Mobile County Court Records
Mobile County court records include all papers and documents, information, and exhibits in a civil or criminal judicial proceeding.They typically contain charges, suits, claims, court transcripts, electronic recordings of proceedings, log notes, witness testimony, arrest and search warrants, affidavits, pleadings, orders, judgments, and jury verdicts, amongst others.
Mobile County court records are public records and aid accountability and transparency in the judicial system. By aiding public scrutiny of judicial hearings, these records ensure that the parties' rights are protected.
Are Court Records Public in Mobile County?
Yes. Mobile County court records are generally considered public records. In line with the Alabama Public Records Law, Section 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, all documents and records filed by governmental agencies, boards, commissions, and other public offices shall be open for inspection and copying to members of the public.
While citizens have the right to view and request copies of court records or other government records, access to court records is not absolute. Certain documents are sealed or exempt from public disclosure by court order or statute. These exemptions hinder the divulgence of confidential and high-security information that may jeopardize the safety and privacy of an individual and the security of the state facilities.
Where to Conduct a Mobile County Case Lookup
To conduct a Mobile County case lookup, the searcher should first identify the case type (civil or criminal) and the level of court that has jurisdiction over the case, i.e., probate, circuit, district, municipal, or juvenile court. Interested persons can conduct a Mobile County court case lookup in any of the following places:
- Municipal Court Records: City of Mobile Municipal Court Record Search.
- Probate Court: Records Division of the Probate Court of Mobile County, Alabama.
- Circuit and District Courts: Mobile County State Court Records.
How to Conduct a Mobile County Case Records Search
To conduct a Mobile County case records search inquirers may opt for any one of the following options:
- City of Mobile Municipal Court Record Search
The City of Mobile Municipal Court prosecutes offenders charged with misdemeanors if they occur within its jurisdiction. Residents may visit the Municipal Court to make in-person requests for copies of records generated by the court. The court is open to receive visitors from 8 AM to 4:30 PM on regular working days (Mondays to Fridays except holidays). In-person requesters are advised to contact the courthouse before they visit to be informed of the search protocols, requirements, and fees where applicable.
Alternatively, researchers can conduct an online case search. The City of Mobile Municipal Court has a case search system that provides access to criminal/traffic cases. The suite also provides a platform to look at upcoming court dockets. To find criminal/traffic case records online:
- Visit the Municipal Court case search website
- Select “search cases”.
- Choose a search category: Search by name, citation number, docket number, PD case number, or warrant number, and enter the required details.
- For search by name, input the first and last name of the offender.
- Input the date of birth or driver’s license number and click the search button.
- Records Division of the Probate Court of Mobile County, Alabama
The Records Division of Mobile County Probate Court has an online case management system that indexes official records of the Court, including land, property, and judicial records. To find probate court records:
- Select “Search for Judicial Case” in the “Select topic” menu tray located at the top of the screen/the site header
- Follow the steps to create an account or log in
- Follow the search instructions and provide information on the parties to search.
- Mobile County Circuit and District Court Records
The Alabama Judicial System provides on-demand access to trial court records throughout Alabama. This case search service is called Just One Look. For Mobile County specifically, the service is subscription-free. It gives searchers access to trial court records created by Mobile County circuit and district courts.
Mobile County Civil Court Case Records
A Mobile County civil court case record is an official record of disputes, claims, appeals, judgments, and papers filed and maintained concerning a civil case. Civil cases are typically filed by an aggrieved party, whether a private citizen or a company seeking judicial remedies against another party for civil matters. These civil matters may include trespass, contract disputes, tort claims, personal injury, damage to property, divorce, child custody, land and tenancy issues.
The custodians of civil court case records in Mobile County are the court clerks of the Mobile County Judicial Circuit Court and the Mobile County Probate Court.
Mobile County Criminal Court Case Records
A criminal court case record is a legal document containing all events and documents leading up from arrest to the sentencing in a trial proceeding for a criminal offense. Criminal court case records are created for all court hearings in felony, misdemeanor, simple offenses, and traffic violation trials. To find a criminal court case record in Mobile County, the researcher must identify the court of jurisdiction and contact the court clerk to know the request options available.
Where these options are available: visit the courthouse to view the records in person, mail a record request form, or conduct an online search. However, if it is a juvenile record, the court clerk will reject the request unless the individual can prove their legal interests in the case.
How to Get Court Records Online for Free
Interested persons can get court records online for free using the City of Mobile Municipal Court Record Search site. This service requires the user to create an account before accessing its resources. It gives its users access to case information, court documents, and copies of court documents online.
Alternatively, researchers may use third-party aggregate search sites. Third-party court record sites often collate data from multiple sources to produce results. An advantage of using privately owned sites is that researchers can access all forms of court records in one place. These sites are sometimes free or may require users to purchase subscription plans or opt for one-time payment plans.
Courts in Mobile County
Below are Mobile County courts' names, addresses, and contact information. Researchers may contact or visit the following courthouses to view or submit a court record request in Mobile County:
Mobile Federal Courthouse
155 St Joseph Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Phone: (251) 690-2371
Mobile Municipal Court
205 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Phone: (251) 574-8806
Mobile County Probate Court
Mobile County Government Center Annex
151 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Phone: (251) 574-6000
Email: probatecourt@probate.mobilecountyal.gov.
US District Court
113 St Joseph Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Phone: (251) 690-2371
Mobile County Juvenile Court
2315 Costarides Street
Mobile, AL 36617
Phone: (251) 574-1450
