What are Russell Public Records?
Russell County public records include records created or received by government officers or agencies while carrying out official functions. Under the law, these records should be made available to interested persons upon request. However, some records are considered private. These include:
- Records containing security plans, assessments or procedures
- Juror list information
- Any subpoenas ordered in furtherance of a confidential court case
- Records that contain information on critical infrastructure
- Any records where disclosure will not be in the public interest
Russell County Crime Statistics
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) publishes annual reports on criminal activity in the state. According to the ALEA, Russell County experienced a total of 1,891 index crimes. These include 130 assaults, 315 burglaries, and 11 homicides. Also reported were 83 robberies, 60 rape incidents, and 190 cases of motor vehicle theft. While homicide was the least common crime, the most committed offense was larceny, with 1,094 reported cases. In 2017, the ALEA reported that the county recorded 1,739 index crimes. This shows that the Russell County crime rate increased by 8.74%.
Are Russell County Criminal Records Public?
Russell County criminal records are not public. Under Alabama law, access to criminal law is restricted to qualifying employers seeking information on current or prospective employees. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains the Alabama Background Check System (ABC), an online platform where interested requestors may obtain Russell criminal records after paying an initial annual subscription fee of $95. Thereafter, each check conducted will cost $15.
Criminal history information is also obtainable by completing the ALEA's application form. The process requires that a completed fingerprint card be submitted with the request. The first copy costs $25. Each additional copy costs $5. Checks and money orders should be payable to "ALEA, Criminal Records and Identification Unit." Send the request or visit in person using the following information:
Physical Address:
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 353-4340
Phone: (800) 272-7930
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
How to Obtain Russell County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Obtain police reports and arrest records from the Russell County Sheriff's Office (RCSO). Interested persons may contact the RCSO by mail or in person. Mail requests require written applications with information on the record. Ensure that the request contains involved persons' names, incident date and location, charge information, the arresting officer, and other details specific to the desired report. To obtain a Russell County arrest record or police report, submit the information to the RCSO via one of the following methods:
Physical Address:
Russell County Sheriff's Office
305 Prentiss Drive
Phenix City, AL 3689
Phone: (334) 298-6535
Mailing Address:
Russell County Sheriff's Office
P.O. Box 640
Phenix City, AL 36868
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Russell County
The Russell County Sheriff's Office maintains online records of sex offenders registered in the county. Members of the public can find Russell County sex offenders through name or area searches on the RCSO's offender search. Depending on the search type, provide the offender's first name, last name, address, city, or zip code. The search results display information on each offender, including a physical description, offense details, and a booking photograph. Furthermore, interested persons may register for email alerts to receive notifications whenever there is a change in an inmate's status.
How to Find Russell County Inmate Records
Russell County does not provide online access to records of persons incarcerated in the county. However, the RCSO's website features the most recent bookings into the Russell County Jail. On the page, residents may search through displayed mugshots for recent bookings and access each offender's photograph, full name, and charge information. For more information, contact the RCSO or the Russell County Jail, using the following information:
Russell County Jail
307 Prentiss Drive
Phenix City, AL 36869
Phone: (334) 298-8621
Russell County Sheriff's Office
305 Prentiss Drive
Phenix City, AL 3689
Phone: (334) 298-6535
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Russell County Jail?
Persons looking to visit an inmate at the Russell County Jail may directly reach out to the facility or the Sheriff's Office for registration and scheduling information. Contact either facility using the details below:
Russell County Jail
307 Prentiss Drive
Phenix City, AL 36869
Phone: (334) 298-8621
Russell County Sheriff's Office
305 Prentiss Drive
Phenix City, AL 3689
Phone: (334) 298-6535
Court Records
Russell County has Circuit, District, Probate, and Municipal Courts, with varying levels of authority over county cases. The Russell County Circuit Court is the county's highest, with general jurisdiction over all cases. The Russell County District Court has limited jurisdiction over most misdemeanors and some ordinance violations. It also handles preliminary hearings for felony cases and may handle guilty pleas for any felony case that does not have a death penalty.
The Russell County Probate Court's jurisdiction covers guardianships, conservatorships, administration of estates, adoptions, the probate of wills, and name changes. In some cases, persons may receive approval to transfer certain cases to Circuit Courts from Probate Courts. Lastly, the Russell County Municipal Court exercises jurisdiction over violations of municipal ordinances. Municipal Courts have concurrent jurisdiction with District Courts over criminal offenses that violate municipal or state law.
Locations of Courts in Russell County
Russell County Circuit Court
Russell County Judicial Center
501 14th Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 298-6028
Russell County District Court
Russell County Judicial Center
501 14 Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 298-6028
Russell County Probate Court
1000 Broad Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 298-7979
Fax: (334) 298-7979
Hurtsboro Municipal Court
507 Railroad Street
P.O. Box 358
Hurtsboro, AL 36860
Phone: (334) 667-6381
Phenix City Municipal Court
1111 Broad Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 448-2780
Fax: (334) 291-4765
Are Russell County Court Records Public?
