Jefferson County Court Records
A court record is any paper, document, or related writing issued or filed with a Jefferson County court. They offer a detailed account of hearings, orders, motions, judgments, trials, and other legal activities within a court case. The Circuit Clerks of the Birmingham Division and Bessemer Division are the custodians of court records in Jefferson County. These clerks maintain court records in compliance with the Alabama Rules of Court.
Jefferson County court records offer transparency, accountability, and historical accuracy of the judicial processes of the County's courts. This transparency further provides citizens with clarity on how the legal system works. In general, Jefferson County Public Records are cited to verify or validate that due process is followed during litigation or otherwise.
Are Court Records Public in Jefferson County?
Yes. The Alabama Open Records Law enables members of the public to have access to court records stored within the Jefferson County court system. Thus, any individual can request to access or duplicate court records maintained by any Jefferson County at all levels.
On the contrary, some specific court records are exempt from The Alabama Public Records Law, implying that members of the public cannot view these records. The court records that are excluded from public access in Jefferson County include:
- Records that are confidential or sealed
- Records that are recognized as attorney-client privileged
- Records that are associated with existing investigations
- Records can reveal sensitive information and secrets or would be invasive into a person's private life.
- Records concerning individuals who are minors or related to juvenile delinquency, juvenile dependency, adoption, or mental health
What Do Jefferson County Court Records Contain?
Jefferson County court records comprise information concerning legal proceedings that occurred within the County, such as:
- Case number
- Case classification
- Filed date
- Case status
- Hearings (date, location/room, type, and status)
- Party information (role, name, status, and representation)
- Docket entries (filed date, type, subtype, description, name of the person who submitted the docket)
- Case document (name, type, pages, and size)
Where to Conduct a Jefferson County Case Lookup
Interested individuals can perform a court case lookup in Jefferson County at the following places:
These agencies offer users access to electronic (paperless) and paper court case records.
How to Conduct a Jefferson County Case Records Search
An individual can search case records online or in person at Jefferson County Courts. The Just One Look portal provides access to court records online for a fee. The search criteria are by name or case number. A name and case number search costs $9.99, respectively. Court record images cost $5 for the first 20 pages and $0.50 per page thereafter. An account must be created with an active email address to use the portal.
During business hours, in-person requests can be made at the Jefferson County Circuit or District Courts. Requests can be made from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. The court staff would need a case number or party name to process the search. The requester will receive the desired case record when the necessary fees have been paid.
Jefferson County Civil Court Case Records
A civil court case record is an extensive documentation of legal proceedings about non-criminal controversies or disputes between two or more persons or legal entities handled in civil courts. The Jefferson County Circuit Court Civil Division has exclusive original jurisdiction of all civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $10,000. The court also has original jurisdiction concurrent with the District Court in all civil cases in which the matter in controversy exceeds $3,000. The Jefferson County District Court has a civil jurisdiction that hears all civil cases in which the matter in controversy is less than $20,000.
A person can request to view or obtain copies of civil court case records online or in person at the Jefferson County District or Circuit Court. Online requests can be made through the Just One Look portal for $9.99. The search criteria are by name or case number. Individuals who want to visit any of the courts to retrieve court case information must know the party name or case number of the record. This helps to facilitate the search and can sometimes save costs. Requests should be made during business hours.
Jefferson County Criminal Court Case Records
Jefferson County criminal court records are documents filed or created about legal situations where a person or organization has been sued for breaking state or federal laws. The Jefferson County District Court Criminal Jurisdiction and Circuit Court Criminal Division handle criminal cases like misdemeanors and felonies at different levels. Jefferson County Courts have an online portal where individuals can find criminal case records for $9.99. Alternatively, records seekers can visit the courthouse where a case was handled to request criminal court records. A case number or name will be required to facilitate the search. Court record searches can only be done during regular business hours.
How to Get Court Records Online for Free
According to Rule 33 of the Alabama Rules Of Judicial Administration (APRA), members of the public in Alabama are granted access to electronically stored records maintained by Jefferson County Court Clerks. However, requesters must pay a small fee to access court records online.
Courts in Jefferson County
Below is an overview of the addresses of all the courts in Jefferson County:
Jefferson County Courthouse
716 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. N.
Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 325-5355
Bessemer Judicial Building
1851 Second Ave N.
Bessemer, AL 35020
Phone: (205) 497-8510
Jefferson County Family Court
120 2nd Ct. North
Birmingham, AL 35204
Phone: (205) 325-5491 (Birmingham)
(205) 481-4225 (Bessemer)
Jefferson County District Criminal Court
207 Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center
801 Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd. North
Birmingham, AL 35203
