Criminal records in Elmore County, Alabama, can be accessed through several channels. ElmoreCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include official state court systems, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and the Elmore County Circuit Clerk's office. The sections below explain how to search, interpret, and request these records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Elmore County
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Elmore County, depending on what information you have and what you need.
Online Search Options
- ElmoreCourt.us — Search for publicly available criminal court record information using a defendant's name or case number.
- Alabama Administrative Office of Courts (Alacourt.gov) — The statewide UJS Portal provides on-demand access to Alabama trial court records, including Elmore County criminal cases. Registration and per-case fees may apply.
- ALEA Criminal Records Identification Unit — The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains fingerprint-based criminal history files for arrested individuals statewide. You can request a formal Alabama background check through this office.
- Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search — Look up currently incarcerated individuals. This database does not include historical records.
- ALEA Fugitive Search — Search for wanted fugitives across Alabama.
In Person
Visit the Elmore County Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse in Wetumpka. Public access terminals may be available for searching case records. Bring the defendant's full legal name or case number to speed up your search.
Elmore County Circuit Clerk's Office
By Mail or Written Request
- Court records: Send a written request to the Elmore County Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). Enclose payment for any applicable copy fees.
- State criminal history: Submit a request to the ALEA Criminal Records Identification Unit. Fingerprint-based background checks require a completed fingerprint card and processing fee.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if available)
- Approximate date range of the case or arrest
Search Elmore County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by that number is the fastest way to pull up a specific record. Alabama uses a standardized case numbering format across its courts.
A typical Alabama case number includes these parts:
- County code — A two-digit number identifying the county. Elmore County's code is 26.
- Court designation — Letters indicating the court type, such as "CC" for Circuit Court criminal cases or "DC" for District Court cases.
- Year — A two- or four-digit year the case was filed.
- Sequence number — A sequential number assigned to each case filed that year.
For example, a case number like 26-CC-2024-000123 would indicate the 123rd Circuit Court criminal case filed in Elmore County in 2024. Enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents. Partial numbers may not return results. If you are unsure of the format, the Circuit Clerk's office can help you identify the correct case number structure.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Elmore County
Criminal case records in Elmore County contain several data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute code | References the section of the Code of Alabama the defendant allegedly violated (e.g., Title 13A for criminal offenses) |
| Severity | Classified as felony (Class A, B, or C), misdemeanor (Class A, B, or C), or violation/infraction |
| Amended charges | Original charges may be amended through plea negotiations or prosecutorial review; both original and amended charges typically appear on the record |
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case has been filed but not yet resolved |
| Active | Case is currently being heard or has upcoming proceedings |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.) |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations (fines, probation) are complete |
Hearings
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally read the charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary hearing — Judge determines whether probable cause exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Pre-trial conference — Attorneys discuss motions, evidence, and potential plea agreements
- Trial — Case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — Judge imposes penalties after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Court checks compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant was convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | Defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges were dropped by the court or prosecution |
| Nolle prosequi | Prosecution elected not to pursue the case |
| Acquitted | Defendant found not guilty after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Elmore County
Certified copies of criminal court records are handled by the Elmore County Circuit Clerk. These carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal proceedings, background verifications, and other formal purposes.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Elmore County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Staff can locate the case and prepare certified copies while you wait, depending on workload.
- By mail: Send a written request to the address below. Include the defendant's full name, case number, date of birth, a description of the documents needed, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Elmore County Circuit Clerk's Office
State Criminal History Records
For a comprehensive criminal history report (not limited to one case), submit a request to the ALEA Criminal Records Identification Unit. Fingerprint-based checks require a completed fingerprint card. Forms and instructions are available through the ALEA Alabama Background Check page.
Required Identification
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- For fingerprint-based state checks: completed fingerprint card (FD-258 or equivalent)
Court-related forms are available through the AOC E-Forms portal if needed for specific filings.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Elmore County
Fees for criminal record copies and background checks in Alabama are set by statute and local court policy. The table below reflects standard fees. Contact the Circuit Clerk's office to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (uncertified) | $0.50 per page | Standard per-page rate under Alabama law (Code of Alabama § 12-19-90) |
| Certification fee | $1.00 per document | Added to the per-page copy cost for certified copies |
| ALEA state background check | $25.00 | Fingerprint-based criminal history search through ALEA |
| Name-based background check (ALEA) | $15.00 | Less comprehensive than fingerprint-based checks |
| Alacourt.gov online record access | Varies per case | Pay-per-view access through the UJS Portal |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the clerk's office: Often same-day, depending on staff availability and the complexity of the request
- Mail requests to the Circuit Clerk: Typically 5–10 business days after receipt
- ALEA background checks: Generally 10–15 business days; electronic submissions may process faster
Payment methods accepted at the Elmore County Circuit Clerk's office typically include cash, money order, and cashier's check. Call ahead at (334) 567-1136 to confirm whether personal checks or credit cards are accepted.