Alabama Arrest Records Search | Criminal Records

Alabama · County bookings, court cases, ALEA history and ADOC custody

Find an Alabama Arrest and Verify the Criminal Case

Start with the sheriff or jail in the county where the arrest occurred. Save the booking identifiers, identify the arresting agency and then read the District or Circuit Court record.

This guide also explains police reports, warrants, bail, county jail visits, state-prison custody, ALEA criminal-history review, corrections and Alabama expungement.

ALABAMA RECORD ROUTER VERIFYING
CRIMINAL CASE
COUNTY
BOOKING
COURT
OUTCOME
ALEA
HISTORY
IDENTITY + DISPOSITION VERIFIED
Arrest is not conviction. A booking charge is an allegation recorded during arrest or intake. It can be changed, declined or dismissed. Confirm the person through multiple identifiers and read the final court disposition.
Recent arrest

Search the county sheriff or jail roster.

Police narrative

Request it from the arresting agency.

Final outcome

Use Just One Look or the Circuit Clerk.

ALEA review

$25 plus fingerprints and identification.

Official review

Procedures checked July 31, 2026.

Start with the correct record

Which Alabama record answers your question?

COUNTY SHERIFF OR JAIL Is the person held now?

Search the booking, jail charges, bail, holds, housing and release status.

Best first step for a new arrest.
ARRESTING AGENCY What did officers report?

Request the incident report, arrest report, probable-cause narrative and releasable supplements.

The jail may not own the police report.
ALABAMA COURTS What happened to the case?

Find filed charges, amendments, warrants, hearings, pleas, judgments and final disposition.

Use Just One Look or the county Circuit Clerk.
ALEA OR ADOC Do you need statewide data?

ALEA provides fingerprint-supported personal criminal-history review. ADOC shows current state-prison custody.

Neither replaces the county booking search.
Most reliable sequence: Find the county booking, save the identifying numbers, identify the arresting agency, search the court case and obtain the exact report or certified disposition still needed.

Go directly to the Alabama task

Booking search workflow

How to find a recent Alabama arrest

Identify the county of arrest Search where the person was taken into custody, not only the county where the person lives.
Identify the arresting agency Determine whether city police, the sheriff, ALEA, a campus department or another agency made the arrest.
Open the official county jail search Look for Inmate Search, Jail Roster, Current Inmates, Booking Search or Corrections.
Start with the surname Add the first name, middle name or date of birth only when the result is too broad.
Allow time for intake Fingerprinting, identification, medical screening, property inventory and data entry can delay a new result.
Open every plausible match Compare birth date, age, booking date, arresting agency, facility and official numbers.
Save every identifier Record the booking number, inmate ID, arrest number, incident number and court case number.
Read every charge and hold One booking can contain several allegations, warrants, probation holds or outside detainers.
Search Alabama trial court records Use the case number whenever possible. Open Just One Look
Locate the final disposition Find the dismissal, acquittal, plea, judgment or sentence for every count.
Booking decoder

Understand an Alabama jail result

Booking fields, limitations and next actions
Field What it identifies What it does not prove Next action
Booking number One jail intake or custody event. The final criminal outcome. Use it for jail calls and records requests.
Inmate ID The person inside that county detention system. Guilt or conviction. Use it for mail, visits and deposits.
Arrest date When law enforcement initiated custody. When the alleged conduct occurred. Compare it with the police report.
Booking date When jail processing began. When charges were filed in court. Use it to distinguish several bookings.
Arresting agency The department responsible for the arrest. The jail owns the incident report. Request the report from this agency.
Booking charge An allegation entered during arrest or intake. What the prosecutor ultimately filed. Read the complaint or indictment.
Bond or bail A displayed monetary release amount or condition. Payment clears every hold. Confirm all charges and detainers.
Hold or detainer Another agency or court may control release. The local bond controls the entire booking. Ask which agency owns the hold.
Release date When that custody event ended. Dismissal, acquittal or innocence. Search the court disposition.
Mugshot A photograph created during booking. Identity alone, guilt or conviction. Match birth date and official numbers.
Identity safeguard

