Search Coffee County Criminal History
Criminal history records in Coffee County are kept by Circuit Court Clerk Amy L Reeves with offices in both Enterprise and Elba, the county's dual seats. The 12th Judicial Circuit serves Coffee and Pike counties, handling felony prosecutions and misdemeanor appeals. District courts in both Enterprise and Elba process initial misdemeanor filings and traffic violations. The Alacourt ACCESS system gives online search of criminal records for Coffee County. In-person record inspection is available at either clerk location during regular business hours. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes public access to these records as public writings, Exemptions apply for juvenile records and sealed court proceedings.
Coffee County Quick Facts
- County Seats: Enterprise and Elba
- Judicial Circuit: 12th Circuit
- Circuit Court Clerk: Amy L Reeves
- Court Address: 101 S Edwards St, Enterprise, AL 36330
- Phone: (334) 347-2519
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Coffee County has two county seats, with the Circuit Court Clerk maintaining offices in both Enterprise and Elba. The Enterprise office at 101 S Edwards Street serves as the primary location due to the city's larger population and proximity to Fort Rucker. Circuit Clerk Amy L Reeves oversees management of criminal case files including indictments, arrest warrants, arraignment records, pre-trial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, and sentencing orders.
Interested parties can request inspection of court records at either clerk location by providing defendant names or case numbers. The clerk's staff can assist with file retrieval and provide guidance on searching procedures. Certified copies of court documents are available for fees and are often required for employment background checks, professional licensing, or legal proceedings.
How to Search Records in Coffee County
Coffee County criminal records are searchable through the Alacourt ACCESS system at pa.alacourt.com. The statewide database allows users to search by defendant name or case number for $9.99 per search. Search results display case numbers, charges, filing dates, court dates, dispositions, and sentencing information. The system covers both circuit court felonies and district court misdemeanors.
In-person searches at the Enterprise or Elba courthouse allow access to complete case files without per-search fees. Visitors should bring valid photo identification and request assistance at the clerk's office during business hours. This method provides access to detailed documents that may not be available through the online system, including evidentiary materials and detailed motions.
12th Judicial Circuit
Coffee County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit, which serves Coffee and Pike counties. The circuit has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding district court limits, and appeals from district court. Circuit judges hold court sessions in both Enterprise and Troy. The District Attorney for the 12th Circuit prosecutes all felony cases in the two-county region.
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 schedules, and victim services. The presence of Fort Rucker military installation in Coffee County can complicate jurisdiction issues when military personnel are involved in criminal cases.
District Court Records
Misdemeanor offenses in Coffee County are initially filed in district court. Coffee County has district courts in both Enterprise and Elba. 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 may appeal misdemeanor convictions to circuit court.
Fees and Costs
Alabama Code § 41-9-644 authorizes the Circuit Court Clerk and ALEA to impose fees not to exceed $25 for criminal offender records inspections. Coffee County adheres to 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 (334) 347-2519 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 office.
Legal Requirements and Statutes
Criminal history records in Coffee 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 foundational public records law ensures 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 subject the offender to civil sanctions.
Expungement procedures 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. Expungement petitions must be filed with the Circuit Court in Coffee County where charges originated.
Local Legal Resources
Coffee County Sheriff's Office
The Coffee County Sheriff maintains arrest records and operates the county detention facility. The Sheriff's website at coffeeso.org may provide access to current inmate rosters and booking information. The Sheriff's office can provide information about recent arrests and outstanding warrants. Fingerprinting services for background checks may be available through the Sheriff's office by appointment.
District Attorney - 12th Circuit
The District Attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in Coffee and Pike 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.
Legal Aid
Low-income residents of Coffee 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.
Fort Rucker Legal Services
Military personnel stationed at Fort Rucker should contact the Fort Rucker Staff Judge Advocate office for assistance with civilian criminal matters. The SJA office can provide guidance on how military status affects civilian criminal proceedings and can coordinate with the District Attorney's office when appropriate.
Public Records Requests
Formal public records requests in Coffee 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 Coffee County
Coffee County contains several municipalities. Criminal cases involving residents of these cities are filed and maintained at the Coffee County Circuit Court Clerk's office:
- Enterprise (county seat)
- Elba (county seat)
- New Brockton
Nearby Counties
Criminal history records in neighboring counties are kept by their respective Circuit Court Clerks:
- Pike County - Troy (shares 12th Circuit)
- Dale County - Ozark
- Geneva County - Geneva
- Covington County - Andalusia