What are Franklin County Public Records?
Franklin County public records contain information created, received, or maintained by any public officer if required to conduct official duties. In Alabama, public records include maps, documents, and papers. Additionally, written, typed, or printed books are also open to the public.
Alabama law does not require parties to provide reasons for requests. There are also no restrictions on using public records if usage does not contravene any laws. However, the Public Records Law restricts members of the general public from obtaining the following:
- 911 audio recordings
- Confidential medical records
- Sealed court records
- All security records and information where public disclosure would be detrimental to welfare or public safety
- Birth records until after 125 years
- Records that contain a confidential informant’s identity
- Death records until after 25 years
- Public welfare case records that identify applicants or recipients
- Attorney disciplinary proceedings conducted by the Alabama State Bar until the Disciplinary Commission rules the subject guilty or the subject pleads guilty
- All records exempt from public disclosure 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.
Franklin County Crime Statistics
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) provides public access to statewide crime statistics. The ALEA's data for 2019 shows that Franklin County law enforcement agencies recorded a total of 662 offenses. The report shows 123 assault cases, 93 burglary incidents, 2 homicides, 393 larceny offenses, 36 motor vehicle thefts, 13 rape incidents, and 2 robberies. In 2018, the total number of recorded crimes was 317, a 108% increase in crime reports. Furthermore, the ALEA's data shows that crime activity reduced by 19.9% in the five years between 2015 and 2019.
Are Franklin County Criminal Records Public?
According to state law, members of the general public cannot access Franklin County criminal records. The law only provides access to certain employers looking for records on current employees or applicants. However, all citizens can obtain copies of personal criminal records. Also, Franklin criminal records may be available to third parties who provide written and notarized permission from the subjects of the records.
Persons interested in these records can use the ALEA’s Alabama Background Check System (ABC). The platform requires an annual $45.00 subscription, plus $15.00 per record. Requestors must use credit cards to make ABC payments.
Alternatively, record seekers may submit mail requests to the ALEA. Each requestor should send a completed Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information, a $25.00 cashier’s check or money order made out to the “Criminal Records & Identification Unit,” and a valid and current photo ID. Applicants submitting third-party requests should complete the application’s Affidavit for Release Information section and have it notarized. Requestors should submit mail applications to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
Attention: Record Challenge
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
How to Obtain Franklin County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Requestors can obtain Franklin County arrest records and police reports from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff's Office maintains incident reports and only provides copies to the persons who filed the report. Each interested party should visit the office with proper identification, such as a driver's license. Applicants should submit requests to:
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
748 Walnut Gate Road
Russellville, AL 35654
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Phone: (256) 332-8820
Phone: (256) 332-88811 (Administrative)
Email: info@franklinsheriff.org
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Franklin County
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office maintains a public database containing information on sex offenders registered in the county. Anyone can view the Sheriff’s Office’s public list and click a displayed name. Available information on each person includes a full name, photograph, address, date of birth, gender, and physical description. The database also displays the offender’s arrest and charge details, as well as additional info such as limited victim information.
Alternatively, searchers can use the sex offender registry maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Anyone can find records by conducting an area, name, city, internet name, or email search. There is also a separate list with information on all non-compliant sex offenders in the state. Searchers can view detailed information on each sex offender and register to track offenders of interest. Registrants will receive email notifications when there is an update in the offender's status.
How to Find Franklin County Inmate Records
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office allows public access to inmate records via the Franklin County Detention Center Inmate Roster. Record seekers can search a list of current inmates or view a list of persons released within the last 48 hours. Each inmate’s profile shows a full name, booking number, age, gender, race, and limited address information. Other details include booking date and time, charge information, bond details, and a photograph.
Franklin County Court Records
Franklin County has Circuit, District, Probate, and Municipal Courts. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all case types and handles cases where no other court has authority. The District Court’s jurisdiction is limited to certain criminal and civil cases, and hears some ordinance violations, felony preliminary hearings, and most misdemeanors. Both courts share jurisdiction over guilty pleas where there is no death penalty.
The Franklin County Probate Court has authority over adoptions, administration of estates, probate of wills, and name changes. In some cases, Probate Court matters may transfer to the Circuit Court upon request.
Franklin County also has Municipal Courts that handle municipal ordinance violations and share jurisdiction over municipal and state law violations with District Courts.
Locations of Courts in Franklin County
Franklin County Circuit, District, and Probate Courts
Franklin County Courthouse
410 N. Jackson Avenue
Russellville, AL 3563
Phone: (256) 332-8861
Phone: (256) 332-8801 (Probate Court)
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays
Phil Campbell Municipal Court
580 Railroad Street
P.O. Box 489
Phil Campbell, AL 35581
Red Bay Municipal Court
Red Bay City Hall
203 4th Ave SE
Red Bay, AL 35582
Phone: (256) 356-4473
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays
Russellville Municipal Court
400 Jackson Ave N
Russellville, AL 35653
Phone: (256) 332-8700
Fax: (256) 331-0959
Are Franklin County Court Records Public?
