Find Criminal History in Colbert County
Criminal history records in Colbert County are kept by Circuit Court Clerk Mark Eady at the courthouse in Tuscumbia. The 31st Judicial Circuit serves Colbert County exclusively, handling all felony prosecutions and misdemeanor appeals. District courts process initial misdemeanor filings and traffic violations. The county is located in northwest Alabama as part of the Shoals area, which includes neighboring Lauderdale County. The Alacourt ACCESS system provides online case searching for criminal records throughout the county. In-person record inspection is available at the clerk's office during regular business hours. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes public access to these records as public writings, Exemptions apply for confidential proceedings and juvenile records.
Colbert County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Tuscumbia
- Judicial Circuit: 31st Circuit
- Circuit Court Clerk: Mark Eady
- Court Address: 201 N Main Street, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
- Phone: (256) 386-8511
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
The Colbert County Circuit Court Clerk's office serves as the official repository for all criminal case files in the county. Circuit Clerk Mark Eady oversees management of indictments, arrest warrants, arraignment records, pre-trial motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, verdicts, sentencing orders, and probation documentation. The clerk's office is located at 201 N Main Street in Tuscumbia.
Criminal case files available at the clerk's office contain comprehensive documentation 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. Certified copies are available for employment background checks, licensing applications, or legal proceedings. Fees apply for copying and certification services.
How to Search Records in Colbert County
Colbert County criminal records can be searched through the Alacourt ACCESS system at pa.alacourt.com. The statewide database 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 Tuscumbia 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 evidentiary exhibits.
31st Judicial Circuit
Colbert County is served exclusively by the 31st Judicial Circuit. The circuit has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding district court limits, and appeals from lower courts. Circuit judges preside over court sessions held at the courthouse in Tuscumbia. The District Attorney for the 31st Circuit prosecutes all felony cases in Colbert County and handles misdemeanor appeals.
The DA's office manages 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 single-county circuit structure allows for focused attention on local criminal matters and close coordination between the court, prosecutor, and law enforcement agencies.
District Court Records
Misdemeanor offenses in Colbert County are initially filed in district court. District courts handle traffic violations, municipal ordinance violations, and misdemeanor criminal charges including DUI, assault, theft 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 establishes a maximum fee of $25 for criminal records inspections by the Circuit Court Clerk or ALEA. Colbert 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 (256) 386-8511 for current fee schedules and accepted 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 Colbert 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 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 Colbert County where charges originated.
Local Legal Resources
Colbert County Sheriff's Office
The Colbert County Sheriff maintains arrest records and operates the county detention facility. The Sheriff's website at colbertcountysheriff.org may provide access to current inmate rosters and booking information. 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 - 31st Circuit
The District Attorney for the 31st Judicial Circuit prosecutes all criminal cases in Colbert County. The DA's office can provide information about case status, pending charges, and plea negotiations. Victims of crime should contact the DA's office for victim services and assistance with restitution claims.
Legal Aid Services
Low-income Colbert County residents may qualify for free legal assistance with criminal record matters. Alabama Legal Services 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 Colbert 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 Colbert County
Colbert County contains several municipalities. Criminal cases involving residents of these cities are filed and maintained at the Colbert County Circuit Court Clerk's office in Tuscumbia:
- Tuscumbia (county seat)
- Muscle Shoals
- Sheffield
- Cherokee
- Leighton
Nearby Counties
Criminal history records in neighboring counties are kept by their respective Circuit Court Clerks:
- Lauderdale County - Florence
- Franklin County - Russellville
- Lawrence County - Moulton
- Marion County - Hamilton