Hoover Alabama Felony Records

Hoover felony records are filed at either Jefferson County or Shelby County Circuit Court. Hoover is unique because it spans both counties. With about 93,000 people, it is the sixth largest city in Alabama. The county where the crime happened decides which court handles the case. This page shows how to search felony records in Hoover from both counties.

Hoover Spans Two Counties

Hoover sits in both Jefferson County and Shelby County. This makes searching felony records more complex than in other cities. You need to know which county the crime happened in. That county's court handles the case. If you are not sure, you may need to search both systems.

Most of Hoover is in Jefferson County. The northern and western parts of the city fall under Jefferson County Circuit Court. The southern and eastern parts are in Shelby County. Felonies in those areas go to Shelby County Circuit Court. The county line runs through the middle of the city.

Jefferson County uses the Birmingham Division for Hoover cases. Shelby County has its courthouse in Columbiana. Both counties use the Alacourt system. You can search either one online. If you get no results in one county, try the other. This is the easiest way to find Hoover felony records.

Jefferson County Court for Hoover

Jefferson County Circuit Court handles felonies in the Jefferson County part of Hoover. This is the Birmingham Division. Most Hoover addresses fall on this side. If the crime was in north or west Hoover, the case is likely at Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County courthouse is in downtown Birmingham. It is about 15 miles north of Hoover. Parking meters and garages serve the area. Security checks visitors at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff at the clerk office can help you find Hoover felony records filed in Jefferson County.

Shelby County Court for Hoover

Shelby County Circuit Court handles felonies in the Shelby County part of Hoover. This includes the southern and eastern sections of the city. Areas near Highway 150 and Riverchase often fall in Shelby County. If the crime was in that part of Hoover, check Shelby County records.

The Shelby County courthouse is in Columbiana. It is about 20 miles south of Hoover. Parking is available near the building. Security checks all visitors. Bring a photo ID. The clerk staff can help you find Hoover felony records filed in Shelby County.

How to Search Hoover Felony Records

You can search felony records for Hoover online or in person. Online is faster. In person gives you access to full case files. Both counties use the same Alacourt system. You may need to check both if you do not know which county applies.

The Alacourt ACCESS portal covers all courts in Alabama. For Hoover, try Jefferson County first since most of the city is there. Each search costs $9.99. If no results show, try Shelby County next. Results show charges, hearings, and outcomes.

The image above shows the Alacourt portal. Hoover residents need to select the correct county to find felony records. Try both counties if you are not sure.

To search felony records in Hoover, you need:

• Full name of the person
• Date of birth if known
• Case number for exact results
• Location where the crime occurred

You can visit either clerk office in person. Staff can search cases and make copies. Call ahead to ask about fees. Jefferson County: (205) 325-5355. Shelby County: (205) 669-3710. If you are not sure which county, call either one. They can often tell you from the address or case number.

Hoover Police Department Records

The Hoover Police Department handles arrests in the city. They serve the whole city even though it spans two counties. Police records are separate from court records. Police records show the arrest. Court records show the legal case. You may want both for a full picture.

Contact Hoover Police for arrest records. The main number is (205) 822-5300. Ask about incident reports and booking info. Some records are public. Others need consent or a court order. Staff can explain what they release. The police station is at 100 Municipal Lane in Hoover.

Jail records come from the county. Jefferson County arrests go to the Birmingham jail. Check the roster at jeffcosheriffal.com. Shelby County arrests go to the Columbiana jail. Check their roster online too. Both are free to view.

What Hoover Felony Records Show

A felony record from Hoover has the key facts of a criminal case. It starts when charges are filed. It ends when the case closes. All steps between are in the file. Here is what Hoover felony records contain.

Hoover 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

The same crimes apply in both counties. Murder and rape are Class A felonies. Robbery is 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 Hoover Felony Records Public

Yes. Court records are public in Alabama. Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, anyone can inspect public records. This applies to both Jefferson County and Shelby County courts. You do not need to be part of the case.

Some records have limits. Juvenile cases are sealed. Cases a judge sealed are not public. Expunged records are hidden. Personal data may be blacked out. But most adult felony records from Hoover are open to the public in both counties.

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 Hoover.

Hoover Felony Expungement

Some felony records can be sealed in Hoover. This is expungement. Not all cases qualify. The rules are strict. You file in the county where the case was handled. Jefferson County cases go to Birmingham. Shelby County cases go to Columbiana.

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 for a Hoover case, file a petition in the correct county court. A judge reviews your request. If approved, agencies seal their records. ALEA updates its files. The clerk seals the court file. A lawyer can help since Hoover spans two jurisdictions.

Legal Help in Hoover

Several groups serve Hoover residents with legal help. Some are free for those who qualify. Others have reduced rates. These can help with felony cases or record searches in Hoover.

Legal Services Alabama serves both Jefferson and Shelby counties. They help people who qualify by income. Call (205) 328-3540 for the Birmingham office. The statewide line is (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers call (888) 835-3505. Visit legalservicesalabama.org for more info.

The Birmingham Bar Association can refer you to a lawyer for Jefferson County matters. Call (205) 251-8006. For Shelby County, the Alabama State Bar has a statewide line at 1-800-392-5660. First meetings often have a set fee. Law libraries at both courthouses have forms and resources for Hoover residents.

Nearby Alabama Cities

Hoover is just south of Birmingham. It borders several other cities. Birmingham and Tuscaloosa use different county courts. Each city files felony records with its own county. Here are links to nearby cities.

County Felony Records for Hoover

Hoover spans Jefferson County and Shelby County. Felony cases go to whichever county the crime occurred in. For full details on each county's court system and resources, see the county pages below.

View Jefferson County Felony Records View Shelby County Felony Records