Find Criminal Court Records in Baldwin County

Criminal court records for Baldwin County are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the courthouse in Bay Minette. The Circuit Clerk handles all felony prosecutions and maintains official case files for the 28th Judicial Circuit. District Court handles misdemeanor cases throughout the county. Baldwin County is one of Alabama's fastest-growing counties and processes a substantial volume of criminal cases each year. These records are classified as public under Alabama Code § 36-12-40. The Alacourt system provides online access to court records for subscribers.

Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office

The clerk here keeps all felony case files. Original docs, docket sheets, court orders. All in one place at Bay Minette.

Call first. Bay Minette can be a long drive if you show up and find out they don't have what you need. The clerk staff can tell you what's on file and when they're open. Save yourself the trip. Make sure it's worth your time before you head out there.

Online Access to Court Records

Alacourt ACCESS V2.0

Baldwin County criminal court records can be accessed through the Alacourt system at v2.alacourt.com. This statewide database is operated by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts and provides read-only access to trial court records from all 67 counties. Users can search by defendant name, case number, business name, or attorney name.

You get charges, dates, outcomes, who was involved. Some files have scans. You need to pay for access though. Call AOC at (334) 954-5000 or 1-866-954-9411.

County Website

The Baldwin County website at baldwincountyal.gov provides information about courts, elected officials, and county services. Court schedules and general information are available online. The county does not operate a dedicated public case search portal. In-person or Alacourt searches are the primary methods for accessing criminal records.

How to Request Copies of Court Records

Interested parties can request copies of criminal court records by visiting the Circuit Clerk's office in person or submitting a written request by mail. Requests should include specific information to help clerks locate the file.

Information to Include in Your Request

• Defendant's full name (as it appears in court records)
• Case number (if known)
• Approximate date of filing or conviction
• Type of charge (felony or misdemeanor)
• Specific documents needed (judgment, docket sheet, etc.)

Bring your ID. Staff can help find files. How long it takes depends on how busy they are and what you're asking for. Some records are sealed or off limits under state law.

Mail Requests

Written requests can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk at 1905 Courthouse Square, Suite 103, Bay Minette, AL 36507. Include a return address and contact phone number. The clerk will contact you regarding fees and payment methods once the records are located.

Fees and Costs

Baldwin County Circuit Clerk fees are established by statute and local policy. Contact the clerk's office at (251) 937-0245 for current fee schedules.

Standard Fees

• Copy of court record: $0.50 per page (criminal files)
• Certification: $5.00 per document
• Research fee: May apply for extensive searches
• Mailing fees: Added if records must be sent by mail

Cash works. So do money orders and most cards. Personal checks? Ask first. Not all offices take them.

Criminal Background Checks

Official Alabama criminal background checks are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Records Identification Unit. ALEA charges $25 for standard background checks. Visit www.alea.gov or call 1-866-740-4762 for background check information.

District Court Records

The Baldwin County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Under Alabama Code § 12-12-32, district courts have exclusive jurisdiction over prosecutions of all offenses defined by law as misdemeanors. Common misdemeanor charges include DUI, third-degree assault, theft under $500, and public intoxication.

District Court records are maintained separately from Circuit Court files. The District Court Clerk's office is located at the courthouse complex. Misdemeanor case records can be accessed through the District Court Clerk or through Alacourt. Appeals from District Court misdemeanor convictions are filed in Circuit Court. Visit baldwincountyal.gov/district-court for District Court information.

Legal Framework and Statutes

Public Records Access

Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes that every Alabama resident has the right to inspect and take a copy of any public record of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by law. This statute creates the legal foundation for public access to criminal court records in Baldwin County.

Court Jurisdiction

Under Alabama Code § 12-11-30, Circuit Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over all felony prosecutions. This means serious crimes like murder, robbery, burglary, and drug trafficking are prosecuted exclusively in Circuit Court.

Privacy and Confidentiality

The 2025 Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect on January 1, 2025, and apply to all courts in Baldwin County. While the public has a general right to inspect court records, certain information is designated as privileged or confidential. The Rules outline 91 categories of protected information.

Expungement Provisions

Alabama Code § 15-27-1 permits expungement of misdemeanor records when charges are dismissed with prejudice, no billed by a grand jury, the person is found not guilty, or charges are nolle prossed without being refiled. Persons convicted of nonviolent misdemeanors may qualify for expungement if all probation requirements are completed, all fines paid in full, and three years have elapsed since conviction. Alabama Code § 15-27-2 governs felony expungement.

Record-Keeping Requirements

Under Alabama Code § 12-17-94, Circuit Court Clerks must maintain consolidated docket sheets of all criminal cases, including the names of parties, the character of the offense, names of attorneys, and the sheriff's return. Clerks must keep all papers, books, dockets, and records with care and security.

Local Legal Resources

28th Judicial Circuit

Baldwin County comprises the entire 28th Judicial Circuit. Circuit judges preside over felony criminal trials and hear appeals from District Court. The circuit handles a high volume of cases due to Baldwin County's large and growing population.

Legal Aid

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal aid for qualifying low-income families at legalservicesalabama.org. Criminal defense cases are not covered by Legal Services Alabama. The Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660.

Public Defender

Defendants facing felony charges who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for court-appointed representation. The court determines indigency status and assigns counsel pursuant to Alabama's indigent defense standards.

Cities and Towns in Baldwin County

Baldwin County includes several cities and towns. Criminal cases are filed at the county courthouse in Bay Minette regardless of where in the county the alleged offense occurred.

• Bay Minette (county seat)
• Daphne
• Fairhope
• Foley
• Gulf Shores
• Orange Beach
• Spanish Fort
• Robertsdale

None of these cities meet the population threshold for dedicated pages on this site.

Nearby Counties

Baldwin County is bordered by several other Alabama counties. Each county maintains its own criminal court records through its Circuit Court Clerk.

Search Baldwin County Criminal Records

Use the search tool below to access criminal court record information.