Shelby County Felony Records Search

Shelby County felony records include arrests, charges, and court rulings for serious crimes. The Circuit Clerk in Columbiana maintains all felony case files. These records are public and open to anyone. Shelby County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama, located south of Birmingham. This page covers how to search felony records in Shelby County.

Shelby County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk handles all felony court records in Shelby County. This office manages case filings, stores documents, and provides copies. The main office is at the Shelby County Courthouse in Columbiana. Staff help with record searches during business hours. You can call or visit in person for felony records.

Shelby County is in the 18th Judicial Circuit along with Chilton County. The Circuit Court hears all felony cases. When someone is arrested for a serious crime in Shelby County, the case goes through this court. The clerk assigns a case number and tracks all activity. Every hearing and ruling goes into the file. These records are public under Alabama law.

How to Search Shelby County Felony Records

You can search felony records in Shelby County online or at the courthouse. Online is fast and works from anywhere. In-person searches let you see full case files. Both options give access to public court records.

Use Alacourt ACCESS for online searches. Pick Shelby County from the list and enter a name. Results display matching cases. Each search costs $9.99. You see charges, dates, and outcomes. Document images cost extra. This tool is available 24/7 for Shelby County felony record searches.

For in-person searches, go to the courthouse in Columbiana. The Circuit Clerk's office is on the main floor. Tell staff what you need. They search by name or case number. You can view the file and get copies. Bring your ID. Copy fees apply. Call first if you need records from years ago in Shelby County.

To help with your search, have:

• Full name of the person
• Date of birth if known
• Approximate year of the case
• Case number if available

Shelby County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement and the jail in Shelby County. Deputies arrest suspects and book them into jail. The sheriff keeps arrest records with charges, booking dates, and bond info. These are separate from court records.

For jail information, contact the sheriff directly. The office can tell you if someone is in custody. Bond amounts are available by phone. Shelby County may have an online jail roster. Check the sheriff's website for current inmates. Once a case goes to court, the records move to the Circuit Clerk in Shelby County.

Online Access for Shelby County

Shelby County court records are on Alacourt. This state system has trial court data from every Alabama county. You can search criminal cases, including felonies. The system charges a fee but is open to all users.

The Alabama Department of Corrections offers free inmate searches. It shows people currently in state prison. If someone from Shelby County is serving time, you can look them up. Enter a name or AIS number. Results show facility, sentence, and custody level. This does not include county jail inmates.

ALEA has the state criminal history database. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency stores arrest records for all of Alabama. This is not public. You can get your own record for $25 with fingerprints. For court records, use Alacourt to search Shelby County cases.

What Shelby County Felony Records Show

Felony records in Shelby County have detailed case information. Each file covers the criminal case from start to end. The format is standard across Alabama.

A Shelby County felony record includes:

• Defendant's name and date of birth
• Date of arrest and arresting agency
• Charges with felony class
• Court hearing dates and locations
• Motions filed and rulings
• Plea or trial verdict
• Sentence if convicted
• Bond information

Alabama has four felony classes ranging from A to D. Under Code of Alabama Section 13A-5-6, Class A brings 10 years to life. Class B is 2 to 20 years. Class C means up to 10 years. Class D has a maximum of 5 years. Shelby County felony records show the class for each charge so you know the possible penalty.

Shelby County Felony Laws

Court records are public in Shelby County. Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, citizens can inspect public records. Felony case files are included. You can view or copy them at the clerk's office. No reason is needed for the request.

Some records are restricted. Juvenile cases are sealed. Records that a judge ordered sealed are off limits. Expunged cases do not show in searches. But most adult felony records in Shelby County are open to all.

Misusing criminal records is against the law. Under Code of Alabama Section 41-9-601, obtaining records fraudulently is a felony. Fines range from $5,000 to $10,000. Prison can reach five years. Only use Shelby County records for legitimate purposes.

Expungement in Shelby County

Certain felony records may be sealed in Shelby County. The process is called expungement. State law defines who qualifies. Not all cases can be expunged. If you meet the rules, you can petition the court to seal your record.

Under Code of Alabama Section 15-27, dismissed charges may qualify for expungement. Acquittals can be erased. If you got a pardon with civil rights restored, some convictions may be eligible. Violent felonies have strict rules and many cannot be sealed.

To start expungement in Shelby County, file a petition with Circuit Court. The clerk handles the filing. A judge reviews and decides. If approved, records are sealed from public searches. Visit ALEA expungement info for more details and forms.

Cities in Shelby County

Shelby County has several cities and towns. All felony cases go to the Shelby County Circuit Court. The city of Hoover is partly in Shelby County. Residents there may have cases filed in either Shelby or Jefferson County depending on where the crime occurred.

Other cities include Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Chelsea, and Calera. All file felony cases through the Shelby County Circuit Clerk in Columbiana.

Contact Information

Reach Shelby County offices using the numbers below. Call to confirm hours and ask what you need for your record search.

Nearby Counties

These counties are next to Shelby County. Check where the crime occurred to find the correct records. Each county maintains its own court files.