Birmingham Criminal History
Criminal history records for Birmingham residents are filed at the Jefferson County Circuit Court. Birmingham is Alabama's largest metro area. It sits in Jefferson County. The 10th Judicial Circuit serves Jefferson County only. It operates two divisions: Birmingham and Bessemer. Criminal cases for Birmingham residents go to the Birmingham division. The Circuit Court Clerk keeps all criminal case files, arrest records, and court dispositions. You can access these records through Alacourt ACCESS online or by visiting the Circuit Clerk's office. Background checks come from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Electronic filing is required in many cases through the AlaFile system.
Birmingham Quick Facts
Where Birmingham Criminal Records Are Filed
Criminal history records for Birmingham residents are filed at the Jefferson County Circuit Court, Birmingham division. Jefferson County is Alabama's most populous county. The 10th Judicial Circuit serves Jefferson County only. It has two court divisions: one in Birmingham and one in Bessemer. Most criminal cases for Birmingham residents go through the Birmingham division. The courthouse sits at 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N in downtown Birmingham. Criminal Circuit Court operates from 801 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N.
| County | Jefferson County |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit | 10th Judicial Circuit |
| Court Division | Birmingham Division |
| Circuit Clerk (Birmingham) | Jackie Anderson-Smith |
Jefferson County Courthouse (Birmingham Division)
The Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham handles criminal cases for Birmingham residents. The Circuit Clerk's office is in Room 420 at 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N. Criminal Circuit Court runs from 801 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N. The courthouse opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Multiple Circuit and District judges serve the 10th Circuit. Jefferson County has many online court resources. It requires e-filing through the AlaFile system for many case types.
| Name | Jefferson County Courthouse (Birmingham Division) |
|---|---|
| Circuit Clerk Address | 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Room 420 Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Criminal Circuit Court | 801 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Phone | (205) 325-5355 (Clerk) (205) 325-5309 (Criminal Court) |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
How to Access Birmingham Criminal Records
Criminal history records for Birmingham residents can be accessed through several methods. The primary online resource is the Alacourt ACCESS system, available at jefferson.alacourt.gov. This system provides searchable access to criminal case information filed in Jefferson County. The Jefferson County Circuit Clerk also maintains a dedicated website at jeffersoncircuitclerk.alacourt.gov with additional resources. Physical copies of court records can be requested at the Circuit Clerk's office in person or by mail. Jefferson County uses an On Demand public access trial court portal for viewing court records. Background checks are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Online Search Options
- Alacourt ACCESS at jefferson.alacourt.gov
- Jefferson County Circuit Clerk website at jeffersoncircuitclerk.alacourt.gov
- On Demand public access trial court portal
- Alabama Background Check System through ALEA
- AlaFile system for electronic filing and case viewing
In-Person Record Requests
Criminal records can be requested in person at the Circuit Clerk's office at 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Room 420, Birmingham, AL 35203. Requesters should provide the defendant's name, case number if known, and date of birth if available. The clerk's office can perform searches by name or case number. Identification may be required. Payment for copying fees is due at time of request.
Electronic Filing Requirements
Jefferson County requires electronic filing through the AlaFile system for many case types. Attorneys and parties filing documents must use this system. AlaFile provides case management and document viewing capabilities for electronically filed cases. Access to AlaFile requires registration and authentication. The system went live in Jefferson County several years ago to reduce paper filing and speed up case processing. Not all case types use e-filing yet, so check with the clerk before you try to file electronically. You can view documents through AlaFile even if you're not a lawyer. The system charges fees for each document filed, with costs varying based on document type and page count.
Fees for Criminal Records in Birmingham
Fees for criminal history records in Jefferson County are authorized by Alabama Code § 41-9-644, which permits agencies to impose fees not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25) for criminal offender records inspections. Jefferson County may charge additional fees for certified copies, extensive searches, or document processing. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (205) 325-5355 for current fee schedules. Electronic filing through AlaFile may have separate fees for document submission and service.
| Records Inspection | Up to $25 per Alabama Code § 41-9-644 |
|---|---|
| Certified Copies | Contact clerk for current fees |
| Electronic Filing | AlaFile fees apply |
Criminal Records Laws in Alabama
Alabama's criminal records laws are established in several code sections. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public writings, subject to statutory exemptions. Criminal records that have not been sealed or expunged are generally accessible as public records. The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center maintains the state repository of criminal history record information pursuant to administrative regulations.
Expungement Procedures
Alabama law permits expungement of criminal records under certain conditions. 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, or result in acquittal after 90 days have passed. For convictions, misdemeanors may be expunged three years after completion of all probation and parole requirements.
Alabama Code § 15-27-2 governs expungement for felony offenses. Circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony expungement petitions. Felony expungement requires more stringent conditions including a five-year waiting period and no subsequent convictions of any felony, misdemeanor, or violation during that period.
Legal Aid and Criminal Defense in Birmingham
Birmingham has several legal aid organizations that provide services related to criminal matters. The Legal Aid Society of Birmingham provides court-appointed representation in dependency, juvenile delinquency, misdemeanor, traffic, and drug court cases. This organization does not accept cases directly from the public but serves individuals appointed by the court. For civil legal aid, Legal Services Alabama operates a Birmingham office. Volunteer lawyers programs handle civil matters only.
Legal Aid Society of Birmingham
The Legal Aid Society of Birmingham provides court-appointed representation in certain criminal matters including juvenile delinquency, misdemeanor cases, traffic offenses, and drug court. This organization does not accept direct applications from the public. Representation is provided by court appointment only.
Legal Services Alabama - Birmingham Office
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. The Birmingham office does not handle criminal defense but may assist with expungement petitions for qualifying individuals. To qualify, you need to meet income limits based on federal poverty guidelines. They help with civil matters like housing, family law, consumer issues, and benefits appeals. For expungement help, call ahead to see if they can take your case since they prioritize based on need and available resources. The office is located on Seventh Avenue North in downtown Birmingham, not far from the courthouse. You can apply online through their website or call to schedule an intake appointment.
| Address | 1820 Seventh Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 328-3540 or 1-800-819-7685 |
| Services | Civil legal aid only |
Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program
The Birmingham Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program provides free legal services for civil legal problems only. This program does not handle criminal cases. For expungement assistance or criminal defense from a private attorney, contact the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-392-5660.
Alabama Appleseed
Alabama Appleseed focuses on research and policy work. The organization provides limited case representation for individuals serving life without parole sentences under the Habitual Felony Offender Act. Alabama Appleseed has offices in Birmingham at 2 Office Park Circle, Suite 10, Birmingham, AL 35223.
Birmingham Municipal Court
Birmingham Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations only. Criminal history records including felonies and most misdemeanors are not processed through municipal court. These records are filed with Jefferson County Circuit Court or District Court. Municipal court operates separately from the county court system. For information about municipal court cases, visit the City of Birmingham website at birminghamal.gov or contact the municipal court at 710 20th Street North.
Search Criminal Records
Use the search tool below to find criminal history information for Birmingham and Jefferson County.
Nearby Alabama Cities
View criminal history record information for other qualifying cities in Alabama.