What are Chambers County Public Records?
According to Section 41-13-1 of the Alabama Code, Chambers County public records include all records produced or received by a public officer as required by law to transact public business. The law specifies that public records may be papers, documents, maps, letters, and written, printed, or typed books.
Chambers County government agencies must allow requestors to access records not considered confidential or sensitive. However, state law provides some exemptions to the law on public access. Members of the general public cannot inspect or obtain copies of the following records:
- Security records, including information on assessments, procedures, systems, or plans if public disclosure could negatively affect public safety or welfare
- Circulation and registration records of college, public school, university, or public libraries
- Subpoenas used for confidential proceedings under the Alabama Rules of Disciplinary Procedure
- Information obtained by the Alabama Exchange Commission from an applicant
- All sealed or exempted court records, including adoption records, juvenile matters, mental proceeding records, and criminal matters involving a sex offense if the victim is a minor
- 911 audio recordings
- Parts of records that disclose the identity of a confidential informant
- Confidential hospital records
- Birth records until 125 years after birth date
- Death records until 25 years after death date
- Case records of public welfare recipients or applicants
- All records protected by law
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Chambers County Crime Statistics
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) publishes crime statistics received from law enforcement agencies across the state. According to 2019 data, Chambers County had a total of 1,010 offenses. Reported specifics were 82 assault cases, 199 burglary incidents, 1 homicide, 614 larceny offenses, 74 motor vehicle thefts, 21 rape incidents, and 19 robberies.
In 2018, the total number of recorded crimes was 1,216, a 14.7% reduction from the 1,426 recorded in 2017. Between 2018 and 2019, Chambers County crime reduced by 16.9%.
Are Chambers County Criminal Records Public?
Chambers County criminal records are not public. According to Alabama law, criminal history information is only obtainable by qualifying employers seeking information on current or prospective employees. However, the law also allows members of the public to obtain these records if the requestor provides written and notarized permission from the person named on the record.
Eligible parties may obtain Chambers criminal records from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The agency provides the Alabama Background Check System (ABC) where record seekers can begin by paying an annual $95.00 subscription fee by credit card. Thereafter, each record costs $15.00.
Parties may also submit mail requests to the ALEA. Each eligible requestor should complete an Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information with the record subject’s details. For third-party requests, the subject must complete the Affidavit for Release Information section of the application before a Notary Public. Each mail request costs $25.00, payable by a money order or cashier’s check made out to the “Criminal Records & Identification Unit”. Requestors should also include valid and unexpired photo identification as listed on the application. All parties should note that processing takes a minimum of 4 weeks from the date the ALEA receives the application. Eligible parties should send mail requests to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
Attention: Record Challenge
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
How to Obtain Chambers County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Interested persons may obtain Chambers County arrest records and police reports from the Chambers County Sheriff’s Department. Residents seeking these records should contact the department with record details, including the names of involved persons, incident description, incident date, the names of officers in charge, and other known specifics. Interested persons should note that the department may request copy fees from persons looking to obtain physical copies. Record seekers should submit requests for Chambers arrest records and police reports to:
Chambers County Sheriff’s Department
2 South LaFayette Street
LaFayette, AL 36862
Phone: (334) 864-4333
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Chambers County
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains a public online database with statewide information on registered sex offenders. Anyone can search the Alabama Sex Offender Registry by area, name, city, non-compliance status, internet name, or email address. Persons using the internet name or email search must enter exact matches. The registry displays each offender's full name, aliases, photograph, address, offense details, physical description, and registration number.
Record seekers should note that the ALEA’s database does not contain information on all registered sex offenders. Certain persons may not be on the online registry due to factors such as age, year of conviction, or current location. Members of the general public should also be aware that each offender is responsible for notifying the appropriate law enforcement agency when there are changes in employment or residency details. Therefore, information on persons who do not regularly update their registered details may be inaccurate.
How to Find Chambers County Inmate Records
The Chambers County Sheriff’s Department maintains a current list of inmates incarcerated at the Chambers County Detention Facility. Anyone can search to find an inmate’s records, such as a name, booking date, physical description, charge information, and bond details. Interested persons may also contact the Detention Facility or the Sheriff’s Department for updated inmate records using the following details:
Chambers County Detention Facility
105 Alabama Avenue W
LaFayette, AL 36862
Phone: (334) 864-4336
Phone: (334) 864-4333 (Sheriff’s Department)
Chambers County Court Records
The Chambers County court system features Circuit, District, Probate, and Municipal Courts. The Circuit Court is the county’s court of general jurisdiction, exercising authority over all county cases. Furthermore, the Circuit Court also hears cases that are out of other courts’ jurisdiction.
The Chambers County District Court has limited jurisdiction over some criminal and civil cases and hears most misdemeanors, felony preliminary hearings, ordinance violations, and felony guilty pleas that do not involve the death penalty.
The Probate Court has original and general jurisdiction over the administration of estates, adoptions, name changes, guardianships and conservatorships, and the probate of wills. Finally, the Municipal Court has authority over municipal ordinance violations and shares jurisdiction with District Courts over criminal offenses that violate municipal and state law.
Locations of Chambers County Courts
Chambers County Circuit, District, and Probate Courts
Chambers County Courthouse
2 South LaFayette Street
LaFayette, AL 36862
Phone: (334) 864-4348
Fax: (334) 864-4368
Chambers County Circuit, District, and Probate Courts - Lanett Annex
610 S Gilmer Avenue
Lanett, AL 36863
Phone: (334) 644-7068
Lafayette Municipal Court
50 Alabama Avenue W
Lafayette, AL 36862
Phone: (334) 864-9812
Are Chambers County Court Records Public?
