Cherokee County Criminal History
Criminal history records in Cherokee County are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk at the courthouse in Centre. The clerk's office is custodian of all criminal case files for the 9th Judicial Circuit, which also includes DeKalb 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 Cherokee 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 4:30 PM. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 makes these records as public writings accessible to all citizens, Exemptions apply for juvenile records under § 12-15-133.
Cherokee County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Centre
- Judicial Circuit: 9th Circuit (shared with DeKalb County)
- Circuit Court Clerk: Dwayne Amos
- Court Address: 100 Main Street, Room 203, Centre, AL 35960
- Phone: (256) 927-3637
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Cherokee County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains all criminal case files for felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the county. Circuit Clerk Dwayne Amos oversees record management, court filings, warrant issuance, and public records requests. The office is located at 100 Main Street, Room 203, in Centre. 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 during regular business hours by contacting the clerk's office at (256) 927-3637. The clerk's staff assists with locating specific cases using defendant names, case numbers, or filing dates. For documents not available through online systems, in-person or mail requests to the courthouse are necessary.
How to Search Records in Cherokee County
Cherokee 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 Centre 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 assist with file retrieval and provide information about copying fees for documents needed.
9th Judicial Circuit
Cherokee County is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Cherokee and DeKalb 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 9th Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in both Cherokee and DeKalb counties. Circuit court information and dockets are available at cherokee.alacourt.gov.
Cherokee County is a rural county in northeast Alabama with limited online court resources compared to larger counties. The circuit follows Alabama Administrative Office of Courts regulations for records management and court procedures. Interested parties can contact the clerk's office for information about court calendars and case scheduling.
Fees and Costs
Alabama Code § 41-9-644 authorizes the Circuit Court Clerk to impose fees not to exceed $25 for criminal offender records inspections. Cherokee County adheres to this statutory fee limit. Additional fees apply for certified copies of court documents.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Records Inspection | Up to $25 |
| Alacourt ACCESS Search | $9.99 per search |
| Photocopies | Standard rates (contact clerk) |
| Certified Copies | Standard rates (contact clerk) |
| ALEA Background Check | $25 (fingerprint-based) |
Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (256) 927-3637 for current fee schedules and accepted payment methods. The office typically accepts cash, money orders, and cashier's checks.
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. This foundational public records law ensures access to criminal court records for all interested parties.
Juvenile criminal history records receive strict confidentiality protections. Alabama Code § 12-15-133 establishes that juvenile court records are confidential and cannot be released except as provided by statute. Unauthorized disclosure constitutes a Class A misdemeanor.
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 when charges are dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by a grand jury, or result in acquittal. Expungement petitions in Cherokee County must be filed with the Circuit Court.
Local Legal Resources
District Attorney - 9th Circuit
The District Attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in Cherokee and DeKalb counties. The DA's office can provide information about case status, pending charges, and plea negotiations. Victims of crimes should contact the DA's office for assistance with victim services.
Public Records Requests
Formal public records requests in Cherokee County should be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the courthouse in Centre. Requests should specify the records sought, including case numbers or defendant names if known. Alabama public records law requires agencies to respond within a reasonable time.
Cities in Cherokee County
Cherokee County contains several municipalities. Criminal cases are filed and maintained at the Cherokee County Circuit Court Clerk's office in Centre:
- Centre (county seat)
- Cedar Bluff
- Sand Rock
- Spring Garden
Nearby Counties
- DeKalb County - Fort Payne (shares 9th Circuit)
- Etowah County - Gadsden
- Calhoun County - Anniston
- Cleburne County - Heflin