Verify the correct person before using the record

Full first and last name match
Middle name, suffix or alias is consistent
Date of birth or age matches
Booking date matches the known arrest
Arresting agency matches the location
Booking number matches another official record
Court case follows the same incident
Physical description is reasonably consistent
Minimum identity standard: Confirm at least two independent identifiers before sending money, contacting an employer, publishing an allegation or treating the record as belonging to a specific person.
No-result troubleshooting

Why an Alabama arrest may not appear

Intake is still underway Identification, fingerprinting, medical screening and data entry can delay publication.
The wrong county was searched Search the arrest location and any county connected to an outside warrant.
The name is recorded differently Try the surname alone, former name, maiden name, suffix or alternate spelling.
The person was released Some online rosters display only current inmates and remove completed bookings.
The person was transferred Check another county, ADOC, federal custody or a medical facility.
No court case appears yet Prosecutor review or court data entry may not be complete.
The arresting agency has a separate system A municipal police department may maintain reports separately from the sheriff.
The record is restricted Juvenile, sealed, expunged or confidential records may not appear publicly.
Missing-booking call script
I am trying to confirm the custody status of [full legal name], date of birth [date]. The arrest may have occurred on [date] through [agency] in [county]. Can you confirm whether the person is being booked, held, released, transferred or listed under another identifier?
Arrest-to-court lifecycle

Follow the Alabama record in the correct order

Law-enforcement incident The agency creates an incident report, arrest report, probable-cause information, property record and possible supplements.
County booking The jail records identity, fingerprints, property, initial allegations, bond information and holds.
Initial appearance A judge may address rights, counsel, probable cause, release, bond and future court dates.
Prosecutor review The prosecutor can file the booking allegation, change it or decline prosecution.
District or Circuit Court case The court record can include complaints, indictments, motions, hearings, warrants, pleas and orders.
Final disposition Each count may end through dismissal, acquittal, plea, conviction or another order.
Sentence or supervision A person may receive county custody, ADOC imprisonment, probation, fines or another sentence.
Correction or expungement Inaccurate records may be corrected, and qualifying Alabama cases may be expunged through court.
Police and sheriff reports

Request the Alabama arrest report from the correct agency

Identify who made the arrest Check the jail booking for the city police department, sheriff, ALEA or other agency.
Name the exact documents Ask for the incident report, arrest report, probable-cause statement and releasable supplements.
Provide narrow identifiers Include the full name, incident date, location, report number, booking number and court case number.
Ask for electronic delivery Electronic delivery can reduce copying and mailing charges when offered.
Request a cost estimate Ask the agency to obtain approval before processing exceeds a stated amount.
Ask for the reason behind redactions Request an explanation when information is withheld or removed.
Copy-ready Alabama records request
I request an electronic copy of the releasable incident report, arrest report, probable-cause narrative and releasable supplements concerning [full legal name], date of birth [if known], for the incident on or about [date and time] at [location]. Known identifiers are agency report number [number], booking number [number] and court case number [number]. Please provide a written estimate before processing if the total will exceed $[amount].

Why information may be unavailable

Active investigation or prosecution
Juvenile information
Victim or witness privacy
Medical or confidential information
Protected investigative methods
Sealed or expunged case
Body-camera or recording review
Request lacks enough identifying detail
Alabama trial-court records

Find the formal charges and final outcome

Alabama Circuit Clerks maintain court records for proceedings handled in the District and Circuit Courts. Most trial-court case information may be accessed through Just One Look, while copies and certified documents are obtained from the appropriate Circuit Clerk.
Identify the filing county Start with the county connected to the alleged offense and prosecuting agency.
Open Just One Look Use Alabama’s on-demand trial-court record system. Open Just One Look
Search by case number when possible A case number is safer than relying on a common name.
Confirm the defendant and county Match the name, court, filing date, charge and arrest timeline.
Identify the court level District Court commonly handles misdemeanors and preliminary felony proceedings. Circuit Court handles felony prosecutions and other cases within its jurisdiction.
Find the complaint or indictment This identifies the charges formally filed.
Check later amendments Charges can be added, replaced, reduced or dismissed.
Read warrant entries in order A warrant-issued entry may later be served, recalled or otherwise resolved.
Find the final disposition Review each count for dismissal, acquittal, plea, conviction, judgment and sentence.
Contact the Circuit Clerk for formal proof Request an ordinary or certified copy when the online summary is not enough. Find the county Circuit Clerk
Court copies and searches

