\n
When performing a background check, Alabama has an open records law that allows (with limited exceptions) anyone to search public records in the state.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
In general, the most common exceptions that would cause certain information not to be available to the public include records that are sealed due to expungement or due to the fact that the crimes were committed by a juvenile and the criminal records were sealed, as well as records that are part of ongoing investigations.<\/p>\n
Find Alabama Public Records Through County Clerks<\/h3>\n
When obtaining information for a background check, Alabama records can most easily be accessed through the various county clerk offices throughout the state.<\/b> This is especially useful for individuals trying to find criminal history information on a specific individual or for those who need to know how to run a background check on yourself.<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that the county clerk will only have criminal history information, so individuals who need a complete background check should go through the state police<\/i><\/b>. Information on getting an Alabama background check through the state police is outlined further down.<\/p>\n
Finally, the last thing to consider before attempting to find public records through the county clerk is that each clerk will only have criminal history information for the specific county.<\/i> Knowing what county the individual being searched has lived in, is essential. Performing an address lookup or who lives here search can be helpful in finding the right county to search.<\/p>\n
Detailed steps for obtaining criminal history information through the county clerk include:<\/p>\n
Step 1: Locate the Correct Circuit Court<\/b><\/p>\n
The state of Alabama has a district court specific to each county. In order to obtain criminal history information for an individual, the first step is to identify the court where the case was held.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Contact the Court Directly\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
The final step is to contact the court by mail or email with the records request. In general, case information and\/or the name of the individual should be enough for the clerk to perform the search and return the findings back to the requester.<\/p>\n
Below is a list of the county clerk website for every county in Alabama<\/p>\n
Find Alabama Court Records (Just One Look Alabama)<\/h3>\n
Alabama court records can also be accessed through the Alabama Public Access to Court Records Portal. Detailed steps to use the online court records system are outlined below.<\/p>\n
Step 1: Access the Just One Look website.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
The Alabama online court records system can be accessed through the website of any district court or by using the Just One Look link.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Create an Account<\/b><\/p>\n\n
Find state court records for an Alabama background check by using the state\u2019s Just One Look portal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
In order to search the online court records portal, individuals must first create an account. Only basic contact information is required to create an account such as a name and email address.<\/p>\n
Step 3: Perform Search and Pay Search Fees<\/b><\/p>\n
With an account created, simply perform the search on the homepage of the online portal. Searches can be completed using the first and last name of an individual or by entering the case number, if a specific case is being searched for. (Knowing the middle name of the person can also help narrow search results.)<\/p>\n
Both a case number search and a name-based search cost $10 to complete. Images of the information can also be purchased for $5 for the first 20 pages and an additional $0.50 per page thereafter.<\/p>\n
There is also the option to receive updates on a case for the lifetime of the proceedings for $19.99 for a district case and $29.99 for a circuit case.<\/p>\n
Criminal Background Check: Alabama Fingerprint Process<\/h2>\n
Certain jobs may require more extensive background checks that require fingerprints. The Alabama state police is in charge of these checks and provides the required fingerprinting services.<\/p>\n
In most states the local sheriff\u2019s department will be able to provide criminal history information for the county, however Alabama Sheriff\u2019s departments refer individuals to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for all records requests.<\/p>\n
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is in charge of all criminal history information for the state. Detailed steps on how to obtain Alabama Criminal History Record Information is outlined below.<\/p>\n
Step 1 : Access the Website of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Once the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website has been accessed, simply navigate to the services page and select the \u201ccriminal history information,\u201d link.<\/p>\n
\n
Criminal History Record Information is available through the Alabama state police website, using fingerprints to search records.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Step 2: Fill out the Provided Form<\/b><\/p>\n
Selecting the \u201cCriminal history information,\u201d link will take users to the ALEA Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information (CHRI). The form can be printed and filled out by hand.<\/p>\n
Step 3: Provide Required Information and Submit Application<\/b><\/p>\n
The application has detailed instructions on page 3. These instructions include what information to include on the form, where and how to get fingerprinted, information regarding paying the application fee, and how and where to submit the completed form and accompanying documents.<\/p>\n
Alabama Background Check for Employment<\/h2>\n
Many jobs in the state require a specific background check Alabama. Jobs such as those relating to child care or jobs involved with other vulnerable groups require additional and specific checks compared to those on traditional pre-employment background checks. Specific checks that are required for various jobs in the state of Alabama are outlined below.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Background Check Alabama Teachers<\/h3>\n
Teachers in the state of Alabama must go through a background check that is mandated by the Alabama Department of Education. The check includes a typical national criminal history information check as well as several other checks specific to teachers, such as child abuse and neglect registry checks and others.<\/p>\n
Background checks are performed through a 3rd party company, more information can be found on their website. In general, basic contact information such as a name, address and social security number will be required as part of the check. Fingerprints are also required as part of the check with specific information as to how and where to get official fingerprints outlined in the provided link.<\/p>\n
The background check application fee is $48.15<\/p>\n
\n
Department of Education applicants in in the state must undergo a background check, Alabama provides the resources required on the DOE website.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Healthcare Background Check AL<\/h3>\n
Individuals who work in the healthcare field in Alabama must also undergo a background check that is specific to their profession. This check includes all of the basic checks as well as checks of additional databases such as the FDA Debarment list, as well as several other databases that keep track of abuse and fraud in the healthcare industry.<\/p>\n
Specific details and steps for a background check in Alabama that is specific to the healthcare field <\/b>can be found here.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\nEducation Background Check Alabama<\/h3>\n
Individuals who work in education are generally subject to the same background check as teachers. Information for specific checks and how to submit an Alabama department of education background check can be found here.<\/p>\n
Alabama Child Care Background Check<\/h3>\n
Child Care background checks are generally one of the most thorough in the entire country and Alabama is no different. There are specific federal laws that dictate specific checks that anyone will be unsupervised with children must undergo. These checks include the normal criminal history checks as well as the following:<\/p>\n