Calhoun County Criminal History Search
Criminal history records in Calhoun County are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk at the courthouse in Anniston. The clerk's office is custodian of all criminal case files for the 7th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Cleburne County. Felony cases are processed through Circuit Court while misdemeanor cases are handled initially by district courts. The Alacourt ACCESS system gives online search for court records statewide, including Calhoun County criminal cases. You can inspect records in person at the clerk's office during business hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 makes these records as public writings accessible to all citizens.
Calhoun County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Anniston
- Judicial Circuit: 7th Circuit (shared with Cleburne County)
- Circuit Court Clerk: Kim McCarson
- Court Address: 25 W 11th Street, Suite 300, Anniston, AL 36201
- Phone: (256) 231-1750
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Calhoun County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains comprehensive criminal case files for all felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the county. Circuit Clerk Kim McCarson oversees a well-staffed office that processes court filings, maintains case records, issues warrants and subpoenas, and handles public records requests. The office is located at 25 W 11th Street, Suite 300, in Anniston. The clerk's office website at calhouncircuitclerk.com provides resources and information for accessing criminal records.
Criminal case files available through the clerk's office include indictments, arrest warrants, booking documentation, arraignment records, pre-trial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, judgments, sentencing orders, probation documentation, and appeals records. Interested parties can request copies of these documents during regular business hours. The clerk's staff assists with locating specific cases using defendant names, case numbers, or filing dates.
How to Search Records in Calhoun County
Calhoun 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 at (256) 231-1750 or visit calhouncircuitclerk.com.
In-person searches at the Anniston courthouse allow access to complete case files without online fees. Visitors should bring valid photo identification and request access at the clerk's office. Public terminals may be available, or staff can assist with file retrieval. Certified copies of court documents can be obtained for applicable copying and certification fees.
7th Judicial Circuit
Calhoun County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Calhoun and Cleburne counties. The circuit has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding district court limits, and appeals from lower courts. The District Attorney for the 7th Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in both counties. The DA's website at calhouncleburnealada.org provides information about prosecution procedures and victim services.
The 7th Circuit provides comprehensive online resources at calhoun.alacourt.gov, including court calendars, jury information, local court rules, and procedural guidelines. Criminal defendants, attorneys, and interested parties can review upcoming trial dates, motion hearings, and sentencing proceedings. The circuit maintains detailed records management protocols pursuant to Alabama Administrative Office of Courts regulations.
Sheriff and Jail Records
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and operates detention facilities. The Sheriff's website at calhouncountysheriff.com may provide jail roster information and recent arrest data. The Sheriff's office can provide information about outstanding warrants and arrest records that supplement court records in criminal history searches.
Fees and Costs
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-9-644, the Circuit Court Clerk may impose fees not to exceed $25 for criminal offender records inspections. Calhoun County follows this statutory fee limit. Detailed fee schedules are available on the court website and through the clerk's office.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Records Inspection | Up to $25 |
| Alacourt ACCESS Search | $9.99 per search |
| Photocopies | Standard rates per page |
| Certified Copies | Additional certification fee |
| ALEA Background Check | $25 (fingerprint-based) |
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, except as expressly provided by statute. Expungement procedures allow eligible individuals to petition for removal of criminal history records. Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-13 govern expungement procedures in Alabama.
Local Legal Resources
District Attorney - 7th Circuit
The District Attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in Calhoun and Cleburne counties. The DA's office website at calhouncleburnealada.org provides information about case status, victim services, and prosecution procedures.
Public Records Requests
Formal public records requests in Calhoun County can be submitted through the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Online forms may be available at calhouncircuitclerk.com. Well-developed public access procedures facilitate records requests.
Cities in Calhoun County
Calhoun County contains numerous municipalities. Criminal cases are filed and maintained at the Calhoun County Circuit Court Clerk's office in Anniston:
- Anniston (county seat)
- Oxford
- Jacksonville
- Piedmont
- Weaver
- Hobson City
Nearby Counties
- Cleburne County - Heflin (shares 7th Circuit)
- Etowah County - Gadsden
- St. Clair County - Ashville/Pell City
- Talladega County - Talladega
- Cherokee County - Centre