Bullock County Criminal History Search
Criminal history records in Bullock County are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk at the courthouse in Union Springs. The clerk's office is custodian of all criminal case files for the 3rd Judicial Circuit, which also includes Barbour County. Felony cases are processed through Circuit Court. Misdemeanor cases are handled initially by district courts. The Alacourt ACCESS system gives online search for court records statewide, including Bullock County criminal cases. You can inspect records in person at the clerk's office during standard business hours. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, these records are classified as public writings accessible to all citizens, Exemptions apply for juvenile records under § 12-15-133.
Bullock County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Union Springs
- Judicial Circuit: 3rd Circuit (shared with Barbour County)
- Circuit Court Clerk: Rashawn F. Harris
- Mailing Address: PO Box 230, Union Springs, AL 36089
- Phone: (334) 738-2280
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Bullock County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains all criminal case files for felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the county. Circuit Clerk Rashawn F. Harris oversees record management, court filings, warrant issuance, and public records requests. Criminal case files include indictments, arrest warrants, booking documentation, arraignment records, pre-trial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, judgments, and sentencing orders.
Interested parties can request copies of court documents by contacting the clerk's office at (334) 738-2280 or mailing requests to PO Box 230, Union Springs, AL 36089. The clerk's staff assists with locating specific cases using defendant names, case numbers, or filing dates.
How to Search Records in Bullock County
Bullock County criminal records can be searched through the Alacourt ACCESS system at pa.alacourt.com. This statewide database provides immediate online searching of circuit and district court cases. 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 complete court documents, contact the Circuit Clerk's office.
In-person searches at the Union Springs courthouse allow access to complete case files. Visitors should bring valid photo identification and request access at the clerk's office during business hours. Staff can assist with file retrieval and provide information about copying fees.
3rd Judicial Circuit
Bullock County is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Barbour and Bullock counties. The circuit is one of the smallest in Alabama, served by a single circuit judge. Judge Burt Smithart has served the circuit since 1999. The 3rd Circuit has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding district court limits, and appeals from lower courts. The District Attorney for the 3rd Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in both counties.
Circuit court information and dockets are available at bullock.alacourt.gov. Interested parties can review court calendars and case information through the online portal.
Fees and Costs
Alabama Code § 41-9-644 authorizes agencies including the Circuit Court Clerk to impose fees not to exceed $25 for criminal offender records inspections. Bullock County adheres to this statutory fee limit.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Records Inspection | Up to $25 |
| Alacourt ACCESS Search | $9.99 per search |
| Photocopies | Contact clerk for rates |
| Certified Copies | Contact clerk for rates |
| ALEA Background Check | $25 (fingerprint-based) |
Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (334) 738-2280 for current fee schedules and accepted payment methods.
Legal Requirements and Statutes
Alabama Code § 36-12-40 provides that every citizen has the right to inspect and take copies of any public writing of the state. This foundational public records law ensures access to criminal court records.
Expungement procedures allow eligible individuals to petition for removal of criminal history records. Alabama Code § 15-27-1 permits persons charged with misdemeanors to petition for expungement under specified circumstances. Alabama Code § 15-27-2 provides similar relief for felony charges.
Local Legal Resources
District Attorney - 3rd Circuit
The District Attorney for the 3rd Judicial Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in Barbour and Bullock counties. The DA's office can provide information about case status and pending charges.
Public Records Requests
Formal public records requests in Bullock County should be mailed to PO Box 230, Union Springs, AL 36089, or submitted in person at the courthouse. Standard Alabama public records law governs access.
Cities in Bullock County
Bullock County contains several municipalities. Criminal cases are filed and maintained at the Bullock County Circuit Court Clerk's office:
- Union Springs (county seat)
- Midway
Nearby Counties
Criminal history records in neighboring counties are kept by their respective Circuit Court Clerks:
- Barbour County - Clayton (shares 3rd Circuit)
- Macon County - Tuskegee
- Montgomery County - Montgomery
- Pike County - Troy