Criminal records in Russell County, Alabama, are accessible through several channels. RussellCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court system, county law enforcement agencies, and the Circuit Clerk's office, which maintains all district and county court materials.
How to Search Criminal Records in Russell
The search for criminal records begins with a few basic details: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number. Here are the main methods.
Through RussellCourt.us
Go to RussellCourt.us and enter the name or case number. The service will display publicly available information about criminal cases heard in Russell County.
Online through Official State Portals
- Alabama Administrative Office of Courts — the Alacourt.com system provides on-demand access to trial court records across Alabama. Full document viewing requires registration and payment.
- ADOC Inmate Search — the Department of Corrections database contains information only about individuals currently in state custody.
- ALEA Wanted Persons Search — checks for statewide arrest warrants.
In Person
In the lobby of the Judicial Annex at 501 14th Street, Phenix City, AL, there is a public access computer. It can be used to view case information and document images. Note: the Circuit Clerk's office cannot verify court record information over the phone.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk's address with the person's full name, date of birth, and case number (if known). Include a money order for copy fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
For an official state-level criminal history check, submit a request through Alabama Background Check at ALEA.
Search Russell Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in Alabama has a standard format that includes several elements:
- County Prefix — a two-digit code indicating the county (for Russell, it's 57).
- Case Type Code — letters indicating the category: CC (Circuit Criminal), DC (District Criminal), TR (Traffic violations).
- Year — the last two digits of the case's registration year.
- Sequential Number — a sequential number assigned upon registration.
For example, a record like 57-CC-2024-000123 indicates a Russell County Circuit Court criminal case registered in 2024 under number 123. If you know this number, searching through the Alacourt system or the public computer at the Judicial Annex takes just minutes.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Russell
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Alabama Code (e.g., §13A-12-1). Defines the specific offense. |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime, classes A–C), Misdemeanor (minor offense, classes A–C), Violation (infraction). |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more serious one during the trial. |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a decision (verdict, closure, dismissal).
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including the execution of the decision.
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in Russell County Circuit and District Courts:
- Arraignment — the defendant's first appearance before a judge, reading of charges, determination of bail.
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary hearing to determine the sufficiency of evidence (usually in felony cases).
- Pre-trial Conference — a meeting of the parties before the main trial.
- Trial / Sentencing — court trial and sentencing.
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with probation terms or other obligations.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty by court verdict or plea agreement. |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted by a jury or judge. |
| Dismissed | The case was closed by the prosecutor or judge without a verdict. |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined further prosecution. |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after substantive consideration. |
Information about arrest warrants and magistrates' work can be found on the county court's website.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Russell
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by Circuit Clerk Jody Sellers, the official custodian of Russell County's district and circuit court documents.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the Circuit Clerk's office in the Judicial Annex. Bring valid photo identification.
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name of the party, case number (if known), and type of document requested. Include a money order for the appropriate amount and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
For a state-level criminal history check, contact ALEA. This process involves fingerprinting and a separate fee.
Required Documents
- Valid photo identification (driver's license, passport).
- Case number or full name and date of birth of the person.
- Payment in the form of a money order — personal checks are usually not accepted.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Russell
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | Standard rate for uncertified copies |
| Document certification | $5.00 | In addition to copy costs |
| Copy of divorce decree | $20.00 | Includes certification; payable by money order |
| Criminal history check through ALEA | Depends on type of check | Separate procedure through Alabama Law Enforcement Agency |
Processing Times
- In Person — copies are usually issued on the day of the request if documents are available electronically.
- By Mail — processing may take 5 to 15 business days, depending on the request volume and office workload.
- Through ALEA — criminal history check times depend on the chosen submission method and fingerprint availability.
The current contact directory of Russell County's court and administrative offices can help clarify current rates and office hours.