Search Dale County Criminal Court Records

The Dale County Circuit Clerk maintains all felony criminal court records at the courthouse in Ozark. Under Alabama Code § 12-11-30, Circuit Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over felony prosecutions. Misdemeanor cases are handled by District Court under § 12-12-32. Public access to criminal records is governed by Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and the 2025 Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality. Online searching is available through Alacourt.

Dale County Circuit Clerk's Office

The Dale County Circuit Clerk serves as the official record keeper for all felony criminal cases filed in the county. The office is located at the Dale County Courthouse in Ozark and maintains original case files, docket sheets, judgments, and all documents filed in Circuit Court criminal proceedings.

No one's there on state days off or weekends. Call first to make sure they're open. Ask if they can get the files you need while you wait or if it'll take more time.

Online Access to Court Records

Alacourt ACCESS V2.0

Dale 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.

The site shows case facts. Charges are listed. You can see what the judge said and when court was held. A few cases have scanned docs. You have to buy access through the state court office at (334) 954-5000 or 1-866-954-9411.

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 as much information as possible 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

In-person requests require valid photo identification. The clerk's office staff can assist with locating files if case numbers are not known. Some records may be restricted under Alabama privacy laws or sealed by court order pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1 and § 15-27-2.

Mail Requests

Written requests can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Ozark. 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

Dale County Circuit Clerk fees vary by document type and service requested. Contact the clerk's office at directory assistance for current fee schedules.

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)

Most clerks take cash or cards. Money orders work too. They might not take personal checks. Check first to see what they'll accept.

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 Dale 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 in Ozark. 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 Dale 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

On January 1, 2025, new Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect statewide. These Rules apply to all appellate, circuit, district, juvenile, municipal, and probate courts. 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.

Expungement Filing Fees

Under Alabama Code § 15-27-4, an administrative filing fee of $500 must be paid when filing an expungement petition. This fee is distributed to various state agencies including the State Judicial Administrative Fund, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, and the district attorney's office. The court may waive fees if it finds the arrest had no foundation of probable cause.

Local Legal Resources

20th Judicial Circuit (also includes Covington, Geneva, and Henry Counties)

Dale County is part of the 20th Judicial Circuit (also includes Covington, Geneva, and Henry Counties). Circuit judges preside over felony criminal trials and hear appeals from District Court. The circuit may serve multiple counties and rotates judges 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.

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 Dale County

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

The county seat is Ozark. No cities in Dale County meet the population threshold for dedicated pages on this site.

Nearby Counties

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

Search Dale County Criminal Records

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