Decatur Criminal History Lookup
Criminal history records for Decatur residents are filed at the Morgan County Circuit Court in Decatur. Decatur is Alabama's tenth-largest city. It is the county seat of Morgan County. The 8th Judicial Circuit serves Morgan County only. Most of Decatur sits in Morgan County. This means most criminal records are filed at the Morgan County Courthouse. The address is 302 Lee Street N.E. Parts of the city in Limestone County would have records at the Limestone County Courthouse in Athens. Morgan County sits on the Tennessee River. It serves as a major industrial city. Online access comes through the Alacourt ACCESS system at morgan.alacourt.gov. Morgan County District Attorney prosecutes felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases in the 8th Judicial Circuit. Background checks come from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Decatur Quick Facts
Criminal Records Filing Location
Criminal history records for Decatur residents are primarily filed at Morgan County Circuit Court because Decatur is the county seat and most of the city is in Morgan County. The 8th Judicial Circuit serves Morgan County exclusively. Portions of Decatur in Limestone County would have criminal records filed at the Limestone County Courthouse in Athens. The 39th Judicial Circuit serves Limestone County. Morgan County is located on the Tennessee River and serves as a major industrial center.
| Primary County | Morgan County |
|---|---|
| Secondary County | Limestone County |
| Morgan Circuit | 8th Judicial Circuit |
| Limestone Circuit | 39th Judicial Circuit |
Courthouses Serving Decatur
Decatur residents primarily have criminal cases filed at the Morgan County Circuit Court in Decatur. Decatur is the county seat, so the courthouse is located in the city. Portions of the city in Limestone County would have records filed at the Limestone County Courthouse in Athens.
Morgan County Courthouse (Primary)
The Morgan County Courthouse in Decatur handles criminal cases for most Decatur residents. The Criminal Branch is located on the 4th floor at 302 Lee Street N.E. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
| Name | Morgan County Courthouse |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | PO Box 668 Decatur, AL 35602 |
| Physical Address | 302 Lee Street N.E., 4th floor Decatur, AL |
| Phone (Criminal Branch) | (256) 351-4790 |
| Circuit Clerk | Chris Priest |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Limestone County Courthouse (Secondary)
For portions of Decatur located in Limestone County, criminal cases are filed at the Limestone County Courthouse in Athens.
| Name | Limestone County Courthouse |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 Washington St. W. Athens, AL 35611 |
| Phone | (256) 233-6406 |
| Circuit Clerk | Kelly M. Davis |
How to Access Criminal Records in Decatur
Criminal history records for Decatur residents can be accessed through the Alacourt ACCESS system at morgan.alacourt.gov. This online portal provides searchable access to criminal case information filed in Morgan County. Morgan County Sheriff's Office is located at 119 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601, (256) 351-4825. Decatur Police Department provides arrest search, bookings, and reports. Court records can be requested in person at the Morgan County Circuit Court at 302 Lee St. or at the Limestone County Courthouse for portions of the city in Limestone County. Background checks are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Online Resources
- Alacourt ACCESS at morgan.alacourt.gov
- Morgan County Sheriff's Office at 119 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
- Decatur Police Department arrest search and reports
- Alabama Background Check System through ALEA
In-Person Requests
Criminal records can be requested in person at the Morgan County Circuit Court at 302 Lee St., 4th floor, Decatur, or at the Limestone County Courthouse, 200 West Washington St., Athens, AL 35611, (256) 233-6406. Requesters should provide the defendant's full name, case number if known, and approximate date of filing. Identification may be required. Payment for copying fees is due at time of request.
Court Appointed Attorneys
Court appointed attorneys are available for individuals who cannot afford legal representation. Request forms are available at the Magistrate's Office prior to the court date.
Fees for Criminal Records
Fees for criminal history records 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. Both Morgan County and Limestone County may charge additional fees for certified copies, extensive searches, or document processing. Contact the appropriate Circuit Clerk's office 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 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. This statute provides the legal foundation for public access to criminal history records that have not been sealed or expunged.
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 for expungement including dismissal, no bill, acquittal, or a five-year waiting period with no subsequent convictions.
Legal Aid Resources
Legal aid organizations and the Alabama State Bar provide guidance for civil legal matters. Legal aid organizations do not handle criminal defense. For criminal defense, individuals should contact a court-appointed attorney or hire a private attorney.
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 cases 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.
Morgan County District Attorney
Morgan County District Attorney prosecutes felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile cases in the 8th Judicial Circuit. Contact information available at morgancountyda.com/contact.
Decatur Municipal Court
Decatur 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 Morgan County Circuit Court or District Court based on location within city limits. Municipal court operates separately from the county court system. Municipal court FAQs are available at cityofdecatural.com/departments/municipal-court/faqs.
Search Criminal Records
Use the search tool below to find criminal history information for Decatur and the surrounding counties.
Nearby Alabama Cities
View criminal history record information for other qualifying cities in Alabama.