Baldwin County Criminal Records
What Is Baldwin County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Baldwin County encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which establishes requirements for the creation and maintenance of public records.
Criminal records in Baldwin County include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments
- Court Records: Official proceedings of criminal cases heard in the Baldwin County Circuit and District Courts
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Baldwin County Corrections Center
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings determined guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Felony records document more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanor records reflect lesser offenses typically punishable by fines or shorter jail terms.
Juvenile records in Baldwin County receive special protection under Alabama Code § 12-15-133, which generally seals these records from public view to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Baldwin County:
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office
310 Hand Avenue
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-0202
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office
Baldwin County Circuit Court
312 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-0230
Baldwin County Circuit Court
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
334-517-2800
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition, including charges filed, arraignment proceedings, plea entries, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole information.
Are Criminal Records Public In Baldwin County
Criminal records in Baldwin County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Alabama Open Records Act, codified in Alabama Code § 36-12-40. This statute establishes that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."
The Alabama Open Records Act creates a presumption of openness for government records, including most criminal records. However, certain exceptions and limitations apply to criminal record accessibility:
- Adult Conviction Records: Generally fully accessible to the public
- Court Proceedings: Open to public inspection unless specifically sealed by court order
- Ongoing Investigations: May be temporarily restricted to protect investigative integrity
- Sealed or Expunged Records: Not available for public inspection
- Juvenile Records: Protected under Alabama Code § 12-15-133, with limited exceptions
- Grand Jury Proceedings: Confidential under Alabama law
The Twenty-Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama, which serves Baldwin County, maintains court records related to criminal proceedings. These records are presumptively public unless specifically sealed by judicial order. The Baldwin County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records, most of which are accessible to the public.
Certain sensitive information within criminal records may be redacted prior to public disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical information
- Information related to victims of certain crimes
- Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
The Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center (ACJIC) serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide, operating under the provisions of Alabama Code § 41-9-590. This statute establishes protocols for the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal justice information throughout Alabama, including Baldwin County.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Baldwin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Baldwin County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing specific information about the subject of the search
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees ($25 for a criminal history check)
- Allow processing time, which typically ranges from 1-3 business days
Baldwin County Circuit Court Records:
- Visit the Circuit Clerk's Office at the Baldwin County Courthouse
- Use public access terminals to search the Alacourt system
- Provide case numbers or subject names to narrow searches
- Request printed copies of public records (fees apply: $1.00 per page)
- For certified copies, submit a written request with additional certification fees
Online Access Options:
- Access the Baldwin County Sheriff's arrest search portal for recent booking information
- Register for an account with Alabama's Alacourt system for court records
- Search by name, case number, or other identifiers
- Review available case information, including charges and disposition
- Order copies of documents through the online system when available
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to the appropriate agency
- Include specific information about the records sought
- Provide contact information and preferred delivery method
- Enclose applicable fees or payment information
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may also submit requests to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Criminal Records Identification Unit, which maintains statewide criminal history information. This process requires fingerprint submission and additional fees.
How To Find Criminal Records in Baldwin County Online?
Baldwin County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient access to various types of criminal record information:
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Arrest Search: The Sheriff's Office online arrest search provides access to recent booking information and current inmate status. Users can search by:
- First and last name
- Booking date range
- Charge information This resource displays booking photos, charges, and basic case status information for individuals processed through the Baldwin County Corrections Center.
Alabama Judicial System's Alacourt: The Baldwin County Circuit Court utilizes the statewide Alacourt system for case management. This platform requires registration and subscription fees for full access. Once registered, users can:
- Search criminal cases by defendant name or case number
- View case summaries, including charges and disposition
- Access court calendars and scheduled hearings
- Review case actions and document filings
- Order certified copies of court documents
Baldwin County District Attorney's Office: The District Attorney's website provides information about:
- Current high-profile cases
- Conviction records for specific inquiries
- Victim notification services
- Court schedules for criminal prosecutions
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Online Services: ALEA provides limited online access to statewide criminal history information through its Criminal Records Identification Unit. This service:
- Requires proper identification and authorization
- Provides official criminal history reports
- Includes fingerprint-based verification
- Charges statutory fees for record searches
When using online resources, users should note that:
- Not all criminal records are available electronically
- Older records may require in-person requests
- Some detailed information may be viewable only at courthouse terminals
- Registration requirements and access fees vary by platform
- Official certified copies typically require formal requests
The Twenty-Eighth Judicial Circuit Court website provides additional information about accessing court records electronically and explains the scope of available online information.
