Madison Criminal History Search
Criminal history records for Madison residents are filed at the Madison County Courthouse in Huntsville. Madison is Alabama's ninth-largest city. It spans Madison County with parts in Limestone County. Most of Madison sits in Madison County. This means most criminal records are filed at the Madison County Courthouse in downtown Huntsville. The 23rd Judicial Circuit serves Madison County only. Parts of the city in Limestone County would have records at the Limestone County Courthouse in Athens. Madison County has seven Circuit Judges and four District Judges. Online access comes through the Alacourt ACCESS system at madison.alacourt.gov. Madison County Sheriff's Office gives an online Inmate Roster with arrest info. Background checks come from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Madison Quick Facts
Criminal Records Filing Location
Criminal history records for Madison residents are primarily filed at Madison County Circuit Court because most of Madison is in Madison County. The Madison County Courthouse is located in Huntsville. The 23rd Judicial Circuit serves Madison County exclusively. For portions of the city in Limestone County, criminal records are filed at the Limestone County Courthouse in Athens. The 39th Judicial Circuit serves Limestone County. Madison is located in the growing suburban area near Huntsville.
| Primary County | Madison County |
|---|---|
| Secondary County | Limestone County |
| Madison Circuit | 23rd Judicial Circuit |
| Limestone Circuit | 39th Judicial Circuit |
Courthouses Serving Madison
Madison residents primarily have criminal cases filed at the Madison County Courthouse in downtown Huntsville. This courthouse serves the majority of Madison city residents. Portions of the city in Limestone County would have records filed at the Limestone County Courthouse in Athens.
Madison County Courthouse (Primary)
The Madison County Courthouse in Huntsville handles criminal cases for most Madison residents. The courthouse is located at 100 Northside Sq in downtown Huntsville. Madison County has seven Circuit Judges and four District Judges. The Circuit Clerk's office is in Room 217.
| Name | Madison County Courthouse |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Northside Sq, Rm 217 Huntsville, AL 35801 |
| Phone | (256) 532-3390 |
| Circuit Clerk | Debra Kizer |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Limestone County Courthouse (Secondary)
For portions of Madison 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 Madison
Criminal history records for Madison residents can be accessed through the Alacourt ACCESS system. For Madison County records, use madison.alacourt.gov. The 23rd Judicial Circuit website at 23judicialcircuit.org also provides comprehensive online resources. Madison County Sheriff's Office provides an online Inmate Roster with arrest information. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency offers the online Alabama Background Check System. Court records can be requested in person at the Madison County Courthouse, 100 North Side Sq, Huntsville, AL 35801, or at the Limestone County Courthouse for portions of the city in Limestone County.
Online Resources
- Alacourt ACCESS at madison.alacourt.gov
- 23rd Judicial Circuit at 23judicialcircuit.org
- Madison County Sheriff's Office online Inmate Roster
- Alabama Background Check System through ALEA
In-Person Requests
Criminal records can be requested in person at the Madison County Courthouse, 100 North Side Sq, Huntsville, AL 35801. For Limestone County portions, visit 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.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be submitted by mail to the appropriate Circuit Clerk's office. 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 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 Madison 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 Laws
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 resources for Madison residents serve both Madison and Limestone Counties. These organizations provide civil legal assistance only and do not handle criminal defense. For criminal defense, individuals should contact a public defender appointed by the court or hire a private attorney.
Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program
The Madison County Volunteer Lawyers Program provides free civil legal services to qualifying individuals. This program does not handle criminal matters.
| Address | PO Box 2913 Huntsville, AL 35804 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 539-2275 |
| Website | vlpmadisoncounty.org |
| Services | Civil cases only, no criminal matters |
Legal Services Alabama - Huntsville Office
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. The Huntsville office serves Madison and Limestone Counties. This organization does not handle criminal defense but may assist with expungement petitions for qualifying individuals.
| Address | 1115 Church Street NW Huntsville, AL 35801 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (888) 741-7129 |
| 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.
Madison Municipal Court
Madison 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 the appropriate county court based on location within city limits. Municipal court operates separately from the county court system. For information about municipal court cases, contact the City of Madison at 100 Hughes Rd., Madison, AL 35758.
Search Criminal Records
Use the search tool below to find criminal history information for Madison and the surrounding counties.
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View criminal history record information for other qualifying cities in Alabama.