Hoover Criminal History Lookup
Criminal history records for Hoover residents are filed with Jefferson County or Shelby County. It depends on where in city limits the offense occurred. Hoover is unique. It spans three separate court jurisdictions: Jefferson County Birmingham division, Jefferson County Bessemer division, and Shelby County. Most of Hoover sits in Jefferson County. Criminal cases go to the right county division based on where the offense occurred. Alacourt ACCESS gives statewide searches across all three jurisdictions. Jefferson County court records sit at jefferson.alacourt.gov. Shelby County records sit at shelby.alacourt.gov. Background checks come from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Hoover Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations only, not criminal history records.
Hoover Quick Facts
Multi-County Jurisdiction
Hoover is unique among Alabama cities because it spans three separate court jurisdictions. Criminal cases are filed in Jefferson County (Birmingham division), Jefferson County (Bessemer division), or Shelby County depending on the location within Hoover city limits where the offense occurred. Most of Hoover is in Jefferson County. This creates jurisdictional complexity for criminal records. The 10th Judicial Circuit serves Jefferson County and the 18th Judicial Circuit serves Shelby County.
| Primary County | Jefferson County |
|---|---|
| Secondary County | Shelby County |
| Jefferson Circuit | 10th Judicial Circuit (Birmingham and Bessemer divisions) |
| Shelby Circuit | 18th Judicial Circuit |
Courthouses Serving Hoover
Hoover residents may have criminal cases in one of three court locations depending on where the offense occurred within city limits. The primary courthouse is the Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham. Some cases are handled at the Jefferson County Courthouse in Bessemer. Cases occurring in the Shelby County portion of Hoover are filed at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana.
Jefferson County Courthouse (Birmingham Division)
The primary courthouse for most Hoover residents. The Birmingham division handles criminal cases occurring in the Jefferson County Birmingham division portions of Hoover.
| Address | 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Room 420 Birmingham, AL 35203 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 325-5355 |
| Circuit Clerk | Jackie Anderson-Smith |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Jefferson County Courthouse (Bessemer Division)
Some Hoover residents have cases filed at the Bessemer division depending on location within city limits.
| Address | 1851 2nd Ave N Bessemer, AL 35020 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 497-8510 |
| Circuit Clerk | Karen Dunn Burks |
Shelby County Courthouse
For the portions of Hoover located in Shelby County, criminal cases are filed at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana.
| Address | PO Box 1810 Columbiana, AL 35051 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 669-3760 |
| Circuit Clerk | Mary H. Harris |
How to Access Hoover Criminal Records
Criminal history records for Hoover residents can be accessed through multiple systems depending on jurisdiction. The Alacourt ACCESS system provides statewide searches across all three court jurisdictions. Jefferson County court records are available at jefferson.alacourt.gov. Shelby County court records are available at shelby.alacourt.gov. Jefferson County uses an On Demand public access trial court portal for viewing records. Arrest records can be searched through the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office website. Background checks are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Online Resources
- Alacourt ACCESS for statewide searches across all jurisdictions
- Jefferson County at jefferson.alacourt.gov
- Shelby County at shelby.alacourt.gov
- Jefferson County On Demand public access portal
- Jefferson County Sheriff's Office arrest records
- Alabama Background Check System through ALEA
Sex Offender Registries
Hoover residents should check both the Jefferson County sex offender database and the Shelby County sex offender database depending on location within city limits.
In-Person Requests
Criminal records can be requested in person at the appropriate courthouse based on where the case was filed. For Jefferson County cases, visit the Birmingham or Bessemer courthouse. For Shelby County cases, visit the courthouse in Columbiana. Requesters should provide the defendant's name, case number if known, and date of birth if available.
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 Jefferson County and Shelby 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.
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. Alabama Code § 15-27-2 governs expungement for felony offenses. Circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony expungement petitions.
Legal Aid Resources
Legal aid resources for Hoover residents are available through Jefferson County and Birmingham organizations. Legal aid organizations handle civil matters only and do not provide criminal defense. For criminal defense, contact a public defender or private attorney.
Legal Services Alabama - Birmingham Office
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. The Birmingham office may assist with expungement petitions for qualifying individuals but does not handle criminal defense.
| Address | 1820 Seventh Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 328-3540 |
| Services | Civil cases only |
Legal Aid Society of Birmingham
The Legal Aid Society of Birmingham provides court-appointed representation in certain criminal matters. This organization does not accept direct applications from the public. Representation is provided by court appointment 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.
Hoover Municipal Court
Hoover Municipal Court handles violations and misdemeanors related to city ordinances only. Criminal history records including felonies and most misdemeanors are not processed through municipal court. These records are filed with the appropriate county division based on location within city limits. Hoover Municipal Court is located at 2020 Valleydale Road, Hoover, AL 35244. Phone: (205) 444-7526.
Search Criminal Records
Use the search tool below to find criminal history information for Hoover residents across all court jurisdictions.
Nearby Alabama Cities
View criminal history record information for other qualifying cities in Alabama.