Most Franklin County court records are public. All interested persons can identify the court that heard a case of interest and submit official requests there. However, Alabama law prevents public access to confidential or sensitive Franklin court records. Exempted information includes details of adoption cases, juvenile records, and all records sealed or expunged by a court.
How to Obtain Franklin County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court case records are obtainable from the Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s Office. Anyone can request non-confidential court records by contacting the court with details of the record. Requests should include names, dates, charges, and the court's judgment. Parties should note that copies of Franklin County civil court records may cost varying request fees. Applicants should submit requests to:
Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
Franklin County Courthouse
410 N. Jackson Avenue
Russellville, AL 3563
Phone: (256) 332-8861
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts also provides online access to court records and docket information. Using the docket search requires setting a date. However, parties may also add a last name for specific results, or leave the Last Name space blank to view all records on the set date.
For the court record search, requestors must create accounts. The platform charges $9.99 for a name or case number search, payable by credit card. Parties can also search images at $5.00 for the first 20 pages, and 50 cents for each page thereafter. There is also a case monitoring option that costs $19.99 for a District Case and $29.99 for a Circuit Case.
How to Obtain Franklin County Criminal Court Case Records
Anyone can obtain Franklin County criminal court case records from the Circuit Clerk’s Office. All persons interested in non-confidential information should submit record details to the Clerk of Court’s Office. Details should include litigants’ names, court dates, charge information, judgment, sentencing details, and all other known specifics. Record seekers should submit requests to the address below:
Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
Franklin County Courthouse
410 N. Jackson Avenue
Russellville, AL 3563
Phone: (256) 332-8861
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays
Alternatively, interested persons can view desired records online. Citizens can use the docket search provided by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts to find docket information by setting a court date. Users can also streamline search results by adding a last name, or only specifying a date to view all relevant records for that day.
There is also a court records search for public criminal court case records. Parties must first create accounts before searching. Using a case number or a name, each search costs $9.99. Searching images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages and $0.50 for each page after that. The platform also allows users access to lifetime case monitoring at $39.99 for Circuit Cases and $19.99 for District Cases.
What are Franklin County Vital Records?
Franklin County vital records contain information on life events in the county. Vital records are government-generated records of divorces, marriages, births, and deaths. These records are obtainable from the Circuit Court Clerk and the Franklin County Health Department. However, most Franklin vital records remain closed to the public.
Divorce Records
A divorce record serves as official evidence that a marriage has ended. Franklin County divorce records may be divorce decrees or divorce certificates. A divorce decree is a court record that contains extensive divorce details, including the court’s final judgment on divorce issues. On the other hand, a divorce certificate is a simple document that contains basic divorce details, including names, divorce date, and divorce location.
Persons seeking Franklin County divorce decrees should contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Each request should contain the names of parties to the divorce, divorce location, and divorce date. Record seekers should send applications to:
Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
Franklin County Courthouse
410 N. Jackson Avenue
Russellville, AL 3563
Phone: (256) 332-8861
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays
For divorce certificates, interested persons should visit the Franklin County Health Department with a completed vital record application at the following address:
Franklin County Health Department
801 Highway 48
Russellville, AL 35654
Phone: (256) 332-2700
Fax: (256) 332-1563
Marriage Records
A marriage record is a government-generated record that serves as legal proof that a couple finalized marriage rites. Franklin County marriage records are public records accessible from the county Health Department. Each party interested in a Franklin County marriage certificate should send a completed vital record application along with a $15.00 money order or check made out to the “State Board of Health,” to the address below:
Franklin County Health Department
801 Highway 48
Russellville, AL 35654
Phone: (256) 332-2700
Fax: (256) 332-1563
Birth Records
A birth record serves as evidence of a birth and contains the record subject's full name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and parents' full names. Interested persons can visit the Health Department to obtain copies of Franklin County birth records. However, according to Alabama law, members of the general public cannot access birth records for 125 years after the birth. Within the period, persons eligible to obtain these records include:
- The person named on the record
- The person’s legal spouse, sibling, or child
- The person’s parent or legal guardian
- A legal representative requesting on behalf of an eligible person
Each requestor should complete a vital record application and submit in person along with a $15.00 payment and a valid ID. Parties should submit requests for Franklin County birth certificates to:
Franklin County Health Department
801 Highway 48
Russellville, AL 35654
Phone: (256) 332-2700
Fax: (256) 332-1563
Death Records
Franklin County death records contain official information on deaths, such as the decedent’s name and gender, age at death, and date of death. According to Alabama law, only the following persons can access death records for 25 years from the death date:
- The decedent’s parent, child, legal spouse, or sibling
- An eligible party’s legal representative
Each party should visit the Franklin County health department with a completed vital record application, a valid ID, and a $15.00 payment. Franklin County death certificates are available at:
Franklin County Health Department
801 Highway 48
Russellville, AL 35654
Phone: (256) 332-2700
Fax: (256) 332-1563
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.