Prepare a complete Circuit Clerk record request

Court-copy and staff-research fees can vary by county and request. Several Alabama Circuit Clerk offices publish a common structure of $5 for up to 20 copied pages, $0.50 for additional pages and $5 for certification, but users should verify the current fee with the specific county before sending payment.
Find the exact case number Search Just One Look before asking Clerk staff to research a name.
Name the exact document Common requests include Complaint, Indictment, Dismissal, Plea, Judgment, Sentence or Final Disposition.
State whether certification is required Ask the recipient before paying for a certified copy.
Provide all available identifiers Include party names, aliases, birth date, charge, case type and filing date.
Ask for the county’s current fee Confirm copy, certification, staff-research, archived-record and mailing charges.
Follow the county payment rule Some Clerk offices do not accept personal checks for mailed requests.
Copy-ready court-record request
I request a [regular/certified] copy of [exact document] in State of Alabama v. [defendant], case number [number]. The case was filed in [District/Circuit] Court in [county]. Please provide the current fee and accepted payment method before processing.
Warrant verification

Check an Alabama warrant safely

Identify the issuing county or municipal court Use the booking, citation, notice or known criminal case.
Search the court case Review the latest docket entries through Just One Look. Search Alabama trial-court records
Read the entries chronologically An older warrant entry may be followed by service, recall or another resolution.
Check every possible jurisdiction A municipal, District or Circuit Court warrant may exist separately from another county case.
Confirm current status directly Contact the issuing court or responsible law-enforcement agency.
Use a lawyer when the warrant concerns you Counsel can explain surrender, appearance, bond and hearing options.
Do not confront or attempt to detain anyone. Similar names, recalled warrants and delayed online updates can cause dangerous errors.
Scam warning: Do not pay an unexpected warrant demand through gift cards, cryptocurrency, QR codes or a text-message link. Contact the court independently.
Bail and release

Confirm every Alabama charge and hold before paying

Recognizance

The court permits release based on the promise to appear and any ordered conditions.

Cash bail

The approved amount must be paid through the method accepted by the court or jail.

Surety bond

A properly authorized bonding professional posts the undertaking under Alabama law and local procedure.

Hold or detention

Another warrant, probation matter or court order may prevent release.

Confirm the correct booking Match the full name, date of birth and booking number.
List every charge and case Write down the release condition for each charge.
Identify every outside hold Ask which county, court or agency owns each detainer.
Confirm the latest judicial order An initial jail amount can change after the first appearance.
Ask where payment is accepted The jail, Clerk or authorized bond professional may follow different procedures.
Verify a private bond professional Obtain the premium, collateral and refund terms in writing.
Keep complete proof Save receipts, signed agreements, transaction numbers and booking details.
Allow release processing Staff must verify payment, clear holds, complete records and return property.
Bail-verification script
I am calling about booking number [number] for [full legal name]. Please confirm every active charge, the current release condition for each charge, every outside hold, accepted payment methods and whether additional court approval is required.
County jail visitation

Schedule an Alabama county jail visit correctly

County rules are local. Alabama does not use one statewide visitation schedule for all county jails. Do not apply ADOC state-prison rules to a sheriff-operated jail.
Confirm current custody and facility A person can move between intake, housing, court and medical locations.
Open the official jail visitation page Look for Inmate Services, Visitation, Video Visits or Corrections.
Check the visit type The facility may offer contact, non-contact, onsite video or remote video visits.
Create the approved provider account Use only the vendor linked from the sheriff or jail website.
Complete visitor approval Provide the requested legal name, birth date, address and identification information.
Add minors correctly Check adult-supervision, birth-certificate and consent requirements.
Select the correct jail and housing unit The county may operate more than one detention building.
Wait for confirmation A submitted request is not necessarily an approved visit.
Recheck custody before traveling Release, transfer, court movement or lockdown can cancel the appointment.
Arrive early with original identification Leave prohibited property outside and follow screening instructions.
Original government-issued photo ID
Approved visitor confirmation
Correct jail and housing unit
Correct appointment date and time
Clothing that follows the local code
Required documents for minors
No phone, camera or smartwatch
No food, tobacco, weapons or contraband
County jail services

