Search Jefferson County Felony Records
Jefferson County felony records show arrests, charges, and court outcomes for serious crimes across Alabama's most populous county. The Circuit Clerk keeps all felony case files. Anyone can search these records. Jefferson County has two court divisions: Birmingham and Bessemer. This is the only Class 1 county in Alabama, with over 670,000 residents. This page explains how to find felony records in Jefferson County online and in person.
Jefferson County Quick Facts
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk keeps all felony records in Jefferson County. This office files new cases and stores all court documents. Staff give out copies of judgments, sentences, and other papers. The clerk tracks each felony from first charge to final outcome. Jefferson County has two divisions that split the work.
The Birmingham Division handles most of Jefferson County. It covers Birmingham, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Trussville, and many other cities on the east side. This is the main office for felony records. The Bessemer Division serves the west side. It covers Bessemer, Hueytown, Pleasant Grove, and nearby towns. You must use the right division based on where the crime took place in Jefferson County.
The image above shows the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk website. It has info on both divisions. You can find contact details, hours, and links to search records. Staff at either office can help you find felony cases in Jefferson County.
| Birmingham Division |
Jefferson County Courthouse 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Room 420 Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 325-5355 |
|---|---|
| Bessemer Division |
Bessemer Courthouse 1851 2nd Ave N Bessemer, AL 35020 Phone: (205) 497-8510 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | jeffersoncircuitclerk.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Jefferson County Felony Records
You can search felony records in Jefferson County online or in person. Online is fast for basic lookups. In person lets you see the full case file. Both work well for finding criminal court records in Jefferson County.
The Alacourt ACCESS portal has all court records from Jefferson County. This includes every felony case from both Birmingham and Bessemer divisions. Search by name or case number. The site 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 Jefferson County felony records from home.
To search felony records in Jefferson County, you need:
- Full name of the defendant
- Date of birth if available
- Case number for direct lookup
- Know which division handles the case
You can also visit a clerk office in person. Go to Birmingham for east side cases or Bessemer for west side cases. Staff search the system and pull files while you wait. Bring cash, check, or card for copy fees. Jefferson County keeps paper files going back decades and newer files in the computer. Staff can help with either type.
Jefferson County Sheriff and Jail Records
The Jefferson County Sheriff runs two jail facilities. The Birmingham Jail is at 2200 8th Avenue North. The Bessemer Jail is at 1801 3rd Avenue North. Booking records show who is in custody. They list charges, bond amounts, and arrest dates. The Sheriff also makes arrests and serves warrants across Jefferson County.
Call the Birmingham Jail at (205) 325-5670 to check if someone is held there. Call the Bessemer Jail at (205) 481-4160 for that facility. Staff can tell you the charges and bond amount. This info is public. For older arrest records, you may need the Circuit Clerk, since jail rosters only show current inmates in Jefferson County.
Pre-trial release info is also available. Call (205) 325-5716 for Birmingham or (205) 481-8529 for Bessemer. The Alabama Department of Corrections has a free inmate search for anyone in state prison. This includes Jefferson County felons serving time. The search is free and open to all.
Felony Classes in Jefferson County
Alabama uses four felony classes. Class A is the most serious. Class D is the least. Jefferson 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 and first-degree assault fall under Class B. Drug offenses vary by type and amount. In Jefferson County, judges follow state guidelines but can adjust based on case facts. Prior felonies add years under Code of Alabama 13A-5-9, the habitual offender law.
Are Felony Records Public in Jefferson 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 Jefferson County Circuit Clerk. You need not be part of the case. You need not give a reason to search.
Some limits exist. Juvenile cases are sealed. Court orders can seal certain files. Expunged records do not appear in searches. Some personal data may be blacked out. But most felony records in Jefferson County are fully open to the public.
ALEA criminal history is different. It is not public. You can only get your own record or one for an employee with consent. Misusing criminal records is a crime under Code of Alabama 41-9-601. Fines range from $5,000 to $10,000.
Jefferson 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 Jefferson County.
Under Code of Alabama 15-27, dismissed charges may be expunged. Not guilty verdicts can be erased. Pardons with restored rights may qualify. Violent felonies have extra limits. File a petition with the Jefferson County Circuit Court in either Birmingham or Bessemer to begin.
Cities in Jefferson County
Jefferson County has over 35 cities and towns. All felony cases go to the Jefferson County Circuit Court. Which division handles the case depends on location. Cities on the east use Birmingham. Cities on the west use Bessemer.
Other cities in Jefferson County include Homewood, Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Trussville, Bessemer, Hueytown, Gardendale, and Center Point. All use the Jefferson County Circuit Court for felony cases.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Jefferson County. Each has its own Circuit Clerk for felony records. Check the links below if you need records from nearby areas.