Criminal records in Lauderdale County, Alabama, are available through several channels. LauderdaleCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court system, county law enforcement agencies, and the office of the circuit court clerk. Each of these sources provides different levels of detail—from basic case information to certified copies of documents.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lauderdale
There are several ways to search for criminal records in this county. Below are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Online Search
- LauderdaleCourt.us — Enter the person's name or case number to find publicly available information about court criminal cases.
- Alacourt "Just One Look" Portal — The Administrative Office of Courts of Alabama offers paid access to records of all state trial courts. As noted by the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk, most case information is available through this service.
- Inmate Search — The Alabama Department of Corrections database contains information only about individuals currently incarcerated.
- Sheriff's Office — The Lauderdale County Sheriff's website provides information about current detainees.
- Appellate Cases — The Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal allows you to search for cases that have gone through the appellate process.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. There are public terminals available for searching court cases. You will need the full name of the person or the case number.
Written Request
A request for a criminal history can be sent by mail to the Circuit Clerk or to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ALEA) for an official state-level background check. You will need:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Valid ID for requests regarding your own records
Search Lauderdale Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Alabama is assigned a unique number consisting of several parts. Understanding this structure will help you quickly find the desired record.
A typical case number format in Lauderdale County looks like this: CC-YYYY-NNNNNN, where:
- CC — a two-letter code indicating the type of case and court (e.g., "CC" for Circuit Court criminal, "DC" for District Court criminal, "TR" for traffic violations)
- YYYY — the year the case was filed
- NNNNNN — the sequential number of the case within that year
If you only have part of the number, try searching by name through the Alacourt portal—the system will show all related cases along with full numbers.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lauderdale
Court records contain several key elements. Here's what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Alabama Criminal Code (Code of Alabama, Title 13A) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Violation |
| Class | Felony: Class A (most severe) — Class C; Misdemeanor: Class A — Class C |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the original charge to a lesser or more severe one during the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting trial
- Active — the case is actively being heard in court
- Disposed — the court has rendered a final decision
- Closed — the case is closed, all obligations fulfilled
Types of Hearings
Arraignment — the first hearing where charges are read to the defendant. Preliminary Hearing is conducted to determine the sufficiency of evidence. Pre-Trial Conference is a meeting of the parties before the main trial, and Sentencing Hearing occurs after a guilty plea to impose a sentence. Review Hearing is set by the court to check compliance with the terms of the sentence.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Acquitted | Acquitted by the court or jury |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lauderdale
Certified copies of criminal records are officially verified documents accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. They can be obtained in two main ways.
Through the Circuit Clerk's Office
The Circuit Clerk maintains all records of criminal cases heard in the Circuit Court and District Court of the county. Visit in person or send a written request with the full name, date of birth, and case number. To obtain copies of your own records, you must present a valid photo ID.
Through ALEA (State Level)
To obtain a complete state-level criminal history, submit a request to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation. This process requires submitting fingerprints and completing the appropriate form. Employers and licensing agencies typically use this channel.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lauderdale
The cost of services depends on the type of request and the agency processing it. Below are approximate fees based on current Alabama state rates.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document | $0.50 per page | Standard Alabama court clerk rate |
| Document Certification | $1.00 per document (in addition to copy cost) | Standard court clerk rate |
| Background Check through ALEA | $25.00 | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency |
| FBI Check (Federal Level) | Additional to ALEA rate | Required for some licenses |
Processing Times
- In-Person Visit to the Court Clerk — copies are usually prepared on the same business day
- Mail Request to the Court Clerk — 5 to 10 business days
- Check through ALEA — 10 to 15 business days depending on the volume of the request
Check current fees directly with the court clerk's office or on the ALEA website, as rates may change.