Check local mail, telephone and deposit rules

Personal mail
  • Use the exact booking name and inmate ID.
  • Confirm the jail’s published mailing address.
  • Check whether mail is scanned by an outside provider.
  • Do not send cash or unapproved property.
Telephone and tablets
  • County inmates generally initiate outgoing calls.
  • Use only the provider approved by that jail.
  • Calls may be monitored and recorded.
  • Attorney calls use separate legal procedures.
Money and commissary
  • Verify the person and booking number.
  • Use the deposit method linked by the jail.
  • Review the transaction fee before paying.
  • Keep the receipt and confirmation number.

Do not send these without checking local rules

Cash, personal checks or gift cards
Food, medication or hygiene products
Polaroid or prohibited photographs
Stickers, glitter, glue or perfume
Books not sent by an approved seller
Original IDs or certificates
Legal papers through ordinary scanned mail
Contraband or escape instructions
Defense and legal help

Request appointed counsel or find an Alabama lawyer

Court-appointed counsel

  1. Ask the judge for counsel at the first appearance.
  2. Complete the court’s financial-hardship process.
  3. Provide income, assets and expenses accurately.
  4. Follow the local appointed-counsel or public-defender instructions.
  5. Do not discuss case facts on recorded jail calls.

Private lawyer

  1. Use the Alabama State Bar referral service.
  2. Confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
  3. Ask who will personally handle the case.
  4. Request the entire fee agreement in writing.
  5. Ask whether bond, motions, trial and appeal are included.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
Phone: 1-800-392-5660
Alabama Legal Help civil intake
Phone: 1-866-456-4995
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Civil legal-aid intake does not replace criminal appointed counsel.
Victim assistance

Find an Alabama victim advocate and case support

Identify the investigating agency Police and sheriff victim-service units may help immediately after the incident.
Identify the prosecuting office After charges are filed, ask the District Attorney for the victim-services or victim-witness unit.
Provide the report and case numbers These identifiers help staff locate the correct incident and prosecution.
Ask for notifications Request information about hearings, plea, sentence, release and restitution.
Ask about safety and emergency support Services can include crisis intervention, counseling, shelter, legal advocacy and referrals.
Locate an Alabama VOCA-supported service ADECA-supported programs may serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, homicide and other crimes. Open Alabama victim-assistance information
Alabama state-prison search

Use the ADOC inmate search only for current state custody

ADOC search includes

  • People currently incarcerated by ADOC.
  • A six-digit Alabama Institutional Serial number.
  • First-name and last-name search fields.
  • Current facility information when available.

ADOC search does not include

  • Historical ADOC records online.
  • Ordinary county jail detainees.
  • Every Alabama arrest.
  • People sentenced under the Youthful Offender Act.
Open the ADOC inmate search Use it after confirming that the person entered state custody. Open the ADOC search
Use the AIS number when known ADOC states that the exact six-digit AIS number takes priority over name fields.
Search by name when no AIS number is known The name fields allow open-ended results beginning with the letters entered.
Narrow broad results ADOC displays no more than 50 matching records at one time.
Save the AIS number and facility These details are needed for mail, visitation, communication and deposits.
Use Central Records for historical information Historical inmate information is not provided through the public online search.
Alabama Department of Corrections
Toll-free: 1-855-937-2362
Main: 334-353-3883
Central Records: 334-353-9738
ADOC visitation

Prepare for an Alabama state-prison visit

Facility schedules differ. ADOC facility pages direct visitors to contact the institution for current visitation hours and information.
Find the person’s current facility Search the exact AIS number when available. Confirm the ADOC institution
Open the institution page Use ADOC’s facility list for the address and facility telephone number. Open the ADOC facility directory
Ask about visitor approval Confirm whether an application, background check or approved visitor list is required.
Confirm the current visit schedule Ask about days, session times, housing restrictions and appointment requirements.
Ask which identification is accepted Bring the required original government-issued identification.
Ask about minors Confirm birth-certificate, consent and adult-supervision rules.
Review clothing and property restrictions Leave phones, recording devices, tobacco, weapons and unauthorized items outside.
Reconfirm before traveling Facility operations or security conditions can change visitation.
ADOC deposits and communication

