Cherokee County Court Records Search
Court records for Cherokee County are kept at the courthouse in Centre. The Circuit Clerk manages all civil, criminal, and family law filings for the 9th Judicial Circuit.
Cherokee County Quick Facts
Cherokee County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records in Cherokee County. This office accepts new filings, maintains case files, and provides copies to those who need them. Staff can assist you in locating records and explaining the fees.
| Address | 100 Main Street Centre, AL 35960 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 927-3668 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | cherokee.alacourt.gov |
The Cherokee County Courthouse is located on Main Street in downtown Centre. This is the main government center for the county. Street parking is available nearby. All visitors must go through security screening at the entrance.
The 9th Judicial Circuit
Cherokee County shares the 9th Judicial Circuit with DeKalb County. Judges rotate between the two counties to hear cases. Because of this arrangement, court is not in session every day in Centre. Contact the clerk to verify the schedule before planning your visit or hearing.
District Court
District Court handles smaller civil cases, misdemeanors, and traffic tickets. This court also holds preliminary hearings in felony cases before they move to Circuit Court. District Court records are accessible through the same clerk's office.
Probate Court
Probate Court deals with estates, wills, guardianships, and mental health matters. Marriage licenses are issued from this office. Property records including deeds and mortgages are filed with the Probate Judge. These records are important for real estate transactions and family history research.
How to Get Court Records
Online Access
Cherokee County court records are in the statewide Alacourt system. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search by name, case number, or filing date. Basic case information is free to view. Downloading actual documents costs money.
The Alacourt system covers Circuit Court and District Court records. Not everything is available online, especially older files and sealed records. The system updates regularly but may lag a day or two behind the most recent activity.
In-Person Visits
Visit the Circuit Clerk at 100 Main Street during business hours. Bring photo ID and details about the case you need. Case numbers help most, but names and dates work too. Staff will search for your records and can make copies while you wait.
A public access terminal may be available for searching records at no charge. This can help you figure out what documents you want before paying for copies. Ask the staff about using the public computer when you arrive.
Mail Requests
You can request records by mail. Write to the Circuit Clerk at 100 Main Street, Centre, AL 35960. Include case numbers if available, or give party names and approximate dates. Add your contact details and payment for fees.
Allow one to two weeks for mail requests. Complex searches may take longer. The clerk will contact you if more payment is needed or if there are questions. A phone number speeds up communication.
E-Filing
AlaFile provides electronic filing at efile.alacourt.gov. Attorneys must e-file most civil documents. People representing themselves can use the system too. E-filing operates around the clock.
Types of Court Records
Civil Cases
Circuit Court civil cases involve disputes worth more than $20,000. These include lawsuits about contracts, personal injuries, property, and business matters. Files contain complaints, answers, motions, and judgments. Most civil records are public unless sealed by court order.
Criminal Cases
Felony criminal cases are prosecuted in Circuit Court. Records include indictments, arrest warrants, bail documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. Some criminal records have access restrictions, especially those involving juveniles or expunged cases.
Domestic Relations
Family law matters include divorces, child custody, child support, and protective orders. These files often contain personal and financial details. Alabama law restricts access to some domestic records, particularly when children are involved.
District Court Records
Small claims under $6,000, misdemeanors, and traffic violations go through District Court. These records are generally public and can be searched online. Traffic records are often needed for insurance or employment purposes.
Probate Records
Estates, wills, guardianships, and conservatorships are in Probate Court. Marriage license records are kept here. Property records filed with the Probate Judge include deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Some of these records date back well over a century.
Court Record Fees
Cherokee County charges fees established by Alabama law for record services. Payment is due when you make your request. The clerk accepts cash, checks, and money orders.
| Copies (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
|---|---|
| Additional Pages | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Record Search | $10.00 - $25.00 |
Search fees apply when staff must look for records not in the computer. Archived records stored off-site cost more. The search fee covers staff time and is non-refundable even if nothing is found.
Alacourt has its own fees for online document downloads. Using the free public terminal at the courthouse saves money if you just need to view records without getting copies.
Cherokee County Court Resources
Cherokee County courts are part of the Alabama Unified Judicial System. State procedures apply with local variations in scheduling.
Court Forms
Free Alabama court forms are at eforms.alacourt.gov. You can download civil complaints, divorce petitions, custody forms, and many other documents. Forms can be filled out on your computer before printing.
Legal Help
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal assistance 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 attorneys for your type of case.
AlabamaLegalHelp.org has self-help information on common legal issues. The site explains court procedures and provides links to forms and resources. It cannot give advice about your specific case but helps you understand your options.
Location
Cherokee County is in northeast Alabama near the Georgia border. The county is named after the Cherokee people who once lived here. Weiss Lake covers a large part of the county. The nearest major city is Birmingham, about 75 miles to the southwest in Jefferson County. If you need records from Birmingham, contact the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk.
Nearby Counties
Cherokee County shares the 9th Judicial Circuit with DeKalb County. Each county has its own clerk and keeps separate records. Here are links to neighboring county pages.