Morgan County Warrant Records
Morgan County warrant records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Decatur. The sheriff handles all active warrants for this area. Morgan County is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit. Judges and magistrates in this circuit issue arrest warrants, search warrants, and bench warrants. You can search for warrant records by contacting the sheriff or using online tools where available.
Morgan County Quick Facts
Morgan County Sheriff Office
The Morgan County Sheriff's Office maintains all active warrant records for the county. Deputies execute warrants and bring people to court. The office handles warrant status checks and provides copies of warrant records. Over 20,000 active warrants on file with online database
| Office | Morgan County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Location | Decatur, Alabama |
| Phone | (256) 351-4800 |
| Online Access | morgancountysheriffal.gov/warrants.php |
How to Search Morgan Warrants
There are several ways to check for warrants in Morgan County. The method you choose depends on what information you need and how quickly you need it. Some options are free while others have small fees.
Call the sheriff's office first. This is the most direct way to check warrant status in Morgan County. Call (256) 351-4800 with the person's name and date of birth. Staff can tell you if there are active warrants. Many questions can be answered by phone. Some may require an in-person visit with valid photo ID.
Online search is available for Morgan County. Visit morgancountysheriffal.gov/warrants.php to search for warrants. You can look up names to find active warrant information. This is a fast way to check from home at any time.
Visit the sheriff's office in person in Decatur. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can search warrant records and provide copies. In-person requests may get faster results for detailed information. The office is open during normal business hours Monday through Friday.
Types of Warrants in Morgan County
Morgan County courts issue several types of warrants. Each serves a different purpose. Knowing the type helps you understand what the warrant means.
Arrest warrants are the most common type in Morgan County. A judge signs one when there is probable cause that someone committed a crime. The warrant orders officers to arrest the person and bring them to court. Under Code of Alabama § 15-7-4, arrest warrants must be based on sworn complaints.
Bench warrants issue when someone misses a court date in Morgan County. The judge orders the arrest right from the bench. These are common for failure to appear. If you miss a scheduled hearing, a bench warrant may be issued that day.
Search warrants allow officers to search a place or person in Morgan County. They must list what will be searched and what police are looking for. Under Code of Alabama § 15-5-12, search warrants expire after 10 days if not executed.
Capias warrants issue when someone fails to follow a court order in Morgan County. This includes not paying fines, not completing community service, or violating probation terms.
What Morgan Warrants Contain
Warrant records in Morgan County include specific information required by Alabama law. This helps identify the person and explains why the warrant was issued.
An arrest warrant in Morgan County contains:
- Name of the person or physical description
- The criminal offense charged
- Command to arrest and bring to court
- Bail amount if set by the judge
- Court date for first appearance
- Issuing judge's signature
Under Rule 3.2 of the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, all warrants must follow a specific format. The Morgan County Sheriff keeps records of every warrant issued in the county.
Are Morgan Warrants Public?
Most warrant records are public in Morgan County. Code of Alabama § 36-12-40 gives citizens the right to inspect public records. You do not have to be a party to the case. You do not need a reason to request records.
Some limits apply to warrant access in Morgan County. Juvenile cases are sealed. Some search warrants stay sealed until executed. Mental health warrants are confidential. But most adult criminal warrants are open to anyone who asks.
Warrants in Morgan County remain active until resolved. They do not expire. A warrant from years ago is still valid today. The only ways to clear a warrant are arrest, voluntary surrender, or court recall.
Morgan County Warrant Fees
Fees for warrant searches and records vary in Morgan County. Many basic checks are free. Copies and detailed records may have costs.
The sheriff's office often checks warrant status by phone for free. If you need written records or copies, expect to pay. Copy fees run about $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. Call ahead to ask about current fees.
The statewide Alacourt system charges $9.99 per name search. This shows court cases from Morgan County and all other Alabama counties. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages.
ALEA background checks cost $25. These cover the entire state and go back 7 years by default. You can request up to 30 years of history. Processing takes 4-5 weeks by mail.
State Resources for Morgan County
In addition to the Morgan County Sheriff, state agencies can help with warrant and criminal record searches.
| Alacourt Access | Court records for all 67 counties - pa.alacourt.com |
|---|---|
| ALEA Criminal Records | State background checks - (334) 242-4371 |
| ALEA Fugitive Search | High-profile wanted persons - ALEA Fugitive Database |
Cities in Morgan County
These major cities are located in Morgan County. City residents may have warrants at both the municipal and county level. Check both the city court and county sheriff for complete warrant information.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Morgan County. If you are unsure which county handles your warrant, check your address. You must contact the right county sheriff for accurate information.