Butler County are maintained by the Judge of Probate, who is the ex-officio Register of Deeds under Alabama law. The Probate Office is located at 700 Court Square, Greenville, Alabama 36037, and can be reached for The office maintains full records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, liens (mechanic's liens, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, and subdivision records.

• The Probate Office provides public access to land records during regular business hours for in-person searches.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee for the first page.
• Requests for property records should include as much identifying information as possible, including property address, owner name, or legal description.

Vital records for Butler County are maintained at both Butler County and state levels under Alabama Code Title 22, Chapter 9A (Alabama Vital Statistics Act). Birth and death certificates occurring in Butler County can be requested through Butler County Health Department, part of the Alabama Department of Public Health's South Central District, or directly from the Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Health Statistics in Montgomery. For recent births and deaths, the Judge of Probate's office at 700 Court Square may also provide information.

• Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
• Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Alabama law.
• Eligible requesters include the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, spouses, children, grandparents, siblings, or legal representatives.
• The current recording fee is approximately $74.
• Online ordering of vital records is available through the Alabama Department of Public Health's VitalChek system at vitalrecordsorder.alabama.gov, though additional service fees apply.

Business and licensing records in Butler County are maintained through multiple offices depending on the type of business activity. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) are filed with the Judge of Probate at Butler County Courthouse, 700 Court Square, Greenville, Alabama 36037, phone, as required by Alabama Code § 8-14-1. These registrations cost approximately $30 and must be renewed every five years. The Probate Office maintains an index of trade names and assumed names for businesses operating in Butler County.

• The Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 Calhoun Street, Greenville, provides business development resources and can be reached at or through their website.

Election administration in Butler County is managed by Butler County Board of Registrars and the Judge of Probate, who is the chief elections official. The Board of Registrars office is located at Butler County Courthouse, 700 Court Square, Greenville, Alabama 36037, and can be reached for Voter registration in Butler County follows Alabama state law requirements. Eligible residents must be United States citizens, residents of Alabama and Butler County, at least 18 years old by election day, and not disqualified by felony conviction or mental incompetence as determined by a court.

• Precinct assignments and polling place locations are available through the Board of Registrars office and online through the state voter portal.
• In the November 2024 general election, Butler County voter turnout was approximately 56% of registered voters, consistent with rural Alabama county participation rates in presidential election years.
• Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Butler County Absentee Election Manager at the courthouse, with applications available online at alabamavotes.gov or by contacting the office.
• Alabama law (Title 17 of the Alabama Code) provides transparency for election records, with voter registration lists, election results, and campaign finance disclosure available for public inspection.

Butler County's economy reflects its rural south Alabama character, with significant employment in forestry, agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade, education, and healthcare sectors. Butler County's 2020 Census population of approximately 19,448 represents a continued decline from its 1960 peak, consistent with rural depopulation trends across Alabama's Black Belt region.

• Median household income in Butler County is estimated at approximately $38,000, significantly below the Alabama state median and national averages, reflecting economic challenges common to rural Southern counties.
• The retail and service sectors are concentrated in Greenville along Interstate 65, which provides critical transportation connectivity.

Court Records: Yes: Online (Alacourt.com subscription) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: State System Available | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: State Portal | Overall Score: 6/10 — Butler County provides access to public records primarily through in-person requests and phone contact, with limited county-level online portals. State systems fill some gaps for business and election information.

Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Butler County, Alabama.