Hackleburg Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Hackleburg, Alabama government websites.

  About Hackleburg City Government
Annual Budget $1.2 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Hackleburg, Alabama, is the Hackleburg Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large to serve four-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Wayne D. Smith, and council members Patricia A. Smith, John L. Smith, Billy Joe M. Smith, and Darlene C. Smith.

For the fiscal year 2023, Hackleburg's approximate annual operating budget is $1.2 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Hackleburg Town Council holds regular meetings every second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Hackleburg Town Hall, located at 109 Main Street, Hackleburg, AL 35564. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local governance and community issues.

  About Hackleburg, Alabama

Hackleburg, Alabama, a small town in Marion County, boasts a population of approximately 1,476 residents. This quaint municipality is known for its rich history and friendly atmosphere, featuring notable landmarks such as the Hackleburg High School and the local library, which serve as focal points for education and community events. The town's economy is largely centered around small businesses and agriculture, reflecting its rural Southern roots. Hackleburg also gained attention due to the community’s resilience following the devastating tornado that struck in 2011, highlighting its spirit and determination for recovery.

Law enforcement in Hackleburg is primarily managed by the Hackleburg Police Department, which focuses on maintaining public safety and community engagement. Criminal records and arrest records are meticulously maintained by the department, ensuring transparency and accessibility for residents. The nearest detention facility for serious offenses is the Marion County Jail, located in nearby Hamilton, which houses individuals awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences. For those seeking inmate records or background checks, residents can contact the Hackleburg Police Department directly or utilize the online resources provided by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, which offers various tools for accessing law enforcement records.

When it comes to public records and vital documentation, residents can request information under the Alabama Open Records Law. The Marion County Clerk's office is the go-to resource for obtaining vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. Property records can be accessed through the Marion County Assessor's office, where residents can find information related to property ownership and taxes. For court-related documents, the Marion County Superior Court provides access to case files and proceedings. Many of these records can be requested in person or online, ensuring that residents have convenient access to the information they need for legal and personal matters.

About Hackleburg

Hackleburg is a small town in Marion County, Alabama, located in the northwestern part of the state near the Mississippi border. With a population of approximately 800 residents, Hackleburg was incorporated in 1915 and sits along State Route 243. The town is perhaps best known for its resilience following the devastating April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak, when an EF5 tornado struck the community, resulting in significant loss of life and property damage. Hackleburg has since rebuilt much of its infrastructure, including a new town hall, schools, and residential areas.
The town is predominantly rural, with agriculture and forestry playing important roles in the local economy, and it serves as a close-knit community where residents support local institutions like Phil Campbell High School, which serves the area. Hackleburg is also known as the headquarters of Wrangler, a jeans manufacturing facility that has been a major employer in the region for decades. Public records for Hackleburg residents are maintained by a combination of city, county, and state agencies. The Hackleburg Town Hall, located at 31441 State Route 243, handles municipal records including city ordinances, business licenses, and some local permits. The Marion County Courthouse in Hamilton serves as the central repository for most official records affecting Hackleburg residents, including property deeds, court filings, marriage licenses, and probate matters. The Marion County Sheriff's Office maintains law enforcement records for unincorporated areas and assists Hackleburg with certain law enforcement functions. Alabama state law, particularly the Alabama Public Records Law codified under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, governs access to most public documents, ensuring that citizens can request and obtain records from government agencies with certain exemptions for privacy and ongoing investigations.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Law enforcement in Hackleburg, Marion County is provided by the Marion County Sheriff's Office and several municipal police departments. The Hamilton Police Department, Winfield Police Department, and Guin Police Department are key agencies serving their respective cities. These departments handle local law enforcement duties, traffic control, and community policing. They coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Marion County Jail, located in Hamilton, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, 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 security protocols in place. The bond and bail process follows Alabama state laws, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions.

