Alabama Warrant Search

An Alabama warrant is a judge-issued writ that gives local law enforcement agencies, such as the Baldwin Sheriff’s Office or Huntsville Police Department, the right to conduct arrests or search a location. Warrants are typically issued when there is probable cause to suspect someone of committing a criminal offense within the state. 

Most warrants provide key details such as:

• The subject's personal information
• Date the warrant was issued
• Arrest or summon charges
• Warrant degree
• Warrant number
• Name of the court and the judge who issued the warrant issue
• Bail amount (if any)
• Court appearance date (if applicable). 

Generally, residents and non-residents may perform an Alabama warrant search through authorized custodians who issued or executed the warrant. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) may also grant interested persons access to current criminal records, which include a history of any warrants issued on the subject.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA),
State Bureau of Investigation
PO Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511

Are Warrants Public Records in Alabama?

Yes, The Alabama Public Records Law under Al. Code §36-12-40 classifies warrants as public records. As such, almost anyone may view and copy them, except otherwise expressly provided by state statute.

However, certain warrants may not be subject to public disclosure. For example, unexecuted search warrants are undisclosed to the public since their disclosure may impact their execution. Likewise, in places such as Mobile County,  Jefferson County, or Baldwin County, the warrant office may not release warrant information to the general public because of privacy policies. 

Residents may check for warrants in person by visiting the County Sheriff's Correctional Center booking office or taking a photo ID to any local law enforcement agency. Ultimately, warrants are kept confidential if public disclosure affects the investigation's progress or an individual's safety. 

Types of Warrants in Alabama

Circuit judges issue several types of warrants for specific administrative or judicial reasons, some of which may include:

• Arrest Warrants: An arrest warrant is a written court order issued by the circuit, district, or municipal court judge demanding the immediate arrest and detention of a named individual for an offense. 
• Search Warrants: A search warrant is a legal authority to search an individual's residence for evidence of a crime.
• Alias Warrants:  Issued when a writ of execution is returned not satisfied or satisfied only in part (Section 15-11-5).
• Civil Capias Warrant: A Capias warrant is issued in an Alabama civil court case for a person who has already appeared before a judge and has pleaded guilty or been found guilty. 
• Recall Warrants: A recall warrant is a court order to an issuing entity or peace officer that authorizes the cancellation of a subject's warrant of arrest.

What is a Search Warrant in Alabama?

A search warrant is an official document issued by a local judge that authorizes the examination or search of a location or property (Alabama Code §15-5-1). Like arrest warrants, search warrants are generally issued on probable cause and supported by an affidavit describing the warrant's subject and the property to be searched.

Some of the grounds on which a search warrant may be issued include: 

• Where the property was unlawfully obtained (stolen or embezzled)
• Where the property is suspected to be used as the means of committing a felony under the laws of the State of Alabama or any political subdivision thereof
• Where the property is in the possession of any subject with the intent to use it as a tool for committing a public offense, or in the custody of an accomplice to whom he may have delivered it to conceal its discovery
• Where the property is suspected to constitute crucial evidence of a criminal offense under the laws of the State of Alabama 

Only the authorized officers to whom the search warrant is directed may execute the search, or by no other person in aid of such officer at their request, the officer being present and acting in the warrant's execution. A search warrant must be executed and returned to the judge or the magistrate by whom it was issued within 10 days after its date; if not executed after such time, it is void. (Al. Code §15-5-2).

How Long Does It Take to Get a Search Warrant?

Alabama law does not specify the time required to issue a warrant. The timeline predominantly depends on the judge and the convincing power of the requesting peace officer. An Alabama judge may only issue and sign a search warrant once the probable cause for a search and seizure is verified. 

What is an Arrest Warrant in Alabama?

In Alabama, a  "warrant of arrest" is an official document ordering the apprehension and detention of a defendant before a court appearance (Al code § 15-7-4). The warrants may include or exclude the arrestee's name depending on available information. However, the alleged offense, the county where it was issued, and the judge's or magistrate's signature must appear on the warrant. Additionally, arrest warrants must be issued and executed by "any lawful state officer."

Warrants are also executed in the county where they were issued unless the defendant is in another county. In this case, it may be executed by any law enforcement officer having the warrant or writ except as provided by §15-10-11.

Arrest Warrant Lookup in Alabama

To conduct a warrant lookup in Alabama, interested persons may visit the county Sheriff's Office or local court in person during office hours. The requester must provide the name, ID, or date of birth of the subject of the warrant. 

Most counties, like Baldwin County Sheriff's Office Warrant and Report Division, work closely with Court Clerks, Judges, and District Attorneys to process arrest warrants. The Warrant Office processes approximately 18,000 warrants per year. 

How to Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Alabama

A quick, direct way to determine if you have a warrant in Alabama is to visit the police station, superior court, or sheriff's office within your jurisdiction.  The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) also grants citizens and residents access to current criminal records, including warrant history, through the Alabama Background Check System. Inquirers may fill out and submit a Criminal History form, provide a photo ID, and pay a $25 money order or cashier's check to complete this process. 

Requesters may also find out if they have a warrant in Alabama via their designated county's website or office address. Counties like Barbour County, Calhoun County, and Dale County maintain records of active search and arrest warrants.

Some third-party websites also maintain records of issued or executed warrants. However, since these sites are not government-owned, their information may vary or be inaccurate.

Free Warrant Search in Alabama

Interested persons may visit local law enforcement departments within their jurisdiction to request a free warrant search in Alabama. Requesters may also call or use the self-service computers available in the courthouse lobby to search for these documents at no cost. However, inquirers requiring copies of the document must pay a fee to cover the cost of reproduction. 

How Long Can Police hold my Phone Without a Warrant in Alabama?

Law enforcement agencies in Alabama are allowed by law to seize a phone temporarily without a warrant. This is permitted under the conditions that they believe there is evidence of crime on it, or they do not want such evidence destroyed before a warrant is obtained. 

Generally, officers cannot search the phone's content without obtaining a warrant. According to the Fourth Amendment, a search warrant is required before a seizure or search can be executed. This warrant is issued where probable cause is proven. While there is also no specific time within which law enforcement agencies like the Alabama Police Department may hold your phone, they are expected to do so within a reasonable time of your detention or investigation. 

Section 5 of the Alabama Constitution protects residents from searches and seizures without a warrant, which mirrors the Fourth Amendment. There are also exceptions according to state laws, which are:

• Giving consent
• Searches done relating to a lawful arrest may lead to seizure of your phone according to Alabama Code § 15-5-1
• An inventory search of a lawfully detained property can lead to the seizure of a phone found in the property.
• Special circumstances, such as an immediate danger to the public

It must be noted that any exception that allows a seizure without a warrant may still require a warrant for the phone to be searched.

How to Find Out If Someone Has A Warrant Online

Generally, almost anyone may make an Alabama online warrant search using the sheriff's office search tool or online options provided by the issuing local courts. Such searches typically require related details, like the subject's first or last name. Third-party websites may also offer online warrant search services for interested persons at a nominal fee.

How Long Do Warrants Last in Alabama

Generally, warrants issued by a judge or magistrate remain valid until the person is arrested, brought to court, or if the court decides to recall the warrant. The court may also issue an alias writ per §15-11-5 if a defendant fails to appear on the day an examination is adjourned.