Send money to an Alabama state prisoner correctly

ADOC uses Access Secure Deposits as its exclusive inmate-deposit provider. Available methods include online card payment, telephone card payment, CashPayToday walk-in cash payment and a mailed money order with the required deposit coupon.
Published ADOC Access Secure Deposits fees
Deposit amount Internet Telephone Walk-in Money order
$0.01–$25 $2.95 $3.95 $3.95 No provider charge
$25.01–$100 $5.95 $6.95 $3.95 No provider charge
$100.01–$200 $5.95 $7.95 $3.95 No provider charge
$200.01–$300 $5.95 $7.95 $3.95 No provider charge
$300.01–$900 $7.95 $9.95 $3.95 No provider charge
Confirm the full name and AIS number A wrong deposit may be difficult to recover.
Choose the deposit method Compare the published provider fee with the speed and payment method.
Use online or telephone payment Access Corrections accepts approved debit and credit card transactions. Open Access Corrections
Use walk-in cash when preferred Register through CashPayToday before visiting a participating location.
Use the deposit coupon for a money order Mail the money order and completed coupon to the address printed in the current instructions.
Keep proof of the transaction Save the receipt, confirmation number, AIS number and payment amount.
Access Secure Deposits telephone
866-345-1884
ADOC began transitioning inmate communication services to ICSolutions on August 1, 2025. Confirm the current provider and facility rules before creating or funding a communication account.
ALEA criminal-history review

Obtain your own Alabama criminal-history record

This is not an unrestricted public people search. ALEA’s Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information requires fingerprints and identification from the record subject.
Download the current CHRI review application Use the form linked by the ALEA Criminal Records Identification Unit. Open ALEA criminal-record forms
Complete the applicant information Use the full legal name, former names and other requested identifiers.
Obtain the required fingerprints Follow the fingerprint instructions included with the application.
Include current photo identification Attach a copy of the required government-issued ID.
Prepare the $25 payment ALEA currently accepts a cashier’s check or money order for the published review fee.
Add $5 for each additional copy Request extra copies only when genuinely needed.
Submit the complete packet Mail it or use the current in-person instructions at ALEA’s Montgomery location.
Review arrests and dispositions carefully Compare the ALEA response with county bookings and certified court records.
ALEA Criminal Records
In-person location: 301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Mailing address: P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
Phone: 334-676-7897
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Central Time
ALEA’s qualifying-employer Alabama Background Check System is separate from the public personal-review process. Misuse of protected criminal-offender information can carry criminal penalties.
Record correction

Correct an inaccurate Alabama arrest or criminal record

Identify which system is wrong Compare the jail booking, arresting-agency report, court docket, ALEA history and ADOC search.
Save the inaccurate result Record the URL, date viewed, booking number, case number and disputed field.
Obtain the controlling document Use a certified dismissal, amended order, judgment, agency correction or identity document.
Contact the originating agency A booking-page error belongs with the jail; an arrest narrative belongs with the arresting agency.
Contact the Circuit Clerk for a court error Provide the exact case number, disputed entry and supporting order.
Use the ALEA review process for repository information Obtain your current CHRI before disputing an arrest or disposition entry.
Explain the requested change precisely State what is wrong, what should replace it and which document proves the correction.
Recheck every connected system A correction by one office may not automatically update another agency or private database.
Correction versus expungement: Use correction when the information is wrong. Use expungement when the record is accurate but may qualify for legal removal from ordinary public records.
Alabama expungement

Remove an eligible arrest or criminal case from public records

Alabama law permits expungement in specified circumstances. An Alabama court grants the relief. ALEA supplies the certified criminal-history record needed before filing and processes the resulting order after the court acts.