Court Records

Hackleburg residents are served by several court systems depending on the nature of their legal matters. The Hackleburg Municipal Court, when in session, handles city ordinance violations, traffic tickets issued within town limits, and minor municipal matters; information can be obtained through Hackleburg Town Hall at (205) 935-9800. More serious criminal and civil matters are handled by the Marion County Circuit Court and Marion County District Court, both located at the Marion County Courthouse, 132 Military Street South, Hamilton, AL 35570, phone (205) 921-3172.
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases with amounts exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law matters, probate cases, and appeals from lower courts. The District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $10,000, traffic violations, small claims disputes up to $6,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Alabama does not currently maintain a comprehensive statewide online court records database accessible to the public. Court records must generally be searched in person at the Marion County Courthouse during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM). The Circuit Clerk's Office can provide case information and copies of court documents. Certified copies of court documents typically cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee of approximately $2.00. Case searches may involve a nominal research fee depending on the complexity and age of records requested.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Marion County encompass felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Marion County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under Alabama's open records laws. Background checks can be conducted through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed background checks.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Marion County are maintained by the Marion County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Alabama Open Records Act. A typical arrest record in Marion County will include the date of arrest, charges filed, and any court proceedings that follow. The Sheriff's Office ensures that these records are accessible to the public while complying with state privacy laws.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Hackleburg are maintained by Marion County offices in Hamilton. The Marion County Revenue Commissioner's Office (which serves the function of the assessor in Alabama), located at 132 Military Street South, Hamilton, AL 35570, phone (205) 921-3135, maintains property assessment records including parcel information, owner names, property descriptions, assessed values, and tax payment history. Property tax records can be searched in person at the Revenue Commissioner's office, though Marion County does not currently offer a comprehensive online property search portal.
The Marion County Probate Office, located at the Marion County Courthouse, 132 Military Street South, Hamilton, AL 35570, phone (205) 921-3172, serves as the recording office for real estate documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real property. In Alabama, the Probate Judge handles land records in addition to probate matters. Records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, with deed books dating back to the county's formation. There is no free online access to recorded documents; researchers must visit the Probate Office in person or submit written requests. Recording fees vary by document type but typically start around $11.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page. Marion County does not currently maintain a public GIS parcel viewer, so property boundary and mapping information must be obtained through the Revenue Commissioner's office or private title companies.

Economy & Demographics

Hackleburg's economy is anchored by manufacturing, agriculture, and forestry, with Wrangler (VF Corporation) operating a major jeans manufacturing facility in the town that has employed hundreds of workers over the decades, making it one of Marion County's largest private employers. The facility produces denim apparel and has been a cornerstone of the local economy since the mid-20th century. Agriculture remains significant, with local farmers producing poultry, cattle, hay, and timber on family farms and larger operations throughout the area.
The timber industry supports logging operations and provides raw materials to regional mills. Public sector employment includes Phil Campbell School (which consolidated with Hackleburg School after the 2011 tornado), town government, and county agencies. Median household income in Hackleburg is estimated at approximately $32,000 to $38,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the town's rural character and economic challenges. The 2011 tornado devastated much of Hackleburg's infrastructure and housing stock, but federal disaster aid and community resilience led to significant reconstruction including a new town hall, school facilities, and residential neighborhoods. The town's economy is closely integrated with the broader Marion County economy, which also includes small-scale manufacturing, retail services concentrated in Hamilton (the county seat), and outdoor recreation related to the nearby Bankhead National Forest. Hackleburg's proximity to Mississippi provides some cross-border economic activity, though the area remains predominantly rural and agricultural with limited population growth.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement services in Hackleburg are provided by the Hackleburg Police Department, headquartered at Hackleburg Town Hall, 31441 State Route 243, Hackleburg, AL 35564. The department can be reached at (205) 935-9800. For police reports, incident records, and accident reports within town limits, requests should be submitted in writing to the Police Chief during normal business hours. The Marion County Sheriff's Office, located at 132 Military Street South, Hamilton, AL 35570, phone (205) 921-3636, provides law enforcement services to unincorporated areas of Marion County and assists Hackleburg with certain investigations and emergency response. The Sheriff's Office website at www.marioncountyalabama.org provides contact information and general service details. Arrest records and jail bookings for Marion County are maintained at the Marion County Jail in Hamilton. While Marion County does not currently offer a comprehensive online inmate search portal, booking information can be obtained by calling the jail at (205) 921-3636 during business hours. Information typically available includes inmate name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and release status. Under Alabama's public records law, specifically Code of Alabama § 36-12-40 and § 36-12-41, citizens have the right to inspect and copy public records, including police reports and arrest logs, with certain exemptions for active investigations and confidential informant information. Requests must be made in writing, and agencies may charge reasonable copying fees. Alabama does not have a centralized Freedom of Information Act but relies on statutory provisions requiring open access to most government records.

Vital Records

Vital records for Hackleburg residents are primarily managed at the state level with some county involvement. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625, phone (334) 206-5418. Birth records in Alabama are confidential for 125 years and only available to the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), parents, legal guardian, or legal representative with proper identification and documentation. Death certificates are restricted for 25 years.
Certified copies cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional processing fees, with typical turnaround of 2-3 weeks for mail requests. Birth records are available from January 1908 forward, and death records from January 1908 forward. Marriage licenses for Hackleburg residents are issued by the Marion County Probate Court, 132 Military Street South, Hamilton, AL 35570, phone (205) 921-3172. As of January 1, 2019, Alabama eliminated the requirement for marriage licenses and ceremonies; couples now file a marriage certificate affidavit with the Probate Court, which costs approximately $74.00. The affidavit becomes a public record once recorded. Divorce records are maintained as court records by the Marion County Circuit Court at the same courthouse address. Certified copies of divorce decrees can be requested through the Circuit Clerk's office for a fee of approximately $1.00 per page plus certification fees.

