Houston County Felony Records Search
Houston County felony records contain arrests, charges, and court outcomes for serious crimes in the Wiregrass region. The Circuit Clerk in Dothan keeps all felony case files. These records are public. Houston County is the seat of the 20th Judicial Circuit and handles cases from nearby Henry County too. This page explains how to find felony records in Houston County online and in person.
Houston County Quick Facts
Houston County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk keeps all felony records in Houston County. This office files new cases and stores all court papers. Staff give out copies of court orders and judgments. The clerk tracks each felony from the first charge to the final outcome in Houston County.
The Houston County Courthouse sits in downtown Dothan. It serves over 100,000 residents. The office handles a steady flow of cases. Bring your ID when you visit. Staff can search by name or case number. You can view files at the counter and get copies for a fee. Houston County keeps older records in storage and newer ones in the computer. Staff can pull either type for you.
| Office | Houston County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 462 N Oates Street, Suite 201 Dothan, AL 36303 |
| Phone | (334) 677-4800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | houston.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Houston County Felony Records
You can search felony records in Houston County online or in person. Online is fast for basic lookups. In person lets you see the full file. Both work well for criminal court records in Houston County.
The Alacourt ACCESS portal has all court records from Houston County. This includes every felony case from the Circuit Court. Search by name or case number. The system shows charges, court dates, and case outcomes. It costs $9.99 per search. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Alacourt is the best way to search Houston County felony records from home.
To search felony records in Houston County, you need:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth if available
- Case number for direct lookup
You can also visit the clerk office in Dothan. Staff search the system and pull files while you wait. Bring cash or check for copies. Large requests may take extra time. For most searches, staff can help you the same day in Houston County.
Houston County Sheriff and Jail Records
The Houston County Sheriff runs the county jail in Dothan. Jail records show current inmates. They list charges, bond amounts, and arrest dates. The Sheriff also makes arrests and serves warrants across Houston County.
Call the Sheriff at (334) 677-4844 to check if someone is in jail. Ask for booking or the jail desk. Staff can tell you the charges and bond info. This data is public. For older arrest records, you may need the Circuit Clerk, since the jail only tracks current inmates in Houston County.
The Alabama Department of Corrections has a free inmate search tool. It shows anyone in a state prison. This includes Houston County felons serving time. The search is free and open to all.
Felony Classes in Houston County
Alabama groups felonies into four classes. Class A is the most serious. Class D is the least. Houston County courts follow state law for sentencing. The crime type sets the class.
Under Code of Alabama 13A-5-6, the ranges are:
- Class A Felony: 10 to 99 years or life
- Class B Felony: 2 to 20 years
- Class C Felony: 1 year and 1 day to 10 years
- Class D Felony: 1 year and 1 day to 5 years
Murder and rape are Class A crimes. Robbery is Class B. Drug offenses vary by type and amount. In Houston County, judges follow these ranges but can adjust based on case facts. Prior felonies add years under the habitual offender law.
Are Felony Records Public in Houston County
Yes. Court records are public in Alabama. Under Code of Alabama 36-12-40, anyone can inspect public records. This includes felony files at the Houston County Circuit Clerk. You need not be part of the case. You need not give a reason.
Some limits apply. Juvenile cases are sealed. Court orders can seal certain files. Expunged records do not show up in searches. Some personal info may be redacted. But most felony records in Houston County are fully open to the public.
ALEA criminal history is not public. You can only get your own or one for an employee with consent. Misusing criminal records is a crime in Alabama.
Houston County Felony Expungement
Some felony records can be erased in Alabama. This is called expungement. Not all cases qualify. The rules are strict. If you meet them, you can ask the court to seal your record in Houston County.
Under Code of Alabama 15-27, dismissed charges may be expunged. Cases where you were found not guilty can be erased. Pardons with rights restored may qualify. Violent felonies have extra limits. File a petition with the Houston County Circuit Court to start.
Cities in Houston County
Houston County includes Dothan and several smaller towns. All felony cases go to the Houston County Circuit Court in Dothan. Residents from any city in the county use the same clerk office for felony records.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Houston County. Each has its own Circuit Clerk for felony records. Check the links below if you need records from a nearby area.