Prepare before filing

Certified ALEA criminal-history record
Correct arrest and court case numbers
Certified court disposition
Complete charge and outcome history
Applicable waiting period completed
Outstanding court obligations reviewed
Current Petition for Expungement Form CR-65
Proper court and filing requirements confirmed
Obtain the certified ALEA record Alabama’s official guidance requires the certified criminal-history record before filing. Start the ALEA record review
Obtain the final court disposition Request the exact dismissal, judgment, sentence or other controlling order from the Circuit Clerk.
Review eligibility carefully Eligibility depends on the charge, result, conviction status, waiting period and other statutory conditions.
Download Form CR-65 The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts publishes the Petition for Expungement of Records. Download Alabama criminal Form CR-65
Complete every arrest and case field Use the exact agency, charge, arrest number, court and case number.
File in the proper court Confirm the filing location, fee, service requirements and local instructions with the Circuit Clerk.
Serve the required parties Follow current Alabama requirements for notice to prosecutors, law enforcement and other agencies.
Respond to objections or attend a hearing Bring the certified history, disposition and documents supporting eligibility.
Obtain certified copies of the order Keep copies for ALEA, courts, arresting agencies and later background-report disputes.
Verify that public access changes Recheck the court, jail, ALEA and private background reports after processing.
A dismissal does not automatically erase the arrest. A petition may still be required. Felony convictions generally involve additional limitations and may require a pardon before expungement eligibility exists.
Expungement removes qualifying case information from ordinary public records, but limited law-enforcement or legally authorized access may remain.
State contacts and map

Alabama arrest, court and corrections contacts

ALEA Criminal Records
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104

334-676-7897

ALEA Criminal Justice Information Services

334-676-7700

CJIS@alea.gov

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
300 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104

1-866-954-9411

Alabama Department of Corrections
301 South Ripley Street
P.O. Box 301501
Montgomery, AL 36130-1501

1-855-937-2362

ADOC Central Records

334-353-9738

Use for records not available in the current-inmate search.

Alabama State Bar Referral

1-800-392-5660

Use to locate a private Alabama lawyer.

Map to ALEA Criminal Records in Montgomery

Confirm before traveling: Verify the office, entrance, operating hours, accepted identification, fingerprint requirements and payment method.
Official-source extraction

What this Alabama guide brings into the page

ALEA procedures

Personal criminal-history review, fingerprints, identification, $25 fee, additional-copy charge, repository limitations, corrections and expungement routing.

Alabama court procedures

Just One Look access, Circuit Clerk responsibilities, criminal-case interpretation, record-copy preparation and current expungement Form CR-65.

ADOC procedures

Current-inmate search limits, AIS lookup, historical-record routing, facility contacts, visitation preparation, communication transition and deposit fees.

Title-focused questions

Alabama arrest-record questions answered

How do I search Alabama arrest records?

Search the official sheriff or jail in the county where the arrest occurred. Verify the result and then search the related Alabama trial-court case.

Is there one statewide Alabama arrest database?

No. County bookings, police reports, court cases, ALEA criminal histories and ADOC state-prison records are maintained in separate systems.

How do I find someone arrested today?

Search the county jail by surname and allow time for intake. Confirm the birth date, booking date, agency and booking number.

Where do I find the final criminal charge?

Search Just One Look or contact the county Circuit Clerk and read the complaint, indictment and any later amendments.

How do I find the final case outcome?

Locate the dismissal, acquittal, plea, judgment or sentence in the Alabama trial-court record.

How much does an ALEA criminal-history review cost?

The current published fee is $25. Fingerprints, current photo identification and an accepted cashier’s check or money order are required.

Does ADOC show county jail inmates?

No. ADOC’s public search covers people currently incarcerated in state correctional custody and does not provide historical information online.

Why is an Alabama arrest missing?

Intake may be incomplete, the wrong county may have been searched, the person may have been released or transferred, or the record may be restricted.

How do I correct an inaccurate arrest record?

Identify the office displaying the error, obtain the controlling agency or certified court document and submit the correction to that record custodian.

Can an Alabama arrest record be expunged?

Certain records may qualify. Obtain the certified ALEA criminal history, review eligibility, complete court Form CR-65 and file in the proper Alabama court.

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