Search Choctaw County Court Records

Court records for Choctaw County cases are maintained at the courthouse in Butler. The county belongs to Alabama's 1st Judicial Circuit, which covers the southwestern portion of the state.

Circuit Clerk Office

The Choctaw County Circuit Clerk maintains all official court records for the county. This office files new cases, keeps track of case files, and handles requests for certified copies of court documents. Whether you need records from a criminal case, civil lawsuit, or family court matter, the clerk's office is your starting point. Staff members can assist with locating specific files and explaining the procedures for obtaining copies.

Butler is a small town, and the courthouse sees less traffic than larger counties. This often means shorter wait times when you visit in person. Bring a photo ID and any information you have about the case you are researching. The more details you can provide, such as full names of parties or approximate dates, the easier it will be to find the right records. Payment for copies is typically accepted in cash, check, or money order.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access Through Alacourt

Alabama's statewide court record system, Alacourt Access, includes records from Choctaw County. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search for cases by name or case number. The database covers civil matters, criminal prosecutions, traffic cases, and domestic relations files. Results provide basic information about each case including the parties involved, filing dates, case type, and current status. This online tool is available any time, day or night.

Not every record appears in the online system immediately. Recent filings may take several days to be entered. Very old records might not be in the electronic database at all. For comprehensive searches or older case files, contact the clerk's office directly.

In-Person Searches

Walking into the courthouse and requesting records in person remains a reliable option. The clerk's office can conduct searches while you wait, assuming staffing allows. You can review case files at the courthouse and request copies of documents you need. This approach works well when you want to examine an entire case file rather than just specific documents.

Certain records are restricted from public access. Cases involving juveniles, adoption files, and records sealed by court order cannot be viewed by the general public. Mental health proceedings also have special confidentiality rules. The clerk will advise you if any requested records fall into a restricted category.

Written Requests

Mail requests work fine for obtaining court records from Choctaw County. Send a letter to the Circuit Clerk that describes what records you need. Include names of parties, approximate dates, case type if known, and your contact information. Enclose payment for the estimated costs. The staff will process your request and send the documents to you. Processing time varies, but expect two to three weeks for most requests.

Types of Court Records Available

Criminal Case Records

Criminal court records document prosecutions that occurred in Choctaw County. Felony cases are heard in Circuit Court while misdemeanors go through District Court. These files contain charging documents, arraignment records, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation or parole documentation. Traffic offenses treated as criminal matters, like driving under the influence, are included here. Most criminal records are public, though some specific documents may be under seal.

Civil Case Records

Civil records involve non-criminal disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. Contract disagreements, property boundary disputes, personal injury claims, and collection actions all fall under civil jurisdiction. The case file includes the initial complaint, the defendant's answer, various motions and responses, any discovery materials filed with the court, and the final judgment. Settlement agreements are sometimes filed as well.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law matters generate significant record requests. Divorce case files include petitions, financial statements, custody evaluations, and final decrees. Child support cases document payment orders and any modifications. Custody and visitation orders define parenting arrangements. Paternity cases establish legal parentage. Some portions of family law files are restricted, especially when minor children are involved.

District Court Records

The Choctaw County District Court handles preliminary hearings in felony cases, misdemeanor trials, small claims, and certain civil matters. Traffic tickets that do not rise to criminal level are processed here too. District Court records are maintained by the same clerk's office that handles Circuit Court files.

Court Record Fees

Choctaw County charges standard Alabama court record fees. These amounts are set by state law and help offset the cost of maintaining the record-keeping system.

Always verify current fees before sending payment. The clerk's office can provide exact costs for your specific request. Alacourt has separate fees for online searches. Attorneys, government agencies, and parties to a case may have different fee structures.

1st Judicial Circuit Information

The 1st Judicial Circuit is one of Alabama's largest by geographic area. It includes Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington counties in southwest Alabama. Circuit judges serve all three counties, rotating their schedules to hold court in each location. This means that court sessions in Butler may not occur every day of the week. Check the court calendar before planning a visit.

The District Attorney for the 1st Circuit prosecutes criminal cases across all three counties. Their office can answer questions about pending criminal matters and provide information about victim services programs. Civil cases and family law matters are handled by private attorneys or legal aid organizations.

Legal Assistance Resources

Residents who cannot afford an attorney have several options for legal help. Legal Services Alabama offers free civil legal assistance to qualifying individuals. They handle family law, housing, consumer protection, and public benefits cases. Reach them at 1-866-456-4995 or through AlabamaLegalHelp.org.

The Alabama State Bar maintains a lawyer referral service that connects people with local attorneys. Many lawyers offer free or low-cost initial consultations. For self-represented litigants, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides forms and instructions at eforms.alacourt.gov.

Nearby Counties

Records for cases filed in neighboring counties can be obtained from their respective clerk offices or through Alacourt.