DeKalb County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In DeKalb County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in DeKalb County, Alabama, may access publicly available information through a combination of official government portals, county court offices, and law enforcement agencies. DeKalbCountyRecords.org aggregates publicly available data that may assist individuals in locating relevant records. The information available through these resources may include, but is not limited to, the following record categories:
- Arrest records and booking logs
- Circuit and district court case files
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Active warrants and bench warrants
- Inmate custody and jail roster information
- Sex offender registration records
- Disposition records, including acquittals and dismissals
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary avenues through which members of the public may obtain criminal records in DeKalb County.
1. County Court Records: The DeKalb County Circuit and District Courts, operating under the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, maintain case files for all criminal proceedings filed within the county. Members of the public may appear in person at the courthouse to inspect records using public access terminals located in the clerk's office. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for certain requests. Court staff can assist with locating case numbers using a subject's full legal name and date of birth.
DeKalb County Courthouse – Circuit Clerk's Office
300 Grand Ave SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-8510
DeKalb County – Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama
2. Sheriff's Office: The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, inmate rosters, booking records, and active warrant information. Members of the public may submit records requests in person or by mail. The DeKalb County Alabama Sheriff's Office also provides online access to the current inmate roster, registered sex offenders, and press releases related to law enforcement activity.
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office
300 Grand Ave SW
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: (256) 845-3801
DeKalb County Alabama Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search: The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides an online case search portal through the Alacourt system. Members of the public may search by full name, case number, or date of birth. The portal returns case status, charge information, and disposition data for cases filed in DeKalb County courts. Certain sealed or expunged records will not appear in online search results.
4. State Criminal History Repository: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) serves as the state's central repository for criminal history record information. Individuals and authorized entities may submit a formal request for a criminal history background check through the Alabama Background Check system. Requests requiring certified criminal history reports necessitate fingerprint submission. Processing times and applicable fees vary based on the type of request and the requesting party's authorization level.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency – Criminal Justice Information Center
301 S. Ripley St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 353-4700
Alabama Background Check
5. Written/Mail Requests: Members of the public may submit written requests for criminal records to the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk's Office at 300 Grand Ave SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967. Requests must include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under § 41-13-1 of the Code of Alabama, public records are subject to inspection upon reasonable request. Response timeframes vary based on record availability and staff processing capacity.
What Is DeKalb County Criminal Records
A criminal record in DeKalb County is a documented history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, compiled and maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and state repositories. Under Alabama law, criminal records encompass a broad range of documentation generated at each stage of the criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition.
The distinction between record types is significant for legal and practical purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; it does not indicate guilt or a finding of criminal liability. A conviction record reflects a formal finding of guilt, whether by plea or trial verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felony records document offenses classified as Class A, B, or C felonies under Alabama law, carrying potential sentences exceeding one year. Misdemeanor records document Class A, B, or C misdemeanors, which carry lesser penalties.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals adjudicated as juveniles are sealed by operation of law and are not accessible to the general public under § 12-15-133 of the Code of Alabama.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding judicial orders for arrest currently in effect, while historical records document past criminal justice involvement.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in DeKalb County include the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office (arrest and jail records), the DeKalb County Circuit and District Courts (case files, dispositions, and sentencing records), the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's State Bureau of Investigation (statewide criminal history repository), and local municipal police departments within the county. Records are created at the point of arrest and updated as cases progress through arraignment, plea negotiations, trial, sentencing, and any subsequent appellate proceedings. A complete criminal record may include charges filed, arraignment dates, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, fines, restitution orders, probation or parole conditions, and any subsequent violations.
Are Criminal Records Public In DeKalb County
Criminal records in DeKalb County are public records under Alabama law. The Alabama Open Records Act, § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, establishes that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." Court records, arrest logs, and conviction records maintained by county agencies fall within the scope of this provision.
Adult conviction records, court proceedings, case dispositions, and booking information are accessible to members of the public. However, certain categories of records are restricted from public disclosure:
- Juvenile adjudication records, which are sealed pursuant to § 12-15-133
- Records that have been expunged pursuant to a court order
- Ongoing criminal investigations where disclosure would compromise law enforcement operations
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records subject to a judicial sealing order
Federal criminal records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Alabama's open records framework. The Alabama Attorney General's Office provides guidance on the application of the Open Records Act to specific record categories.
How To Find Criminal Records in DeKalb County Online?
Official County Resources: Members of the public may access the following online portals to search for criminal records in DeKalb County:
- The DeKalb County – Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama website provides access to court case information and clerk's office contact details. Case searches through the Alacourt system allow users to search by name or case number and return charge information, case status, and disposition data.
