Search Tuscaloosa Criminal History

Criminal history records for Tuscaloosa residents are kept by the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court. Tuscaloosa is the county seat and home to the University of Alabama. The 6th Judicial Circuit serves Tuscaloosa County only. Court records, arrest info, and criminal case files sit at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. The address is 714 Greensboro Ave. Online access comes through the Alacourt ACCESS system at tuscaloosa.alacourt.gov. The Circuit Clerk's office gives physical copies of court records. District Attorney offices run from the courthouse. Tuscaloosa is unique in Alabama. The University of Alabama School of Law Criminal Defense Clinic offers free legal defense for criminal charges. They mainly do misdemeanors. Both locals and university students can qualify if they meet income requirements.

Criminal Records Filing Location

Criminal history records for Tuscaloosa residents are filed at Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court. Tuscaloosa is the county seat. The 6th Judicial Circuit serves Tuscaloosa County only. The courthouse sits at 714 Greensboro Ave in downtown Tuscaloosa. The Alvin Dupont Court Building at 2122 6th St also houses court operations. All criminal cases for Tuscaloosa residents go through the Tuscaloosa County court system.

Tuscaloosa County Courthouse

The Tuscaloosa County Courthouse houses the Circuit Court and Circuit Clerk's office. The courthouse is located at 714 Greensboro Ave, Room 214, in Tuscaloosa. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Alvin Dupont Court Building at 2122 6th St also serves as a court facility. The District Attorney's office operates from Suite 410 at the courthouse. Tuscaloosa County has comprehensive online court resources available through the court website.

How to Access Criminal Records in Tuscaloosa

Criminal history records for Tuscaloosa residents can be accessed through the Alacourt ACCESS system at tuscaloosa.alacourt.gov. This online portal provides searchable access to criminal case information filed in Tuscaloosa County. Users can search by name, case number, or other identifying information. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains physical copies of all court records at the courthouse. Certified copies can be requested in person at Room 214 or by mail. Background checks are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The Tuscaloosa County court website has comprehensive resources including forms and instructions.

Online Resources

• Alacourt ACCESS system at tuscaloosa.alacourt.gov
• Alabama Background Check System through ALEA
• Tuscaloosa County court website with forms
• District Attorney website at tuscaloosada.com

In-Person Requests

Criminal records can be requested in person at the Circuit Clerk's office at 714 Greensboro Ave, Room 214, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Requesters should provide the defendant's full name, case number if known, and approximate date of filing. The clerk's office can perform searches by name or case number. Identification may be required. Payment for copying fees is due at time of request.

Mail Requests

Written requests can be submitted by mail to Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk, 714 Greensboro Ave, Room 214, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. 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 Tuscaloosa 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. Tuscaloosa County may charge additional fees for certified copies, extensive searches, or document processing. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (205) 464-8259 for current fee schedules.

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 forms the legal basis for public access to criminal history records that are not sealed or expunged.

Expungement Statutes

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. Felony expungement requires specific conditions including dismissal with prejudice, no bill by grand jury, acquittal, or a five-year waiting period since dismissal without prejudice with no subsequent convictions.

Legal Aid and Criminal Defense in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa has unique legal resources due to the presence of the University of Alabama School of Law. The Law School operates a Criminal Defense Clinic that offers free legal defense to locals and university students facing criminal charges, mainly misdemeanors. This is a resource not available in most Alabama cities. Legal Services Alabama provides civil legal aid but does not handle criminal defense.

University of Alabama School of Law Criminal Defense Clinic

The Criminal Defense Clinic offers free legal defense to qualifying individuals facing criminal charges, mainly misdemeanors. This clinic serves both Tuscaloosa locals and University of Alabama students. Contact the clinic to see if you qualify for representation.

Legal Services Alabama - Tuscaloosa Office

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

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service

For expungement assistance or criminal defense 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.

Tuscaloosa Municipal Court

Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court or District Court. Municipal court operates separately from the county court system. For information about municipal court cases, contact the city government at (205) 248-5010 or dial 311 within city limits.

Search Criminal Records

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Nearby Alabama Cities

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