Tuscaloosa County Criminal Records
What Is Tuscaloosa County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Tuscaloosa County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1, these records constitute public documents maintained by various government agencies for administrative and public safety purposes.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
- Adult Records: Generally accessible to the public under Alabama's open records laws
- Juvenile Records: Typically sealed and confidential under Alabama Code § 12-15-133, with limited exceptions
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings and outcomes
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Tuscaloosa County:
Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office
714 1/2 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 752-0616
Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk
714 Greensboro Ave, Room 214
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 464-8259
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 517-2800
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
The comprehensive nature of criminal records includes documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information. The Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama maintains the official court records for criminal proceedings in Tuscaloosa County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Tuscaloosa County
Criminal records in Tuscaloosa County are generally accessible to the public under Alabama's open records laws. The Alabama Public Records Law, codified in Alabama Code § 36-12-40, establishes the public's right to inspect and copy public records, stating:
"Every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."
This statutory provision creates a presumption of openness for government records, including criminal records maintained by Tuscaloosa County agencies. However, several important exceptions and limitations apply:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active criminal investigations may be temporarily withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
- Sealed Cases: Records that have been sealed by court order are not accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-15-133, records involving minors are generally confidential and not available for public inspection
- Expunged Records: Criminal records that have been legally expunged are removed from public access
- Certain Personal Information: Information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain medical information may be redacted from otherwise public records
Adult conviction records and court proceedings are typically fully accessible to the public through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts online portal or in person at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. The Alabama Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access court records, noting their importance for transparency in the judicial system.
Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while the law provides for access, practical limitations such as search fees, processing times, and technological constraints may affect the ease of obtaining certain records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Tuscaloosa County in 2026
Members of the public may access Tuscaloosa County criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining these public documents:
In-Person Requests:
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Visit the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk
714 Greensboro Ave, Room 214
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 464-8259
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk -
Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable search and copy fees ($5.00 search fee plus $0.50 per page for copies).
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For certified copies, an additional fee of $5.00 per document applies.
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Circuit Clerk's office including:
- Subject's full name and identifying information
- Requestor's contact information
- Specific records being requested
- Check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to the Circuit Clerk's address listed above.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
Online Access:
- Visit the Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt.gov website.
- Register for an account if you don't already have one.
- Select "Tuscaloosa County" from the jurisdiction menu.
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.).
- Pay applicable online access fees.
- View and print available records.
For criminal background checks that include state-level information:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA):
- Complete an Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information.
- Submit fingerprints via approved fingerprinting services.
- Pay the required fee ($25 for non-state agencies).
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing.
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-23, certain records may require additional verification or authorization for release. Requestors should note that while most adult criminal records are public, access to juvenile records, sealed cases, and expunged records is restricted by law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Tuscaloosa County Online?
Tuscaloosa County offers several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online. These electronic resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests at county offices. The following online portals are currently available:
Alabama Judicial System's Online Court Records:
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains the primary database for court records, including criminal cases. Users can:
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Access case summaries, charges, and disposition information
- View court calendars and scheduled hearings
- Access contains non-confidential court documents filed since approximately 2000
- Registration and subscription fees apply for full document access
Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Inmate Search:
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that provides:
- Current custody status of individuals held in county detention facilities
- Booking information and charges
- Scheduled release dates when available
- Bond information
- Updated daily
- No registration required for basic information
Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search:
For individuals sentenced to state prison, the Alabama Inmate Search portal provides:
- Current incarceration status
- Facility location
- Sentence information
- Projected release dates
- Photograph when available
- Free access without registration
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk Records:
The Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk provides:
- Case status information
- Court calendars
- Limited document access
- Payment portal for fines and fees
- Registration required for certain features
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, particularly for cases predating digital conversion. Additionally, certain sensitive or sealed records are intentionally excluded from online access pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1. For comprehensive searches, combining online research with in-person requests may be necessary to obtain complete information.
Can You Search Tuscaloosa County Criminal Records for Free?
Alabama law provides for public inspection of criminal records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, "Every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state," establishing the fundamental right to access public records.
Free inspection options include:
In-Person Inspection:
Members of the public may view criminal records without charge at:
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk's Office
714 Greensboro Ave, Room 214
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
(205) 464-8259
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk
While inspection is free, standard fees apply for copies ($0.50 per page) and certified documents ($5.00 per certification).
Free Online Resources:
Several no-cost digital resources provide limited criminal record information:
- Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Inmate Roster - Provides current detention information without registration or fees
- Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search - Offers free access to state prison records
- Tuscaloosa County Court Calendars - Publicly accessible schedules of upcoming criminal proceedings
- Sex Offender Registry - Free public access to registered sex offender information in Tuscaloosa County
Limited Access Court Records:
The Alabama Judicial System offers limited free access to basic case information through its public portal, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information
- Case status
- Upcoming court dates
However, comprehensive searches and document access through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts typically require subscription fees.
It is important to note that while free options exist, they often provide only partial information. The most comprehensive criminal record searches may require payment of statutory fees, particularly for certified documents, extensive searches, or complete case files. Additionally, commercial background check services that aggregate criminal record information invariably charge fees for their services.
What's Included in a Tuscaloosa County Criminal Record?
Tuscaloosa County criminal records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include the following components:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction (District or Circuit)
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Court proceedings and dates
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Probation terms and conditions
- Alternative sentencing provisions
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the status of the proceedings. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1, certain records may be subject to expungement or sealing under specific circumstances, in which case they would no longer appear in standard criminal record searches.
Records maintained by the Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama typically provide the most complete documentation of criminal proceedings in Tuscaloosa County.
How Long Does Tuscaloosa County Keep Criminal Records?
Tuscaloosa County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Alabama state law and administrative policies. The duration of record retention varies by document type and case disposition. The following retention periods are currently in effect:
Felony Case Records:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony convictions: 75 years from date of final disposition
- Dismissed felony cases: 25 years from date of dismissal
- Grand jury records: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Misdemeanor convictions: 25 years from date of final disposition
- Dismissed misdemeanor cases: 10 years from date of dismissal
- Traffic violations: 7 years from date of disposition
Arrest Records:
- Arrests resulting in convictions: Retained with corresponding case files
- Arrests without charges filed: 5 years from date of arrest
- Arrest photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention by law enforcement
Court Documents:
- Court transcripts in felony cases: 75 years
- Court orders and judgments: Permanent retention
- Docket books and indices: Permanent retention
- Probation and parole records: 10 years after completion of supervision
These retention periods are established pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-23, which authorizes the State Records Commission to establish records disposition authorities for state and local government records.
The Alabama Department of Archives and History, in conjunction with the Administrative Office of Courts, maintains the official Records Disposition Authority that governs judicial records retention throughout the state, including Tuscaloosa County.
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indices and basic case information may be maintained indefinitely in court management systems. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be retained permanently in those formats even after physical copies are destroyed.
Expunged records, pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1 et seq., are removed from public access but may be retained under seal for limited law enforcement and judicial purposes.
Lookup Criminal Records in Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Records
Alabama Judicial System Electronic Filing
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk Contact Information