Mobile Public Records /Mobile County Warrant Search

Mobile County Warrant Search

What Is a Search Warrant In Mobile County?

A search warrant in Mobile County is a legally binding court order that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-5-2, a search warrant may be issued when probable cause exists to believe that evidence of a crime, contraband, or other specified items are present at a particular location.

The legal foundation for search warrants in Mobile County stems from both the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 5 of the Alabama Constitution, which protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. These constitutional provisions require that warrants be issued only upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

Search warrants differ significantly from other types of warrants issued in Mobile County:

Arrest Warrants: These authorize law enforcement to take a specific person into custody based on probable cause that the individual has committed a crime.
Bench Warrants: These are court orders issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates court orders.
Civil Warrants: These relate to non-criminal matters and may authorize seizure of property for satisfaction of judgments.

The Mobile County Circuit Court, operating under the authority of the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, oversees the issuance of search warrants within the county jurisdiction in accordance with Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.8.

Are Warrants Public Records In Mobile County?

The public record status of warrants in Mobile County follows a nuanced framework governed by Alabama law. Under the Alabama Open Records Act § 36-12-40, citizens have the right to inspect and copy public records. However, the application of this statute to warrants involves several important distinctions and limitations.

Active warrants in Mobile County maintain different levels of public accessibility depending on their type and status:

Executed Search Warrants: Once a search warrant has been executed and returned to the court, the warrant generally becomes part of the public record, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations.
Active Arrest Warrants: Information about outstanding arrest warrants is typically accessible to the public through the Mobile County Sheriff's Office warrant search system.
Sealed Warrants: Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, certain warrants may be sealed by court order, removing them from public access temporarily.

The Alabama Criminal Code § 15-5-40 provides specific guidelines regarding the confidentiality of certain warrant information, particularly when disclosure might:

Compromise an ongoing investigation
Endanger witnesses or law enforcement personnel
Prejudice the right to a fair trial
Reveal confidential informant identities

Mobile County residents seeking warrant information should be aware that while basic warrant data is generally accessible, detailed information contained within warrant applications, supporting affidavits, and related documents may have restricted access based on the stage of the investigation and court determinations regarding public safety and privacy concerns.

How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Mobile County?

Mobile County residents seeking to determine if they have an active warrant can utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The most direct and reliable methods include:

Mobile County Sheriff's Office Online Warrant Search: The Sheriff's Office maintains an online warrant database that allows individuals to search for active warrants by name. This system provides information related to warrants and other processes issued by Mobile County Courts.
Contact the Mobile County Sheriff's Office directly:

Mobile County Sheriff's Office
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 574-2423
Mobile County Sheriff's Office

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mobile County Circuit Court Clerk's Office: The clerk maintains records of all warrants issued by the court.

Mobile County Circuit Court Clerk
205 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8420
Mobile County Circuit Court

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency: For statewide warrant information, individuals may contact ALEA or utilize their online services.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 517-2800
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

When conducting a warrant search, individuals should be prepared to provide:

Full legal name (including any aliases)
Date of birth
Social Security Number (for in-person inquiries)
Photo identification (for in-person inquiries)

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-22-32, individuals with active warrants are encouraged to address the matter promptly through proper legal channels, as ignoring a warrant may result in additional charges or penalties.

How To Check for Warrants in Mobile County for Free in 2026

Mobile County residents can access warrant information at no cost through several official channels. The following step-by-step process outlines how to conduct a free warrant search:

Utilize the Mobile County Sheriff's Office Online Warrant Search:
- Navigate to the Mobile County Sheriff's Office warrant search portal
- Enter the required search criteria (typically last name, first name)
- Review the results, which will display active warrants within the county jurisdiction
- Note that this database is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time information
Access the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts Public Records:
- Visit the Alabama Judicial System website
- Select the "Just One Look" public access portal
- Create a free account if you don't already have one
- Search by name to view court records that may indicate warrant status
- Be aware that some detailed information may require payment
Check the Alabama Fugitive Database:
- Access the Alabama Fugitive Search maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- Enter search criteria as prompted
- Review results for any statewide warrants
Visit the Mobile County Circuit Court in person:
- Proceed to the public terminals at the courthouse
- Request assistance from court staff to search for warrant information
- Bring identification to facilitate the search process
Mobile County Circuit Court
205 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8420
Mobile County Circuit Court

Public Access Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

When conducting these searches, individuals should be aware that pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, certain court records may have restricted access. Additionally, the Alabama Open Records Act provides for public access to government records while balancing privacy and security concerns.

What Types of Warrants In Mobile County

Mobile County's judicial system issues several distinct types of warrants, each serving specific legal purposes within the criminal justice framework. The primary warrant categories include:

Criminal Warrants:

Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1, these warrants must specify the offense charged and be signed by a magistrate.
Bench Warrants: Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing, violates probation terms, or fails to comply with court orders. These warrants direct law enforcement to bring the person before the court.
Capias Warrants: Similar to bench warrants, these are issued for failure to appear in court but specifically relate to misdemeanor or felony charges rather than civil matters.

