Search Lee County Felony Records
Lee County felony records show arrests, charges, and court outcomes for serious crimes in east-central Alabama. The Circuit Clerk in Opelika keeps all felony case files. Anyone can search these records. Lee County is part of the 37th Judicial Circuit and is home to Auburn University. This page explains how to find felony records in Lee County online and at the courthouse.
Lee County Quick Facts
Lee County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk keeps all felony records in Lee 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 Lee County.
The Lee County Justice Center is in downtown Opelika. It serves over 174,000 residents. The office handles a steady caseload due to the large population. Auburn and Opelika are the main cities. 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. Lee County keeps older files in storage and newer ones in the computer system.
| Office | Lee County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 2311 Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 |
| Phone | (334) 737-3553 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | lee.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Lee County Felony Records
You can search felony records in Lee County online or in person. Online is fast for basic lookups. In person lets you see full case files. Both work for criminal court records in Lee County.
The Alacourt ACCESS portal covers all trial courts in Alabama. It has every felony case from Lee 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 Lee County felony records from home.
To search felony records in Lee County, you need:
- Full name of the defendant
- Date of birth if available
- Case number for direct lookup
You can also visit the Justice Center in Opelika. 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 Lee County.
Lee County Sheriff and Jail Records
The Lee County Sheriff runs the county jail in Opelika. 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 Lee County.
Call the Sheriff at (334) 737-7100 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 Lee County.
The Alabama Department of Corrections has a free inmate search tool. It shows anyone in a state prison. This includes Lee County felons serving sentences. The search is free and open to all.
Felony Classes in Lee County
Alabama uses four felony classes. Class A is the most serious. Class D is the least. Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee 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.
Lee 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 Lee 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 Lee County Circuit Court to begin.
Cities in Lee County
Lee County includes Auburn, Opelika, and several smaller towns. All felony cases go to the Lee County Circuit Court in Opelika. Residents from any city in the county use the same clerk office for felony records.
Opelika is the county seat but has a smaller population than Auburn. Both cities file felony cases at the Lee County Circuit Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lee County. Each has its own Circuit Clerk for felony records. Check the links below if you need records from nearby areas.