Search Alabama Court Records
Alabama court records are kept by Circuit Court Clerks in each of the state's 67 counties. The clerk's office in each county serves as the main place to file cases and get copies of court papers. The state runs a system called Alacourt that gives online access to trial court records. This includes civil, criminal, domestic, and traffic cases. You can search case files online through Alacourt Access or go to the courthouse in person. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 says court records are public records. Alabama residents can inspect them. The Circuit Clerk handles records for both Circuit and District Courts in each county.
Alabama Court System Quick Facts
How to Search Alabama Court Records
The main way to search Alabama court records is through Alacourt Access. The state runs this system through the Administrative Office of Courts. It holds trial court records from all 67 counties in one place. You can search by a person's name or by case number. Most people start their search here since it covers the whole state. The system shows both active cases and closed ones, though some older records may not be in the database yet.
Online Search via Alacourt Access
The Alacourt Access site at pa.alacourt.com lets the public look up Alabama trial court records. The system has civil cases, criminal cases, family court matters, and traffic tickets. Here's how to do a search:
- Navigate to the Alacourt Access website
- Select Name Search or Case Number Search
- Enter the required search criteria
- Pay the applicable search fee
- Review the search results
Search results show case numbers, party names, case types, filing dates, and case status. You can see if a case is still open or closed. For criminal cases, you also get charge info and how the case ended. The results page lists all matches, so you may need to click through a few to find the right one if the name is common.
In-Person Requests at County Courthouses
You can also get court records in person at the Circuit Clerk's office. Go to the county where the case was filed. Bring a valid ID like a driver's license. It helps to have some info about the case you want, like party names or case numbers. Even rough dates help narrow things down. The clerk's staff can search for records and make copies for you. There's a fee for copies. Some courthouses have public computer terminals you can use to search the database yourself.
Written Requests by Mail
Each county's Circuit Clerk office takes mail requests for court records. In your letter, put the full names of the people in the case. Add dates if you know them, even rough ones. Say what kind of case it is. Include your return address. Send a check or money order for the fees. Most mail requests take one to three weeks to process. If you need something faster, try calling first or go in person.
Court Records Fees
Fees for Alabama court records vary. It depends on how you get them and what type you need. Online fees are set by the state. Courthouse fees differ by county. Here's what to expect.
Alacourt Access Online Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Name or Case Number Search | $9.99 |
| District Case Report | $19.99 |
| Circuit Case Report | $29.99 |
Courthouse Fees (Vary by County)
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Document Search | Free to $5.00 |
| Plain Copies | $0.50 to $1.00 per page |
| Certified Copies | $1.00 to $5.00 per page |
| Certificate of Search | $5.00 to $10.00 |
Types of Court Records Available
Circuit Court Records
Circuit Courts hear the bigger cases. Civil suits over $10,000 go here. All felony criminal cases do too. Divorce, child custody, and other family matters are handled in circuit court. Appeals from district court also land here. Circuit courts can hear any type of case under Alabama law. They have broad power to decide legal disputes.
District Court Records
District Courts handle smaller cases. Civil disputes under $20,000 go here. Misdemeanor crimes, traffic tickets, and small claims also go through district court. When someone is charged with a felony, the first hearing happens in district court. Then the case moves up to circuit court. You can find district court records in the same Alacourt system as circuit court records.
Probate Court Records
Probate Courts deal with wills and estates. They also handle guardianships, name changes, and adoptions. If someone needs to be committed for mental health reasons, that goes through probate court too. Marriage licenses come from here. Property deeds are also kept by the probate court. You search these records in a different system than trial court records. Each county probate office has its own setup.
Appellate Court Records
Records from the Supreme Court of Alabama, Court of Civil Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals can be accessed through the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal.
Legal Framework for Court Records Access
Several laws control who can see Alabama court records. State statutes spell out the rules. Court rules add more detail. Here's how it works.
Alabama Open Records Act
Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, any Alabama resident can look at and copy public records. This applies to records held by the state and local agencies. Court records count as public records in most cases. Some records are exempt, but the law favors letting people see records when there's a question.
Alabama Code Section 36-12-41 says public officers must give copies when asked. You have to pay a fair fee for copies. One catch: only Alabama residents can make requests under this law. People from other states don't have the same right to access. They may still get records through other means, but the law doesn't force agencies to help them.
Circuit Clerk Duties
Alabama Code Section 12-17-94 tells Circuit Clerks what they must do. They keep all court papers, books, and dockets safe. When someone asks for a certified copy and pays the fee, the clerk has to provide it. The law also says clerks must keep things organized so people can find what they need.
Confidential Records
Some court records are off limits to the public. Juvenile court records stay sealed under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. These files are private to protect kids. The law only allows release in a few cases. If a judge seals other records, those also won't show up in public searches. Criminal records that have been expunged are also removed from public view.
Rules of Judicial Administration
The courts have their own rules too. Rule 30 of the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration sets standards for making copies and charging fees. Rule 33 covers electronic data and computer systems that hold records. These rules give more detail on how the public can get records from the court system.
Related Record Sources
Vital Records
The Alabama Department of Public Health has divorce records going back to 1950. These are certificates, not the full court file. You can order them through the Center for Health Statistics. VitalChek also takes orders at 1-888-279-9888. It costs $15.00 for a search, and that includes one certified copy. For the full divorce file with all the court papers, you need to contact the circuit clerk in the county where the divorce was filed.
Federal Court Records
Some cases go to federal court instead of state court. This happens with federal crimes, bankruptcy, and lawsuits where the parties live in different states. Alabama has three federal districts:
- Northern District: Covers 31 counties including Jefferson, Madison, and Tuscaloosa
- Middle District: Covers 23 counties including Montgomery, Lee, and Houston
- Southern District: Covers 13 counties including Mobile and Baldwin
Federal court records can be accessed through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records).
Corrections Records
The Alabama Department of Corrections maintains inmate records and incarceration history. An inmate search is available on the DOC website.
Contact Information
Administrative Office of Courts
- Address: Judicial Building, 300 Dexter Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104
- Phone: 1-866-954-9411
- Website: www.alacourt.gov
Legal Assistance
- Legal Services Alabama: 866-456-4995 (free legal help for qualifying individuals)
- Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral: 1-800-392-5660
- AlabamaLegalHelp.org: Free legal information and forms
Circuit Clerk Directory
Contact information for all county Circuit Clerks is available through the Alabama Secretary of State website.
Start Your Search
Use our search tool to access court record information from Alabama and other states.
Browse by County
Alabama has 67 counties. Each one has a Circuit Clerk who keeps the court records. Pick a county below to find contact info and local court details. The largest counties are listed here. You can view all 67 at the link below.
Browse by City
City residents get their court records from the county. The Circuit Clerk at the county courthouse handles the files. Pick a city below to learn which courthouse serves that area and how to get records there.