Lowndes County

Lowndes County is located in the south-central portion of Alabama, within the Black Belt region known for its distinctive dark, fertile soil. Established on January 20, 1830, Lowndes County was named after William Lowndes, a U.S. Congressman from South Carolina. Lowndes County Seat is Hayneville, a small town that is the administrative center for approximately 10,000 residents spread across 718 square miles.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Lowndes County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Lowndes County. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages Lowndes County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs meant to enhancing public safety and building community relations. The Sheriff's Office also has specialized divisions that handle investigations, narcotics, and community outreach programs.

Police Departments

Law enforcement in Lowndes County is provided by Lowndes County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Fort Deposit and Mosses. Each agency has jurisdiction over its respective area, with the sheriff's office covering unincorporated regions. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and response throughout Lowndes County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, located at 26 South Court Street in Hayneville, Alabama 36040, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Lowndes County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains jurisdiction over patrol operations, criminal investigations, and detention services. Lowndes County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate information can be obtained by contacting the detention center directly at the Sheriff's Office phone number during business hours.

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, though certain exemptions may apply for ongoing investigations or juvenile records.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically maintained by the Sheriff's Office and may be available upon request, though the agency may charge reasonable fees for copying and processing.
• Alabama law requires that public records requests be fulfilled within a reasonable timeframe, and agencies may charge actual costs for document reproduction.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Lowndes County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. These records are maintained by Lowndes County Sheriff's Office and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. Residents can conduct background checks through the Alabama Background Check System, which provides full information on criminal history. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Lowndes County are maintained by Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Alabama Open Records Act. An arrest record in Lowndes County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and the arresting agency. The process ensures transparency while protecting sensitive information as required by law.

Jail & Inmate Records

Lowndes County Detention Facility is the primary jail facility in Lowndes County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Lowndes County. Inmates can be searched through the facility's inmate lookup system, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Alabama state laws, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of bail, which can be arranged through the sheriff's office or a bail bondsman.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Lowndes County are taken and retained by Lowndes 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 compile such data. Alabama does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can request corrections or updates if inaccuracies are found in their records.

Lowndes County's judicial system includes the Circuit Court and District Court, both located at Lowndes County Courthouse, 1 Washington Street, Hayneville, AL 36040. The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. Lowndes County Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $10,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.

• Certified copies of court documents are available for fees typically ranging from $1.00 per page plus certification fees of $5.00 to $10.00.

Property and land records for Lowndes County are maintained by Lowndes County Probate Court, which is the recording office, located at 1 Washington Street, Hayneville, AL 36040, phone. The Probate Judge's office records and indexes deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. These records are public under Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and may be inspected during regular business hours. Certified copies of recorded documents are available for fees typically consisting of a base fee plus per-page charges.

• When requesting records, parties should provide property addresses, parcel numbers, or owner names to help with searches.

Vital records for Lowndes County, Alabama, are maintained at both Lowndes County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Lowndes County can be requested through Lowndes County Probate Court, located at 1 Washington Street, Hayneville, AL 36040, phone, though the office primarily handles marriage licenses and may refer vital records requests to the state. The Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics (ADPH) is the primary repository for birth and death certificates statewide and can be contacted at or online at alabamapublichealth.gov.

• Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies.
• Certified copies are typically processed within 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at the ADPH offices in Montgomery may be available same-day.
• Death certificates have broader availability but still require requesters to demonstrate a direct and tangible interest.
• Marriage records cost approximately $70.00-$82.00.

Business and licensing records in Lowndes County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and license required. Lowndes County Probate Court handles certain local business registrations and can be reached for Fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) are filed with the Probate Judge's office, allowing individuals and entities to operate under assumed names. These filings are public records and can be searched at the courthouse.

• The Alabama Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at sos.alabama.gov/business-entities where citizens can search for registered businesses, view filing histories, and access organizational documents.
• This free online system provides access to entity names, registration dates, registered agents, and filing status.

Elections in Lowndes County, Alabama, are administered by Lowndes County Probate Judge's office, which is the voter registration and absentee election manager. The office is located at 1 Washington Street, Hayneville, AL 36040, and can be reached for Voter registration in Alabama is available online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at alabamavotes.gov, where eligible citizens can register, update their registration, or check their voter status. The registration deadline in Alabama is 15 days before any election.

• Residents may also register in person at the Probate Judge's office, at driver's license offices, or through mail-in registration forms.
• To register, individuals must be U.S.
• Absentee ballot applications in Alabama can be requested online at alabamavotes.gov, by contacting the Probate Judge's office directly, or by downloading and mailing an application form.
• Absentee ballots must be requested in advance and returned by the close of polls on election day, either by mail (postmarked by election day and received within specified timeframes) or delivered in person.
• The Probate Judge's office provides information about early voting opportunities if available.

Lowndes County's economy is predominantly agricultural, reflecting its location in Alabama's Black Belt region with rich soil suited for farming and timber production. Lowndes County has a population of approximately 10,000 residents with a median household income estimated around $28,000 to $32,000, significantly below the Alabama state average. Agriculture remains the leading economic sector, with cattle ranching, row crop farming (soybeans, corn, cotton), and timber production serving as primary industries.

• Lowndes County lacks major manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, though its proximity to Montgomery (approximately 20-30 miles north) provides some residents with access to employment in the state capital.

Court Records: Limited: Online (Alacourt fee-based) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Primarily | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Preferred | Business: Yes: State Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: State Portal (AlabamaVotes.gov) | Overall Score: 5/10 — Lowndes County provides traditional in-person access to most public records, with limited digital services at the county level, though state portals supplement some areas.

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