Morgan County Inmate Search
What Is Inmate Records In Morgan County?
Inmate records in Morgan County are official documents created and maintained by correctional facilities and the Morgan County Sheriff's Office to document individuals who are or have been held in custody. These records are distinct from court records: while the court system maintains case files, dockets, and judicial orders related to criminal proceedings, the jail and correctional system maintains custody records that track an individual's physical detention status, housing assignment, and behavioral history within the facility.
The record creation process begins at booking or intake, the moment a person is formally processed into custody. At that point, facility staff collect identifying information, document the charges, record bond amounts, and photograph the individual. Records are updated continuously throughout the period of incarceration to reflect changes in housing, disciplinary actions, medical notes, and court appearances. Upon release, the record is closed and archived, though it remains subject to public records laws.
Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public writings maintained by government agencies, which includes custody records held by county sheriff's offices and correctional facilities. The Morgan County Jail operates under the authority of the Morgan County Sheriff's Office and is the primary custodian of local inmate records.
Are Inmate Records Public In Morgan County?
Inmate records in Morgan County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Alabama's Open Records Law. Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes that all citizens of the state have a right to inspect and copy any public writing of the state, including records held by county agencies such as the Sheriff's Office. Certain categories of information — including active investigative materials, medical records, and information that could compromise facility security — may be withheld under recognized exemptions.
The following categories of inmate information are currently accessible to the public:
- Current inmate roster, listing individuals presently held in the Morgan County Jail
- Booking and arrest records, including the date and time of intake
- Charges filed, reflecting the offenses for which the individual is being held
- Mugshots, captured at the time of booking
- Bond and bail amounts, including whether bond has been posted
- Expected release dates, where available and not restricted
- Housing facility assignment, indicating which facility or unit the individual is housed in
Members of the public may access the current inmate roster directly through the Morgan County Sheriff's Office online portal, which is updated on a regular basis.
What's Included in Inmate Records in Morgan County
Inmate records maintained by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office and correctional facilities contain a comprehensive set of data fields organized by category.
Basic Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Race, sex, height, and weight
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- State identification number and FBI number (where applicable)
Custody Information:
- Booking date and time
- Arresting agency
- Current housing facility and unit assignment
- Custody status (pre-trial, sentenced, hold)
Charge Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
- Statute cited for each charge
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond status (posted, unposted, denied)
Court Information:
- Next scheduled court date
- Presiding court and case number
- Attorney of record, if available
Sentence Information (if convicted and serving sentence):
- Sentence length
- Sentence start date
- Credit for time served
Release Information:
- Projected release date
- Release type (bond, sentence completion, transfer, court order)
- Actual release date upon discharge
Morgan County Prison System
Morgan County operates a local jail system designed primarily for pre-trial detention and the housing of individuals serving sentences of typically one year or less. The county jail is administered by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office and is separate from the Alabama state prison system, which is managed by the Alabama Department of Corrections and houses individuals convicted of felonies carrying sentences exceeding one year. Individuals sentenced to state prison may be transferred from the county jail to a state facility following conviction and sentencing.
Morgan County Sheriff's Office 115 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601 (256) 351-4800 Morgan County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office public counter is generally open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Members of the public seeking records or information about inmates are advised to contact the office directly to confirm current counter hours and procedures.
Types of Correctional Facilities In Morgan County
Morgan County currently operates the following correctional facility:
Morgan County Jail (Main Facility and Annex) 115 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601 (256) 351-4800 Morgan County Jail
The Morgan County Jail serves as the primary detention facility for the county. In 2016, construction was completed on a jail annex that added 444 beds for inmate housing, expanding the facility's total capacity significantly. The jail houses pre-trial detainees, individuals serving misdemeanor sentences, and persons awaiting transfer to state correctional facilities. The facility is staffed and operated by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division.
Individuals convicted of felony offenses and sentenced to terms exceeding one year are transferred to facilities operated by the Alabama Department of Corrections. State-level inmate information may be accessed through the Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search portal.
Who's in Prison In Morgan County
The Morgan County Jail houses several distinct categories of individuals at any given time. Pre-trial detainees represent the largest population — persons who have been arrested and charged but not yet convicted, and who remain in custody because they have not posted bond or have been denied bond. The jail also houses individuals who have been convicted of misdemeanor offenses and are serving sentences of one year or less, as well as individuals held on detainers or holds from other jurisdictions, including federal immigration holds and out-of-county warrants. Persons awaiting transfer to state prison following felony sentencing may also be temporarily housed at the county jail. Individuals serving work-release sentences or participating in alternative supervision programs may additionally be counted within the facility's population.
How To Search for Inmate Records In Morgan County in 2026
Members of the public may search for inmate records in Morgan County through several official channels. The following steps outline the available methods:
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Online Roster Search: Visit the Morgan County Sheriff's Office website and access the inmate booking roster, which lists currently held individuals sorted by booking date. Users may search by name or browse the full list.
