Moody Public Records Directory

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

About Moody

Moody is a city located in St. Clair County, Alabama, situated approximately 20 miles east of Birmingham along Interstate 20. Incorporated in 1962, Moody has grown from a small railroad stop to a thriving suburban community with a population of approximately 13,000 residents as of the 2020 Census. The city is named after early settler W.H. Moody and sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, offering scenic views and a strategic location along major transportation corridors.
Moody is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent access to outdoor recreation including nearby Pell City and Logan Martin Lake, and its role as a bedroom community for Birmingham-area workers. Major employers and economic drivers include retail establishments along Interstate 20, the St. Clair County school system, and various small businesses serving the local community. The city maintains its own municipal government with a mayor-council system and provides police, fire, and municipal services to residents. Public records for Moody residents are maintained by multiple agencies at the city, county, and state levels. The Moody City Hall, located at 700 Park Avenue, handles city-specific records including municipal court documents, business licenses, and city ordinances. The Moody Police Department maintains law enforcement records including incident reports and traffic citations. However, many vital functions are handled at the county level: St. Clair County maintains two courthouses due to its unique dual-seat system, with locations in Ashville and Pell City serving different townships. Property records, vital records, most court proceedings, and voter registration are managed by various St. Clair County offices. Alabama's public records law, codified in Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, establishes the right of citizens to access government records with certain exemptions. Residents can access criminal records through the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office, court records through the circuit and district courts, and property information through the county's Revenue Commissioner and Probate Office.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Saint Clair County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Saint Clair County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as those in Pell City, Moody, and Springville. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, focusing on community policing and local crime prevention. Coordination between these agencies and the sheriff's office is crucial for managing major crimes and ensuring comprehensive public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Saint Clair County Jail, located in Ashville, serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines.

Court Records

Moody residents are served by multiple courts depending on the nature of their legal matters. The Moody Municipal Court, located at Moody City Hall, 700 Park Avenue, Moody, AL 35004, phone (205) 640-3333, handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations issued within city limits, and preliminary hearings for certain misdemeanors. Municipal court sessions are typically held on scheduled evenings each month. For more serious criminal and civil matters, residents must go to St. Clair County courts. Due to St.
Clair County's unique dual courthouse system, residents are served by two locations: the St. Clair County Courthouse in Ashville at 165 5th Avenue, Ashville, AL 35953, phone (205) 594-2184, and the St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City at 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City, AL 35125, phone (205) 338-9444. Moody falls within the eastern district, primarily served by the Pell City courthouse. The St. Clair County Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, divorce and family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. The St. Clair County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $10,000, small claims up to $6,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings. Alabama's court records can be searched through Alacourt.com, the statewide judicial information system, though full access requires registration and fees. The public portal at www.alacourt.alabama.gov offers limited case search capabilities. The St. Clair County Probate Court, with offices in both Ashville (205-594-2120) and Pell City (205-338-9481), handles probate matters, marriage licenses, and certain public records. Filing fees vary by case type: certified copies of court documents typically cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee, civil filing fees range from approximately $200-$300 depending on case type, and small claims filing fees are generally under $100. Contact the specific court clerk for current fee schedules.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Saint Clair County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Saint Clair 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 records for personal or professional purposes, with the Alabama Background Check System offering a streamlined process for accessing statewide information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Saint Clair County are maintained by the Saint Clair County Sheriff's Office, which provides detailed documentation of individuals taken into custody. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring identification and a processing fee. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The Alabama Open Records Law governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access while protecting sensitive information.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Moody are maintained by St. Clair County offices, which operate on a dual-county seat system. The St. Clair County Revenue Commissioner's Office handles property tax assessment and collection, with offices in Ashville at 165 5th Avenue, Ashville, AL 35953, phone (205) 594-2134, and in Pell City at 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Suite 100, Pell City, AL 35125, phone (205) 338-9407. Property owners in Moody can search property tax information, assessed values, and ownership records online through the St. Clair County website.
The online system typically allows searches by owner name, property address, or parcel number, displaying current assessed value, property characteristics, tax payment history, and legal descriptions. The Revenue Commissioner's office maintains maps and parcel data for all properties within the county. For recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements, residents must access the St. Clair County Probate Office, which serves as the recording office. The Probate Office maintains locations in Ashville at 165 5th Avenue, Ashville, AL 35953, phone (205) 594-2120, and in Pell City at 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City, AL 35125, phone (205) 338-9481. Moody properties are recorded in the eastern district, primarily handled by the Pell City office. The Probate Office records all real estate transactions, mortgage documents, releases, liens, military discharges, and certain other legal instruments. To conduct a property search, residents can visit the Probate Office in person to access the grantor/grantee indices and recorded document books. Some St. Clair County land records may be available through third-party subscription services, though the county does not currently offer comprehensive free online access to all recorded documents. The county does provide a GIS mapping system accessible through the Revenue Commissioner's website, offering aerial photography, parcel boundaries, and basic property information overlays.

