Search Decatur Felony Records
Decatur felony records are kept by the Morgan County Circuit Court. The city does not store felony files itself. Decatur has about 57,000 people and sits on the Tennessee River in north Alabama. All felony cases go to the county court. The Circuit Clerk stores every case file. This page explains how to find felony records in Decatur.
Decatur Quick Facts
Which Court Has Decatur Felony Records
Morgan County Circuit Court handles all felony cases in Decatur. Police make arrests. The county court handles the rest. All charges and hearings happen at county level. Decatur has no city felony court. The county system serves everyone in the area. This is how it works across Alabama.
Decatur is the county seat of Morgan County. The courthouse is at 302 Lee Street NE. The Circuit Clerk office is inside. This is where all Decatur felony records are stored. You can request copies in person or search online. Staff can help you with fees and record requests.
| Court | Morgan County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 302 Lee Street NE Decatur, AL 35601 |
| Phone | (256) 351-4682 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | morgan.alacourt.gov |
The courthouse is in downtown Decatur. Parking is available in lots nearby. Security checks all visitors at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff at the clerk office can help you find felony records in Decatur once you get inside.
How to Search Decatur Felony Records
You can search felony records in Decatur online or in person. Online is quick for basic case info. In person lets you see the full file. Both options work. Records are public in Alabama. Anyone can look them up. You do not need a reason to search felony records in Decatur.
The Alacourt ACCESS system has all trial court records in Alabama. For Decatur, pick Morgan County from the menu. Each search costs $9.99. Search by name or case number. Results show charges, hearings, and outcomes. Document images cost extra. This is the main tool for Decatur felony records.
The image above shows the court records portal for Morgan County. Decatur residents use this to search felony case info online.
To search felony records in Decatur, you need:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth if known
- Case number for exact results
- Year the case was filed
You can visit the clerk office in person. Staff can look up cases and print copies. Certified copies cost more. Plain copies are cheaper. Call (256) 351-4682 to ask about current fees. The office can get busy. Morning visits often mean shorter waits.
Decatur Police Department Records
The Decatur Police Department handles arrests in the city. They keep arrest records and incident reports. These differ from court records. Police records show the arrest. Court records show the legal case after. You may need both for a full picture of a felony in Decatur.
Contact Decatur Police for arrest info. The main number is (256) 341-4660. Ask about incident reports and booking records. Some records are public. Others need consent or a court order. Staff can explain what they can release. Mugshots typically come from the county jail.
The Morgan County Sheriff runs the jail. They may post a roster online. You can check current inmates, charges, and bond amounts. Contact the sheriff's office for details. This helps check recent arrests in Decatur.
Decatur on the Tennessee River
Decatur sits on the banks of the Tennessee River. It is an industrial city with a strong manufacturing base. The city has a diverse population and steady growth. More people and businesses mean more court activity over time.
The 8th Judicial Circuit covers Morgan County and other nearby counties. Decatur is the main city in this circuit. The courthouse handles cases from across the county. If a felony happened in Decatur or nearby, it goes through Morgan County Circuit Court.
Huntsville is about 25 miles east. Madison County handles felonies in Huntsville. If you are not sure which county applies, check the address where the crime occurred. That tells you which court has the records.
What Decatur Felony Records Show
A felony record from Decatur has the key facts of a criminal case. It begins with the charges. It ends when the case closes. Everything between is in the file. Here is what Decatur felony records contain.
Decatur felony records include:
- Defendant's full name and birth date
- Arrest date and booking info
- Charges from the prosecutor
- Case number and assigned judge
- Hearing dates and court actions
- Motions from both sides
- Verdict: guilty, not guilty, or dismissed
- Sentence if convicted
- Bond and release details
Felonies in Decatur cover the same crimes as the rest of Alabama. Murder and rape are Class A. Robbery and serious assault are Class B. Drug crimes range from Class B to D. Under Code of Alabama Section 13A-5-6, Class A brings 10 years to life. Class D brings 1 year and 1 day to 5 years.
Are Decatur Felony Records Public
Yes. Court records are public in Alabama. Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, anyone can inspect public records. This includes felony cases at Morgan County Circuit Court. You do not need to be part of the case. You do not need a reason.
Some records have limits. Juvenile cases are sealed. Cases a judge sealed are not public. Expunged records are hidden. Personal info may be blacked out. But most adult felony records from Decatur are open to the public.
ALEA criminal history is not public. Only the subject or authorized users can access it. Misusing criminal records is a crime under Code of Alabama Section 41-9-601. Fines go from $5,000 to $10,000. Jail time can hit 5 years. Use Alacourt for public record searches in Decatur.
Decatur Felony Expungement
Some felony records can be erased in Decatur. This is called expungement. Not all cases qualify. The rules are strict. If you meet them, you can ask a judge to seal your record. Once sealed, most background checks will not show it.
Under Code of Alabama Section 15-27, certain felonies can be expunged. Dismissed charges often qualify. Not guilty verdicts can be erased. Pardons with rights restored may allow some convictions to be sealed. Violent felonies usually cannot be expunged.
To start expungement in Decatur, file a petition at Morgan County Circuit Court. A judge reviews your case. If approved, agencies seal their records. ALEA updates its files after the order. The clerk seals the court file. The process takes time. A lawyer can help get things right.
Legal Help in Decatur
Several groups serve Decatur with legal help. Some are free for those who qualify. Others have reduced rates. These can assist with felony cases or record searches in Decatur.
Legal Services Alabama serves Morgan County. They help people who qualify by income. The statewide line is (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers call (888) 835-3505. Visit legalservicesalabama.org for more info on free legal help in the Decatur area.
The Morgan County Bar Association can refer you to a lawyer. The Alabama State Bar has a statewide line at 1-800-392-5660. First meetings often have a set fee. The law library at the courthouse has forms and resources for felony record requests in Decatur.
Nearby Alabama Cities
Decatur is in north Alabama between Huntsville and Florence. Madison is about 25 miles east. Birmingham is about 90 miles south. Each city uses its county court for felony records. Here are links to nearby cities.
Morgan County Felony Records
Decatur is the county seat of Morgan County. All felony cases go through the county Circuit Court. The county serves Decatur and surrounding towns. For full details on the court, fees, and resources, see the Morgan County felony records page.