Randolph County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Randolph County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Randolph County, Alabama, may access publicly available information through official government channels, court systems, and third-party aggregators such as RandolphALRecords.us. Criminal record searches in Randolph County may return information related to arrests, charges, court dispositions, sentencing outcomes, and incarceration history, subject to applicable state and federal restrictions. The availability and completeness of records varies depending on the source, the age of the record, and whether any legal action such as expungement or sealing has been taken.
Records that may be accessible through official and public sources include:
- Arrest and booking records
- Circuit and district court case files
- Felony and misdemeanor conviction records
- Jail rosters and inmate information
- Active warrant information
- Sex offender registry entries
- Probation and parole records (where publicly disclosed)
The following methods are available for locating criminal records in Randolph County:
1. County Court Records
The Randolph County Circuit Court maintains case files for felony and misdemeanor proceedings filed within the county. Members of the public may inspect court records in person at the courthouse during regular business hours. Requestors are advised to bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject and an approximate case filing date or case number.
Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk
1 Main Street, Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4551
Alabama Unified Judicial System
Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for case lookups. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Randolph County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and current inmate rosters. Requests for arrest records may be submitted in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of records. The jail roster is periodically updated and may be available for public inspection at the office.
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
1 Main Street, Wedowee, AL 36278
Phone: (256) 357-4545
Randolph County Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search
The Alabama Unified Judicial System case search portal allows members of the public to search for court cases by name, case number, or date range. Users may access case status, charges, and disposition information. Note that not all historical records are available online, and the portal does not substitute for a certified background check.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Formal background check requests require submission of a completed request form, applicable fees, and in some instances fingerprint cards. Processing times and fees are subject to change.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 676-6000
ALEA Criminal History Unit
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for court records may be submitted to the Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk at the address listed above. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the nature of the records sought. Under Alabama law, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time. Fees for copies are governed by § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama.
What Is Randolph County Criminal Records
A criminal record is an official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, and outcomes. Under Alabama law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the criminal justice process, from initial law enforcement contact through final court disposition.
Key distinctions within criminal records include:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; a conviction record reflects a finding of guilt by plea or verdict. An arrest without conviction does not establish criminal liability.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are more serious offenses carrying potential sentences exceeding one year of incarceration; misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. Both are documented in court and law enforcement records.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals adjudicated as juveniles are treated separately under Alabama law and are not subject to the same public access provisions as adult records.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect outstanding legal process; historical records document resolved matters.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Randolph County include:
- Randolph County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, jail records, booking information
- Randolph County Circuit and District Courts — case files, charges, pleas, dispositions, sentencing
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident and arrest reports within their jurisdiction
Records are created at the point of arrest, updated through each stage of prosecution, and finalized upon disposition. They may include charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. The Alabama Unified Judicial System serves as the primary repository for court-based criminal records statewide.
Are Criminal Records Public In Randolph County
Criminal records in Randolph County are subject to public disclosure under the Alabama Open Records Law, codified at § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, which provides that "all public records… shall be open for inspection by any citizen of Alabama." Adult conviction records and court proceedings are accessible to the public absent a specific legal restriction.
As stated in the statute, public records include those "required by law to be kept or necessary to be kept in the discharge of a duty imposed by law." Court case files, arrest logs, and conviction records fall within this definition and are available for public inspection.
The following categories of records are restricted from general public access:
- Juvenile adjudication records (sealed by operation of law)
- Expunged or sealed adult records
- Records subject to active investigative privilege
- Victim and witness identifying information in certain cases
- Records sealed by court order
Federal criminal records maintained by the FBI are governed by separate federal statutes and are not subject to Alabama's open records law. The Alabama Attorney General's Office provides guidance on the scope of public records access under state law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Randolph County Online
Official County Resources
The Alabama Unified Judicial System case search provides online access to circuit and district court case records statewide, including Randolph County. Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal displays case status, charges, and disposition information. No registration is required for basic case searches. The Randolph County Sheriff's Office website may also publish a current jail roster.
