Find Court Records in Montgomery
Court records for Montgomery residents are maintained at the Phelps-Price Justice Center by the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk.
Montgomery Quick Facts
Which County Handles Montgomery Court Records
Montgomery serves as both the state capital of Alabama and the county seat of Montgomery County. All court records for Montgomery city residents are filed with the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk. The 15th Judicial Circuit serves Montgomery County for circuit court matters.
Being the state capital, Montgomery is home to the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts (AOC), which oversees the statewide court system. The Alabama Supreme Court and Court of Civil Appeals also sit in Montgomery. However, local court records for city residents are still handled at the county level rather than by these state courts.
| County | Montgomery County |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit | 15th Judicial Circuit |
| Circuit Clerk | Gina Jobe Ishman |
| District Attorney | Daryl Bailey |
How to Access Court Records in Montgomery
Montgomery offers several options for obtaining court records. The method you use depends on what type of record you need and how you plan to use it.
Online Access via Alacourt
The state court system operates Alacourt Public Access at pa.alacourt.com. This website allows you to search Montgomery County court records by name, case number, or date. You can view case summaries, hearing schedules, and disposition information online at no charge. Printing documents or getting certified copies requires payment.
The online system includes circuit court and district court records. Coverage goes back to when courts began using electronic records, so older cases may not appear. Some records are restricted from public access due to privacy laws or court orders sealing specific files.
In Person at the Justice Center
The Phelps-Price Justice Center on South Lawrence Street houses the Circuit Clerk's office. You can visit in person to search records, request copies, and file documents. Bring valid photo identification. The building has public computer terminals for searching the court database.
Court staff can help you locate specific cases and explain what records are available. They cannot provide legal advice about your case or tell you what documents you should request.
Written Mail Requests
To request records by mail, send a letter to the Circuit Clerk with details about the case including names of all parties, approximate dates, and case numbers if you have them. Include payment for search fees and estimated copy costs. Make checks payable to the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk.
Fees for Record Requests
| Record Search | $10.00 - $20.00 |
|---|---|
| Copies (first 20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Each Additional Page | $0.50 |
| Certification Fee | $1.00 per document |
Types of Court Records Available
Criminal Court Records
Criminal records in Montgomery County include both felony cases in circuit court and misdemeanor cases in district court. These records show what charges were filed, bond information, court dates, trial outcomes, and sentences. The district attorney's office prosecutes criminal cases, and records of those proceedings become part of the court file.
Some criminal records may be expunged or sealed if the defendant was acquitted, charges were dismissed, or they completed a diversion program. Expunged records are removed from public access.
Civil Court Records
Civil cases involve disputes between parties that do not involve criminal charges. These include breach of contract claims, personal injury lawsuits, property disputes, and debt collection cases. Circuit court handles civil matters over $20,000 while district court covers smaller amounts and landlord-tenant disputes.
Family Law Records
The domestic relations division handles divorces, child custody cases, child support enforcement, adoption proceedings, and domestic violence protection orders. Family court records often have restricted access to protect children and abuse victims. You may need to demonstrate a legitimate reason to view certain family court files.
Traffic and Municipal Records
Traffic tickets issued within Montgomery city limits typically go through the Montgomery Municipal Court rather than county court. More serious traffic offenses like DUI or vehicular crimes are handled in district or circuit court. Municipal court handles city ordinance violations as well.
Appellate Records
Montgomery is home to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals and the Alabama Supreme Court. If you need records from an appellate case (an appeal from a lower court decision), you would contact the appropriate appellate court clerk rather than the circuit clerk.
Probate Records
Probate matters go through a separate court system. The Montgomery County Probate Judge handles wills, estates, guardianships, and issues marriage licenses. These records are not part of the circuit clerk's system.
Courthouse Information
Phelps-Price Justice Center
The main courthouse for Montgomery County court matters is the Phelps-Price Justice Center. This modern facility houses circuit court, district court, and the circuit clerk's office.
| Address | 251 South Lawrence Street Montgomery, AL 36104 |
|---|---|
| Circuit Clerk Phone | (334) 832-1260 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Parking | Paid parking available nearby |
Montgomery Municipal Court
For traffic tickets and city violations, visit the Montgomery Municipal Court.
| Address | 501 South Lawrence Street Montgomery, AL 36104 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 625-2000 |
Alabama State Courts
For appellate court matters or statewide court administration questions, the AOC headquarters is also in Montgomery.
| AOC Address | 300 Dexter Avenue Montgomery, AL 36104 |
|---|---|
| AOC Phone | (334) 954-5000 |
Montgomery County Courthouse
The Phelps-Price Justice Center serves as the main courthouse for Montgomery County.
Legal Aid Resources in Montgomery
Multiple organizations provide legal assistance to Montgomery residents who cannot afford private attorneys.
Legal Services Alabama - Montgomery Office
This nonprofit provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. They assist with family law, housing, public benefits, and consumer issues but do not handle criminal cases.
| Address | 2567 Fairlane Drive, Suite 200 Montgomery, AL 36116 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 832-4570 |
| Website | legalservicesalabama.org |
Montgomery Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Program
The local bar association runs a volunteer program matching low-income individuals with attorneys willing to take cases for free or reduced fees.
| Phone | (334) 265-0222 |
|---|
Alabama State Bar
The state bar headquarters is located in Montgomery and offers a lawyer referral service.
| Lawyer Referral | 1-800-392-5660 |
|---|
Self-Help Resources
The Alabama courts provide forms at eforms.alacourt.gov for people representing themselves. AlabamaLegalHelp.org offers guides on common legal problems. As the capital city, Montgomery also has law school legal clinics that sometimes assist the public.
Nearby Cities
Other major Alabama cities with court records information.
Search Court Records
Use our search tool to find court records for Montgomery and Montgomery County.