Chambers County court records are public records. Alabama law allows all interested persons to inspect or obtain copies of court records by submitting official requests to the courts that handled the desired cases. However, records considered sensitive or confidential are not available to members of the general public. For instance, requestors cannot obtain copies of adoption records, certain mental health cases, or records sealed by court order.
Interested persons can search Chambers court records online via the Alabama Courts database for $9.99.00 per name or case number search. The database also allows searchers to access images at $5.00 for the first 20 pages and $0.50 for each subsequent page. In addition, parties can choose lifetime case access at $19.99 for a District case or $29.99 for a Circuit Case.
How to Obtain Chambers County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court case records are obtainable from the Chambers County Court Clerk’s Office. Interested parties can send mail applications or request in person. Each mail application should contain a written request that describes the desired record. Required details include the litigants’ names, charge information, court dates, and other related details. Mail requestors should also include personal contact details as well as self-addressed and stamped envelopes. Residents requesting in person must also provide all required documents at the Court Clerk’s Office. Requestors should note that copy fees may be applicable. All parties should submit requests to the address below:
Chambers County Court Clerk’s Office
Chambers County Courthouse
2 South LaFayette Street
LaFayette, AL 36862
Phone: (334) 864-4348
Fax: (334) 864-4368
How to Obtain Chambers County Criminal Court Case Records
All interested parties can request Chambers County criminal court records from the Court Clerk’s Office. Each request must describe the record with information such as names, dates, charge details, and the court’s final disposition. Requestors may apply by mail or in person.
Parties should note that some records that contain confidential or sensitive information may be unavailable to the general public. In addition, sealed court records are only accessible by court order. Record seekers should submit requests with applicable payment as charged by the Clerk’s Office to the following address:
Chambers County Court Clerk’s Office
Chambers County Courthouse
2 South LaFayette Street
LaFayette, AL 36862
Phone: (334) 864-4348
Fax: (334) 864-4368
What are Chambers County Vital Records
Chambers County vital records contain details of life events that happen in the county. These include records of divorces, marriages, births, and deaths. Chambers vital records are government-generated records that serve as official evidence that the events took place. Depending on the desired record, residents may submit requests to the Circuit Court Clerk or the county Health Department. However, interested persons should note that not all Chambers vital records are public.
Divorce Records
A divorce record is an official document, such as a divorce decree or divorce certificate, that confirms the end of a marriage. While a divorce certificate is a less detailed divorce record containing the major facts of the event, a divorce decree shows the court’s final disposition, including the division of assets and liabilities, custody arrangement, and child support.
Anyone interested in obtaining a Chambers County divorce decree should send a request to the Chambers County Circuit Court Clerk with details of the divorce. For divorce certificates, requestors should contact the Chambers County Health Department. Parties should submit requests to either of the following addresses:
Chambers County Court Clerk’s Office
Chambers County Courthouse
2 South LaFayette Street
LaFayette, AL 36862
Phone: (334) 864-4348
Fax: (334) 864-4368
Chambers County Health Department
5 North Medical Park Drive
Valley, AL 36854
Phone: (334) 756-0758
Fax: (334) 756-0765
Marriage Records
A marriage record is an official document showing that a couple received a marriage license and solemnized their union. According to Alabama law, marriage records are available to all interested persons who submit official requests. Chambers County marriage records are obtainable at the Health Department at $15.00 for the first copy, and $6.00 for each additional copy requested simultaneously. All record seekers may submit complete requests for Chambers County marriage certificates to:
Chambers County Health Department
5 North Medical Park Drive
Valley, AL 36854
Phone: (334) 756-0758
Fax: (334) 756-0765
Birth Records
A birth record is an official report of a birth, and contains important details such as the child’s name, gender, date of birth, place of birth, and the full names of both parents. Chambers County birth records are available at the Health Department. However, for 125 years from the birth date, Alabama law restricts access to immediate family members, or persons that can demonstrate a legal right to the record. These include:
- The subject of the record
- The subject’s parent or legal guardian
- The subject’s legal spouse, child, or sibling
- A legal representative of an eligible person listed above
Each Chambers County birth certificate costs $15.00. Eligible persons should submit requests with payment and a valid ID. Identification requirements include one primary ID, such as a driver's license or a passport; or two secondary IDs, such as a utility bill, work ID, or health insurance card. Interested persons should submit requests to:
Chambers County Health Department
5 North Medical Park Drive
Valley, AL 36854
Phone: (334) 756-0758
Fax: (334) 756-0765
Death Records
Chambers County death records contain death details, including the name of the decedent, date of death, age at death, and the subject’s gender. According to Alabama law, only members of the decedent’s immediate family and persons with a legal interest in the record can obtain copies for 25 years after the death. Authorized parties include the decedent’s parent, legal guardian, sibling, child, legal spouse, and representatives of eligible parties.
Record seekers may request Chambers County death certificates from the Chambers County Health Department. All interested parties should submit requests with $15.00 payments and a valid ID. Primary ID options include a passport, pilot's license, concealed weapons license, citizenship card, driver's license, or state-issued non-driver ID. For secondary options, requestors may use a voter registration card, property tax bill, military discharge (DD Form 214), fishing or hunting license, or a work ID. Eligible parties should submit applications to:
Chambers County Health Department
5 North Medical Park Drive
Valley, AL 36854
Phone: (334) 756-0758
Fax: (334) 756-0765
In addition to government agencies, county public records may also be obtained from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. Users are able to search third-party websites remotely for multiple records at a time with just the name of the record subject and their last known location, including the city, county, or state. Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