State-Level Resources
The ALEA Criminal History Unit provides access to official state background checks. The Alabama sex offender registry is maintained and searchable through ALEA's sex offender registry portal. These resources provide statewide coverage beyond Randolph County alone.
Search Tips
- Search using the subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches yield the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases to obtain a complete picture
- Be aware that records predating digital systems may not appear in online searches
- Expunged or sealed records will not appear in public search results
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests. Online searches do not constitute official certified background checks for employment or licensing purposes.
Can You Search Randolph County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Alabama law under § 36-12-40 mandates that public records be open for inspection by citizens at no charge. Members of the public may inspect court records and arrest logs in person at the Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk's office and the Sheriff's Office without paying an inspection fee. Copying fees apply to reproduced documents.
2. Free Online Databases
| Resource | What's Free | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Court Case Search | Case status, charges, dispositions | alacourt.gov |
| ALEA Sex Offender Registry | Registered offender search | alea.gov |
| Sheriff Jail Roster | Current inmate information | randolphcountysheriff.com |
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports may be available for public inspection at the Randolph County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours at no charge.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by the court clerk
- Official state criminal history background checks through ALEA: subject to published fee schedule
- Staff-assisted record searches: may incur additional fees
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law
Under § 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records but may not charge for the act of inspection itself.
What's Included in a Randolph County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
A criminal record includes the subject's full legal name and known aliases, date of birth, physical description, photograph (mugshot), last known address, state identification number (SID), and FBI number where applicable.
Arrest Information
Arrest records document the date and time of arrest, the arresting agency, booking number, charges filed at the time of arrest, bail or bond information, and the jail facility where the individual was held.
Court Case Information
Court records include the case number, court and jurisdiction, filing date, charges and applicable statutes (including felony or misdemeanor classification), plea entered, and attorney of record.
Disposition
Disposition records reflect the verdict or outcome, conviction date where applicable, sentencing details including type and length of sentence, fines, restitution, conditions of supervision, any appeals filed, and probation or parole status.
Additional Record Types
- Active or recalled warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable via ALEA's registry)
- DUI and DWI records
- Pending charges
NOT Included in Public Records
- Juvenile adjudication records
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed pretrial diversion program records (where sealed by statute)
Accuracy Note
Individuals who identify errors in their criminal records may seek correction through the originating agency or the ALEA Criminal History Unit. Accurate and complete records are essential for employment, licensing, and legal proceedings.
How Long Does Randolph County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Alabama courts and law enforcement agencies are subject to records retention schedules established under state law. The Alabama Department of Archives and History publishes retention schedules governing the preservation and destruction of public records.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies by agency; subject to expungement eligibility |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Retained with disposition noted |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; subject to destruction per statute |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- County courts: Case files are retained permanently per Alabama judicial records retention rules
- Sheriff and jail records: Booking and arrest records are retained per agency policy and state schedule
- ALEA state repository: Conviction records are retained permanently; the ALEA Criminal History Unit maintains the authoritative statewide record
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper documents may be destroyed after scanning and digital preservation, but the electronic record remains accessible.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or digital elimination of a record per a retention schedule.
- Sealing restricts public access to a record without eliminating it; the record remains accessible to law enforcement.
- Expungement under § 15-27-1 et seq. of the Code of Alabama removes a record from public access and, in certain circumstances, from law enforcement databases. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the time elapsed since disposition.
Old Records Access
Records predating electronic filing systems may require in-person requests at the Randolph County Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
Federal Records
Criminal records maintained by the FBI under the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are governed by federal law and are maintained separately from state and county records. Different access rules and retention periods apply.
Practical Implications
Felony and misdemeanor convictions remain on criminal records permanently under Alabama law and appear on background checks. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) at present limit reporting of most criminal records to seven years for certain positions, though no such limitation applies to positions with salaries above applicable thresholds. Professional licensing boards may require full disclosure regardless of record age. Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to § 15-27-1.