Find Felony Records in Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County felony records show arrests, charges, and court outcomes for serious crimes in northwest Alabama. The Circuit Clerk in Florence keeps all felony case files. Anyone can search these records. Lauderdale County is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit in the Shoals region. This page explains how to find felony records in Lauderdale County online and at the courthouse.
Lauderdale County Quick Facts
Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk keeps all felony records in Lauderdale County. This office files new cases and stores all court papers. Staff give out copies of judgments, sentences, and other documents. The clerk tracks each felony from first charge to final ruling in Lauderdale County.
The Lauderdale County Courthouse is in downtown Florence. It serves over 93,000 residents. The office handles a steady caseload. Bring your ID when you visit. Staff can search by name or case number. You can view records at the counter or get copies for a fee. Lauderdale County keeps older files in storage and newer ones in the computer. Staff can help with either type.
| Office | Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 S Court Street Florence, AL 35630 |
| Phone | (256) 760-5800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | lauderdale.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Lauderdale County Felony Records
You can search felony records in Lauderdale County online or in person. Online is fast for basic lookups. In person lets you see the full case file. Both methods work for criminal court records in Lauderdale County.
The Alacourt ACCESS portal covers all trial courts in Alabama. It has every felony case from Lauderdale County Circuit Court. 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 Lauderdale County felony records from home.
To search felony records in Lauderdale County, you need:
- Full name of the defendant
- Date of birth if available
- Case number for direct lookup
You can also visit the clerk office in Florence. Staff search the system and pull files while you wait. Bring cash or check for copy fees. Large requests may take more time. For most searches, staff can help you the same day in Lauderdale County.
Lauderdale County Sheriff and Jail Records
The Lauderdale County Sheriff runs the county jail in Florence. Jail records show who is in custody right now. They list charges, bond amounts, and arrest dates. The Sheriff also makes arrests and serves warrants across Lauderdale County.
Call the Sheriff at (256) 760-5757 to check if someone is in jail. Ask for the jail or booking desk. Staff can tell you the charges and bond info. This data is public. For older arrest records, contact the Circuit Clerk, since jail rosters only show current inmates in Lauderdale County.
The Alabama Department of Corrections has a free inmate search tool. It shows anyone in a state prison. This includes Lauderdale County felons serving sentences. The search is free and open to all.
Felony Classes in Lauderdale County
Alabama uses four felony classes. Class A is the most serious. Class D is the least. Lauderdale 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 falls under Class B. Drug crimes vary by amount and type. In Lauderdale County, judges follow state guidelines but can adjust based on case facts. Prior felonies add years under the habitual offender rule.
Are Felony Records Public in Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk. You need not be part of the case. You need not give a reason.
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 Lauderdale 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.
Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County Circuit Court to begin.
Cities in Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County includes Florence and several smaller towns. All felony cases go to the Lauderdale County Circuit Court in Florence. Residents from any city in the county use the same clerk office for felony records.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lauderdale County. Each has its own Circuit Clerk for felony records. Check the links below if you need records from nearby areas.