- The DeKalb County Alabama Sheriff's Office website provides a current inmate roster, registered sex offender locator, active warrant listings, and press releases documenting recent arrests.
State-Level Resources: The Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search portal allows members of the public to search for currently incarcerated individuals within the state prison system. The portal notes that "this database only contains currently incarcerated inmates. Historical data is not available on-line at this time." The Alabama Background Check system administered by ALEA provides access to statewide criminal history record information for authorized requestors.
Search Tips:
- Search using the subject's full legal name as well as known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases, as no single portal contains all records
- Understand that records predating digital systems may not appear in online searches
- Sealed and expunged records will not appear in any public online database
Limitations: Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks following a court event or booking. Records predating the digitization of county court files may require an in-person request. Online search results do not constitute an official background check and are not a substitute for a certified criminal history report obtained through ALEA.
Can You Search DeKalb County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options:
1. In-Person Inspection: Alabama law mandates that members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge. Under § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, inspection of public writings is a right of every citizen. Copying fees apply when physical or electronic copies are requested. In-person inspection is available at the DeKalb County Circuit Clerk's Office and the Sheriff's Office during regular business hours.
2. Free Online Databases: The following resources are currently available at no cost:
| Resource | What's Free | Link |
|---|---|---|
| DeKalb County Sheriff's Office | Inmate roster, sex offender search, warrants | Sheriff's Office |
| Ninth Circuit Court Website | Case information, clerk contact | Circuit Court |
| ADOC Inmate Search | Currently incarcerated inmates | Inmate Search |
3. Sheriff's Logs: Daily arrest and booking reports are available through the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office website and may be inspected in person at no charge.
What Costs Money:
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the Alabama Supreme Court and established per page
- Official state criminal history background checks through ALEA: fees apply based on request type
- Staff-assisted record searches requiring extended research time
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law: Alabama law permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. Fee schedules are established by the respective agency and the Alabama Supreme Court for court-related documents.
What's Included in a DeKalb County Criminal Record?
Identifying Information: Full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), mugshot photograph, last known address, State Identification Number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information: Date and time of arrest, arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond amount, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information: Case number, court and jurisdiction (circuit or district), filing date, charges as formally filed including applicable statutes and felony or misdemeanor classification, plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition: Verdict or plea outcome, conviction date, sentencing details including type and length of sentence, fines, restitution orders, probation or parole conditions, and any appellate proceedings.
Additional Record Elements: Active or recalled warrants, protective orders, sex offender registration status (searchable through the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office), DUI or DWI notations, and pending charges.
NOT Included in Public Criminal Records:
- Juvenile adjudication records (sealed under § 12-15-133)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Records from completed pretrial diversion programs where charges were dismissed
Accuracy Note: Individuals who identify errors in their criminal record may submit a challenge to the originating agency or to ALEA's Criminal Justice Information Center. Maintaining accurate records is essential for employment, licensing, and legal proceedings.
How Long Does DeKalb County Keep Criminal Records?
Legal Requirements: Alabama law and the Alabama Department of Archives and History establish records retention schedules for county agencies. Court records are subject to retention requirements set by the Alabama Supreme Court, and law enforcement records follow schedules established under state administrative rules.
Retention by Record Type:
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Retained; subject to expungement petition |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted; subject to expungement |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; subject to destruction per § 12-15-133 |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences:
- County courts retain case files permanently under Alabama Supreme Court records retention rules
- The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office retains jail and booking records per state-mandated schedules
- ALEA's state repository retains conviction records permanently; the Alabama Department of Corrections maintains records of state-sentenced individuals
Physical vs. Electronic Records: Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper records may be destroyed following scanning and digitization, but the electronic record persists in the state repository.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement: Destruction permanently eliminates a record. Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use. Expungement, available under Alabama law for certain qualifying offenses and circumstances, removes the record from public access and, in some instances, from law enforcement databases. Individuals seeking expungement must petition the circuit court in the jurisdiction where the charges were filed. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged through a court order.
Expungement: Alabama's expungement statute permits eligible individuals to petition for the removal of certain arrest and conviction records from public access. Eligibility criteria, applicable offenses, and procedural requirements are governed by Alabama law. Expunged records may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specified purposes.
Federal Records: Criminal records maintained by the FBI under the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are governed by federal law and are maintained separately from state and county records. Federal retention rules differ from Alabama state requirements.
Practical Implications: Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain on an individual's record permanently unless expunged. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) at present limit reporting of certain non-conviction information to seven years, though convictions may be reported without a time limit. Professional licensing boards in Alabama may require full disclosure of criminal history regardless of the age of the record.