Search Shelby County DUI Records

Shelby County DUI records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk office in Columbiana. The 18th Judicial Circuit handles all DUI cases filed in Shelby County. This is one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama with over 230,000 residents. Mary H. Harris has served as Circuit Clerk for over 51 years, making her the longest-serving clerk in the state. All DUI convictions in Shelby County are public and stay on file for life.

Shelby County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk in Shelby County keeps all DUI court records. Mary H. Harris has been clerk for over 51 years. Her office handles case filings, stores court documents, and provides copies of DUI records. Staff can help you find old and new cases alike. The office is on North Main Street in Columbiana. Shelby County stays open during lunch, which makes it easier to visit.

In Shelby County, DUI records include the arrest report, court filings, and final judgment. The clerk can look up cases by name or case number. Copies cost $1.00 per page at the office. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document. The office also handles passport services by appointment at (205) 670-5270. Staff in Columbiana process many DUI records requests each week given the large population of Shelby County.

How to Search DUI Records

You can search for DUI records in Shelby County online or in person. Online searches work best for basic case info. In-person visits let you see the full file. Both methods give you access to DUI records going back many years. Pick the way that works for your needs in Shelby County.

Alacourt is the state court records system that covers Shelby County. It has all DUI cases from the 18th Judicial Circuit. You can search by name or case number. The fee is $9.99 per name search. This includes one case view. Extra cases cost $9.99 each. Document images cost $5.00 for 1-20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Shelby County DUI records online.

To search DUI records in Shelby County, you need:

• Full name of the person
• Date of birth helps narrow results
• Case number if you have it
• Approximate date of arrest

You can also visit the clerk office in Columbiana to search in person. Staff can look up cases and make copies for you. Bring your ID when you go. The clerk can search by name or case number. Shelby County keeps DUI records for decades. The office stays open during lunch, so you have more time to visit than in many other Alabama counties.

Alabama DUI Laws

DUI laws in Alabama apply to all Shelby County cases. Under Code of Alabama § 32-5A-191, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher. Drivers under 21 face a 0.02% limit. Commercial drivers have a 0.04% limit. These rules apply to every DUI arrest in Shelby County.

Alabama uses a 10-year look-back period for DUI sentencing. Prior DUI convictions from the past 10 years count toward enhanced penalties. A first DUI is a misdemeanor in Shelby County. A second DUI within 10 years brings harsher fines and more jail time. A third DUI can mean up to a year in jail. A fourth DUI within 10 years becomes a Class C felony with up to 10 years in prison. Shelby County courts follow these state rules for all DUI cases.

Key facts about DUI records in Shelby County:

• DUI convictions are permanent in Alabama
• DUI cannot be expunged under the REDEEMER Act
• Only dismissed charges may be cleared
• Records are public under state law

Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, court records are public. Anyone can ask to see DUI case files in Shelby County. You do not have to be a party to the case. This open records law helps people check DUI history for jobs, housing, and other needs.

Shelby County Sheriff Office

The Shelby County Sheriff makes DUI arrests across the county. Deputies patrol roads and respond to calls about drunk drivers. When they make a DUI arrest, an arrest record is created. This record is separate from the court case file. The sheriff keeps booking info and arrest logs in Shelby County. The office has an online inmate search tool.

You can check the inmate listing at inmatelisting.shelbyal.com to see if someone is in jail on a DUI charge. For arrest records, contact the sheriff office. They may have info on recent DUI arrests that have not yet gone to court. For older cases and court outcomes, the Circuit Clerk is the better source in Shelby County.

DUI Record Fees

Shelby County has set fees for DUI records and court copies. These fees apply at the Circuit Clerk office in Columbiana. Costs can change, so call to check rates. Most people pay by cash or money order. Some offices take cards, so ask when you visit Shelby County.

Main fees for DUI records in Shelby County:

• Alacourt online search: $9.99 per name
• Document images online: $5.00 for 1-20 pages
• In-person copies: $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 per document
• ALEA criminal history: $25.00
• Driver record (MVR): $5.75

For a complete criminal history that includes DUI arrests from Shelby County and statewide, go through ALEA. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency runs background checks for $25.00. This shows all DUI convictions on file. Visit alea.gov to learn more about statewide DUI records that include Shelby County data.

State DUI Record Resources

Several state agencies can help you find DUI records from Shelby County. These cover the whole state and include local data. Use them when you need more than court records or want to check full DUI history across Alabama.

The main state resources for DUI records:

• ALEA Criminal Records for background checks
• Alacourt Public Access for court case searches
• Alabama DL Portal for driving records
• AlaPay for paying court fines

In Shelby County, most people start with Alacourt for DUI case info. If you need the full picture, add a driving record from ALEA. The driving record shows license actions like suspensions from DUI arrests. It costs $5.75 and can be ordered online. For jobs that require background checks, the $25.00 ALEA criminal history is the most complete option for Shelby County residents.

Cities in Shelby County

Shelby County has many cities. All of them file DUI cases at the Shelby County Circuit Court. Part of Hoover is in Shelby County. If a DUI arrest happens in the Shelby County part of Hoover, the case goes to Columbiana.

Other cities in Shelby County include Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, Chelsea, and Montevallo. All DUI cases from these cities are filed at the Shelby County Circuit Court in Columbiana.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Shelby County. Check the arrest location to find the right county for records. DUI cases are filed where the arrest happened.