Investigative Warrants:

Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specified premises and seize designated evidence or contraband. Under Alabama Code § 15-5-5, these warrants must particularly describe the place to be searched and items to be seized.
Administrative Warrants: Used for regulatory inspections by government agencies, such as health department or code enforcement inspections.

Specialized Warrants:

Material Witness Warrants: Issued to secure testimony from individuals who have material information about a criminal case but are unlikely to appear voluntarily.
Extradition Warrants: Used to authorize the transfer of individuals from Mobile County to other jurisdictions where they face criminal charges.
Governor's Warrants: Special warrants issued in extradition cases involving suspects wanted in other states.

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Court maintain records of these various warrant types, with different procedures for issuance and execution depending on the warrant category and underlying circumstances.

What Warrants in Mobile County Contain

Warrants issued in Mobile County contain specific legally required information that establishes their validity and scope. According to Alabama Code § 15-5-3, all properly executed warrants must include the following essential elements:

Identification Information:

The name of the issuing court and judicial district
The name of the subject (if known) or a detailed physical description if the name is unknown
Date and time of issuance
Case number or reference identifier

Legal Foundation:

Statement of probable cause that justifies the warrant
Citation of the specific Alabama statute(s) allegedly violated
Signature of the issuing judicial officer (judge or magistrate)

Operational Details:

For search warrants: precise description of the location to be searched and items to be seized
For arrest warrants: specific criminal charges and applicable code sections
For bench warrants: nature of the court violation that prompted issuance
Instructions regarding execution (time constraints, notification requirements)

Administrative Elements:

Name and agency of the requesting law enforcement officer
Bond amount (for arrest warrants in bailable offenses)
Return instructions for the executing officer
Expiration date or execution deadline, if applicable

The Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.9 further stipulates that warrants must be executed in a manner consistent with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. After execution, warrants must be returned to the issuing court with documentation of the actions taken, items seized, or arrests made.

Mobile County warrants may also contain special instructions regarding execution, such as "no-knock" provisions in limited circumstances or specific safety protocols when high-risk factors are present.

Who Issues Warrants In Mobile County

In Mobile County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Alabama law. The following officials have the legal capacity to issue warrants within their respective jurisdictions:

Circuit Court Judges: The judges of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama, which serves Mobile County, have the broadest authority to issue all types of warrants throughout the county. These judges preside over felony cases and have jurisdiction over the most serious criminal matters.

District Court Judges: Mobile County District Court judges have authority to issue warrants for misdemeanors and preliminary matters in felony cases. They regularly review and approve warrant applications as part of their judicial duties.

Municipal Court Judges: Judges in the municipal courts of cities within Mobile County (such as the City of Mobile, Prichard, Saraland, etc.) may issue warrants for violations of municipal ordinances and certain misdemeanors occurring within their municipal boundaries.

Magistrates: Court magistrates, who are judicial officers appointed by judges, may be authorized to issue certain types of warrants, particularly in after-hours situations when judges are unavailable. Their warrant authority is typically more limited than that of judges.

The warrant issuance process in Mobile County adheres to the requirements set forth in the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, which mandate that:

Law enforcement officers or prosecutors must present sworn affidavits establishing probable cause
The judicial officer must independently evaluate whether the facts presented constitute probable cause
The warrant must be signed by the issuing judicial officer
The warrant must conform to all statutory requirements regarding form and content

The Mobile County Circuit Court, located at 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36644, serves as the primary venue for warrant applications in serious criminal matters, while the District Court handles a larger volume of warrant requests for less serious offenses.

How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Mobile County

Mobile County residents and interested parties seeking information about outstanding warrants can utilize several official channels to conduct thorough searches. The following methods provide reliable access to warrant information:

Online Resources:

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office warrant search portal provides a searchable database of active warrants issued by Mobile County courts. Users can search by name to determine if warrants exist.
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains the "Just One Look" system that allows public access to court records, which may indicate warrant status in criminal cases.
The Alabama Fugitive Search database maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency provides information on individuals with active warrants statewide.

In-Person Inquiries:

Visit the Mobile County Sheriff's Office Records Division:

Mobile County Sheriff's Office
510 South Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36603
(251) 574-2423
Mobile County Sheriff's Office

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Check with the Mobile County Circuit Court Clerk:

Mobile County Circuit Court Clerk
205 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8420
Mobile County Circuit Court

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Professional Assistance:

Legal representatives can access more detailed warrant information through proper channels on behalf of clients
Bail bond agencies often have access to warrant databases and can verify warrant status

When conducting warrant searches, individuals should be prepared to provide:

Full legal name (including any known aliases)
Date of birth
Social Security Number (for in-person inquiries)
Photo identification (for in-person inquiries)

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-5-14, individuals who discover they have active warrants should consult with legal counsel regarding appropriate steps to address the situation through proper legal channels.