Economy & Demographics

Moody's economy is characterized by its strategic location along Interstate 20 between Birmingham and the Talladega National Forest, making it an attractive suburban community with strong retail and service sectors. Major employers in Moody include the St. Clair County Board of Education, which operates Moody Elementary, Moody Middle School, and Moody High School employing hundreds of teachers and staff. The city's proximity to I-20 has attracted significant retail development, including shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, and automotive dealerships that provide substantial employment.
Healthcare services, including satellite medical facilities serving the growing population, contribute to the local economy. Many Moody residents commute to Birmingham, approximately 20 miles west, for employment in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and professional services, making Moody primarily a residential community with a strong tax base. The median household income in Moody is estimated at approximately $62,000-$68,000, higher than the Alabama state average, reflecting its suburban character and proximity to Birmingham employment centers. The city has experienced steady growth over the past two decades, with new residential subdivisions, commercial development along Moody Parkway and Interstate 20 corridor, and improved municipal infrastructure. The dominant industries are retail trade, accommodation and food services, education, and healthcare. St. Clair County overall has a more diverse economy including manufacturing, agriculture, and recreation related to Logan Martin Lake and Pell City. Moody benefits from relatively low property taxes, good schools, and quality of life factors that attract families and retirees. Recent economic development has focused on attracting quality commercial tenants while maintaining the city's residential character and managing growth impacts on infrastructure and services.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement services in Moody are provided by the Moody Police Department, headquartered at 700 Park Avenue, Moody, AL 35004. The department can be reached at (205) 640-3333 and maintains a website at www.moodyalabama.com. Citizens can request police reports and incident records by visiting the police department in person during business hours or by submitting a written request. There is typically a nominal fee for copies of accident reports and incident reports. The department maintains records of all calls for service, arrests made within city limits, and traffic citations issued by Moody officers. For more serious criminal investigations and county-wide law enforcement, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office serves the broader area with headquarters at 165 5th Avenue, Ashville, AL 35953, phone (205) 594-2120, and a website at www.stclairsheriffal.com. The Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction throughout St. Clair County and handles patrol in unincorporated areas, operates the county detention facility, and provides investigative services.

Arrest and jail booking records for individuals detained in St. Clair County can be searched through the St. Clair County Jail inmate roster, typically accessible through the Sheriff's Office website or by calling the detention center directly. The inmate search typically displays booking photographs, charges filed, bond amounts, booking date and time, and expected release date for current inmates. Under Alabama's public records law, specifically Code of Alabama § 36-12-40 and related statutes, arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records accessible to any citizen. Written requests for older arrest records or detailed incident reports should be directed to the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office Records Division. The Alabama Open Records Act requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe, though fees may apply for extensive searches or copying costs.

