Auburn Criminal History
Criminal history records for Auburn residents are filed at the TK Davis Justice Center in Opelika. Opelika is the county seat of Lee County. Auburn is Alabama's seventh-largest city and home to Auburn University. The 37th Judicial Circuit serves Lee County only. The Lee County Circuit Clerk keeps court records, arrest info, and criminal case files. Online access comes through the Alacourt ACCESS system at lee.alacourt.gov. The Lee County District Attorney gives victim resources and open records request procedures. Recent arrest info sits at leecountysheriff.org. Background checks come from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Legal aid groups in Lee County handle civil matters only.
Auburn Quick Facts
Criminal Records Filing Location
Criminal history records for Auburn residents are filed at Lee County Circuit Court at the TK Davis Justice Center in Opelika. Opelika is the county seat of Lee County. Auburn is the largest city in the county and home to Auburn University. The 37th Judicial Circuit serves Lee County exclusively. All criminal cases for Auburn residents are processed through the Lee County court system in Opelika.
| County | Lee County |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Opelika |
| Judicial Circuit | 37th Judicial Circuit |
| Circuit Clerk | Mary Roberson |
TK Davis Justice Center
The TK Davis Justice Center is the Lee County Courthouse located in Opelika. Auburn residents have criminal cases filed at this courthouse. The Circuit Clerk's office is located in Room 104 at 2311 Gateway Dr. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Lee County Sheriff Department and Jail are located at 1900 Frederick Road in Opelika. The Lee County District Attorney's office provides victim resources and handles open records requests.
| Name | TK Davis Justice Center (Lee County Courthouse) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2311 Gateway Dr, Room 104 Opelika, AL 36801 |
| Phone | (334) 749-7141 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Sheriff Department | 1900 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 749-5651 |
How to Access Criminal Records in Auburn
Criminal history records for Auburn residents can be accessed through the Alacourt ACCESS system at lee.alacourt.gov. This online portal provides searchable access to criminal case information filed in Lee County. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or other identifying information. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains physical copies of all court records at the TK Davis Justice Center in Opelika. Recent arrest information is available at leecountysheriff.org. Background checks are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The Lee County District Attorney's office provides victim resources and handles open records requests pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40.
Online Resources
- Alacourt ACCESS system at lee.alacourt.gov
- Lee County Sheriff recent arrests at leecountysheriff.org
- Lee County District Attorney at leecountyda.org
- Alabama Background Check System through ALEA
In-Person Requests
Criminal records can be requested in person at the Circuit Clerk's office at 2311 Gateway Dr, Room 104, Opelika, AL 36801. Requesters should provide the defendant's full name, case number if known, and approximate date of filing. Identification may be required for certain types of records. Payment for copying fees is due at time of request.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be submitted by mail to Lee County Circuit Clerk, 2311 Gateway Dr, Room 104, Opelika, AL 36801. Include the case number or defendant's full name, date of birth if available, and the specific records being requested. Include payment for fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Fees for Criminal Records
Fees for criminal history records in Lee County are established pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-9-644, which authorizes agencies to impose fees not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25) for criminal offender records inspections. Lee County may charge additional fees for certified copies, extensive searches, or document processing. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (334) 749-7141 for current fee schedules.
| Records Inspection | Up to $25 per Alabama Code § 41-9-644 |
|---|---|
| Certified Copies | Contact clerk for current fees |
Alabama Criminal Records Laws
Criminal records in Alabama are governed by several statutes. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes the Alabama Open Records Law, providing that every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. Criminal records that have not been sealed or expunged are generally accessible as public records under this statute.
Expungement Procedures
Alabama law permits expungement of criminal records under specific circumstances. Alabama Code § 15-27-1 governs expungement for misdemeanor offenses, violations, traffic violations, and municipal ordinance violations. Eligible individuals may petition for expungement when charges are dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by a grand jury, or result in acquittal after more than 90 days have passed.
Alabama Code § 15-27-2 governs expungement for felony offenses. Circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony expungement petitions. The statute establishes specific conditions including dismissal with prejudice, no bill by grand jury, acquittal, or a five-year waiting period since dismissal without prejudice with no subsequent convictions.
Legal Aid Resources
Legal aid organizations serving Lee County provide civil legal assistance only. For criminal defense, individuals should contact a public defender appointed by the court or hire a private attorney. For expungement assistance, which is a civil matter, qualifying individuals may receive assistance from legal aid organizations.
Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program
The Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program provides assistance with certain civil matters including bankruptcy, consumer issues, divorce, and education matters. This program does not handle criminal defense.
| Address | 415 Dexter Ave Montgomery, AL 36104 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 269-1515 |
Legal Services Alabama
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. The organization does not handle criminal defense but may assist with expungement petitions for qualifying individuals.
| Phone | (866) 456-4995 |
|---|---|
| Services | Civil legal aid only |
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
For criminal defense or expungement assistance from a private attorney, contact the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-392-5660. An initial 30-minute consultation is available for a maximum fee of $50.
Lee County District Attorney - Victim Resources
The Lee County District Attorney's office provides victim resources available at leecountyda.org/victim-services/victim-resources. The District Attorney prosecutes felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases in the 37th Judicial Circuit.
Search Criminal Records
Use the search tool below to find criminal history information for Auburn and Lee County.
Nearby Alabama Cities
View criminal history record information for other qualifying cities in Alabama.