Criminal records in Morgan County, Alabama, are available through several channels. MorganCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court system, county law enforcement agencies, and the office of the county clerk. Online tools, personal visits, and written requests are all viable ways to access criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Morgan
Start your search by determining what specific information you are looking for — court cases, warrants, or inmate data. This will determine where to go.
Online Search
- MorganCourt.us — enter a name or case number to find publicly available information about criminal cases in Morgan County.
- Alacourt.com — the centralized portal of the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides access to county and district court records on a paid basis.
- Morgan County Circuit Clerk Website — the site of the 8th Judicial Circuit of Alabama with limited access to forms and general information about the county's court system.
- Morgan County Jail Inmate Roster — a current list of individuals in custody at the county jail. Can be sorted by name or date.
- Warrant Check — the sheriff's office publishes information about active warrants, though it cautions about possible inaccuracies.
- Alabama DOC Inmate Search — the state Department of Corrections database contains only information about individuals currently serving sentences.
For the search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number
Personal Visit
The Circuit Clerk's office in the Morgan County courthouse welcomes visitors who wish to review court cases or obtain copies of documents. The court operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 to 16:30.
Written Request
A state-level criminal history request is submitted to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). You need to fill out the appropriate form and provide fingerprints. For Department of Corrections records, there is a separate public records request form.
Search Morgan Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number in Alabama is the fastest way to find a specific criminal case. The number format consists of several parts, each carrying specific information.
Typical structure of a case number in a county court:
- CC — court type designation (CC = Circuit Court, DC = District Court)
- Year — two digits of the year the case was filed
- Sequential number — sequential number within the year
For example, a number like CC-2024-001234 indicates a circuit court case filed in 2024. Felony cases usually have the prefix CC, while misdemeanor cases have DC. Enter the full number into the Alacourt portal search system or provide it to the clerk when visiting in person.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Morgan
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific section of the Code of Alabama under which the charge is brought |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious crime), Violation |
| Amended Charge | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more serious one during the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — the case is fully completed, and all obligations have been fulfilled
Types of Hearings
In Morgan County, criminal cases go through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant learns about the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial — discussion of procedural issues and possible agreements
- Trial — substantive court hearing
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
- Review — checking compliance with the terms of the sentence
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a decision on the merits |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue the case |
| Acquitted | The court or jury acquitted the defendant after reviewing the evidence |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Morgan
Certified copies are officially verified documents accepted by other institutions and courts as evidence.
Where to Apply
Requests for certified copies of criminal court cases are processed by the Morgan County Circuit Clerk's office. For a complete state-level criminal history, contact ALEA.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office with a valid photo ID. The clerk will locate the case and prepare a certified copy.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the person's full name, date of birth (if known), case number, and return address. Include payment in the form of a money order.
- Online — through the Alacourt portal, registered users can order copies of court documents.
To request a criminal history through ALEA, you need to provide fingerprints and fill out a special form. Note: the Morgan County Archives holds historical records, but criminal cases are handled by the Circuit Clerk.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Morgan
Fees for obtaining copies of court documents in Alabama are regulated by state law. Specific amounts may vary depending on the type of document.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | Standard rate according to Alabama Code § 12-19-90 |
| Document certification | $1.00 and up | Depends on the type of document; check with the clerk |
| Criminal history check through ALEA | Depends on the type of check | Includes fingerprint processing; contact ALEA for current rates |
| Record search through Alacourt | Paid subscription | Rates are determined by the Administrative Office of Courts |
Processing Times
- In Person — simple copies are usually ready within one business day, sometimes on the spot
- By Mail — from 5 to 15 business days depending on the office's workload
- Criminal history through ALEA — may take several weeks, especially if fingerprint processing is required
Always verify current fees directly with the clerk's office or on the county court website, as rates may change.