Find Criminal History in Mobile

Criminal history records for Mobile residents are kept by the Mobile County Circuit Court and ACJIC. Mobile is Alabama's second-largest city and the county seat. The 13th Judicial Circuit serves Mobile County only. Court records, arrest info, and criminal case files are available through the Mobile County Courthouse at Government Plaza. Alacourt ACCESS gives online search for criminal cases filed in Mobile County. Background checks come from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Legal aid groups in Mobile handle civil matters only. They do not represent people in criminal cases.

Criminal Records Filing Location

Criminal history records for Mobile residents are filed and maintained at the Mobile County Circuit Court. Mobile is the county seat of Mobile County. The 13th Judicial Circuit serves Mobile County exclusively and operates out of Government Plaza in downtown Mobile. All criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals, are processed through the Mobile County court system. The Circuit Court is located on the 6th and 8th floors of Government Plaza. District Court operates on the 4th floor.

Mobile County Courthouse

The Mobile County Courthouse sits at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile. The facility houses the Circuit Court, District Court, and the Circuit Clerk's office. The Circuit Clerk keeps criminal history records at this location. The courthouse opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Parking is available at the Civic Center parking facility for jurors. It costs $2 per day. The Domestic Relations courtroom runs on the 2nd floor. Family Court sits at the Strickland Youth Facility. This is where juvenile delinquency cases and dependency proceedings take place, with separate facilities designed to handle matters involving minors under Alabama law.

How to Access Criminal Records in Mobile

Criminal history records for Mobile residents can be accessed through multiple channels. The primary method is through the Alabama Alacourt ACCESS system, which provides online case searches for Mobile County criminal cases. Users can search by name, case number, or other identifying information. The Mobile County Circuit Clerk's office maintains physical copies of all court records. Certified copies can be requested in person at the Government Plaza or by mail. Background checks can be obtained through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The Just One Look portal provides on-demand access to Mobile County court records for $9.99 per search.

Online Resources

• Alacourt ACCESS system at mobile.alacourt.gov
• Just One Look portal for on-demand record access
• Alabama Background Check System through ALEA
• Mobile County sex offender registry

In-Person Requests

Criminal records can be requested in person at the Circuit Clerk's office. Go to Government Plaza, Room C-913. Bring the defendant's full name and case number if you know it. You should also have the date of filing if possible. Some records require ID to view or copy. The clerk's office takes cash, checks, and credit cards for copying fees.

Mail Requests

Written requests can be submitted by mail to the Mobile County Circuit Clerk at 205 Government Street, Room C-913, Mobile, AL 36644. Requests should include the case number or defendant's full name, date of birth if available, and the specific records being requested. Include payment for copying fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents.

Fees for Criminal Records

Fees for criminal history records in Mobile 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. Mobile County may charge additional fees for certified copies, extensive searches, or document processing. The Just One Look portal charges $9.99 per search for on-demand court record access. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (251) 574-8806 for current fee schedules.

Alabama Criminal Records Laws

Criminal history 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 is Alabama's foundational public records law. Criminal records that are not sealed or expunged are generally considered public records accessible under this statute.

Expungement Statutes

Alabama law provides for expungement of certain 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. 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.

The Alabama Redeemer Act, which became effective July 1, 2021, expanded expungement eligibility for certain criminal records. Persons convicted of misdemeanors may petition for expungement if all probation and parole requirements are completed and three years have passed from the date of conviction. For felonies, more stringent requirements apply including a five-year waiting period and no subsequent convictions.

Legal Aid Resources in Mobile

Legal aid organizations in Mobile provide assistance with civil legal matters only. Criminal defense requires representation by a public defender appointed by the court or a private attorney. Individuals facing criminal charges who cannot afford an attorney should inform the court, and a public defender may be appointed. For expungement petitions, which are civil matters, qualifying individuals may receive assistance from legal aid organizations.

Legal Services Alabama - Mobile Office

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. The Mobile office serves Baldwin, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington Counties. This organization does not handle criminal defense matters but may assist with expungement petitions for qualifying individuals.

South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program (SAVLP)

The South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program provides civil legal services to low-income residents. The organization serves Baldwin, Clarke, Mobile, and Washington Counties. SAVLP does not handle criminal matters.

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.

Mobile Municipal Court

The Mobile Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and minor traffic matters that occur within city limits. Criminal history records, including felonies and most misdemeanors, are not handled by municipal court. These records are filed with Mobile County Circuit Court or District Court. Municipal court records are maintained separately from criminal history records at the state and county level. For information about municipal court cases, contact the City of Mobile at Government Plaza.

Search Criminal Records

Use the search tool below to find criminal history information for Mobile and Mobile County.

Nearby Alabama Cities

View criminal history record information for other qualifying cities in Alabama.