Clarke County Criminal History
Criminal history records in Clarke County are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's office located at the courthouse in Grove Hill. The clerk is custodian of all felony and misdemeanor appeal case files for the 1st Judicial Circuit, which includes Choctaw and Washington counties. District courts handle initial misdemeanor filings, while the Circuit Court processes felonies, appeals, and serious criminal matters. Clarke County residents can access criminal records through the Alacourt ACCESS system or by visiting the clerk's office in person. Public access to these records is governed by Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which establishes the right of citizens to inspect public writings.
Clarke County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Grove Hill
- Judicial Circuit: 1st Circuit
- Circuit Court Clerk: Summer Padgett
- Court Address: 114 Court Street, Grove Hill, AL 36451
- Phone: (251) 275-3363
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Circuit Court Clerk Summer Padgett oversees criminal records management in Clarke County. The clerk's office maintains comprehensive case files including indictments, arrest warrants, arraignment records, pre-trial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, sentencing orders, and probation documentation. The office is located at 114 Court Street in Grove Hill and provides public access to criminal history records during regular business hours.
Interested parties can request inspection of court records by providing defendant names, case numbers, or approximate filing dates. Staff members assist with file retrieval and can direct visitors to public terminals for searching. The clerk's office processes requests for certified copies of court documents, which are often required for employment background checks, licensing applications, or legal proceedings.
How to Search Records in Clarke County
Clarke County criminal records are accessible through the Alacourt ACCESS system at pa.alacourt.com. This statewide database allows users to search circuit and district court cases by defendant name or case number. Search results display charges, filing dates, court dates, dispositions, and sentencing information. Each search costs $9.99 and provides immediate access to basic case data.
For more detailed documents, in-person visits to the courthouse offer access to complete case files. Visitors should bring valid photo identification and request assistance at the clerk's office window. Staff can retrieve specific files or provide guidance on using public access terminals. This method avoids per-search fees and allows review of complete court records.
1st Judicial Circuit
Clarke County is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit, which serves three counties in southwest Alabama: Clarke, Choctaw, and Washington. The circuit has jurisdiction over felony criminal prosecutions, civil cases exceeding district court monetary limits, and appeals from lower courts. A single circuit judge presides over the three-county circuit with court sessions rotating between the county seats.
The District Attorney for the 1st Circuit prosecutes all felony cases and handles appeals of misdemeanor convictions. The DA's office can provide information about pending cases, plea negotiations, and trial schedules. Criminal defendants and victims of crime can contact the DA for case status updates and victim assistance services.
District Court Records
Misdemeanor offenses in Clarke County begin in district court. District courts handle traffic violations, municipal ordinance violations, and misdemeanor criminal charges such as DUI, assault, theft of property in the fourth degree, and drug possession. District court records are searchable through Alacourt ACCESS. Defendants found guilty in district court may appeal to circuit court for a new trial.
Fees and Costs
Alabama Code § 41-9-644 establishes a maximum fee of $25 for criminal records inspections by the Circuit Court Clerk or ALEA. Clarke County follows this statutory limit. Additional fees apply for certified copies, which require both copying charges and certification fees. Standard copy fees range from $0.50 to $1.00 per page, with certification typically 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 (251) 275-3363 for current fee schedules and accepted payment methods. Most clerk offices accept cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Personal checks may be accepted for certain transactions. Credit card acceptance varies by location.
Legal Requirements and Statutes
Criminal history records in Clarke County are governed by Alabama statutes establishing access rights and confidentiality protections. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 provides that every citizen has the right to inspect and take copies of public writings of the state, Exemptions apply. This law forms the basis for public access to criminal court records.
Juvenile criminal records receive strict confidentiality protections under Alabama Code § 12-15-133. Records concerning children under juvenile court jurisdiction cannot be released except as provided by statute. Unauthorized disclosure of identifying information about juveniles constitutes a Class A misdemeanor and may subject violators to civil sanctions.
Eligible individuals may petition for expungement of criminal records. Alabama Code § 15-27-1 allows expungement of misdemeanor charges that were dismissed, no-billed, or resulted in acquittal. The statute also permits expungement of certain misdemeanor convictions three years after completion of sentence. Expungement petitions must be filed with the Circuit Court in Clarke County.
Local Legal Resources
Clarke County Sheriff's Office
The Clarke County Sheriff maintains arrest records and operates the county detention facility. The Sheriff's office can provide information about recent arrests, outstanding warrants, and current inmates. Fingerprinting services for employment background checks may be available through the Sheriff's office by appointment.
District Attorney - 1st Circuit
The District Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit prosecutes criminal cases in Clarke, Choctaw, and Washington counties. The DA's office can answer questions about case status, pending charges, and plea negotiations. Crime victims should contact the DA's office for victim services and assistance with restitution claims.
Legal Aid Services
Low-income Clarke County residents may qualify for free legal assistance with criminal record matters, including expungement petitions and record challenges. Alabama Legal Services provides representation to eligible individuals. Contact information is available through the Alabama State Bar at alabar.org or by calling 1-866-456-4995.
Public Records Requests
Formal public records requests should be submitted to the Circuit Court Clerk's office in writing. Requests should identify the specific records sought with as much detail as possible, including defendant names, case numbers, or date ranges. Alabama public records law requires agencies to respond within a reasonable time. Fees for copying and processing may apply.
Cities in Clarke County
Clarke County contains several municipalities. Criminal cases involving residents of these cities are filed and maintained at the Clarke County Circuit Court Clerk's office in Grove Hill:
- Grove Hill (county seat)
- Jackson
- Thomasville
- Coffeeville
Nearby Counties
Criminal history records in neighboring counties are kept by their respective Circuit Court Clerks:
- Choctaw County - Butler (shares 1st Circuit)
- Washington County - Chatom (shares 1st Circuit)
- Monroe County - Monroeville
- Wilcox County - Camden
- Marengo County - Linden