Criminal records in Jefferson County, Alabama, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. JeffersonALCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the 10th Judicial Circuit Court, the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's state criminal history repository.
How to Search Criminal Records in Jefferson County
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Jefferson County. The method you choose depends on whether you need a quick lookup or a certified document.
Online Search Options
- JeffersonALCourt.us — Search for publicly available criminal court record information by name or case number.
- Alacourt.com "Just One Look" — The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts offers on-demand access to state trial court records, including criminal cases filed in Jefferson County. A paid subscription is required.
- Jefferson County Inmate Search — Look up current inmates by name, subject number, or booking number. This tool shows booking details and housing facility information for individuals in custody at the Jefferson County Jail.
- Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal — If a criminal case was appealed, docket information is available here. Document access requires registration.
In Person
- Visit the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham. Public access terminals may be available for case lookups.
- Jefferson County operates two court divisions — Birmingham and Bessemer. Make sure you visit the correct division for the case you need. The Bessemer Division Circuit Clerk handles cases originating in the Bessemer Cutoff.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at the address below, specifying the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available).
- For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Justice Information Center. Fingerprint-based background checks require an official fingerprint card.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required for court lookups)
- Case number (if known — speeds up the search significantly)
- For ALEA background checks: fingerprint card and completed request form
Search Jefferson County Criminal Cases by Case Number
Alabama uses a standardized case number format across its trial courts. Understanding the structure helps you locate the right record quickly.
A typical Jefferson County criminal case number follows this pattern:
- County code — A two-digit number identifying Jefferson County (01 for Birmingham Division, 64 for Bessemer Division)
- Case type prefix — Letters indicating the type of case. Common criminal prefixes include CC (Circuit Court criminal felony) and TR (traffic) among others
- Year — A two- or four-digit filing year
- Sequence number — A unique number assigned in the order the case was filed
For example, a case number like 01-CC-2024-001234 would indicate a felony criminal case filed in the Birmingham Division of Jefferson County Circuit Court in 2024. When searching on Alacourt or at the clerk's office, entering the full case number returns the most precise results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Jefferson County
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The specific Alabama Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 13A-6-2 for murder) |
| Felony | Serious offenses (Class A, B, or C) carrying potential prison sentences of more than one year |
| Misdemeanor | Less serious offenses (Class A, B, or C) with jail sentences up to one year |
| Violation/Infraction | Minor offenses, often traffic-related, typically resulting in fines |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting further court action
- Active — Proceedings are underway, including scheduled hearings or trial
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.)
- Closed — All court obligations, including sentencing and fines, have been satisfied
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally read the charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss case resolution, motions, and trial preparation
- Trial — Bench or jury trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — Judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up hearing to monitor compliance with probation or court orders
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges were dropped by the prosecution or the court |
| Nolle prosequi | Prosecution chose not to pursue the case (may be refiled) |
| Acquitted | Defendant found not guilty after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Jefferson County
Circuit Clerk's Office (Birmingham Division)
Certified copies of criminal case documents — including judgments, dispositions, and docket sheets — are issued by the Circuit Clerk.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Circuit Clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID. Provide the case number or defendant's full name and date of birth.
- By mail: Send a written request to the address above. Include the defendant's full name, case number (if known), your contact information, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online: Some case documents may be available through the Alacourt system, though certified copies typically require an in-person or mail request.
State Criminal History Records
For a formal criminal background check beyond court records, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Justice Information Center. Requests require a completed application and fingerprint card. ALEA processes both name-based and fingerprint-based checks.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- For ALEA requests: completed fingerprint card and signed authorization form
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Jefferson County
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (non-certified) | $0.50 per page | Standard copy rate under Alabama law (§ 12-19-90) |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page (plus certification fee) | Certification fee varies; contact clerk for current amount |
| Alacourt online access | Subscription-based | Per-search or subscription plans available through the state portal |
| ALEA name-based background check | $25.00 | Submitted to ALEA Criminal Justice Information Center |
| ALEA fingerprint-based background check | $39.50+ | Includes state and FBI processing; fee may vary |
| Inmate search (online) | Free | Available through the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office website |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed same day or within a few business days, depending on the complexity of the request
- Mail requests: Typically 5–10 business days after receipt, not including mail transit time
- ALEA background checks: Name-based results usually take 3–5 business days; fingerprint-based checks may take 2–4 weeks
Payment methods accepted at the Circuit Clerk's office generally include cash, money order, and certified check. Contact the clerk's office directly to confirm whether credit or debit cards are accepted. For ALEA requests, payment instructions are included with the application forms.