Vital Records

Vital records for Moody residents are managed primarily at the state level with some county involvement. Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Alabama are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, located at 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1150, Montgomery, AL 36104. Birth certificates can be requested by mail, in person, or online through the state's VitalChek service at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords.
The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for additional copies. Online orders through VitalChek incur additional processing fees. Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and faster for online orders with expedited shipping. Alabama birth records are available from 1908 forward, and death records from 1908 forward. Only authorized individuals can request vital records, including the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order. Valid photo identification and proof of relationship are required. Marriage licenses for Moody residents are issued by the St. Clair County Probate Office, with locations in Ashville at 165 5th Avenue, Ashville, AL 35953, phone (205) 594-2120, and in Pell City at 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City, AL 35125, phone (205) 338-9481. As of August 29, 2019, Alabama transitioned to a recording-based marriage certificate system rather than traditional marriage licenses requiring ceremony officiants. Couples now submit a marriage certificate form along with a $74.00 recording fee to the Probate Office. The certificate becomes effective upon recording and does not require witnesses or an officiant. Certified copies of recorded marriage certificates can be obtained from the Probate Office for approximately $15.00. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court that granted the divorce, either in Ashville or Pell City, and can be accessed through the court clerk's office. Historical vital records dating back several decades are available, with earlier records sometimes requiring searches through archived materials.

Business & Licensing Records

Business licensing and registration for Moody involves multiple levels of government. The City of Moody requires businesses operating within city limits to obtain a municipal business license. Applications can be submitted at Moody City Hall, 700 Park Avenue, Moody, AL 35004, phone (205) 640-3333. License fees vary based on business type and gross receipts, with basic licenses starting around $50-$100 annually. Renewal is required annually, and the city maintains records of all active business licenses.
Businesses can inquire about existing licensees or requirements by contacting City Hall during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. For businesses using a name other than the owner's legal name, a trade name (DBA - "doing business as") registration must be filed with the St. Clair County Probate Office, located in Pell City at 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City, AL 35125, phone (205) 338-9481, or in Ashville at 165 5th Avenue, Ashville, AL 35953, phone (205) 594-2120. The filing fee is typically around $10.00, and the registration must be renewed every five years. The Probate Office maintains an index of trade names that can be searched in person. Corporations and limited liability companies must register with the Alabama Secretary of State. The Alabama Business Entity Database is available free online at arc-sos.state.al.us/cgi/corpname.mbr/input, allowing searches by business name, officer name, or registered agent. The database displays entity status, formation date, registered agent information, principal office address, and filing history. Formation documents and annual reports are filed through the Secretary of State's Corporations Division in Montgomery. UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) financing statements, which are liens on business personal property, are also filed with the Alabama Secretary of State and searchable through their online system. Property tax assessments for commercial properties in Moody can be searched through the St. Clair County Revenue Commissioner's online database, showing assessed values for land, buildings, and business personal property.

Elections & Voter Records

Moody residents vote in federal, state, county, and municipal elections, with election administration handled by the St. Clair County Registrar's Office. Due to St. Clair County's dual courthouse system, election offices are located in both Ashville at 165 5th Avenue, Ashville, AL 35953, phone (205) 594-2120, and in Pell City at 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Suite 105, Pell City, AL 35125, phone (205) 338-9485. Moody voters are primarily served by the Pell City office. The official website for election information is accessible through the county website at www.stclairco.com.

Alabama residents can register to vote online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration, or by submitting a paper application to the county registrar. Voter registration deadlines are 15 days before any election. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Alabama residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and provide a valid Alabama driver's license or ID number. Alabama now requires photo ID to vote, with acceptable forms including Alabama driver's license, state-issued photo ID, valid employee ID from federal/state/county/municipal government, valid student/employee ID from public Alabama college, U.S. passport, or valid military ID.

Moody holds municipal elections for mayor and city council positions. The City of Moody operates under a mayor-council form of government with council members representing districts. Municipal elections are typically held in August during municipal election years, with the most recent in 2024 and the next scheduled for 2028 for most positions. Information about municipal candidates, local ballot measures, and city election dates is available through Moody City Hall at (205) 640-3333. Qualifying for city office occurs in the spring before the August election.

Moody voters can find their assigned polling place using the Alabama Secretary of State's "My Voter Information" lookup tool at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov, which requires entering name and date of birth. Polling locations for Moody typically include schools and community facilities within the city. Early voting is not available in Alabama except for absentee voting.

