Criminal records in Marshall County, Alabama, are available through several channels. MarshallCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court system, law enforcement agencies, and the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court in Guntersville. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and obtaining certified copies of criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Marshall
Start your search by determining exactly what you need: information about a specific case, a criminal history check, or inmate status. Each method requires different data and takes varying amounts of time.
Online Search
- MarshallCourt.us — enter the full name or case number to find publicly available information about criminal cases in Marshall County.
- Alacourt.gov Portal — a unified access system to Alabama's trial court records. Searches are conducted by defendant's name or case number. A fee may be charged for viewing individual cases.
- ADOC Inmate Search — the Alabama Department of Corrections database contains only individuals currently incarcerated. Historical data is not available through this tool.
- ALEA Wanted Persons Search — allows you to check if a person is wanted within the state.
- Sex Offender Registry — a public database by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
Searches typically require:
- Full name of the individual
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
In-Person Visit
The Circuit Clerk's Office in Guntersville has a public access computer through which court records can be searched. Simply contact the office staff — they will assist with navigating the system.
Written Request
To obtain an official criminal history, send a request to the Criminal Records Identification Unit at ALEA. This unit maintains fingerprints and arrest data for all offenders in the state. The request requires submission of fingerprints and the appropriate form.
Search Marshall Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Alabama, court case numbers follow a standard format, and each part carries specific information.
Typical structure of the number:
- County Prefix — a two-digit code identifying Marshall County
- Case Type Code — a letter designation, for example: CC (Circuit Criminal), DC (District Criminal), TR (Traffic)
- Year — the year the case was filed in court
- Sequential Number — a unique number within the year
Example: 27-CC-2024-000123 indicates a circuit court criminal case in the 27th judicial district for the year 2024. If you only have part of the number, try searching by name — the system often shows all related cases.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Marshall
Each criminal case record contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Alabama Criminal Code (Code of Alabama, Title 13A) |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Violation/Infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge — for example, reduce a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings scheduled
- Disposed — the case is concluded: verdict rendered, closed, or dismissed
- Closed — all obligations fulfilled, case fully closed
Types of Hearings
Marshall County is part of the 27th judicial district of Alabama. Cases go through several stages:
- Arraignment — first court appearance, charges announced
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed
- Pre-trial — discussion of procedural issues and possible agreements
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea
- Review — review of probation conditions or other obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court verdict or guilty plea |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict — the prosecutor dropped the charges |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor officially declined to continue prosecution |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration after substantive review |
Note: An arrest warrant is not a public record until it is served. Therefore, some data may be temporarily unavailable.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Marshall
Certified copies are official documents with a court seal, suitable for submission to an employer, attorney, or government agency. A regular printout from the portal does not have this status.
Where to Apply
Circuit Clerk's Office, Marshall County
The clerk handles requests for Circuit and District court cases.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the office with an ID (driver's license or passport). Copies are usually prepared the same day.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the party, case number (if known), type of document needed, and return address. Include a copy of your ID and payment.
State-Level Criminal History Check
For a complete criminal background check through the state database, contact the Alabama Background Check at ALEA. Employers often use this channel. Fingerprints and a completed request form are required.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Marshall
The cost depends on the type of request and the institution processing it. Below are approximate amounts based on current rates.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 – $1.00 | Check with the Circuit Clerk's office |
| Document certification | $1.00 – $5.00 per document | Added to the cost of the copy |
| Criminal history check via ALEA (name-based) | $25.00 | According to ALEA rates |
| Criminal history check via ALEA (fingerprint-based) | $39.50 | Includes federal FBI check |
| Search through Alacourt.gov portal | Fee for viewing individual cases | Cost determined by the system upon access |
Processing Times
- In person at the office — usually the same day or within 1–3 business days
- Mail request to Circuit Clerk — 5 to 15 business days, depending on complexity
- Request to ALEA — 5 to 15 business days; electronic requests are processed faster
Payment is usually accepted in the form of a money order or cashier's check. Some offices also accept credit cards for in-person visits — confirm this in advance by calling the Circuit Court Clerk's office.