Tuscaloosa Court Records Lookup

Court records for Tuscaloosa residents are filed with the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk at the courthouse on Greensboro Avenue.

Which County Handles Tuscaloosa Court Records

Tuscaloosa is the county seat of Tuscaloosa County, meaning all court records for city residents are maintained at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. The 6th Judicial Circuit serves Tuscaloosa County for circuit court matters including felony criminal cases, major civil litigation, and domestic relations cases.

The county and city share the same name, which can cause some confusion. Remember that the county court system handles records for all residents of Tuscaloosa County, including the city of Tuscaloosa and surrounding towns like Northport. If you live within the city limits, your court records still go through the county system.

How to Access Court Records in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa County provides multiple ways to access court records. Choose based on what you need and how quickly you need it.

Online Access Through Alacourt

The Alabama court system maintains the Alacourt Public Access website at pa.alacourt.com. This lets you search Tuscaloosa County court records from any computer with internet access. Searches are free. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date.

The online system shows case summaries including parties involved, charges or claims, hearing dates, and how cases were resolved. If you need actual documents from the case file, you must pay for copies. Not all records appear online, especially older cases filed before the electronic system was in place.

Visit the Courthouse in Person

The Tuscaloosa County Courthouse on Greensboro Avenue has a public access computer terminal where you can search court records yourself. The Circuit Clerk's office is open Monday through Friday and staff can assist with finding cases and making copies. You will need to show identification.

Going in person is often the best option if you need to look through multiple cases or want to see documents that may not be available online. Plan extra time for parking and building security.

Mail-In Requests

To get records by mail, write to the Circuit Clerk with your request. Include as much information as possible: full names of parties, approximate dates of the case, case number if known, and what documents you need. Send payment for search fees and estimated copy costs with your request.

Record Request Fees

Types of Court Records Available

Criminal Case Records

Criminal records cover charges brought against individuals for violating state law. Felony cases such as assault, theft, drug offenses, and violent crimes are heard in circuit court. Misdemeanor cases typically go through district court. Criminal records include arrest information, charges filed, bond amounts, hearing dates, plea agreements, verdicts, and sentences.

Tuscaloosa has a significant college student population due to the University of Alabama, which means the courts process many cases involving young adults. Alcohol-related offenses and minor crimes are common in the court system here.

Civil Litigation Records

Civil cases are disputes between parties that don't involve criminal charges. Common civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disagreements, and debt collection. Circuit court handles civil cases over $20,000. District court manages smaller claims and evictions.

Civil records include the initial complaint, answers filed by defendants, motions, discovery materials, court orders, and final judgments. These records are generally public unless sealed by a judge.

Domestic Relations Records

Family court handles divorces, child custody, child support, paternity, and protection orders. The domestic relations division of circuit court processes these cases. Some family records have restricted access to protect children and domestic violence victims from harm.

Traffic and Municipal Records

The Tuscaloosa Municipal Court handles traffic tickets, parking violations, and city ordinance cases within city limits. For these records, contact municipal court rather than the circuit clerk. Serious traffic crimes like DUI go through district or circuit court.

Probate Records

Wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health matters are handled by the Probate Judge, not the circuit clerk. Marriage licenses are also issued through probate court. These are separate record systems maintained by different offices.

Courthouse Information

Tuscaloosa County Courthouse

The main courthouse is located on Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. This is where you go for circuit and district court matters including record requests.

Tuscaloosa Municipal Court

Traffic tickets and city violations are processed at the municipal court, separate from the county courthouse.

Tuscaloosa Municipal Court Website

The City of Tuscaloosa provides online access to municipal court information including payment options and court dates.

Legal Aid Resources in Tuscaloosa

Several organizations offer free or low-cost legal help to Tuscaloosa area residents who qualify.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals. They handle cases involving housing, family law, public benefits, and consumer problems. They do not take criminal cases.

University of Alabama School of Law Clinics

The law school runs clinical programs where law students, supervised by professors, provide legal services to community members. Available clinics vary by semester and may include family law, elder law, and civil rights issues.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral

The state bar operates a referral service connecting people with local attorneys.

Self-Help Resources

Court forms are available at eforms.alacourt.gov for people who want to represent themselves. AlabamaLegalHelp.org has guides on common legal issues. The circuit clerk's office can explain procedures but cannot give legal advice.

Nearby Cities

Other major Alabama cities with court records information on our site.

Search Court Records

Use our search tool to find court records for Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County.