Find Felony Records in Morgan County
Morgan County felony records contain arrests, charges, and court outcomes for serious crimes in north-central Alabama. The Circuit Clerk in Decatur keeps all felony case files. These records are public. Morgan County is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit in the Tennessee Valley region. This page shows how to find felony records in Morgan County online and at the courthouse.
Morgan County Quick Facts
Morgan County Circuit Clerk Office
The Circuit Clerk keeps all felony records in Morgan County. This office files new cases and stores court papers. Staff give out copies of judgments and other court documents. The clerk tracks each felony from first charge to final verdict in Morgan County.
The Morgan County Courthouse is in downtown Decatur. It serves over 125,000 residents in the Tennessee Valley area. 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. Morgan County keeps older files in storage and newer ones in the computer system.
| Office | Morgan County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 302 Lee Street NE Decatur, AL 35601 |
| Phone | (256) 351-4682 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | morgan.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Morgan County Felony Records
You can search felony records in Morgan 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 Morgan County.
The Alacourt ACCESS portal covers all trial courts in Alabama. It has every felony case from Morgan 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 Morgan County felony records from home.
To search felony records in Morgan County, you need:
- Full name of the defendant
- Date of birth to narrow results
- Case number for exact lookup
You can also visit the clerk office in Decatur. 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 Morgan County.
Morgan County Sheriff and Jail Records
The Morgan County Sheriff runs the county jail in Decatur. 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 Morgan County.
Call the Sheriff at (256) 351-4800 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 Morgan County.
The Alabama Department of Corrections has a free inmate search tool. It shows anyone in a state prison. This includes Morgan County felons serving sentences. The search is free and open to all.
Felony Classes in Morgan County
Alabama uses four felony classes. Class A is the most serious. Class D is the least. Morgan 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 Morgan 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 Morgan 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 Morgan 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 Morgan 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.
Morgan 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 Morgan 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 Morgan County Circuit Court to begin.
Cities in Morgan County
Morgan County includes Decatur and several smaller towns. All felony cases go to the Morgan County Circuit Court in Decatur. Residents from any city in the county use the same clerk office for felony records.
Decatur is the county seat and largest city. Hartselle is the second largest city in Morgan County. Both use the Morgan County Circuit Court for felony cases.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Morgan County. Each has its own Circuit Clerk for felony records. Check the links below if you need records from nearby areas.