Auburn Court Records

Court records for Auburn residents are maintained by the Lee County Circuit Clerk at the Lee County Justice Center in Opelika. All civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases are filed with the 37th Judicial Circuit.

Which County Handles Your Records

Auburn is located entirely within Lee County. All court records for Auburn residents are maintained by the Lee County Circuit Clerk. The 37th Judicial Circuit serves Lee County exclusively.

The Lee County Justice Center in Opelika serves as the main courthouse for the county. Opelika is the county seat and lies just a few miles northeast of Auburn. Both Circuit Court and District Court records are maintained at this location.

Criminal cases are filed in the county where the alleged offense occurred. Since Auburn is entirely within Lee County, any criminal case arising in Auburn will be filed with the Lee County courts. Civil cases involving Auburn residents may be filed in Lee County or potentially in another county depending on where the defendant resides or where the dispute arose.

How to Access Court Records

Court records for Auburn and Lee County can be accessed through several methods. Each has its own advantages depending on your needs.

Online Search via Alacourt Access

The Alacourt Access system at pa.alacourt.com provides online access to Lee County court records. This statewide database lets you search by party name or case number. Results include case type, filing dates, party names, and current status.

Alacourt Access charges fees for searches. A name search costs $9.99. District Court case reports are $19.99 and Circuit Court case reports run $29.99. You can pay by credit card online.

AlaFile Electronic Filing System

If you are a party to a case or an attorney, the AlaFile system at efile.alacourt.gov allows electronic filing and provides access to case documents. Registered users can receive e-notices when new filings occur in their cases.

In-Person at the Lee County Justice Center

You can visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Lee County Justice Center to search records and request copies. The clerk's staff can assist with locating records and provide certified copies when needed. Bring identification and any case information you have.

The Justice Center is located at 205 S. 10th Street in Opelika. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays.

Written Request by Mail

You can submit a written request to the Lee County Circuit Clerk for court records. Include the full names of all parties, approximate dates, case type if known, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Mail to PO Box 1616, Opelika, AL 36803. Allow one to three weeks for processing.

Types of Court Records Available

Lee County courts maintain several categories of records. Understanding which court handles which type of case helps you find the records you need.

Circuit Court Records

The Lee County Circuit Court handles civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $10,000. This includes contract disputes, personal injury lawsuits, and property matters. All felony criminal cases are prosecuted in Circuit Court. The court also has jurisdiction over divorce, child custody, child support, and other domestic relations matters. Appeals from District Court are heard in Circuit Court as well.

District Court Records

District Court maintains records for civil cases under $20,000, misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and small claims matters. Preliminary hearings in felony cases also occur in District Court before the case moves to Circuit Court for trial. High volumes of routine cases flow through District Court daily.

Municipal Court Records

The Auburn Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances and traffic tickets issued within Auburn city limits. These records are separate from the county court system. Contact the Auburn Municipal Court directly for these records.

Probate Court Records

The Lee County Probate Court handles wills and estates, guardianships and conservatorships, involuntary commitments, name changes, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are also issued through the Probate Court. Property records including deeds and mortgages are recorded with the Probate Judge.

Courthouse Information

Lee County Justice Center

The Lee County Justice Center in Opelika serves as the primary courthouse for all Auburn residents. The building houses the Circuit Clerk, Circuit Court, District Court, and other court-related offices.

Lee County District Attorney

The Lee County District Attorney's office prosecutes criminal cases in Lee County. Their office can provide information about criminal case status and victim services.

Driving Directions from Auburn

The Lee County Justice Center is approximately 8 miles from downtown Auburn. Take US-280 East toward Opelika. Turn left onto South 10th Street. The Justice Center will be on your left. Parking is available in the surrounding lots.

Legal Aid Resources

Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to Auburn residents who cannot afford an attorney.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to low-income residents in civil matters. This includes family law, housing disputes, consumer issues, and public benefits cases. They serve all 67 Alabama counties including Lee County.

AlabamaLegalHelp.org

This website provides free legal information, self-help guides, and court forms. Topics covered include divorce, child custody, landlord-tenant issues, debt collection, and more. The site is maintained by Legal Services Alabama.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

If you need to hire an attorney, the Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with attorneys in the Auburn-Opelika area who handle your type of case.

Court Forms

Alabama court forms are available for free download through the Administrative Office of Courts. Forms cover divorce, custody modifications, name changes, small claims, and many other case types.

Federal Court Records

Auburn and Lee County fall within the Middle District of Alabama for federal court purposes. Cases involving federal law, bankruptcy, or parties from different states may be filed in federal court rather than state court.

Federal court records can be accessed through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) at pacer.uscourts.gov. PACER charges $0.10 per page for most documents, with fees waived if you accrue less than $30 per quarter.

Search Court Records

Use our search tool to find court record information for Auburn and Lee County.

Nearby Qualifying Cities

Other major Alabama cities with court record information available:

Lee County

Auburn is located in Lee County. For comprehensive information about Lee County court records and resources, visit the county page.

View Lee County Records