Business & Licensing Records

Business licensing and entity records for Hackleburg involve multiple levels of government. The Town of Hackleburg requires local business licenses for most commercial activities conducted within town limits. Applications and renewals are processed through Hackleburg Town Hall, 31441 State Route 243, Hackleburg, AL 35564, phone (205) 935-9800. License fees vary by business type and are typically renewed annually. Businesses operating in unincorporated Marion County areas may need to contact the Marion County Commission at (205) 921-2471 regarding county requirements.
Fictitious name registrations (DBA - doing business as) in Alabama are filed with the Probate Court in the county where the business operates; for Hackleburg businesses, this is the Marion County Probate Court, 132 Military Street South, Hamilton, AL 35570, phone (205) 921-3172. The filing fee is approximately $35.00, and DBAs must be renewed every five years. Alabama corporation, LLC, and other entity formations and searches are handled by the Alabama Secretary of State, Corporations Division. The state maintains a free online business entity search at https://arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/corpname.mbr/input where users can search by entity name, officer name, or registered agent to verify business status, formation date, registered agent information, and principal office address. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statement filings and searches, which record security interests in personal property and business assets, are also maintained by the Alabama Secretary of State and can be searched online at https://arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/uccsearch.mbr/input. Commercial property tax assessments for businesses in Hackleburg can be researched through the Marion County Revenue Commissioner's Office at (205) 921-3135.

Elections & Voter Records

Hackleburg voters are served by the Marion County Probate Office, which administers elections in Alabama counties. The office is located at Marion County Courthouse, 132 Military Street South, Hamilton, AL 35570, phone (205) 921-3172. Alabama residents can register to vote online through the Alabama Secretary of State website at www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration, by mail using a downloadable form, or in person at the Probate Office. The voter registration deadline is 15 days before any election. Voters must provide identification when registering, and Alabama requires photo ID when voting in person (acceptable IDs include Alabama driver's license, state ID, government employee ID, U.S. passport, or free Alabama photo voter ID available from Probate offices). Hackleburg holds municipal elections for Mayor and Town Council positions; these are typically held in August during municipal election years, with the most recent in 2020 and the next scheduled for August 2024 (completed) and August 2028. Municipal election information and candidate qualifying are handled through Hackleburg Town Hall at (205) 935-9800. Hackleburg voters can find their assigned polling place by visiting the Alabama Secretary of State's polling place lookup at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov or by contacting the Marion County Probate Office. In Alabama, voter registration lists are public records available for legitimate purposes, campaign finance reports are accessible through the Alabama Ethics Commission website at ethics.alabama.gov, and precinct-level election results are published by the Secretary of State. In the November 2024 presidential election, Marion County reported approximately 62-65% voter turnout with strong support for Republican candidates, consistent with the county's conservative voting patterns. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature races for Alabama Governor (current Governor Kay Ivey's second full term expires in 2027, so this race will occur in 2026), one of Alabama's U.S. Senate seats if the Class II seat is contested (Senator Tommy Tuberville's term continues through 2027, so no Senate race in 2026; Class III seat held by Katie Britt runs through 2029), all seven Alabama State House districts (District 11 serves Marion County), and Alabama State Senate District 6. Marion County offices on the ballot in 2026 may include County Commission seats, Sheriff, Revenue Commissioner, and Probate Judge, depending on term expirations. Hackleburg voters can request absentee ballots through the Marion County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Office; applications are available at www.sos.alabama.gov and must be submitted with appropriate justification (Alabama is not a no-excuse absentee state; valid reasons include age 65+, illness, disability, working a required shift, out of county on election day, election official, or appointed poll watcher).

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Property: ⚠️ Partial Online | Arrest Logs: ❌ Request Required | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 5.5/10 — Marion County requires in-person visits for most court and property records, though Alabama's statewide business entity database and vital records online ordering provide reasonable digital access for those record types.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Hackleburg, Marion County, Alabama to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Hackleburg, Alabama, you will be transported to the Marion County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Marion County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Marion County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Hackleburg area is served by public school districts in Marion County, Alabama. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Alabama Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Hackleburg, Alabama are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Hackleburg Police Department on their official website. The Alabama Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Hackleburg Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Alabama government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Hackleburg Public Library main branch is located in Hackleburg, Alabama. Check the Hackleburg city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Hackleburg, Alabama are available through the Hackleburg Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Marion County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Hackleburg, Alabama, contact the Alabama Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Marion County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Hackleburg, Alabama can be obtained from the Hackleburg Police Department or the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Alabama Open Meetings Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Alabama DMV.
A background check in Hackleburg, Marion County, Alabama typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Alabama criminal history report through the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Marion County, Alabama

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

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