Most Russell County court records are public. Alabama law gives residents the right to inspect and obtain copies of court records from the courts that hear the individual cases. Unless a record is sealed or otherwise considered private by law, courts must grant access to requestors. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, juvenile court proceedings are sealed records. Nevertheless, if the juvenile is eventually adjudicated a delinquent or youthful offender, or the person is convicted, the court may proceed as if the initial sealing does not exceed.
Can You Look up a Russell County Court Case Record?
Persons seeking online access to Russell County court records may use the on-demand access platform. The platform provides a name search, a case number search, and case monitoring. The name search costs $9.99, which includes one case detail. The case number search also costs $9.99, and includes one case detail as well. Images cost $5 for the first 20 pages and 50 cents for each additional page. For lifetime case monitoring, district and circuit cases cost $19.99 and $29.99, respectively.
How to Obtain Russell County Civil Court Case Records
The Russell County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains copies of Russell County civil court case records and issues copies to requestors. To obtain a record, download and complete the request form with identifying information such as names, aliases, and dates of birth. The form also requires a case type, charge information, case number, and an approximate case year. All records filed after January 1, 2005, cost a search fee of $10. The search fee for older records is $25. In addition to these fees, the Clerk's Office charges $5 for the first 20 pages. Each extra page costs 50 cents. A certified record costs an additional $5 charge. Requests typically take one week from the request date. Cases before 1977 may require extra research time. Note that search fees are nonrefundable. Send the request to the:
Russell County Circuit Clerk
Russell County Judicial Center
501 14th Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
How to Obtain Russell County Criminal Court Case Records
Interested persons may obtain Russell County court case records from the Circuit Court Clerk. Each record costs a $25 search fee for records filed before January 1, 2005. The search fee for newer records is $10. Records also cost $5 for the first 20 pages and 50 cents for each additional page. Certification costs an extra $5. While the Circuit Clerk processes most requests within a week, cases filed before 1977 may require more time. Send requests for Russell County criminal court case records to:
Russell County Circuit Clerk
Russell County Judicial Center
501 14th Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
What are Russell County Vital Records?
Russell County vital records contain recorded information on county marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. Interested persons may obtain Russell vital records from the Circuit Clerk or the Russell County Health Department.
Where and How to Obtain Russell County Divorce Records?
The Circuit Clerk's Office provides copies of Russell County divorce records. Unless there are sealed portions, Russell divorce records are public under Alabama law. Interested persons may visit the Circuit Clerk or send written requests. A written application should include the divorced parties' names and the divorce date. Provide these details by mail or in person to the:
Russell County Circuit Court
Russell County Judicial Center
501 14th Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 298-6028
Residents may also obtain divorce certificates from the Russell County Health Department. All residents may obtain certificates for divorces finalized since 1950. Each request costs a $15 search fee, which includes one certified copy of a Russell County divorce certificate, or a Certificate of Failure to Find. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $6. Requests are payable by checks or money orders made out to "State Board of Health." Note that fees are nonrefundable.
To obtain a Russell divorce certificate, complete an application in English or Spanish. Send the completed form with payment to the Health Department or visit using these details:
Russell County Health Department
1850 Crawford Road
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 297-0251
Fax: (334) 291-5478
Where and How to Get Public Marriage Records in Russell County?
Requestors may get copies of Russell County marriage records from the Health Department in the county. Marriage records are public and requestable by all county residents. Each record costs a $15 search fee if a record is found, or a Certificate of Failure to Find if there is no record. Additional copies of the same record cost $6 if ordered simultaneously. If requesting by mail, make payment with a check or money order payable to "State Board of Health."
To request a Russell County marriage certificate, download and complete a request form, also available in Spanish. Enclose the completed form with payment. Send the request or visit the:
Russell County Health Department
1850 Crawford Road
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 297-0251
Fax: (334) 291-5478
Where and How to Find Russell County Birth Records?
The Russell County Health Department maintains copies of county birth records. Alabama law specifies that birth certificates are confidential records for 125 years from the birth date. Within this time frame, access is restricted to the following persons:
- The person named on the birth certificate
- A parent or legal guardian
- Legal spouse
- Child or sibling
- Legal representative
Eligible persons may obtain records of births since 1908. Russell County birth certificates cost a search fee of $15. Additional copies cost $6 each. If a record is found, the search fee includes a certified copy of a Russell birth certificate. Where there is no record, the Health Department will issue a Certificate of Failure to Find. Fees are nonrefundable. To obtain a birth record, send a completed form in English or Spanish, a check or money order made out to "State Board of Health," and a copy of a valid ID. Send the request to:
Russell County Health Department
1850 Crawford Road
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 297-0251
Fax: (334) 291-5478
Where and How to Find Russell County Death Records
Russell County death records are available with the Health Department. For 25 years from the death date, only the following persons may obtain copies of Russell County death certificates:
- The decedent's parents
- The decedent's legal spouse
- The decedent's child, sibling, or grandchild
- A legal representative of the decedent
- Informant named on the death certificate
Russell death records cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. The initial fee includes one certified copy of a death certificate or a Certificate of Failure to Find if no record is found. Send a completed request form in English or Spanish with a valid ID and a check or money order made out to "State Board of Health." Send the request to:
Russell County Health Department
1850 Crawford Road
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 297-0251
Fax: (334) 291-5478
