Search St. Clair County Criminal Court Records

St. Clair County criminal court records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk's offices in two places: Ashville and Pell City. St. Clair County is one of the few Alabama counties with dual county seats. This is a historical setup that still exists today. Criminal records are stored at both courthouse locations depending on where the case was filed. The Circuit Clerk has control over felony cases and acts as the official keeper of all criminal case files. District Court handles misdemeanor cases first, with appeals going to Circuit Court. The Alacourt ACCESS system lets subscribers search criminal court records online. These records are public under Alabama Code § 36-12-40. You can submit requests in person at either courthouse or by mail.

St. Clair County Circuit Clerk's Offices

St. Clair County runs two Circuit Clerk's offices due to its unique dual county seat setup. Both offices keep official records for felony criminal cases filed in the county. The split between the two places generally follows geographic jurisdiction within St. Clair County. Which courthouse handles a case depends on where charges originated. If you're not sure which office has the records you need, you can call either one and staff will point you in the right direction.

Ashville Office

The Ashville courthouse serves the northern part of St. Clair County. It keeps original case files, docket sheets, judgments, and all documents filed in Circuit Court criminal cases for its area.

Pell City Office

The Pell City courthouse serves the southern part of St. Clair County. This office handles criminal cases filed in the southern district. Both offices keep the same hours and provide the same services. Not sure which office has what you need? Call either one. Staff can help figure out the correct courthouse.

Both Circuit Clerk offices are closed on state holidays and weekends. Call first to check hours and ask if they have the records you need. St. Clair County is growing fast near the Birmingham metro area, and courthouse operations have expanded to meet the rising demand.

Online Access to Court Records

Alacourt ACCESS V2.0

St. Clair County criminal court records from both Ashville and Pell City 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.

Alacourt shows case summaries. You can see charges, docket entries, dispositions, sentences, court dates, parties, and attorneys. The system has records from both St. Clair County courthouses in one search tool. Some case files have scanned document images. To use it, you must create an account and buy a subscription through the Administrative Office of Courts. Call the AOC at (334) 954-5000 or 1-866-954-9411 for subscription info.

County Website

The St. Clair County website at stclairco.com provides basic information about the Circuit Clerk's offices and court procedures. The Circuit Clerk department page at stclairco.com/departments/circuit-clerk includes contact information for both courthouse locations. The county does not operate a dedicated online case search portal for public access. In-person visits or Alacourt searches are the primary methods for accessing criminal records.

How to Request Copies of Court Records

You can get copies of criminal court records by going to the right Circuit Clerk's office in person or sending a written request by mail. St. Clair County has two courthouse locations, so you may need to figure out which office has the records you need. Not sure which one? Call either office. Staff can point you to the right place based on the case info you give them.

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
• Location or jurisdiction where the offense occurred (helps determine courthouse)

Bring a valid photo ID if you go in person. Clerk staff can help find files even if you don't know the case number. Some records may be off limits under Alabama privacy laws or sealed by court order per Alabama Code § 15-27-1 and § 15-27-2.

Mail Requests

Mail requests to either Circuit Clerk office based on which courthouse has the records. For Ashville, send to 165 5th Ave, Ashville, AL 35953. For Pell City, use 1815 Cogswell Ave, Pell City, AL 35125. Put in a return address and phone number. The clerk will call you about fees and payment once they find the records. How long it takes depends on how complex your request is and how busy the office is.

Fees and Costs

St. Clair County Circuit Clerk fees are the same at both courthouse locations. The Ashville and Pell City offices charge the same rates for copies and certifications. You won't pay more at one office than the other.

Standard Fees

• Copies: $0.50 per page
• Certification: $5.00 per document
• Search fees may apply for extensive research requests
• Mailing fees (if records must be sent by mail)

The clerk's offices may take cash, money orders, certified checks, or credit cards. Personal checks might not work for some things. Ask what payment methods they accept when you submit your request. Call the Ashville office at (205) 594-2170 or the Pell City office at (205) 338-9477 to check current fees before you go.

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 St. Clair 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. St. Clair County operates District Court divisions at both the Ashville and Pell City courthouse locations. Misdemeanor case records can be accessed through the District Court Clerk at either location 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 St. Clair County. The statute applies to records maintained at both courthouse locations in Ashville and Pell City.

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. St. Clair County Circuit Court operates under the 30th Judicial Circuit.

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. Both St. Clair County courthouse locations adhere to these privacy rules.

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 petitions are filed in the court where the original case was handled, either in Ashville or Pell City depending on the case location.

Local Legal Resources

30th Judicial Circuit

St. Clair County is part of the 30th Judicial Circuit. Circuit judges preside over felony criminal trials at both courthouse locations and hear appeals from District Court. The circuit assigns judges to handle cases across the county's two courthouses 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. Public defender services are available for cases filed at either courthouse location.

Cities and Towns in St. Clair County

St. Clair County has several cities and towns spread across its dual courthouse areas. Criminal cases go to either the Ashville or Pell City courthouse based on where in the county the alleged offense happened. St. Clair County is growing as part of the greater Birmingham metro area. More homes and businesses have been built in recent years.

• Pell City (southern county seat)
• Ashville (northern county seat)
• Moody
• Odenville
• Ragland
• Riverside
• Springville
• Steele

Among Alabama's major cities, Birmingham is located in adjacent Jefferson County to the west and serves as the primary metropolitan hub for the region. St. Clair County's proximity to Birmingham has contributed to its growth trajectory.

Nearby Counties

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

Search St. Clair County Criminal Records

Use the search tool below to access criminal court record information from both St. Clair County courthouse locations.