Can You Search Baldwin County Criminal Records for Free?
Baldwin County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, in accordance with Alabama's Open Records Act. The statute provides that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state," though reasonable fees may be charged for reproduction costs.
Free In-Person Inspection Options:
The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records:
Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office
312 Courthouse Square, Suite 11
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-0230
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Baldwin County Circuit Court
- Public access terminals available for searching court cases
- Staff assistance for locating public records
- Viewing of non-sealed court documents at no charge
- Fees apply only for printed or certified copies
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office
310 Hand Avenue
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-0202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office
- Current jail roster available for public viewing
- Daily arrest logs accessible without charge
- Basic inmate information provided at no cost
- Detailed criminal history reports require fees
Free Online Resources:
Several online platforms provide free access to limited criminal record information:
- The Baldwin County Sheriff's arrest search offers free access to current booking information and recent arrests
- The Baldwin County Jail inmate roster is publicly accessible online without charge
- Basic case information through the Twenty-Eighth Judicial Circuit Court website
While basic record inspection is available without charge, fees apply for:
- Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page typical fee)
- Certified court records ($5.00 per document in addition to copy fees)
- Complete criminal history reports ($25.00 standard fee)
- Expedited processing services
- Research assistance requiring staff time
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-19-70, courts are authorized to collect reasonable fees for copies and certifications of public records. These fees support the maintenance of record systems and staff resources necessary for public access.
What's Included in a Baldwin County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained in Baldwin County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Alabama Code § 41-9-621, which establishes requirements for criminal justice information systems.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or District)
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of offenses (felony/misdemeanor)
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor assignment
- Judge presiding over the case
- Hearing and trial dates
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Probation or parole status reports
- Completion of court-ordered programs
The Baldwin County Circuit Court maintains the official court records component of criminal records, while the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and incarceration records. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency integrates these records into the statewide criminal history database.
How Long Does Baldwin County Keep Criminal Records?
Baldwin County maintains criminal records in accordance with Alabama's records retention schedules established under Alabama Code § 41-13-23. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various categories of criminal justice records.
Arrest Records Retention:
- Arrest reports: Permanent retention
- Booking photographs: Minimum 75 years
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention
- Arrest warrants (executed): 25 years after case disposition
- Arrest warrants (unexecuted): Until statute of limitations expires
Court Records Retention:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 25 years after final disposition
- Traffic case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Grand jury records: Permanent retention
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 10 years after completion of probation
Corrections Records Retention:
- Inmate files: 10 years after release from custody
- Jail logs and incident reports: 7 years
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
- Visitation records: 3 years
Juvenile Records Retention:
- Juvenile case files: Until subject reaches age 23, then sealed
- Juvenile detention records: Until subject reaches age 21
- Youthful offender records: 10 years after final disposition
The Alabama Department of Archives and History provides oversight for records retention throughout the state, including Baldwin County. The department's Local Government Records Commission establishes specific retention schedules that county agencies must follow.
Criminal history information maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is retained permanently in the state's central repository, with updates reflecting case dispositions, record expungements, and corrections.
Digital records management systems have extended the practical retention of many criminal records beyond the minimum required periods. However, older paper records may have been destroyed in accordance with retention schedules after their required retention periods expired.
Records that have been expunged pursuant to court order under Alabama's expungement statutes are removed from public access and sealed or destroyed according to the specific terms of the expungement order.
Lookup Criminal Records in Baldwin County
Baldwin County Sheriff's Office
Baldwin County arrest records search
Baldwin County Circuit Court records