Criminal records in Limestone County, Alabama, are available through several channels. LimestoneCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court system, law enforcement agencies, and the Circuit Clerk's office. Online portals, in-person visits, and written requests are all viable methods for accessing county criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Limestone
Start your search by determining what specific information you are looking for: details about a specific case, a criminal background check, or inmate status. Each method requires a different set of initial data.
What is Needed for the Search
- Full Name (First and Last Name)
- Date of Birth (if known)
- Case Number — for an accurate search of a specific case
Online Search
- LimestoneCourt.us — allows you to find publicly available information about criminal cases in Limestone County.
- Alacourt.gov — “Just One Look” — a statewide portal of the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts that provides access to trial court records upon request. Searches can be conducted by name or case number.
- Alabama Inmate Search — the Department of Corrections database contains information only about individuals currently in custody.
- Alabama Fugitive Search — a tool by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for searching wanted individuals.
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Clerk's office of Limestone County is the official custodian of court records. You can visit the courthouse and use public access terminals or contact the office staff directly.
Limestone County Circuit Clerk
Written Request
To obtain an official state-level criminal history report, a request is submitted to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which manages the State Bureau of Investigation. The request usually requires completing a special form and fingerprinting. To obtain copies of specific court documents, you can send a written request directly to the Limestone County Circuit Clerk's office.
Search Limestone Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the fastest way to find a specific record. In Alabama, trial court case numbers have a standard format consisting of several parts:
- County Prefix — a two-digit numerical code identifying the county (for Limestone County, it is 39, according to the 39th Judicial Circuit).
- Case Type Code — a letter designation indicating the category: CC (Circuit Criminal), DC (District Criminal), TR (Traffic), etc.
- Year — a two-digit number indicating the year the case was filed.
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within the year and type.
For example, the format may look like this: 39-CC-2024-000123. Knowing the exact number, enter it on the Alacourt.gov portal using the "Just One Look" feature for instant access to case information.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Limestone
Each criminal case contains several key data elements. Below is their meaning in the context of the county court system.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Alabama Criminal Code (Code of Alabama, Title 13A) |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime — classes A, B, C), Misdemeanor (minor offense — classes A, B, C), Violation |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to a lesser or more serious one during the proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is filed but not yet resolved
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the case is resolved (verdict rendered, closed, or dismissed)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including sentence execution
Hearings
Types of court hearings that may appear in a case:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant is read the charges and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — a preliminary review to determine the sufficiency of evidence (usually in felony cases)
- Pre-Trial Conference — a meeting before the trial to discuss procedural issues
- Sentencing — a hearing for rendering a sentence
- Review Hearing — a control hearing to check compliance with probation or other obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by plea or court/jury decision |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted — the court or jury did not find guilt |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — at the prosecutor's or court's initiative |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Limestone
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — employment, licensing, or legal proceedings. The procedure for obtaining them depends on the type of document.
Specific Case Court Documents
The request is submitted to the Limestone County Circuit Clerk's office. The court clerk is the official custodian of all records of the circuit and district courts of the 39th Judicial Circuit.
Ways to submit a request:
- In Person — visit the courthouse at the address below. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the party, case number (if known), description of the required document, and return address. Include payment in the form of a money order.
State-Level Criminal History Check
To obtain a complete Criminal History Record, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The procedure involves submitting a completed request form along with fingerprints. Fingerprint-based criminal history check requests are processed by the ALEA State Bureau of Investigation.
For public records requests through state agencies, you can also use the public records request form of the Alabama Secretary of State.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Limestone
The cost of services depends on the type of request and the agency processing it. Specific amounts may vary — always verify current rates directly with the office before sending payment.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 | Verify with the Circuit Clerk's office |
| Certification | Additional fee per certified document | The exact amount is determined by the court office |
| Search via Alacourt.gov (Just One Look) | Depends on access type | A fee may be charged for case viewing |
| Criminal History Check (ALEA) | ~$25.00+ | Includes fingerprint processing; the exact amount is set by ALEA |
Processing Times
- In-Person Requests — copies of simple documents are usually issued the same day or within a few business days.
- Mail Requests — processing may take from one to several weeks depending on the complexity of the request and the office's workload.
- Criminal History Check via ALEA — processing times vary; fingerprint-based requests usually take longer than name-based requests.
For current fee information, call the Circuit Clerk's office at (256) 216-3865 or visit the 39th Judicial Circuit website.