Find Criminal History in Dothan
Criminal history records for Dothan residents are filed at the Houston County Courthouse in Dothan. Dothan is Alabama's eighth-largest city. It is the major city for the Wiregrass region. Houston County is southeast Alabama's largest county. The 20th Judicial Circuit serves both Houston County and Henry County. The Houston County Circuit Clerk keeps court records, arrest info, and criminal case files. The office sits at 114 North Oates Street. Online access comes through the Alacourt ACCESS system at houston.alacourt.gov. The Alabama Unified Judicial System's Admin Office of Courts gives online portal access to court records. Dothan Police Department keeps incident and crash reports. You can get them in person. Background checks come from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Dothan Quick Facts
Criminal Records Filing Location
Criminal history records for Dothan residents are filed at Houston County Circuit Court. Dothan is the county seat of Houston County and the major city in southeast Alabama's Wiregrass region. The city extends into Dale and Henry Counties, but most of Dothan is in Houston County. The 20th Judicial Circuit serves Houston County and Henry County. All criminal cases for Dothan residents are primarily processed through the Houston County court system in Dothan.
| Primary County | Houston County |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit | 20th Judicial Circuit (shared with Henry County) |
| Circuit Clerk | Carla H. Woodall |
Houston County Courthouse
The Houston County Courthouse is located in Dothan. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains all criminal case files and court records. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Circuit Clerk can be reached at 114 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303. Houston County has extensive online court resources available through houston.alacourt.gov.
| Name | Houston County Courthouse |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | PO Drawer 6406 Dothan, AL 36302 |
| Circuit Clerk Physical Address | 114 North Oates Street Dothan, AL 36303 |
| Phone | (334) 671-8764 (Courthouse) (334) 677-4858 (Circuit Clerk) |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
How to Access Criminal Records in Dothan
Criminal history records for Dothan residents can be accessed through the Alacourt ACCESS system at houston.alacourt.gov. This online portal provides searchable access to criminal case information filed in Houston County. The Alabama Unified Judicial System's Administrative Office of Courts also provides an online portal for court records. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains physical copies of all court records at 114 North Oates Street in Dothan. Dothan Police Department maintains incident and crash reports that are obtainable in person at the police records department. Background checks are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Criminal Records and Identification Unit.
Online Resources
- Alacourt ACCESS system at houston.alacourt.gov
- Alabama Unified Judicial System Administrative Office of Courts online portal
- City of Dothan records searches at dothan.org
- Alabama Background Check System through ALEA
In-Person Requests
Criminal records can be requested in person at the Circuit Clerk's office at 114 North Oates Street, Dothan, AL 36303. 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. Dothan Police Department records are obtainable in person at the police records department.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be submitted by mail to Houston County Circuit Clerk, PO Drawer 6406, Dothan, AL 36302. 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 Houston 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. Houston County Circuit Clerk charges $25 for copies of records 1 to 20 pages. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (334) 677-4858 for current fee schedules.
| Records Inspection | Up to $25 per Alabama Code § 41-9-644 |
|---|---|
| Copies (1-20 pages) | $25 |
| Additional Fees | 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 in Dothan
Legal aid organizations serving Dothan and Houston County provide civil legal assistance only. These organizations do not handle criminal defense. Individuals facing criminal charges who cannot afford an attorney should inform the court, and a public defender may be appointed.
Legal Services Alabama - Dothan Office
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. The Dothan office serves southeast Alabama. This organization does not handle criminal defense but may assist with expungement petitions for qualifying individuals.
| Phone | (866) 456-4995 |
|---|---|
| Services | Civil legal problems 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. This service provides referrals to licensed Alabama attorneys. An initial 30-minute consultation is available for a maximum fee of $50.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - Criminal Records Unit
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Criminal Records and Identification Unit provides background checks and criminal history information. Contact ALEA at P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511 or call (334) 353-4340.
Dothan Municipal Court
Dothan Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and minor traffic matters only. Criminal history records including felonies and most misdemeanors are not processed through municipal court. These records are filed with Houston County Circuit Court or District Court. Municipal court operates separately from the county court system. For information about municipal court cases, visit dothan.org or contact the city government.
Search Criminal Records
Use the search tool below to find criminal history information for Dothan and Houston County.
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View criminal history record information for other qualifying cities in Alabama.