Find Criminal History in Chilton County
Criminal history records in Chilton County are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk at the courthouse in Clanton. The clerk's office is custodian of all criminal case files for the 19th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Autauga and Elmore counties. 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 Chilton 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, Exemptions apply for juvenile records.
Chilton County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Clanton
- Judicial Circuit: 19th Circuit (shared with Autauga and Elmore)
- Circuit Court Clerk: Nick Burnett
- Court Address: 500 2nd Avenue North, Clanton, AL 35046
- Phone: (205) 755-4275
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Chilton County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains all criminal case files for felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the county. Circuit Clerk Nick Burnett oversees record management, court filings, warrant issuance, and public records requests. The office is located at 500 2nd Avenue North in Clanton. Criminal case files include indictments, arrest warrants, booking documentation, arraignment records, pre-trial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, judgments, sentencing orders, and probation documentation.
Interested parties can request copies of court documents during regular business hours by contacting the clerk's office at (205) 755-4275. 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 Chilton County
Chilton 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 Clanton courthouse allow access to complete case files without online fees. Visitors should bring valid photo identification and request access at the clerk's office. Staff can assist with file retrieval and provide information about copying fees.
19th Judicial Circuit
Chilton 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, and appeals from lower courts. 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 online.
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.
Sheriff and Jail Records
The Chilton County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and operates the county detention facility. The Sheriff's website at chiltoncountysheriff.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
Alabama Code § 41-9-644 authorizes the Circuit Court Clerk to impose fees not to exceed $25 for criminal offender records inspections. Chilton 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 | Per page (contact clerk) |
| Certified Copies | Additional fee (contact clerk) |
| ALEA Background Check | $25 (fingerprint-based) |
Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (205) 755-4275 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. Expungement procedures allow eligible individuals to petition for removal of criminal history records. Alabama Code § 15-27-2 permits persons charged with felonies to petition for expungement when charges are dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by a grand jury, or result in acquittal.
Local Legal Resources
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 and pending charges.
Public Records Requests
Formal public records requests in Chilton County should be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the courthouse in Clanton. Standard Alabama public records procedures apply.
Cities in Chilton County
Chilton County municipalities include Clanton (county seat), Jemison, Thorsby, and Maplesville. Criminal cases are filed and maintained at the Chilton County Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Nearby Counties
- Autauga County - Prattville (shares 19th Circuit)
- Elmore County - Wetumpka (shares 19th Circuit)
- Bibb County - Centreville
- Shelby County - Columbiana
- Coosa County - Rockford