Alabama Warrant Search

Are Warrants Public Record in Alabama

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, warrants are considered public records in Alabama. This designation allows for transparency and accountability within the judicial system. Public access to warrant records helps maintain a system of checks and balances by providing citizens with the means to oversee law enforcement and judicial actions.

The Alabama Open Records Act establishes that all government records, unless specifically exempted by statute, are accessible to the public. This includes records pertaining to warrants issued by courts for the arrest or detention of individuals. The Alabama Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access judicial records, including warrants, as fundamental to maintaining an open and transparent government.

Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through various official channels, including county courthouses, sheriff's offices, and in some jurisdictions, through online portals maintained by the Alabama Judicial System.

It should be noted that certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed by court order during ongoing investigations or when disclosure might compromise public safety. In such cases, the records become public once the seal is lifted or the investigation concludes.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Alabama?

Warrant records in Alabama typically contain several key components as mandated by Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1. These records include:

Subject identification: The full legal name of the person against whom the warrant is issued, along with identifying information such as date of birth, physical description, and last known address when available.
Date of issuance: The specific date on which the warrant was issued by the court.
Issuing authority: Details of the judicial authority that issued the warrant, including the court name and the presiding judge.
Case number: A unique identifier assigned to the warrant for tracking purposes within the judicial system.
Nature of offense: A description of the alleged criminal violation, including the relevant Alabama Code section.
Bail information: If applicable, the amount of bail set by the court or notation if the subject is to be held without bail.
Service status: Information regarding whether the warrant has been served, is outstanding, or has been recalled.

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains standards for warrant documentation across all jurisdictions within the state to ensure consistency and completeness of records.

How to Check For Warrants in Alabama For Free

The State of Alabama provides several no-cost methods for individuals to verify the existence of active warrants. These services are available pursuant to Alabama's public records laws.

Individuals may check for warrants without incurring fees through the following methods:

County Sheriff's Offices: Most county sheriff departments maintain public terminals where citizens can search for active warrants. For example:

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
2200 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 325-5700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Circuit Court Clerk Offices: Court clerks can provide information on warrants issued within their jurisdiction.

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
300 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 954-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Resources: The Alabama Fugitive Search portal, maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, allows citizens to search for individuals with active warrants.

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-25-1, public officials are required to assist citizens in accessing public records, including warrant information, during normal business hours.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Alabama in 2025

As of 2025, the State of Alabama has implemented enhanced systems for warrant verification. Individuals seeking to determine if they have active warrants may utilize the following resources:

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Online Portal: The ALEA online services platform provides a centralized database for warrant searches. This system is updated in real-time and interfaces with all county and municipal law enforcement agencies.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
201 South Union Street, Suite 300
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 517-2800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

County Sheriff's Department: Direct contact with the sheriff's department in the county where a warrant may have been issued remains an effective method.
Court Clerk's Office: The clerk of the court can provide information on warrants issued by that court.
Legal Representation: Attorneys can conduct warrant searches on behalf of clients through secure access to the Alabama Judicial Information System.

The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center, pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-9-590, coordinates the collection and dissemination of warrant information throughout the state's criminal justice system.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Alabama

To verify the existence of outstanding warrants in Alabama, individuals may employ several official channels established under Alabama law:

In-Person Inquiry at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may visit local police departments or sheriff's offices to request warrant information. Proper identification is required, and the search will be conducted in the presence of authorized personnel.

Mobile County Sheriff's Office
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 574-8040
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Alabama Court System: The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains records of all warrants issued by state courts. Individuals may visit their local courthouse to access this information.

Madison County Circuit Court
100 North Side Square
Huntsville, AL 35801
(256) 532-3300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search: For warrants related to probation or parole violations, the Alabama Department of Corrections maintains a searchable database.

Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, court clerks are required to maintain accurate records of all warrants issued and their current status.

How to Find Federal Warrant Search

Federal warrants in Alabama fall under the jurisdiction of the United States District Courts and federal law enforcement agencies. The process for searching federal warrants differs from state warrant searches and is governed by federal regulations.

To conduct a federal warrant search, individuals may:

Contact the U.S. Marshals Service: As the primary federal agency responsible for warrant execution, the U.S. Marshals maintain records of active federal warrants.

U.S. Marshals Service - Northern District of Alabama
1729 5th Avenue North, Room 240
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 731-1712
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Visit Federal Courthouses: The clerk's office at federal courthouses can provide information on warrants issued by federal judges.

United States District Court - Middle District of Alabama
One Church Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 954-3600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Federal Bureau of Investigation: The FBI field offices can provide information on federal warrants related to their investigations.

FBI Birmingham Field Office
1000 18th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
(205) 326-6166
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM

Under 28 U.S.C. § 566, the U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for executing all lawful writs, process, and orders issued under the authority of the United States.