Alabama Warrant Search

Warrants in Alabama are issued when law enforcement have reason to believe an individual is a person of interest in a criminal case or a property containing evidence of criminal activity (Alabama Criminal Code). Interested persons may lookup warrants through resources provided by courts, law enforcement agencies, or independent service providers.

The information contained in a warrant can inform searchers of a person’s involvement with the criminal justice system. Warrant searches may also be done as part of a screening, especially when the subject will be handling sensitive information or working with vulnerable people. Furthermore, persons who do a warrant search do not have to provide a reason. It is possible to perform an Alabama warrant search for personal curiosity.

What is a Warrant?

In Alabama, a warrant is a legal document authorizing Alabama law enforcement authorities to make an arrest, search, or carry out actions related to criminal activities. This document allows law officers to carry out criminal justice activities without intentionally infringing on citizens’ constitutional rights. The warrants issued in Alabama include search warrants, bench warrants, Capias Pro Fine warrants, Civil Capias warrants, Fugitive, and Governor's warrants.

Alabama warrants are issued by competent judicial officers, such as a judge or magistrate. The issuance and execution of warrants in Alabama must follow statutory and constitutional guidelines. For instance, if the police enter private property to execute an arrest or search warrant, they must follow the terms outlined in the warrant.

Are Warrants Public Record in Alabama?

Yes. According to Alabama Public Records Law, warrants are public records in Alabama (Al. Code §36-12-40). The general public can view and make copies unless the state law specifically states otherwise. However, certain records may be excluded from public disclosure. For example, unexecuted search warrants are sequestered from public access because disclosure may compromise the integrity of criminal justice activities. Similarly, warrants involving minors are not publicly available.

How Do I Look Up Warrants in Alabama?

Third-party websites provide borderless access to Alabama warrants. To lookup warrants on these sites, searchers must provide the subject’s full name. Providing additional information like the city or county may help narrow down the search, especially if the subject has warrants in multiple jurisdictions.

Generally, warrant searches on independent aggregate sites come at a cost. Searchers can expect to make a one-time payment or choose a subscription, depending on their needs. The cost may range from $1 to $25, depending on the service provider. Nevertheless, it is possible to obtain warrant information for free, especially for first-time users.

That said, persons who use independent aggregate sites for warrant searches must note that these sites are not affiliated with the government. Hence, the accuracy and completeness of the information obtained may vary. Thus, it is prudent to confirm the details obtained from official sources, especially if one needs it for official purposes like tenant screening.

What is a Search Warrant in Alabama?

According to Rule 3.6. of the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, a search warrant is a written order from an authorized judge to any law enforcement officer to search personal property and seize any crime evidence.

Before the judge issues a search warrant in Alabama, the complainant can make an appointment with the court to get a warrant after filing an incident report. Note that a search warrant will not be issued until the magistrate finds probable cause to believe that the individual named committed the offense.

Are Search Warrants Public Records in Alabama?

It depends. Unexecuted search warrants are not open to the public because disclosure may influence the effect of a search warrant. There is generally no restriction on public access to executed search warrants.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Search Warrant in Alabama?

It depends. If there is probable cause that the person stated in the report committed an offense, it takes a few hours for the judge to issue a warrant. Warrant requests with weak or complicated supporting evidence may take longer to review and issue.

How Long Does a Search Warrant Last?

Ten days. Per Rule 3.10 of the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, law enforcement have ten days to use a search warrant to search and retrieve any evidence on private property.

What is a Bench Warrant in Alabama?

In Alabama, a judge issues a 'bench warrant' to help the authorities arrest someone who does not appear for a court hearing. In this type of warrant, the authorities may not necessarily search for the individual but may arrest the individual on sight. It is the responsibility of the officer to file for a bench warrant using specific guidelines to ensure the individual arrested is detained in jail until bail is submitted.

What is an Arrest Warrant in Alabama?

According to Rule 3.2 of the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, the judge issues an 'arrest warrant' when an individual's involvement in a crime is beyond a reasonable doubt. In this case, the authorities can go to the suspect's residence, workplace, or any location the suspect may visit to make an arrest.

How to Check if You Have a Warrant in Alabama

One place to check the warrant status of an individual in Alabama is the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This agency maintains criminal records, which may include warrants. Alternatively, individuals can perform an Alabama warrant search through the local police departments and sheriff's offices in various counties. For example, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office works with the county court to maintain a repository for arrest warrants.

Interested persons may contact these record custodians in person or send a mail request. In any way, persons requesting information on a warrant must possess the necessary information to facilitate a search. This includes the subject’s full name, county or city of residence, and date of birth.

Can You Check Warrants Online in Alabama?

Yes. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency updates information on criminal records, including warrants, through the Alabama Background Check System. Complete and submit the ALEA Application Form to access the documents. However, a fee of $25 is required to complete the process.

Individuals can also search through the various government-owned agencies in each county. For instance, the Mobile County Sheriff's Office allows an online warrant search that provides information on warrants in the county.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant for Free

An individual can conduct a warrant search for free online or in person at the Sheriff’s Office in various counties at various county levels. Charges may only apply when the requester needs to make copies of the warrant.

How to Find Out if Someone Has a Warrant Online For Free in Alabama

Interested persons can find out if someone has a warrant online for free through various law authority's warrant databases. Since warrants are public records in Alabama, it will be easy to find specific warrant records online. Requesters may only need a name or warrant number to complete a search.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Alabama?

It depends. In Alabama, a warrant can stay active indefinitely or until the court dismisses it. The duration of an active warrant may also depend on the crime committed. For instance, search warrants have a lifespan of ten days (Ala. R. Crim. P. 3.10), while arrest warrants remain active for life.

How Do I Find Out If I Have a Federal Warrant?

To conduct a federal warrant search, an individual may use the Warrant Information System (WIN). However, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) does not give access to every requester. The system tracks the status of federal warrants to help investigate federal fugitives.

Another way to search for federal warrants is to use the Most Wanted Fugitive List on the Federal Bureau of Investigation website. Searching for federal warrants on these platforms is free, but requesting copies of the record by mail may attract fees.