Search Barbour County Criminal Court Records

Criminal court records for Barbour County are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the courthouse in Clayton. The Circuit Clerk has jurisdiction over felony prosecutions and serves as the official custodian of all criminal case files. Barbour County is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit, which also includes Bullock County. District Court handles misdemeanor cases initially. The Alacourt ACCESS system provides online searching of criminal court records for subscribers. These records are public under Alabama Code § 36-12-40.

Barbour County Circuit Clerk's Office

The clerk in Clayton keeps all felony case files. All the docs, docket sheets, court orders. Filed here.

Call first. Make sure they have what you need and that they're open. Clayton is a small town. If you drive out there without calling, you might find the office closed or the staff at lunch. A quick call saves you from a wasted trip and tells you what to bring with you when you do go.

Online Access to Court Records

Alacourt ACCESS V2.0

Barbour 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 can see charges, dates, outcomes, and who's involved. Some files have scans attached. It costs money though. Call AOC at (334) 954-5000 or 1-866-954-9411 to set up an account.

In-Person Access

Barbour County has limited official online presence. In-person access at the courthouse in Clayton is the primary method for accessing criminal records for those without Alacourt subscriptions. The clerk's office staff can assist with locating files and providing copies.

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. In-person requests are preferred in Barbour County due to limited online resources.

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

Bring ID. Staff can help you find files. Some records are sealed or off limits under § 15-27-1 and § 15-27-2.

Mail Requests

Written requests can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk at 1 Court Square, Suite B, Clayton, AL 36016. Include a return address and contact phone number. The clerk will contact you regarding fees and payment methods once the records are located. Processing time varies based on request complexity and office workload.

Fees and Costs

Barbour County Circuit Clerk fees follow standard state fee schedules. Contact the clerk's office at (334) 775-3203 for current fee schedules and payment methods.

Typical Fee Categories

• Court record copies (per-page fees apply)
• Certified copies (certification fee added)
• Case file searches (may apply for extensive research)
• Mailing fees (if records must be sent by mail)

Cash works. Money orders too. Personal checks might not be okay. Ask when you call.

Criminal Background Checks

Official Alabama criminal background checks are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Criminal Records Identification Unit, not through county Circuit Clerks. 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 Barbour 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 in Clayton. 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.

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 Barbour 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. These Rules apply to all courts in Barbour 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.

Local Legal Resources

3rd Judicial Circuit

Barbour County is part of the 3rd Judicial Circuit, which also includes Bullock County. Circuit judges preside over felony criminal trials and hear appeals from District Court. The circuit rotates judges between the two counties as needed.

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.

Cities and Towns in Barbour County

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

• Clayton (county seat)
• Eufaula
• Louisville
• Clio

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

Nearby Counties

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

Search Barbour County Criminal Records

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