Under Alabama law, certain election records are public, including voter registration lists (available to campaigns and for limited purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State and available at www.fcpa.alabamavotes.gov, candidate qualifying documents, and certified election results by precinct. Voter registration information including party affiliation is not public in Alabama as the state does not have party registration.

In the November 2024 presidential election, St. Clair County saw robust turnout with approximately 28,000-30,000 ballots cast, representing roughly 60-65% of registered voters. The county consistently votes Republican in federal elections by substantial margins.

Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Moody and St. Clair County voters will decide several important races. Alabama will hold elections for Governor (current Governor Kay Ivey's term expires in 2027), all statewide constitutional offices including Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Agriculture Commissioner, all seven U.S. House seats representing Alabama, all 35 Alabama State Senate seats, all 105 Alabama House of Representatives seats, and various St. Clair County offices including County Commission seats, Sheriff (if the term cycle aligns), Revenue Commissioner, and Probate Judge. No U.S. Senate seat from Alabama is up in 2026 (next in 2028 and 2027 special if applicable). Moody may also have municipal positions or local ballot measures depending on term schedules and qualifying candidates.

Alabama offers absentee voting for voters who will be absent from the county on election day, are ill or physically disabled, work a required shift that prevents voting, are appointed election officers or poll watchers, are students or spouses/dependents living outside the county, are currently incarcerated but eligible to vote, or have specific religious obligations. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the St. Clair County Absentee Election Manager at the Registrar's Office in Pell City or Ashville. Applications can be downloaded from the Secretary of State's website. Completed absentee ballots must be returned by mail (postmarked by election day) or delivered in person by noon on election day. Alabama does not have universal mail-in voting or no-excuse absentee voting.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ⚠️ Partial Online (Alacourt requires registration, limited free access) | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor, ⚠️ Recorder requires in-person/limited online | Arrest Logs: ⚠️ Limited Online (jail roster available, detailed reports require request) | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required (online ordering available through VitalChek with fees) | Business: ✅ Free State Database (Secretary of State business search free online, municipal licenses require city contact) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results (online voter registration, precinct results published, polling place lookup available) | Overall: 6.5/10 — St. Clair County provides moderate public records access with good online property tax searches and state-level business/election databases, but many records require in-person visits to dual courthouse locations in Ashville and Pell City, and comprehensive court/land record access remains limited online.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Moody, Saint Clair County, Alabama to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Moody, Alabama, you will be transported to the Saint Clair 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 Saint Clair County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Saint Clair County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Moody area is served by public school districts in Saint Clair 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.
Court records for cases heard in Moody or Saint Clair County, Alabama are maintained by the Saint Clair County Clerk of Court. The records office handles civil, criminal, family law, probate, and small claims cases. Case searches can be performed online through the Alabama courts online portal, where many case documents are available for download. In-person access is available at the Saint Clair County Courthouse during regular business hours. Certified copies of court documents can be requested for a per-page fee. Older records from before the digital era may require an in-person request. Records in active criminal investigations or sealed by court order are not publicly accessible. The Alabama Open Records Law governs access to court and government records in Alabama.
The Moody 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 Moody Public Library main branch is located in Moody, Alabama. Check the Moody city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Moody, Alabama are available through the Moody 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 Saint Clair County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Moody, 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 Saint Clair 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 Moody, Alabama are official public records available to citizens, attorneys, and businesses. To request a report from the Moody Police Department, visit the records unit in person with a valid photo ID, or submit a written public records request under the Alabama Open Records Law. Reports typically include incident details, officer narratives, and involved parties. The Saint Clair County Sheriff's Office also maintains incident records for events in unincorporated areas of Saint Clair County. Requests are usually fulfilled within 5-10 business days. Fees may apply per page for physical copies. Active criminal investigation reports may be withheld pending case resolution. Traffic accident reports can often be obtained online through the Alabama DMV portal.
A background check in Moody, Saint Clair 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.