About Lawrence County
Lawrence County, Alabama, is located in the northwestern portion of the state along the Tennessee River, including approximately 691 square miles of land and water. Established on February 6, 1818, Lawrence County was named after Captain James Lawrence, a naval hero from the War of 1812 famous for his dying command 'Don't give up the ship.' Lawrence County seat is Moulton, which is the administrative and judicial center. According to recent census estimates, Lawrence County has a population of approximately 33,000 residents. Lawrence County is bordered by Lauderdale County to the west, Morgan County to the east, Limestone County to the north, and Winston and Cullman counties to the south. Major landmarks include the William B. Bankhead National Forest, which covers significant portions of the southern county, and Wheeler Lake, formed by the Tennessee Valley Authority's Wheeler Dam. The economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock, but has diversified to include manufacturing and tourism. Key public records agencies include Lawrence County Probate Office, Moulton, AL 35650, which handles vital records and some land transactions; Lawrence County Revenue Commissioner's Office for property tax assessment at the same address; and Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's Office at 14330 Court Street, Moulton, handling court records and some property filings. Lawrence County maintains a blend of rural character with small-town communities including Courtland, Town Creek, and Hillsboro, each contributing to Lawrence County's distinct north Alabama heritage.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the detention center, though Alabama law does not mandate online publication of these images.
- Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing times vary, and some agencies may charge reasonable copying fees not to exceed $0.50 per page under Alabama statute.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond process in Alabama allows for the release of detainees through cash bonds, property bonds, or bail bondsmen, depending on the charges and court stipulations.
Courts & Case Records
- Lawrence County Probate Court, situated at 750 Main Street, Moulton, AL 35650 (phone: 256-974-2427), has jurisdiction over wills, estates, guardianships, adoptions, mental health commitments, and marriage licenses.
- Certified copies of court documents typically cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- The Circuit Clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or sometimes by phone for record searches.
- Online case access through Alacourt may require registration and fees vary depending on the type of search conducted.
Property & Public Records
Property records for Lawrence County, Alabama are maintained by the Lawrence County Probate Judge. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Lawrence County.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Requests at Lawrence County level typically process within 1-3 business days if records are on file, while state-level requests may take 2-4 weeks.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Lawrence County Probate Court at 750 Main Street, Moulton, AL 35650 (phone: 256-974-2427).
- The fee is approximately $74.00 and certificates are issued immediately when both parties appear with valid photo identification.
- Certified copies cost approximately $1.00 per page plus certification fees.
- Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek.com for state-level requests, though convenience fees apply.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- For formal business entity formation, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships, businesses must register with the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services Division, in Montgomery.
- The Secretary of State maintains an online business entity search tool at https://corp.sos.state.al.us/ allowing free public searches of registered businesses, corporate officers, registered agents, and filing status.
- Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, which can be contacted for economic development information and business resources, provides networking and support services to local businesses.
- All business records filed with Lawrence County or state are considered public records under Alabama's open records statutes, allowing citizens to verify business registration, ownership, and good standing status.