Criminal records in Lee County, Alabama, are available through several channels. LeeALCourt.us allows searching for publicly accessible information about criminal cases in this county. Additionally, the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office provide access to records — online, in person, or by mail. Lee County is part of the 37th Judicial Circuit of Alabama, with Opelika as its administrative center.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lee
To begin your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- The person's full name
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search
- LeeALCourt.us — enter the name or case number to find information on publicly accessible criminal cases in Lee County.
- Alabama Administrative Office of Courts Portal — the Alacourt.com system (paid subscription) provides access to records of all county and district courts in the state. Registered users can view case data and court statistics.
- Lee County Clerk's Website — contains general information about the court of the 37th Judicial Circuit and a records request form (currently, only media requests are processed).
- Lee County Sheriff's Office — allows submitting a records request in accordance with the Alabama Open Records Act (Act 2024-278, effective October 1, 2024). Alabama residents have the right to inspect and copy public records.
- Alabama Department of Corrections Inmate Search — the database contains only individuals currently in custody. Historical data is not available online.
In-Person Visit
Visit the T.K. Davis Justice Center in Opelika. The county clerk's office handles requests regarding circuit and district court criminal cases. Public access terminals may be available in the courthouse — check with the clerk upon your visit.
Mail Request
Send a written request to the county clerk's office at the Justice Center address. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), case number, and type of document requested. Include payment in the form of a money order. For an official state-level criminal history, the request should be directed to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
Search Lee Criminal Cases by Case Number
A case number in Alabama is a structured identifier, with each part conveying specific information. A typical format looks like this:
CC-2024-000123.00
- CC — prefix indicating the type of case. For example: CC = Circuit Criminal case, DC = District Criminal case, TR = Traffic case.
- 2024 — year the case was filed.
- 000123 — sequential case number within the year.
- .00 — suffix that may indicate a sub-case or additional count of charges.
If you know the case number, the search is much more precise than by name. This is especially useful when the last name is common or when you need to find a specific case among several related to one person.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lee
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Alabama Code (e.g., §13A-12-1) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, Violation/Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more severe one during the case |
An arrest warrant in Lee County is not a public record until it is served. If a person suspects a warrant has been issued against them, they should appear in court in person.
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the case has been resolved (sentenced, closed, or dismissed)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, and the case is archived
Hearings
A criminal case in circuit court goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court hearing where the defendant hears the charges and states their plea (guilty/not guilty)
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary review to determine the sufficiency of evidence
- Pre-Trial — a pre-trial session where parties discuss agreements and procedural issues
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
- Review — a review session to check compliance with the terms of the sentence
Failure to pay a fine or appear on a scheduled date may result in an arrest warrant being issued.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant was found not guilty after a substantive review |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict (at the prosecutor's or court's initiative) |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue the case |
| Acquitted | Acquitted — the court or jury found insufficient evidence |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lee
Certified copies of criminal records are required for employment, licensing, or legal proceedings. Here is where to apply depending on the type of records.
Circuit Clerk's Office
Issues certified copies of court cases — both criminal and civil. Requests can be made in person or by mail. You need to provide the case number or full name and approximate date. Bring a valid photo ID.
Lee County Sheriff's Office
Under the Alabama Open Records Act (Act 2024-278), Alabama residents can submit a request for sheriff's office records. Requests pertain to arrest reports, incidents, and other law enforcement documents.
State Criminal History
To obtain a complete state criminal history record, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). This request usually requires fingerprinting and submitting a special form. ALEA processes requests from both individuals and employers.
Municipal Records
For Opelika police records (reports, statements), submit a public records request through the City of Opelika website. If you encounter difficulties with the online process, call 334-705-5110.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lee
The cost depends on the type of document and the issuing institution. Below are approximate fees.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 | Check with the clerk's office |
| Certified copy | $1.00 – $5.00 per document | Additional fee for certification |
| Criminal history check through ALEA | Depends on the type of request | Usually includes a fingerprinting fee |
| Copy of police report (Opelika PD) | Determined upon request | According to city policy |
Processing time varies. Simple copy requests at the clerk's office are usually fulfilled within a few business days. Requests through the sheriff's office under the Open Records Act are processed within reasonable timeframes set by law. Criminal history checks through ALEA can take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the submission method and the scope of the check.
Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted by money order or check. Confirm acceptable forms of payment before visiting by calling the T.K. Davis Justice Center.