Criminal records in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, are public documents accessible in several ways. TuscaloosaCourt.us allows searching for public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records are available through the state's official court system, the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, law enforcement agencies, including the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, and the office of the circuit clerk.
How to Search Criminal Records in Tuscaloosa
To search for criminal records, you will need at least one of the following details: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number. The more details you have, the more accurate the result will be.
Online Search
- TuscaloosaCourt.us — start with this resource to find public information on criminal cases in Tuscaloosa County. Enter the name or case number in the search form.
- Administrative Office of Courts of Alabama — the Alacourt portal provides access to county and district court records on a paid basis. Registration is required.
- Alabama Inmate Search — the Department of Corrections database contains information only on individuals currently in custody. Historical data is not available online.
- ALEA Wanted Persons Search — the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains a registry of wanted persons throughout the state.
- Sheriff's Office Warrants Division — information on active arrest warrants in Tuscaloosa County.
In-Person Visit
Visit the circuit clerk's office in the courthouse. Public access terminals are available there to view court cases. Circuit Clerk Magaria H. Bobo serves as the official custodian of records for all district and circuit court proceedings.
Written Request
Send a written request to the circuit clerk's office, specifying the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. For an official state-level criminal history, the request is directed to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which is the repository of state criminal records. Alabama citizens can also exercise their right to a public records request under state law.
Search Tuscaloosa Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number in Alabama is the fastest way to find a specific criminal case. The format of the number contains several elements, each carrying specific information.
Typical case number structure:
- County Code — a two-digit numeric code (for Tuscaloosa — 63)
- Court Designation — "CC" for Circuit Court or "DC" for District Court
- Year — two-digit designation of the year the case was filed
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within the year
For example, a number like 63-CC-2024-000123 indicates a Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court case filed in 2024 under sequential number 123. Cases with the "DC" designation typically involve misdemeanors and minor offenses, while "CC" refers to felonies. Enter the case number in the appropriate field on TuscaloosaCourt.us or on the Alacourt portal for instant access to materials.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Tuscaloosa
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Alabama Code (e.g., § 13A-12-214) — defines the specific offense |
| Severity Level | Felony — class A, B, or C; misdemeanor — class A, B, or C; violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during the proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a decision: verdict, closure, or dismissal
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, the case is archived
Hearings
A criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the charges are read to the defendant, and they state their plea (guilty / not guilty)
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial (applies to felonies)
- Pre-trial — parties discuss procedural issues, possible agreements
- Sentencing — punishment is assigned after a guilty plea or verdict
- Review — review of probation terms or other obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty — by jury verdict or plea agreement |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury found the person not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case was closed by the prosecutor or judge without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue further prosecution |
| Acquitted | Acquittal — the charges were not proven |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Tuscaloosa
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by employers, licensing agencies, and other courts. The circuit clerk's office processes requests for such copies.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In-Person — visit the office in the courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the party, case number (if known), type of document needed, and return address. Include a copy of the ID and payment in the form of a money order.
- Through the AlaFile System — attorneys and registered users can submit requests through the Administrative Office of Courts electronic system. Necessary forms are available on the E-Forms portal.
State-Level Criminal History
For a complete criminal history record, contact ALEA — the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Such a request usually requires fingerprinting and completing a special form. Employers often use this channel for background checks.
Contact Information for the Clerk's Office
For federal cases heard in the district, contact the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The courthouse in Tuscaloosa is located at 2005 University Boulevard, but there is no clerk's office for document submission there — submit requests through the main office in Birmingham.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Tuscaloosa
Fees are set according to Alabama law and the internal fee schedule of the circuit clerk's office. Below are the approximate amounts usually charged for services related to criminal records.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of a court document (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 per document |
| Search fee | Depends on the type of request; check with the clerk's office |
| Criminal history check through ALEA (with fingerprints) | $25.00 – $35.00 |
Processing Times
- In-Person Requests — simple copies are usually issued the same day or the next business day
- Mail Requests — from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the clerk's office workload
- Criminal History through ALEA — from 2 to 6 weeks, as fingerprint processing is required
Check current amounts directly with the clerk's office at (205) 464-8259, as fees may change. Payment is usually accepted in the form of a money order, cashier's check, or, for in-person visits, cash. Some clerk's offices also accept credit cards — inquire about this in advance.