Access Cleburne County Criminal History
Criminal history records for Cleburne County are kept by Circuit Court Clerk Warren Sarrell at the courthouse in Heflin. The county is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit, which also serves Calhoun County. Circuit Court handles felony prosecutions and misdemeanor appeals, while district courts process initial misdemeanor filings. The Alacourt ACCESS system provides online case searching for both circuit and district court records. In-person inspection of criminal records is available at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Public access to these records is established under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which grants citizens the right to inspect public writings Exemptions apply.
Cleburne County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Heflin
- Judicial Circuit: 7th Circuit
- Circuit Court Clerk: Warren Sarrell
- Court Address: 120 Vickery Street, Suite 202, Heflin, AL 36264
- Phone: (256) 463-2651
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Cleburne County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains all felony and misdemeanor appeal case files for the county. Circuit Clerk Warren Sarrell oversees record management, court filings, and public records access. The clerk's office is located at 120 Vickery Street, Suite 202, in Heflin. Criminal case files include indictments, arrest warrants, booking records, arraignment documents, pre-trial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, sentencing orders, and probation documentation.
Interested parties can request inspection of court records by providing defendant names, case numbers, or filing dates. The clerk's staff can assist with file retrieval and direct visitors to public terminals. Certified copies of court documents are available for employment background checks, licensing applications, and legal proceedings. Fees apply for copying and certification services.
How to Search Records in Cleburne County
Cleburne County criminal records can be searched through the Alacourt ACCESS system at pa.alacourt.com. The statewide database allows name searches and case number searches for $9.99 per search. Results display case information, charges, filing dates, court dates, dispositions, and sentencing details. The system provides access to both circuit court felonies and district court misdemeanors.
In-person searches at the Heflin courthouse allow access to complete case files without online fees. Visitors should bring valid photo identification and request assistance at the clerk's office during business hours. Staff can retrieve files or provide guidance on using public access terminals. This method provides access to detailed documents that may not be available online, including evidentiary exhibits and detailed motions.
7th Judicial Circuit
Cleburne County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit, which serves Cleburne and Calhoun counties. The circuit has jurisdiction over felony criminal prosecutions, civil cases exceeding district court monetary limits, and appeals from lower courts. Multiple circuit judges serve the two-county circuit, with court sessions held in both Heflin and Anniston. The District Attorney for the 7th Circuit prosecutes all felony cases in Cleburne and Calhoun counties.
The DA's office handles case evaluation, plea negotiations, and trial preparation for felony prosecutions. Criminal defendants and victims can contact the DA for case status information, trial schedules, and victim services. The District Attorney's website at calhouncleburnealada.org provides information about the office and its services.
District Court Records
Misdemeanor offenses in Cleburne County are initially filed 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 de novo.
Fees and Costs
Alabama Code § 41-9-644 sets a maximum fee of $25 for criminal records inspections by the Circuit Court Clerk or ALEA. Cleburne County follows this statutory limit. Certified copies require additional fees for copying and certification. Standard copy fees typically 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) 463-2651 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.
Legal Requirements and Statutes
Criminal history records in Cleburne County are governed by Alabama statutes establishing public 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, except as expressly provided by statute. This law ensures public access to criminal court records.
Juvenile criminal history records receive strict confidentiality protections. Alabama Code § 12-15-133 establishes that records concerning children under juvenile court jurisdiction are confidential and cannot be released except as provided by statute. Unauthorized disclosure of juvenile identifying information constitutes a Class A misdemeanor and may result in civil liability.
Expungement procedures allow eligible individuals to petition for removal of criminal 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. Expungement petitions must be filed with the Circuit Court in Cleburne County where the charges originated.
Local Legal Resources
Cleburne County Sheriff's Office
The Cleburne 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 background checks may be available through the Sheriff's office by appointment. Contact the Sheriff's office for service availability and fees.
District Attorney - 7th Circuit
The District Attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in Cleburne and Calhoun counties. The DA's office can provide information about case status, pending charges, and plea agreements. Victims of crimes should contact the DA's office for assistance with victim services and restitution matters. The DA's website is calhouncleburnealada.org.
Legal Aid
Low-income residents of Cleburne County may qualify for free legal assistance with criminal record matters, including expungement petitions and record challenges. The Alabama Legal Services Program serves residents who meet income guidelines. Contact information is available through the Alabama State Bar website at alabar.org or by calling 1-866-456-4995.
Public Records Requests
Formal public records requests in Cleburne County should be directed to the Circuit Court Clerk's office. Requests should specify the records sought, including case numbers or defendant names if known. Alabama public records law generally requires agencies to respond within a reasonable time. Fees for copying and processing may apply.
Cities in Cleburne County
Cleburne County contains several municipalities. Criminal cases involving residents of these cities are filed and maintained at the Cleburne County Circuit Court Clerk's office in Heflin:
- Heflin (county seat)
- Ranburne
- Edwardsville
- Fruithurst
Nearby Counties
Criminal history records in neighboring counties are kept by their respective Circuit Court Clerks:
- Calhoun County - Anniston (shares 7th Circuit)
- Randolph County - Wedowee
- Clay County - Ashland
- Talladega County - Talladega