Search Autauga County Criminal History
Criminal history records in Autauga County are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk. The office sits at the courthouse in Prattville. The clerk's office is the main custodian of all criminal case files for the 19th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Chilton and Elmore counties. Felony cases and misdemeanor appeals go through the Circuit Court. District courts handle first misdemeanor filings. Alacourt ACCESS gives online search for court records statewide. This includes Autauga County cases. You can inspect records in person at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 makes these records public, subject to legal exemptions for juvenile records and sealed cases under § 12-15-133.
Autauga County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Prattville
- Judicial Circuit: 19th Circuit
- Circuit Court Clerk: Debra Hill
- Court Address: 134 North Court St, Room 114, Prattville, AL 36067
- Phone: (334) 358-6801
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Autauga County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains all criminal case files for felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the county. Circuit Clerk Debra Hill oversees record management, processes court filings, issues warrants, and handles public records requests. The clerk also serves as the Absentee Election Manager for the county. The office is located on the first floor of the Autauga County Courthouse at 134 North Court Street, Room 114, in Prattville.
Case files at the clerk's office include indictments, arrest warrants, booking docs, arraignment records, pre-trial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, judgments, sentencing orders, and probation docs. You can request copies during regular business hours. The clerk's staff can help find specific cases. They use defendant names, case numbers, or filing dates. Bring basic information about the case you want and staff will pull the file for review or copying.
How to Search Records in Autauga County
Autauga County criminal records can be searched through multiple methods. The Alacourt ACCESS system at pa.alacourt.com provides immediate online searching of circuit and district court cases statewide. Name searches and case number searches are available for $9.99 per search. The system displays case numbers, charges, filing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information. For detailed court documents not available online, interested parties must contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly.
In-person searches at the courthouse allow access to complete case files without online fees. Visitors should bring valid photo identification and request access at the clerk's office during business hours. Staff can direct requesters to public terminals or assist with file retrieval. Certified copies of court documents can be obtained for applicable fees.
19th Judicial Circuit
Autauga County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Autauga, Chilton, and Elmore counties. The circuit has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding district court limits, appeals from lower courts, and domestic relations matters. The District Attorney for the 19th Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in the three-county region. Circuit judges rotate between the three counties on a scheduled calendar available at autauga.alacourt.gov.
The 19th Circuit provides online access to court calendars, jury information, and procedural guidelines through its website. Criminal defendants, attorneys, and interested parties can review upcoming trial dates, motion hearings, and sentencing proceedings. The circuit maintains strict protocols for court filings and records management pursuant to Alabama Administrative Office of Courts regulations.
District Court Records
Misdemeanor offenses in Autauga County are initially filed in district court. The district court handles traffic violations, municipal ordinance violations, and misdemeanor criminal charges. District court records are also available through the Alacourt ACCESS system. More serious misdemeanors may be appealed to circuit court, where a new trial de novo is conducted. District court case files are maintained separately from circuit court records but follow similar public access procedures.
Fees and Costs
Alabama Code § 41-9-644 authorizes the Circuit Court Clerk and ALEA to impose fees not to exceed $25 for criminal offender records inspections. Autauga County adheres to this statutory fee limit. Certified copies of court documents require additional fees for copying and certification. Standard copying fees are typically $0.50 to $1.00 per page, with certification adding $1.00 to $5.00 per document.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Records Inspection | Up to $25 |
| Alacourt ACCESS Search | $9.99 per search |
| Photocopies | $0.50 - $1.00 per page |
| Certified Copies | Additional $1.00 - $5.00 |
| ALEA Background Check | $25 (fingerprint-based) |
Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (334) 358-6801 for current fee schedules and accepted payment methods. The clerk's office typically accepts cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Personal checks may be accepted for certain transactions.
Legal Requirements and Statutes
Criminal history records in Autauga County are governed by Alabama statutes establishing public access rights, confidentiality protections, and expungement procedures. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, every citizen has the right to inspect and take copies of any public writing of the state, except as expressly provided by statute. This foundational public records law ensures access to criminal court records for interested parties.
Juvenile criminal history records receive strict confidentiality protections. Alabama Code § 12-15-133 establishes that records, reports, and information acquired in juvenile courts concerning children are confidential and cannot be released except as provided by statute. Unauthorized disclosure of information identifying a child under juvenile court jurisdiction constitutes a Class A misdemeanor and may subject the offender to civil sanctions.
Expungement procedures allow eligible individuals to petition for removal of criminal history records. Alabama Code § 15-27-1 permits persons charged with misdemeanors, violations, or traffic violations to petition for expungement when charges are dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by a grand jury, or result in acquittal. Alabama Code § 15-27-2 provides similar relief for felony charges under specified circumstances. Expungement petitions must be filed with the Circuit Court in the county where charges originated.
Local Legal Resources
Autauga County Sheriff's Office
The Autauga County Sheriff maintains arrest records and operates the county detention facility. Current inmate rosters and booking information may be available through the Sheriff's website at autaugasheriff.org. The Sheriff's office can provide information about recent arrests and outstanding warrants. Fingerprinting services for background checks may be available through the Sheriff's office by appointment.
District Attorney - 19th Circuit
The District Attorney for the 19th Judicial Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in Autauga, Chilton, and Elmore counties. The DA's office can provide information about case status, pending charges, and plea agreements. Victims of crimes should contact the DA's office for assistance with victim services and restitution matters.
Legal Aid
Low-income residents of Autauga County may qualify for free legal assistance with criminal record matters, including expungement petitions and record challenges. The Alabama Legal Services Program serves residents who meet income guidelines. Contact information is available through the Alabama State Bar website at alabar.org or by calling 1-866-456-4995.
Public Records Requests
Formal public records requests in Autauga County should be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Requests should specify the records sought, including case numbers or defendant names if known. Alabama public records law generally requires agencies to respond within a reasonable time. Fees for copying and processing may apply.
Cities in Autauga County
Autauga County contains several municipalities. Criminal cases involving residents of these cities are filed and maintained at the Autauga County Circuit Court Clerk's office in Prattville:
- Prattville (county seat)
- Millbrook
- Marbury
- Billingsley
Nearby Counties
Criminal history records in neighboring counties are maintained by their respective Circuit Court Clerks:
- Chilton County - Clanton (shares 19th Circuit)
- Elmore County - Wetumpka (shares 19th Circuit)
- Montgomery County - Montgomery
- Dallas County - Selma
- Lowndes County - Hayneville