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Alabama Department of Corrections Search: For individuals who may have been transferred to a state facility, the Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search provides a statewide database of currently incarcerated individuals.
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Court Records Search: For case-related information, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides on-demand access to Alabama state trial court records, including case numbers, charges, and court dates associated with an individual's criminal matter.
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Written Public Records Request: Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, members of the public may submit a written request for inmate records directly to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. Requests should specify the individual's full name, date of birth, and the type of records sought. The Alabama Department of Corrections also accepts formal public records requests using the official public records request form in accordance with the Alabama Open Records Act.
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In-Person Inquiry: Members of the public may visit the Morgan County Sheriff's Office at 115 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601, during regular business hours to make in-person inquiries about current inmates.
How To Find an Inmate in Morgan County for Free?
Several no-cost methods are available for locating an inmate currently held in Morgan County or the Alabama state system.
- Morgan County Jail Roster (Free): The current inmate roster maintained by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office is publicly accessible online at no charge and is updated regularly to reflect current bookings and releases.
- Alabama DOC Inmate Search (Free): The Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search is a free online tool for locating individuals currently held in state correctional facilities. Note that this database contains only currently incarcerated individuals; historical data is not available online.
- Alabama Court Records (Free Basic Access): The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides access to trial court records, which may include custody-related case information, at no cost for basic searches.
- Phone Inquiry: Members of the public may call the Morgan County Sheriff's Office at (256) 351-4800 to inquire about an individual's custody status at no charge.
How To Visit an Inmate In Morgan County
Visitation at the Morgan County Jail is governed by facility rules established by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office Corrections Division. All visitors must comply with applicable regulations to maintain visitation privileges.
Visit Rules and Procedures All visitors must be pre-approved and registered with the facility prior to visiting. Visitors are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification at the time of the visit. Visitors who are themselves on probation or parole may be subject to additional restrictions.
Visit Schedule Visitation schedules are set by the Morgan County Jail and are subject to change based on facility operations, lockdowns, or disciplinary actions. Members of the public should contact the facility directly at (256) 351-4800 to obtain the current visitation schedule.
What to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
What NOT to Bring
- Weapons, contraband, or controlled substances
- Cell phones or electronic devices into the secure visitation area
- Food, beverages, or packages not authorized through official channels
Dress Code Visitors are required to dress appropriately. Clothing that resembles inmate uniforms, exposes excessive skin, or contains offensive imagery may result in denial of entry.
Visit Types The Morgan County Jail may offer in-person contact or non-contact visits, as well as video visitation options depending on current facility capabilities and the inmate's classification status.
Visit Restrictions Visitation may be suspended or restricted as a result of inmate disciplinary actions, facility emergencies, or court orders. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and may be subject to additional approval requirements.
How To Send Money to a Morgan County Inmate
Funds may be deposited into an inmate's commissary account through methods authorized by the Morgan County Jail. Members of the public should contact the facility at (256) 351-4800 or visit the Morgan County Jail page for current approved deposit methods, which may include online deposits through a third-party service provider, kiosk deposits at the facility, or money orders submitted by mail.
Amount Limits: Deposit limits per transaction or per day may apply and are set by the facility or the contracted service provider. Current limits should be confirmed directly with the jail.
Fees: Third-party deposit services typically charge a transaction fee. The fee amount varies by provider and deposit method.
What You Cannot Send: Cash sent directly through the mail is not accepted. Personal checks are generally not accepted. Funds from unverified or unauthorized sources may be rejected.
What the Money Can and Cannot Be Used For: Funds in an inmate's commissary account may be used to purchase approved items from the jail commissary, including hygiene products, snacks, writing materials, and phone time. Commissary funds may not be used to pay fines, court costs, or restitution directly, nor may they be transferred to other inmates.
How To Send Jail Mail In Morgan County
Members of the public may send written correspondence to inmates housed at the Morgan County Jail by following the facility's established mail procedures.
Sending Methods: All incoming mail must be addressed with the inmate's full legal name and booking number, along with the facility address:
Morgan County Jail 115 Lee Street NE Decatur, AL 35601
Mail Rules:
- All incoming mail is subject to inspection by facility staff for contraband and security purposes, consistent with the facility's authority under applicable Alabama law.
- Letters must be written on plain white paper and sent in standard envelopes. Colored paper, stickers, glitter, or other embellishments are typically prohibited.
- Photographs may be permitted subject to size and content restrictions established by the facility.
- Books and publications, if permitted, must be sent directly from a publisher or approved retailer, not from a private individual.
- Mail containing threatening language, coded messages, or references to illegal activity will be rejected and may be forwarded to law enforcement.
- Return address information must be included on all outgoing envelopes; anonymous mail is generally not accepted.
- Inmates may send outgoing mail using postage purchased through their commissary account.