Calhoun County Court Records
Court records for Calhoun County are filed and maintained at the courthouse in Anniston. The Circuit Clerk handles civil, criminal, and domestic cases for the 7th Judicial Circuit.
Calhoun County Quick Facts
Calhoun County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk is responsible for keeping all court records in Calhoun County. This office files new cases, maintains case files, and provides copies to the public. Staff at the clerk's office can help you find records and explain the process for getting documents you need.
| Address | 25 West 11th Street Anniston, AL 36201 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 231-1750 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | calhoun.alacourt.gov |
The Calhoun County Courthouse sits in downtown Anniston at 25 West 11th Street. The building houses several court offices including the Circuit Clerk, District Court, and Probate Court. Street parking and public lots are available nearby. Plan extra time for security screening when entering the courthouse.
District Court
Calhoun County District Court can be reached at (256) 231-1850. This court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, and civil matters under $20,000. Preliminary hearings in felony cases also take place here before cases move up to Circuit Court. District Court records are part of the unified court record system.
Probate Court
The Probate Court phone number is (256) 241-2825. Probate handles estates, wills, guardianships, and mental health matters. This court also issues marriage licenses and records property transactions like deeds and mortgages. Probate records go back many years and include valuable genealogical information.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Calhoun County court records are available online through Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. The system lets you search by party name, case number, or date range. You can view case information, docket entries, and in some cases download documents.
A public access terminal is also available in the courthouse lobby. This terminal provides free access to the same case information. Using the public terminal saves money compared to paying for downloads through the online system at home.
In-Person Requests
Come to the Circuit Clerk's office on the main floor of the courthouse to request records in person. Bring identification and any information you have about the case. The more details you can provide, the faster staff can locate what you need. Case numbers are most helpful, but names and approximate dates work too.
Staff will search for your records and can make copies while you wait. Complex requests or searches for older records may take longer. If you need certified copies, let the clerk know when you place your request so they can prepare the proper documentation.
Written Requests
Mail your request to the Circuit Clerk at 25 West 11th Street, Anniston, AL 36201. Write out exactly what records you need, including case numbers if available. Provide your contact information and include payment for fees. The clerk's office will process your request and mail the documents back to you.
Processing time for mail requests varies based on the complexity of your request and current workload. Simple requests for specific documents typically take one to two weeks. Searches for records without case numbers take longer because staff must look through multiple files.
Electronic Filing
Attorneys and self-represented parties can file court documents electronically through AlaFile. The system is available at efile.alacourt.gov. E-filing is required for most civil case types in Alabama. The system operates around the clock, so you can file documents at any time.
Types of Court Records Available
Civil Cases
Circuit Court civil cases involve disputes over $20,000. These include breach of contract, personal injury, property disputes, and business litigation. Case files contain the complaint, answer, discovery documents, motions, orders, and final judgments. Some records may be sealed if they contain confidential business information or other protected material.
Criminal Cases
Felony criminal cases are prosecuted in Circuit Court. Records include the indictment or information, arrest warrant, bail documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. Some criminal records are restricted by law, especially those involving juveniles or certain first-time offenders who complete diversion programs.
Domestic Relations
Divorce cases, child custody, child support, and domestic violence matters fall under domestic relations. These records often contain personal financial information and details about children. Alabama law restricts access to some of this information to protect privacy, particularly for minors involved in custody disputes.
Small Claims and Traffic
District Court handles small claims up to $6,000 and traffic violations. These records are generally public and can be searched through the same Alacourt system. Traffic records are important for insurance purposes and employment background checks.
Probate Records
Estate files, will filings, guardianship records, and conservatorship matters are kept by Probate Court. Marriage license records are also in Probate. Property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats are filed with the Probate Judge and are public records.
Court Record Fees
Calhoun County charges fees for copies and certifications as required by Alabama law. Fees must be paid when you request records. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted with an additional processing fee.
| Copy Fees | $5.00 plus $0.50 per additional copy |
|---|---|
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Search Fee | Varies based on complexity |
The copy fee structure in Calhoun County starts with a base fee for the first copy, then adds per-page costs for additional copies. Certification adds the official court seal and signature, which you need for records that will be used in legal proceedings or submitted to government agencies.
Alacourt Access charges separate fees for online document downloads. Check the Alacourt website for current pricing. The public terminal at the courthouse is free to use for viewing records, which can save money if you just need to look up information without getting official copies.
Calhoun County Court Resources
The Calhoun County courts are part of the Alabama Unified Judicial System. Court information, forms, and local rules are available through the state court website.
Court Forms
Alabama court forms can be downloaded free at eforms.alacourt.gov. Forms are available for civil complaints, answers, motions, divorce filings, and many other case types. The forms can be filled out on screen before printing.
Finding Legal Help
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to low-income residents. Call 866-456-4995 to check if you qualify. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 can connect you with an attorney for your type of case.
The public law library at the courthouse has legal research materials available to anyone. You can look up statutes, case law, and court procedures. Library staff can point you to resources but cannot give legal advice about your specific situation.
Victim Services
The Calhoun County District Attorney's office provides services to crime victims. Staff can help victims understand the court process, notify them of hearing dates, and assist with restitution claims. Contact the DA's office for more information about victim services.
Nearby Counties
Court records are kept in the county where the case was filed. If you need records from a different county, you must contact that county's clerk. Here are links to neighboring county court record pages.