Sumter County, Alabama Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Sumter County, Alabama?
Warrant records in Sumter County, Alabama are classified as public records pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This legislation establishes that all public writings are open to inspection by any member of the public during regular business hours. The statute specifically includes judicial records such as warrants within its scope, unless explicitly exempted by other provisions of Alabama law.
The Alabama Public Records Law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information about law enforcement activities. Public access to warrant information enables individuals to verify the legal basis for arrests and other enforcement actions, thereby safeguarding constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures as guaranteed under the Fourth Amendment.
Residents and interested parties should note that while warrant records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims in sensitive cases, in accordance with Alabama Code § 15-23-60 et seq.
What Is Contents in Warrant Records in Sumter County?
Warrant records maintained by Sumter County authorities typically contain the following information:
- Case identification number and filing date
- Full legal name of the subject and any known aliases
- Date of birth and physical description of the subject
- Residential address or last known location
- Nature of the alleged offense(s) with statutory citations
- Date and time the warrant was issued
- Identity of the issuing judicial officer
- Bail or bond amount, if applicable
- Special conditions related to apprehension or detention
- Factual basis establishing probable cause for the warrant
- Signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
These records are maintained in accordance with Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1 regarding warrant requirements and Rule 4.3 concerning documentation standards.
How to Check For Warrants in Sumter County For Free
Members of the public may verify the existence of warrants in Sumter County without incurring fees through several authorized channels:
The primary resource for warrant verification is the Sumter County Circuit Clerk's Office, located at:
Sumter County Circuit Clerk's Office
13880 Highway 11
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-7015
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals may also contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office directly:
Sumter County Sheriff's Office
13880 Highway 11
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-7984
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
When requesting warrant information, requestors must provide:
- Full legal name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Valid government-issued identification
Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 765-X-1-.04, government agencies may require proper identification from individuals seeking public records to ensure appropriate access and maintain record integrity.
Sumter County Sheriff Warrants
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Sumter County are classified according to the following categories:
Arrest Warrants - Issued pursuant to Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1 when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a criminal offense
Bench Warrants - Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates court orders
Search Warrants - Authorized under Alabama Code § 15-5-2, permitting law enforcement to search specified premises for evidence of criminal activity
Civil Warrants - Issued in non-criminal matters such as judgment enforcement or civil contempt proceedings
The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated Warrants Division that coordinates with other law enforcement agencies to apprehend individuals with active warrants. The division operates in accordance with Alabama Code § 15-10-1 through § 15-10-14, which governs arrest procedures and warrant execution protocols.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Sumter County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine if warrants exist in their name in Sumter County may utilize several verification methods:
The most reliable method is direct contact with the Sumter County Circuit Clerk's Office:
Sumter County Circuit Clerk's Office
13880 Highway 11
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-7015
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Alternatively, individuals may contact the Sumter County Sheriff's Office:
Sumter County Sheriff's Office
13880 Highway 11
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-7984
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
When making inquiries, requestors should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for verification purposes only)
- Valid photo identification
Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, court records may be accessed by the public subject to certain restrictions. Individuals with active warrants are advised to consult with legal counsel before appearing in person at government offices, as they may be subject to immediate arrest in accordance with Alabama Code § 15-10-3.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Sumter County
Verification of outstanding warrants in Sumter County requires adherence to established procedures to ensure accurate information:
The Sumter County District Court maintains the official registry of active warrants:
Sumter County District Court
13880 Highway 11
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-7015
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
For warrant searches, individuals must complete a Public Records Request Form in compliance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40. The form requires:
- Requestor's full legal name
- Contact information
- Specific information being sought
- Signature certifying the information will not be used for commercial purposes
Third parties conducting searches on behalf of others must provide written authorization from the subject individual or demonstrate legitimate legal interest in the information pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33(d).
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office also maintains a database of active warrants:
Sumter County Sheriff's Office
13880 Highway 11
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-7984
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Individuals with reason to believe they may have outstanding warrants should be aware that Alabama Code § 15-22-54 provides mechanisms for addressing certain warrants through proper legal channels, potentially avoiding arrest in appropriate circumstances.
Search Arrest Records in Sumter County
