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
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public safety and order in Lawrence County's unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these areas, managing Lawrence County Jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public education. The office has divisions dedicated to investigations, narcotics, and school resource officers, reflecting its full approach to law enforcement and community engagement.
Police Departments
Lawrence County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Lawrence County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Moulton and Town Creek. The Moulton Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Moulton, focusing on community policing and local crime prevention. Similarly, the Town Creek Police Department serves its jurisdiction with a focus on maintaining public safety and order. These agencies collaborate on major investigations and emergencies, making sure of a coordinated response to crime across Lawrence County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Lawrence County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 11394 Alabama Highway 157, Moulton, AL 35650, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Lawrence County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and operates Lawrence County Detention Center at the same location. Inmates can be searched through the detention center's roster, typically available by calling the facility directly or through limited online information provided on the sheriff's website when operational. The jail houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanor offenders.
- To request arrest records, citizens may submit written requests to Lawrence County Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- 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.
Municipal police departments operate independently in incorporated towns: the Moulton Police Department serves Lawrence County Seat, the Courtland Police Department serves Courtland, and the Town Creek Police Department provides law enforcement for Town Creek. Arrest records and booking information in Lawrence County are considered public records under Alabama Code Title 36, Chapter 12, Article 40 (Alabama Public Records Law), which establishes that citizens have the right to inspect and copy public writings. Lawrence County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Lawrence County.
For traffic citations and minor violations, municipal courts in each incorporated town handle their own arrest and citation records.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lawrence County includes a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are essential for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which provides full reports.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Lawrence County are maintained by Lawrence County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of each arrest, including the individual's personal information, charges, and arresting officer's details. Residents and legal representatives can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, typically requiring a formal request process. Under the Alabama Open Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Lawrence County Jail, located in Moulton, is the detention facility for people arrested within Lawrence County. The booking process at the jail involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal details of the arrestee. Inmate information, including charges and bond amounts, can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation at the jail is regulated, with specific hours and rules that visitors must adhere to, making sure of security and order.
- 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.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Lawrence County are taken and retained by Lawrence County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or third-party websites that aggregate such data. While Alabama does not have specific laws mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals may petition for removal if the charges are dropped or they are acquitted. The availability of mugshots online has prompted discussions about privacy and the potential impact on individuals' reputations.
Courts & Case Records
Lawrence County Circuit Court, located at 14330 Court Street, Moulton, AL 35650, has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorce and family matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk's office can be reached at and maintains case records, dockets, and judgments. Lawrence County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $10,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- 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.
Municipal courts in Moulton, Courtland, and Town Creek adjudicate city ordinance violations and traffic offenses occurring within city limits. Court records in Alabama are governed by Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, which presumes public records are open unless specifically exempted by law. The Alabama Judicial System's online portal, Alabama Court Records Search (alacourt.gov), provides limited case lookup capability for circuit and district court cases, though not all Lawrence County records may be digitized or available online.
In-person searches at the Circuit Clerk's office provide the most full access.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Lawrence County are maintained by Lawrence County Probate Judge's office at 750 Main Street, Moulton, AL 35650 (phone: 256-974-2427), which serves the function of recording deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, and other real property instruments. The Probate Judge acts as the ex-officio recorder of deeds in Alabama counties. All real estate transactions, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings affecting real property are recorded here.
The office maintains grantor-grantee indexes and legal description indexes dating back to Lawrence County's founding in 1818. Property tax records and assessments are handled separately by Lawrence County Revenue Commissioner's Office, also, Moulton, AL 35650. The Revenue Commissioner maintains current ownership information, assessed values, parcel numbers, and tax payment history.
Lawrence County offers online property tax record searches through the Alabama Department of Revenue's website and potentially through local third-party services, allowing citizens to search by owner name, address, or parcel number free of charge for basic information. For certified copies of recorded instruments, requesters must visit or mail requests to the Probate Office with the book and page number or a detailed legal description; fees typically include $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page. Lawrence County maintains a Geographic Information System (GIS) for parcel mapping, which may be accessible through Lawrence County website or the Revenue Commissioner's office, providing visual property boundaries, ownership, and assessment data.
All land records are public under Alabama law unless specifically sealed by court order.
Vital Records
Vital records for Lawrence County, Alabama residents are maintained at both Lawrence County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Lawrence County are available through Lawrence County Health Department, which is a local issuing office, and through the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, located at 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104. Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies.
- 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.
Alabama transitioned to a marriage certificate system in August 2019, eliminating the requirement for ceremony officiants; couples now submit a marriage certificate form with notarized signatures. Divorce decrees are maintained by Lawrence County Circuit Clerk's office at 14330 Court Street, Moulton, where the divorce was granted. Alabama vital records law, Alabama Code Title 22, Chapter 9A, governs access; birth records are confidential for 125 years except to authorized persons (parents, adult subject, legal representatives), and death records are public.
Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo ID and proof of relationship or legal interest when applicable.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Lawrence County involves multiple jurisdictions and offices. Lawrence County Probate Office at 750 Main Street, Moulton, AL 35650, handles certain local business filings including trade name registrations (Doing Business As/DBA filings), which allow sole proprietors and partnerships to operate under fictitious names. The filing fee is typically around $10.00 and must be renewed periodically.
- 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.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue and are required for businesses selling tangible goods; applications are submitted online through the My Alabama Taxes (MAT) system. Professional licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, etc.) are regulated by respective state licensing boards rather than at Lawrence County level. Building permits, zoning compliance, and occupational licenses for businesses operating in unincorporated Lawrence County are handled by Lawrence County Commission and Lawrence County Building Inspector's office; businesses located within municipal limits must contact city halls in Moulton, Courtland, or Town Creek for local business licenses and permits.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Lawrence County, Alabama are administered by Lawrence County Probate Judge's office, which serves as Lawrence County's voter registration and election authority. The office is, Moulton, AL 35650, and can be reached for Voter registration in Lawrence County is handled both at Lawrence County level and through the Alabama Secretary of State's online voter registration system at alabamavotes.gov. Alabama law requires voters to register at least 15 days before an election (not the commonly cited 30-day deadline in other states). Eligible citizens must be U.S.
Citizens, Alabama residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not disqualified by felony conviction or mental incapacity as determined by law. Online registration is available for those with an Alabama driver's license or non-driver ID. To find your polling place in Lawrence County, voters can use the Alabama Secretary of State's online polling place locator at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov or contact the Probate Judge's office directly.
Lawrence County is divided into multiple precincts serving communities including Moulton, Courtland, Town Creek, Hillsboro, North Courtland, Caddo, and other districts. Election records that are public include voter registration rolls (with some personal information redacted under Alabama law), campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State, candidate qualifying documentation, precinct-level election results, and poll worker lists. In the November 2024 general election, Lawrence County reported a voter turnout of approximately 58-62%, consistent with typical Alabama county turnout in presidential election years.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S. Senate seat, Alabama Governor, other statewide constitutional officers, state legislative seats, and local county offices.
Absentee voting in Lawrence County follows Alabama's absentee ballot law; voters may request absentee ballots if they will be absent from Lawrence County on election day, are ill or physically disabled, work shifts preventing polling place access, are appointed election officers, or are age 65 or older. Applications are submitted to Lawrence County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Judge's office; applications must be received by the Thursday before the election for regular absentee voting, though emergency absentee provisions exist. Alabama does not have universal mail-in voting; specific justifications are required.
Transparency in Lawrence County elections is governed by Alabama Code Title 17 (Elections) and the Alabama Open Records Act; citizens may request copies of election results, voter lists (with restrictions), absentee ballot applications, and campaign finance disclosures, promoting accountability in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Lawrence County's economy reflects a diverse mix of manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and small business sectors typical of rural north Alabama. Historically dependent on cotton farming and livestock, Lawrence County has transitioned significantly since the mid-20th century with manufacturing becoming a major employment sector.
- The median household income in Lawrence County is estimated at approximately $45,000 to $50,000, below the Alabama state average, reflecting the rural character and limited metropolitan development.
- The Tennessee Valley Authority's Wheeler Lake provides recreation opportunities that support tourism, fishing guides, marinas, and seasonal visitors.
Wayne Farms LLC, a major poultry processing operation, represents one of the largest private employers in Lawrence County, along with several automotive parts suppliers and metal fabrication facilities that have located in Lawrence County due to proximity to Huntsville's aerospace and defense industries. Agriculture remains important with cattle, poultry, row crops, and timber production contributing substantially to the local economy. The William B.
Bankhead National Forest covers over 180,000 acres in southern Lawrence County, supporting forestry jobs and outdoor recreation tourism. Unemployment rates in Lawrence County have historically tracked slightly above state averages but have improved with manufacturing expansions. Economic development efforts focus on industrial recruitment, infrastructure improvements along Highway 157 and Interstate 65 corridor access, and broadband expansion to underserved rural areas.
Lawrence County has seen investment in natural gas distribution and electric utility infrastructure to support business growth. Local government, education (Lawrence County Schools), and healthcare provide stable public sector employment. There are no Native American tribal economic operations in Lawrence County as it contains no tribal lands.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online (Alacourt) | Property: Yes: Online Tax Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: State Portal | Overall Score: 6/10 — Lawrence County provides moderate public records access with property tax and business searches available online through state systems, but many local records require in-person or phone requests to county offices in Moulton.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Lawrence County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Lawrence County, Alabama.