How To Check Federal Warrants In Mobile County

Federal warrants represent a distinct category within the justice system, operating separately from Mobile County's local warrant system. These warrants are issued by federal judges or magistrates for violations of federal law and are processed through the federal court system. Mobile County residents seeking information about federal warrants should understand the following procedures:

Federal Warrant Search Methods:

Contact the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama:

United States District Court, Southern District of Alabama
155 Saint Joseph Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 690-2371
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Alabama

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The clerk's office can provide information about publicly available federal court records that may indicate warrant status.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Resources:

FBI Mobile Field Office
200 North Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 438-3674
FBI Mobile Field Office

While the FBI does not provide direct public access to warrant information, they maintain the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database that contains federal warrant information.
U.S. Marshals Service:

U.S. Marshals Service - Southern District of Alabama
113 Saint Joseph Street, Room 413
Mobile, AL 36602
(251) 690-2500
U.S. Marshals Service

The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for executing federal warrants and may provide limited information about wanted persons.
Federal Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER):

The PACER system provides electronic access to federal court records. While PACER requires registration and charges nominal fees, it can be used to search for federal cases that may indicate warrant status.

Important distinctions between federal and Mobile County warrants include:

Federal warrants are issued under the authority of Title 18 of the United States Code rather than Alabama state law
Federal warrants are executed by federal law enforcement agencies (FBI, U.S. Marshals, etc.) rather than local police
Federal warrants typically involve violations of federal statutes, interstate crimes, or crimes on federal property
Federal warrant information is not included in Mobile County's local warrant database

Individuals with concerns about possible federal warrants should consult with an attorney experienced in federal criminal matters, as federal charges often carry significant penalties.

How Long Do Warrants Last In Mobile County?

Warrants issued in Mobile County remain legally valid for varying periods depending on their type and the nature of the underlying offense. The duration of warrant validity is governed by both Alabama state law and judicial practice within the county.

Arrest Warrants: Under Alabama Code § 15-10-3, standard arrest warrants in Mobile County do not expire and remain active until one of the following occurs:

The warrant is executed (the subject is arrested)
The warrant is recalled by the issuing judge
The case is dismissed or otherwise resolved
The statute of limitations for the underlying offense expires

Search Warrants: Search warrants in Mobile County have significantly shorter validity periods. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.10, search warrants must be executed within 10 days of issuance. After this period, the warrant expires and law enforcement must obtain a new warrant if they wish to conduct the search.

Bench Warrants: Similar to arrest warrants, bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court or violation of court orders generally remain active indefinitely until the subject appears before the court or the warrant is withdrawn by judicial order.

Warrant Limitations Based on Offense Type: While the warrants themselves do not expire, the ability to prosecute may be limited by Alabama's statute of limitations:

For most misdemeanors: 1 year from the commission of the offense
For most felonies: 5 years from the commission of the offense
For certain serious felonies (including murder, arson, forgery): No statute of limitations

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants regardless of age, and these warrants remain in law enforcement databases until formally resolved. This means that even decades-old unexecuted warrants may result in arrest if the individual encounters law enforcement.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Mobile County?

The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Mobile County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. The process follows a structured sequence governed by Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure and local judicial practices.

Standard Search Warrant Timeline:

Preparation Phase: 1-3 days
- Law enforcement officers gather evidence establishing probable cause
- Officers prepare the warrant application and supporting affidavit
- Prosecutors may review the application for legal sufficiency
Judicial Review: Several hours to 1 day
- The completed application is presented to a judge or magistrate
- The judicial officer reviews the application to determine if probable cause exists
- Questions or clarifications may be requested from the applying officer
Issuance: Typically same day as judicial review
- Upon finding probable cause, the judge signs the warrant
- The warrant becomes legally valid upon signature
- Administrative processing and documentation are completed

Expedited Procedures:

In emergency situations, Mobile County has established protocols for expedited warrant processing:

Electronic Submission: Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.8(b), warrant applications may be submitted electronically in urgent situations
On-Call Judges: Mobile County maintains a rotation of judges available after hours for emergency warrant requests
Telephonic Warrants: In limited circumstances, verbal authorization may be granted followed by formal documentation

For cases involving imminent danger, destruction of evidence, or other exigent circumstances, warrants may be obtained in as little as 1-2 hours through these expedited channels.

The Mobile County Circuit Court and District Court coordinate warrant processing through their respective clerk's offices:

Mobile County Circuit Court
205 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36644
(251) 574-8420
Mobile County Circuit Court

Once issued, search warrants in Mobile County must be executed within 10 days, after which they expire and a new warrant must be obtained if the search is still necessary.

Search Warrant Records in Mobile County

Warrant Search | Mobile County Sheriff's Office

Online Services | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Alabama Fugitive Search

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts

Mobile County - Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama

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