Search Birmingham Arrest Records

Birmingham arrest records are kept by both the Birmingham Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. When someone gets arrested in the city, they may be held at the Birmingham City Jail for minor offenses. More serious charges lead to transfer to the Jefferson County Jail. The city runs its own inmate inquiry system for those held at the city facility. Jefferson County has a separate inmate search portal. Both systems are free to use online. They get updated on a regular basis. Court records for criminal cases filed in Birmingham show up in the Alacourt system once charges have been formally filed.

Jefferson County Handles Birmingham Arrests

Birmingham sits in Jefferson County. The county handles felony cases and serious criminal matters. When the Birmingham Police Department makes an arrest, where you end up depends on the charges. Misdemeanor arrests and city ordinance violations usually mean you stay at the Birmingham City Jail. That's at 425 6th Avenue South. More serious charges like felonies lead to transfer to the Jefferson County Jail at 809 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. North.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office runs the main detention center. They keep booking records for all county-level inmates. This facility handles arrests from Birmingham and many other towns in the county. After an arrest, records show up in the county inmate search system. This usually takes a few hours after booking is done. The 10th Judicial Circuit Court handles felony cases for Birmingham.

Jail Facilities and Courthouse

Birmingham City Jail

The Birmingham City Jail holds people arrested for city ordinance violations and minor misdemeanors. The jail can hold about 350 inmates. People may stay here for a short time before getting out on bond. Or they may be moved to Jefferson County for more serious charges. The jail is run by the Birmingham Police Department.

Jefferson County Jail - Birmingham

The Jefferson County Jail is the main lock-up for the county. It holds inmates waiting for trial on felony charges. It also houses those serving shorter sentences. Birmingham Police move arrestees here when charges go beyond city level. This jail also holds inmates for other law enforcement agencies in the county.

Jefferson County Courthouse

Criminal cases from Birmingham arrests go through the Jefferson County Courthouse. The Circuit Court deals with felonies. District Court handles misdemeanors that fall under state law, not city rules. Court records show up on Alacourt after charges are filed.

How to Search for Birmingham Arrest Records

Birmingham City Jail Inmate Search

The Birmingham Police Department has an online inmate lookup tool for people held at the city jail. Go to the Birmingham Inmate Inquiry portal to search by name. The system shows current inmates with booking date, charges, and bond info. Keep in mind that inmates can be moved to Jefferson County within hours. So check both systems if you don't find someone at the city level.

Jefferson County Inmate Search

For arrests that end up at the county jail, use the Jefferson County Inmate Search tool. This database covers all county jail inmates. That includes people arrested by Birmingham Police and moved to the county facility. Search by last name to find booking details, current charges, bond amounts, and court dates.

Alacourt Court Records

After criminal charges get filed, case info shows up in the Alacourt public access system. Pick Jefferson County and type in the defendant's name. You can find case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and outcomes. Court records give you more detail than jail records. They include final results like convictions, dismissals, and sentences.

VINE Victim Notification

The Alabama VINE system lets you track inmate custody status. You can get alerts when someone is released. Sign up by phone at 1-877-846-3425 or online. Alerts come by call, text, or email.

Birmingham Police Department

The Birmingham Police Department handles law enforcement within city limits. They make arrests for state law and city ordinance violations. You can ask for arrest reports and incident records through the department. The police department runs several precincts around the city. They also have a records division for public document requests.

To report a crime or give an anonymous tip, call Birmingham Crimestoppers. Tips that lead to arrests may get cash rewards. The department also has a sex offender registry link through the state ALEA system.

Types of Arrest Records Available

Booking Records

Booking records get made when someone is processed into either the Birmingham City Jail or Jefferson County Jail. These records include the person's name, date of birth, and physical description. They also show arrest date and time, arresting agency, charges at booking, and bond amount if set. Mugshot photos are usually part of the booking record.

Arrest Reports

The arrest report tells the story of what led to the arrest. This document has officer notes, witness statements, and evidence that was found. It also explains the probable cause for arrest. You can ask for arrest reports from the Birmingham Police Department or the arresting agency. Some info may be blacked out if the case is still open.

Court Case Records

Once charges get filed, a criminal case opens in either District Court (misdemeanors) or Circuit Court (felonies). Case records show the charging document, hearing dates, and motions filed. They also have plea deals, trial records, and final outcome. You can find these records on Alacourt and at the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk's office.

Criminal History Reports

A full criminal history check needs a request to ALEA (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency). This report shows all arrests and convictions across Alabama. Not just Birmingham. You can apply by mail or in person at ALEA offices in Montgomery.

Fees for Birmingham Arrest Records

Processing Times

Alabama Laws on Arrest Records

Public Records Access

Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, you have the right to look at and copy public records held by state and local agencies. Arrest records, booking info, and court documents are usually seen as public records in Alabama. Some info may be held back to protect open cases or personal privacy.

Juvenile Records

Juvenile arrest and court records are kept private under Alabama Code Section 12-15-102. Records for people under 18 at the time of the offense are not open to the public. Only people in the case, law enforcement, and some government agencies can see them.

Expungement

Alabama allows expungement of some arrest records under Title 15, Chapter 27 of the Alabama Code. If you were not charged, had charges dropped, or were found not guilty, you may ask to have your arrest record cleared. Some misdemeanor and non-violent felony convictions may also qualify after a waiting period. Expunged records get sealed from public view. But law enforcement can still see them.

Mugshot Release

Alabama law does not block the release of mugshot photos. Both the Birmingham Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff can release booking photos as public records. Some agencies post recent mugshots on their websites or social media pages.

Birmingham Arrest Record Resources

The screenshots below show the online tools you can use to search Birmingham arrest records and related info.

Birmingham Inmate Inquiry System

The Birmingham Police Department runs this online inmate lookup tool for people held at the city jail. Search by name to see current detainees, booking info, and bond status.

Birmingham Police Department Website

The Birmingham Police Department website gives you access to department info and crime reporting tools. You can also find links to police services like records requests.

Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham

Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham links residents with free legal help for various matters. This includes criminal record expungement and help with the court system.

Legal Aid Resources in Birmingham

Birmingham residents who need legal help with criminal matters or expungement have several options. A few legal aid groups serve the area. These groups offer free or low-cost help to those who qualify based on income.

Legal Aid Society of Birmingham

The Legal Aid Society of Birmingham gives free civil legal help to low-income residents of Jefferson County. They mostly handle civil matters. But they can point you to help for criminal cases and assist with record expungement in some cases.

Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham

Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham sets up pro bono legal help through a network of volunteer attorneys. They run legal clinics. They can match you with lawyers who will work for free if you qualify.

Legal Services Alabama - Birmingham Office

Legal Services Alabama offers legal help to low-income people across the state. The Birmingham office serves Jefferson County and nearby areas. They help with many different legal issues.

Birmingham Bar Association Lawyer Referral

The Birmingham Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They can link you with criminal defense attorneys. First meetings are offered at lower rates through this service.

Nearby Major Alabama Cities

Check out arrest record resources for other big cities in Alabama. Each city has its own police force. But county jails handle most of the detention.

Start Your Search

Use the search tool below to find arrest record info for Birmingham and other spots in Alabama.