Florence Alabama Felony Records
Florence felony records are stored at the Lauderdale County Circuit Court. The city does not keep felony files. Florence has about 52,000 people and is the largest city in the Shoals area of northwest Alabama. All felony cases go through the county court system. The Circuit Clerk keeps every file. This page shows how to search felony records in Florence.
Florence Quick Facts
Which Court Has Florence Felony Records
Lauderdale County Circuit Court handles all felony cases in Florence. Police make arrests. The county court takes it from there. All charges and hearings happen at county level. Florence has no city felony court. The county system serves everyone in the area. This is how Alabama works.
Florence is the county seat of Lauderdale County. The courthouse is at 200 S. Court Street. The Circuit Clerk office is inside. This is where all Florence felony records are stored. You can get copies here or search online. Staff help with questions about records and fees.
| Court | Lauderdale County Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 S. Court Street Florence, AL 35630 |
| Phone | (256) 760-5800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | lauderdale.alacourt.gov |
The courthouse is in downtown Florence. Street parking and lots are nearby. Security checks visitors at the door. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff at the clerk office can help you find felony records in Florence once you get inside.
How to Search Florence Felony Records
You can search felony records in Florence online or in person. Online works fast for basic info. In person lets you see the full case file. Both options are available. Records are public in Alabama. Anyone can look them up. You do not need a reason to search felony records in Florence.
The Alacourt ACCESS portal has all trial court records in Alabama. For Florence, select Lauderdale 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 online tool for Florence felony records.
The image above shows the court records portal for Lauderdale County. Florence residents use this system to look up felony cases online.
To search felony records in Florence, 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 search cases and print copies. Certified copies cost more. Plain copies are cheaper. Call (256) 760-5800 to ask about fees. The office can get busy some days. Morning visits often have shorter wait times.
Florence Police Department Records
The Florence Police Department handles arrests in the city. They keep arrest records and incident reports. These are separate from court records. Police records cover the arrest. Court records cover the legal case after. You may need both for a full picture of a felony in Florence.
Contact Florence Police for arrest records. The main number is (256) 760-6500. Ask about incident reports and booking info. Some records are public. Others need consent or a court order. Staff can explain what they release. Mugshots typically come from the county jail.
The Lauderdale County Sheriff runs the jail. They may post a jail roster online. You can check current inmates, charges, and bond amounts. Contact the sheriff's office for access. This helps check recent arrests in the Florence area.
Florence and the Shoals
Florence is the largest of the Quad Cities in northwest Alabama. The Shoals area includes Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. Florence is in Lauderdale County. The other cities are in Colbert County. Each county has its own court system.
If a felony happened in Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, or Tuscumbia, it goes to Colbert County Circuit Court in Tuscumbia. Felonies in Florence go to Lauderdale County. Always check which county applies. The address where the crime occurred tells you which court has the records.
The University of North Alabama is in Florence. The campus brings students to the area. Student-related felonies still go through Lauderdale County Circuit Court. Campus police handle on-campus crimes, but felony charges go to the county system.
What Florence Felony Records Show
A felony record from Florence has the key facts of a criminal case. It starts when charges are filed. It ends when the case closes. Everything between is in the file. Here is what Florence felony records contain.
Florence 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 Florence cover the same crimes as elsewhere in 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 Florence 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 Lauderdale 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 data may be blacked out. But most adult felony records from Florence 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 Florence.
Florence Felony Expungement
Some felony records can be erased in Florence. This is 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 people cannot see it on a background check.
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 Florence, file a petition at Lauderdale 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 Florence
Several groups serve Florence with legal help. Some are free for those who qualify. Others have reduced rates. These can help with felony cases or record searches in Florence.
Legal Services Alabama serves Lauderdale 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 Florence area.
The Lauderdale 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 Florence.
Nearby Alabama Cities
Florence is in northwest Alabama near the Tennessee border. Decatur is about 40 miles east. Huntsville is roughly an hour away. Each city uses its county court for felony records. Here are links to nearby cities.
Lauderdale County Felony Records
Florence is the county seat of Lauderdale County. All felony cases go through the county Circuit Court. The county serves Florence and nearby towns. For full details on the court, fees, and resources, see the Lauderdale County felony records page.