Dothan Alabama Felony Records
Dothan felony records are filed at the Houston County Circuit Court. The city does not store felony files itself. Dothan has about 71,000 people and is the largest city in southeast Alabama. All felony cases go to the county court. The Circuit Clerk keeps every file. This page explains how to search felony records in Dothan.
Dothan Quick Facts
Which Court Has Dothan Felony Records
Houston County Circuit Court handles all felony cases in Dothan. Police make arrests. The county court takes over from there. All charges and hearings happen at county level. Dothan does not have a city felony court. The county system serves everyone. This is standard across Alabama.
Dothan is the county seat of Houston County. The courthouse is at 462 North Oates Street. The Circuit Clerk office is inside. This is where all Dothan felony records are stored. You can request copies in person or search online. Staff can help you understand fees and how to get records.
| Court | Houston County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 462 North Oates Street Dothan, AL 36303 |
| Phone | (334) 677-4800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | houston.alacourt.gov |
The courthouse is in downtown Dothan. Parking is available in lots nearby. Security checks all visitors at the door. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff at the clerk office can help you find felony records in Dothan once you are inside.
How to Search Dothan Felony Records
You can search felony records in Dothan online or in person. Online is quick for basic case info. In person lets you see the full file. Both options work well. Records are public in Alabama. Anyone can look them up. You do not need a reason to search felony records in Dothan.
The Alacourt ACCESS portal covers all trial courts in Alabama. For Dothan, pick Houston County from the menu. Each search costs $9.99. You can search by name or case number. Results show charges, hearings, and outcomes. Document images cost extra. This is the main online tool for Dothan felony records.
The image above shows the court records portal for Houston County. Dothan residents use this system to look up felony cases online.
To search felony records in Dothan, 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 too. Staff can search cases and print copies. Certified copies cost more. Plain copies are cheaper. Call (334) 677-4800 to ask about current fees. The office can get busy some days. Mornings may have shorter wait times.
Dothan Police Department Records
The Dothan 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 what happened in the legal system. You may need both for a full picture of a felony in Dothan.
Contact the Dothan Police for arrest records. The main number is (334) 615-3000. Ask about incident reports and booking info. Some records are public. Others require consent or a court order. Staff can explain what they can release. Mugshots typically come from the county jail.
The Houston County Sheriff runs the jail. They may have a jail roster available. You can see current inmates, charges, and bond amounts. Contact the sheriff's office for access. This helps check recent arrests in the Dothan area.
Dothan and the Wiregrass Region
Dothan is the hub of the Wiregrass region in southeast Alabama. It sits near the borders of Georgia and Florida. The city serves as a regional center for several surrounding counties. People come from miles around for shopping and services. This brings more activity to the area.
The Wiregrass region includes Houston, Henry, Dale, and Coffee counties. Each county has its own Circuit Court. If a felony happened outside Dothan city limits, it may be in a different county. Always check which county applies to your case. Dothan cases go to Houston County Circuit Court.
Fort Novosel, formerly Fort Rucker, is nearby. Military crimes on the base go through federal court, not the county system. State felonies in Dothan still go through Houston County. The county court handles all civilian felony cases in the city.
What Dothan Felony Records Show
A felony record from Dothan contains the key facts of a criminal case. It starts when charges are filed. It ends when the case closes. Everything in between is in the file. Here is what Dothan felony records include.
Dothan 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 Dothan cover the same crimes as the rest of Alabama. Murder and rape are Class A. Robbery and serious assault are Class B. Drug crimes vary by type and amount. 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 Dothan 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 Houston 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 from view. Personal info may be blacked out. But most adult felony records from Dothan 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 Dothan.
Dothan Felony Expungement
Some felony records can be erased in Dothan. 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 Dothan, file a petition at Houston 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 Dothan
Several groups serve Dothan with legal help. Some are free for those who qualify. Others have reduced rates. These can assist with felony cases or record searches in Dothan.
Legal Services Alabama serves Houston 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 Dothan area.
The Houston 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 Dothan.
Nearby Alabama Cities
Dothan is in southeast Alabama near Florida and Georgia. Montgomery is about 90 miles north. Mobile is a few hours west. Each city uses its county court for felony records. Here are links to nearby cities.
Houston County Felony Records
Dothan is the county seat of Houston County. All felony cases go through the county Circuit Court. The county serves Dothan and nearby towns. For full details on the court, fees, and resources, see the Houston County felony records page.