Find Criminal History in Clay County
Criminal history records in Clay County are kept by Circuit Court Clerk Julie G. Poe at the courthouse in Ashland. The 40th Judicial Circuit, one of Alabama's smallest circuits, serves Clay and Coosa counties. Felony prosecutions, misdemeanor appeals, and serious criminal matters are handled through the Circuit Court, while district courts process initial misdemeanor charges and traffic violations. Interested parties can search Clay County criminal records through the Alacourt ACCESS system or request in-person inspection at the clerk's office. Alabama's public records law at Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes the right of citizens to inspect public writings, Exemptions apply for juvenile records and sealed court proceedings.
Clay County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Ashland
- Judicial Circuit: 40th Circuit
- Circuit Court Clerk: Julie G. Poe
- Court Address: 25 Court Square, Ashland, AL 36251
- Phone: (256) 354-7926
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Clay County Circuit Court Clerk's office serves as the official repository for criminal case files in the county. Circuit Clerk Julie G. Poe oversees management of indictments, arrest warrants, arraignment records, pre-trial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, and sentencing orders. The clerk's office is located at 25 Court Square in downtown Ashland, adjacent to the courthouse.
Criminal case files available at the clerk's office contain comprehensive documentation of criminal proceedings from initial charging through final disposition. Interested parties can request file inspection during business hours by providing defendant names or case numbers. The clerk's staff can assist with locating specific cases and retrieving documents from storage. Certified copies are available for employment background checks, licensing applications, or legal proceedings.
How to Search Records in Clay County
The Alacourt ACCESS system gives online search of Clay County criminal records. Available at pa.alacourt.com, the system allows users to search by defendant name or case number for a fee of $9.99 per search. Results display case numbers, charges, filing dates, court hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information. The system covers both circuit court felonies and district court misdemeanors.
In-person searches at the Ashland courthouse provide access to complete case files without per-search fees. Visitors should bring photo identification and request assistance at the clerk's office. Public access terminals may be available for searching, or staff can retrieve specific files. This method provides access to documents that may not be available through the online system, including detailed pre-trial motions and exhibits.
40th Judicial Circuit
Clay County is part of the 40th Judicial Circuit, one of the smallest circuits in Alabama. The circuit serves Clay and Coosa counties with a single circuit judge presiding over both counties. The circuit has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding district court limits, and appeals from lower courts. Court sessions alternate between Ashland and Rockford on a scheduled calendar.
The District Attorney for the 40th Circuit prosecutes all felony cases in Clay and Coosa counties. The DA's office handles case evaluation, plea negotiations, and trial preparation. Criminal defendants and victims can contact the DA for information about case status, trial dates, and victim services. The small size of the circuit allows for more personal attention to cases compared to larger urban circuits.
District Court Records
Misdemeanor offenses in Clay County are initially filed in district court. The district court has jurisdiction over traffic violations, municipal ordinance violations, and misdemeanor criminal charges including DUI, simple assault, theft in the fourth degree, and possession of marijuana. District court records are searchable through Alacourt ACCESS. Defendants may appeal misdemeanor convictions to circuit court for trial de novo.
Fees and Costs
Criminal records inspection fees in Clay County are governed by Alabama Code § 41-9-644, which sets a maximum fee of $25 for records inspections by the Circuit Court Clerk or ALEA. Clay County adheres to this statutory limit. Certified copies require additional fees for photocopying and certification. Standard copy fees range from $0.50 to $1.00 per page, with certification 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 (256) 354-7926 for current fee schedules and payment methods. Most Alabama clerk offices accept cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Personal check acceptance varies by location. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards for certain transactions.
Legal Requirements and Statutes
Access to criminal history records in Clay County is governed by Alabama statutes establishing public access rights and privacy protections. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 grants every citizen the right to inspect and copy public writings of the state, except as expressly limited by statute. This foundational public records law ensures transparency in criminal proceedings.
Juvenile records are strictly confidential under Alabama Code § 12-15-133. Records, reports, and information concerning children under juvenile court jurisdiction cannot be disclosed except as authorized by statute. Juvenile legal files must be maintained separately from adult criminal records. Unauthorized disclosure of information identifying a juvenile constitutes a Class A misdemeanor.
Alabama's expungement laws allow eligible individuals to petition for removal of criminal records. Alabama Code § 15-27-1 permits expungement of misdemeanor charges that were dismissed with prejudice, no-billed by a grand jury, or resulted in acquittal. Alabama Code § 15-27-2 provides similar relief for felony charges under specified circumstances. Expungement petitions must be filed with the Circuit Court in the county where charges originated.
Local Legal Resources
Clay County Sheriff's Office
The Clay County Sheriff maintains arrest records and operates the county detention facility. The Sheriff's office can provide information about recent arrests, active warrants, and current inmates. Fingerprinting services for employment background checks may be available through the Sheriff's office. Contact the Sheriff's office for scheduling and fee information.
District Attorney - 40th Circuit
The District Attorney for the 40th Judicial Circuit prosecutes criminal cases in Clay and Coosa counties. The DA's office can provide information about case status, pending charges, and trial schedules. Victims of crime should contact the DA's office for victim services, assistance with victim impact statements, and restitution matters.
Legal Aid Services
Low-income residents of Clay County may qualify for free legal assistance with criminal record matters. Alabama Legal Services Program provides representation to eligible individuals for expungement petitions, record challenges, and related matters. Contact information is available through the Alabama State Bar at alabar.org or by calling 1-866-456-4995.
Public Records Requests
Public records requests in Clay County should be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk's office in writing. Requests should specify the records sought with as much detail as possible, including case numbers, defendant names, or approximate dates. Alabama law requires agencies to respond to records requests within a reasonable time. Processing and copying fees may apply.
Cities in Clay County
Clay County contains several municipalities. Criminal cases involving residents of these cities are filed and maintained at the Clay County Circuit Court Clerk's office in Ashland:
- Ashland (county seat)
- Lineville
- Delta
Nearby Counties
Criminal history records in neighboring counties are kept by their respective Circuit Court Clerks:
- Coosa County - Rockford (shares 40th Circuit)
- Talladega County - Talladega
- Randolph County - Wedowee
- Cleburne County - Heflin