Criminal records of Shelby County, Alabama, are available through several channels. ShelbyALCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court system, law enforcement agencies, and the county circuit clerk's office — Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office. Below are specific steps for searching, understanding, and obtaining certified copies of criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Shelby
There are several ways to find criminal records in Shelby County. Choose the one that suits your situation.
Online via ShelbyALCourt.us
- Go to ShelbyALCourt.us.
- Enter the full name of the person or the case number.
- Review the results — they include publicly available information about county criminal cases.
Alabama Court System Portal
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains the "Just One Look" system, providing access to state court records one case at a time. A defendant's name or case number is required for the search.
Shelby County Sheriff's Tools
- Inmate Listing — search by last name among individuals currently in local detention.
- Most Wanted — list of wanted individuals.
- Dispatch Log — recent calls and arrest warrants.
State-Level Inmate Search
The Alabama Department of Corrections maintains a database of current inmates only. Historical data is not available online.
Criminal History Check via ALEA
The Criminal Records Identification Unit at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains fingerprints and criminal histories of all arrested individuals in the state. Employers can order an Alabama Background Check online.
In-Person Visit
The circuit court clerk accepts requests directly at the courthouse. Public access terminals allow case viewing on-site.
Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office
Written Request
You can send a request by mail to the court clerk's address. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. Add payment in the form of a money order. For a state-level criminal history, the request is sent to ALEA.
To start a search, you typically need:
- Full name (first and last name)
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Shelby Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each case in the Alabama court system receives a unique number. Understanding its structure speeds up the search.
The typical format of a case number in Alabama:
- County Prefix — a two-digit code identifying the county (for Shelby — 47).
- Case Type — a letter code, for example: CC (Circuit Criminal), DC (District Criminal), TR (Traffic).
- Year — four-digit year of filing.
- Sequential Number — a sequential number within the year.
Example: 47-CC-2024-000123 means a Shelby County Circuit Criminal case filed in 2024 under number 123. Enter this number in the court portal search field or provide it to the clerk during an in-person visit — it's the fastest way to a specific case.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Shelby
A criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of each.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Code of Alabama, e.g., §13A-12-214 |
| Severity Level | Felony, Misdemeanor, Violation/Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, a hearing is scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a decision or the case is closed.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, appeal deadlines have passed.
Hearings
Types of hearings found in cases:
- Arraignment — first presentation of charges, the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge assesses whether there is sufficient basis to continue the case.
- Pre-Trial — parties discuss agreements, file motions.
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or verdict.
- Review — checking compliance with probation or other obligations.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict — prosecutor dropped charges or court dismissed the case |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecutor decided not to pursue prosecution |
| Acquitted | Acquitted — court or jury found no evidence of guilt |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Shelby
Certified copies of criminal records have the official stamp and signature of the court clerk. They are required for legal procedures, employment, or submission to other agencies.
Where to Apply
- Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office — for county and district court records.
- ALEA Criminal Records Identification Unit — for a complete state-level criminal history (based on fingerprints).
How to Submit a Request
- In-Person — visit the court clerk's office with valid photo ID. Provide the name and case number.
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name, date of birth, case number, and a money order to cover fees.
- Online (only via ALEA) — employers and organizations can order a check through the Alabama Background Check portal.
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- For ALEA requests — a set of fingerprints taken by an authorized agency
For filing a petition for expungement, the court clerk's office provides a separate instruction, which requires obtaining a criminal history from ACJIC.
Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Shelby
Fees depend on the type of request and the processing agency.
| Service | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | General rate of Alabama circuit courts (Code of Alabama §12-19-90) |
| Document certification | $1.00 per document (in addition to copy costs) | Code of Alabama §12-19-90 |
| Alabama Background Check via ALEA (fingerprint-based) | $25.00 | ALEA |
| Name-based check via ALEA | $15.00 | ALEA |
Processing Times
- In-person request at the court clerk — usually the same day or within a few business days.
- Mail request — from 5 to 15 business days depending on volume.
- ALEA Background Check — electronic results are received within 1–5 business days; fingerprint-based requests may take longer.
Payment is accepted by money order or cashier's check. Confirm acceptable payment forms directly with the court clerk's office before visiting.