Lamar County Criminal Court Records

Lamar County keeps all felony court files in Vernon. The Circuit Clerk runs the office. They have all the case files on hand. District Court takes care of small crimes at first. You can look up cases on Alacourt if you pay for it. State law says these files are open to the public per Alabama Code § 36-12-40. But some info got locked down when new rules hit on January 1, 2025. Not all data is out there now like it used to be.

Lamar County Circuit Clerk's Office

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

The office shuts down on state days off. No work on weekends either. Call first. Make sure they have what you need. Hours can change. Better safe than sorry when you drive out there. Staff can tell you if the file is on hand or not before you make the trip.

Online Access to Court Records

Alacourt ACCESS V2.0

Lamar 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 you what the charge was. Docket stuff too. Plus how the case ended and what the sentence was. You see court dates, who was there, which lawyers showed up. Some files have scans of real docs. You have to set up an account first and then pay for access through the main office. Call AOC at (334) 954-5000 or 1-866-954-9411 if you want to sign up.

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 Vernon. 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

Lamar 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)

The clerk takes cash most of the time. Money orders work too. So do certified checks and some credit cards. Your own check might not fly for all things. Best bet is to ask what they take when you send in your ask. Save yourself a trip back if they say no to your payment type.

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 Lamar 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 Vernon. 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 Lamar 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

14th Judicial Circuit (also includes Fayette and Pickens Counties)

Lamar County is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit (also includes Fayette and Pickens 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 Lamar County

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

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

Nearby Counties

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

Search Lamar County Criminal Records

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