How to Search for Jefferson County Warrants & Arrest Records

Jefferson County Warrants are issued against people believed to have committed a crime. To make a warrant legally binding, the police must convince a judge to sign it. Once it is signed, it becomes valid indefinitely until served and the suspect is apprehended. Jefferson County arrest records are issued the moment a suspect is in custody. They detail the time, place and reason for the arrest. In most cases, the law enforcement agency that incarcerated the suspect is also mentioned.

Initiating a Jefferson County warrant search

To learn whether a certain person is wanted by the police, you should pay a visit to the Criminal Division at the sheriff office and check through their files. They have a staff member that handles crimes against persons and a staff member who is in charge of crimes against property. If you are interested in more details, you can call them at 205-254-7777.

Finding Alabama warrants

To carry out a statewide inquiry, refer to the Community Information Center of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. They maintain a search tool that presents fugitives from all of AL counties. You will be able to see the number of each case, identifying features of the suspect plus his / her mugshot, the status of the warrant and the date it was issued, crime category (e.g. felony) and the last time the suspect was spotted.

Conducting an arrest search

There are basically two ways to trace Jefferson County arrest records. On the webpage of the county's Corrections Division, you will find a link to an inmate locator that presents all the detainees that currently house the local jails. You will be presented with a list of persons that were apprehended in the last 24 hours. You can also opt for an offline inquiry. At the lobby of Bessemer Jail (1822 2nd Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020. Phone: 205-481-4160) and Birmingham Jail (809 Richard Arrington Jr., Blvd. N, Birmingham, AL 35203. Phone: 205-325-5670) you will find a list containing all the inmates in each facility.

Performing a broader statewide inquiry

Alabama arrest records can be found on the electronic database of the ADOC. This database enables you to find current prison inmates all over the state.

Where to look for Jefferson County Court Records

According to the Alabama Public Record Law, most governmental files are considered public records. Jefferson County court records are no exception to that. To access them, you should refer to the Circuit Court or the District Court (for less serious criminal cases) and submit a FOIA request either in person or by mail. For more details, visit the website of the county's courts.

Performing a sex offender search

Any criminal record check will not be complete without the ability to locate sex offenders. The sheriff office maintains an electronic registry that enables you to trace offenders in your area. Search categories include either address or name. There is also a list of non-compliant felons.