Access Montgomery Criminal History

Criminal history records for Montgomery residents are filed with the Montgomery County Circuit Court. The court sits at the Phelps-Price Justice Center. Montgomery is Alabama's state capital and the county seat. The 15th Judicial Circuit serves Montgomery County only. The Circuit Clerk keeps court records, arrest info, and criminal case files. Online access comes through the Alacourt ACCESS system at montgomery.alacourt.gov. Montgomery District Criminal Court handles DUI tickets, misdemeanors, and some felony cases until grand jury takes over. The court also does conservation tickets, revenue commission tickets, and ABC violations. Background checks come from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Legal aid groups in Montgomery handle civil matters only.

Criminal Records Filing Location

Criminal history records for Montgomery residents are filed at Montgomery County Circuit Court. Montgomery is the county seat and state capital. The 15th Judicial Circuit serves Montgomery County only. The Circuit Court sits at the Phelps-Price Justice Center. The address is 251 South Lawrence Street. Multiple judges serve the 15th Circuit. The Circuit Clerk keeps all criminal case files and court records here. The building houses both circuit and district courts, along with the district attorney's office and probation services for the county.

Phelps-Price Justice Center

The Phelps-Price Justice Center houses the Montgomery County Circuit Court. This facility serves as the primary courthouse for all criminal matters in Montgomery. The Circuit Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Electronic filing is available for court documents. Forms can be downloaded from the court website. The justice center is located in downtown Montgomery.

How to Access Criminal Records in Montgomery

Criminal history records for Montgomery residents can be accessed through the Alacourt ACCESS system at montgomery.alacourt.gov. This online portal provides searchable access to criminal case information filed in Montgomery County. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or other identifying information. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains physical copies of all court records at the Phelps-Price Justice Center. Certified copies can be requested in person or by mail. Background checks are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Montgomery County has comprehensive online resources with downloadable forms available from the court website.

Online Resources

• Alacourt ACCESS system at montgomery.alacourt.gov
• Alabama Background Check System through ALEA
• Montgomery County court website with forms and information
• Electronic filing system for court documents

In-Person Requests

Criminal records can be requested in person at the Circuit Clerk's office at the Phelps-Price Justice Center, 251 South Lawrence Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. 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. The clerk's office can perform searches by name or case number. Payment for fees is due at time of request.

Mail Requests

Written requests can be submitted by mail to Montgomery County Circuit Clerk, PO Box 1667, Montgomery, AL 36102. 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.

Montgomery District Criminal Court

Montgomery District Criminal Court adjudicates DUI tickets, misdemeanors, and certain felony cases until grand jury takes over. The court also handles conservation tickets, revenue commission tickets, NWNI (no worthless negotiable instrument), and ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) violations. District Court operates separately from Circuit Court but is also located at the Phelps-Price Justice Center. Case information for district court matters is available through the Alacourt ACCESS system.

Fees for Criminal Records

Fees for criminal history records in Montgomery 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. Montgomery County may charge additional fees for certified copies, extensive searches, or document processing. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (334) 832-1260 for current fee schedules.

Alabama Criminal Records Statutes

Alabama criminal records laws are codified in several sections. 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 are not sealed or expunged.

Expungement Laws

Alabama permits 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. 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. 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.

Alabama Code § 15-27-2 governs expungement for felony offenses. Circuit court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony expungement petitions. Felony expungement requires dismissal with prejudice, no bill, acquittal, or a five-year period since dismissal without prejudice with no subsequent convictions.

Legal Aid Resources in Montgomery

Montgomery has several legal aid organizations that provide civil legal assistance. These organizations do not handle criminal defense but may assist with expungement petitions for qualifying individuals. Individuals facing criminal charges who cannot afford an attorney should inform the court, and a public defender may be appointed.

Legal Services Alabama - Montgomery Office

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. The Montgomery office does not handle criminal defense matters but may assist with expungement petitions.

Montgomery Volunteer Lawyers Program (MVLP)

The Montgomery Volunteer Lawyers Program provides free civil legal services to qualifying individuals. This program does not handle criminal matters.

Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program

The Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program provides guidance for civil legal matters. For criminal defense or expungement assistance from a private attorney, contact the Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-392-5660.

Federal Defenders (Montgomery)

Federal Defenders provides legal representation to indigent clients appointed by federal court. This organization handles federal criminal cases only and does not accept direct applications from the public.

Montgomery Municipal Court

Montgomery 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 Montgomery County Circuit Court or District Criminal Court. Municipal court operates separately from the county court system. For information about municipal court cases, visit montgomeryal.gov or contact the city government.

Search Criminal Records

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

Nearby Alabama Cities

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