Cullman County Court Records

Court records for Cullman County cases are filed and stored at the Circuit Clerk's office in the city of Cullman. The county operates within the 32nd Judicial Circuit as a standalone circuit.

Cullman County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk in Cullman County keeps all official court records. This includes case files, dockets, judgments, and orders from both Circuit and District Courts. The clerk's office also handles new filings, collects court costs, and provides copies to the public. Staff members can help you find case information and explain what documents are available.

The Cullman County Courthouse is on 2nd Avenue SW in downtown Cullman. Parking is available in nearby lots. The clerk's office is open on weekdays except for state holidays. You should bring photo ID when requesting records. Cash and checks are accepted for fees and costs.

How to Access Court Records

Online Search via Alacourt

Cullman County court records are indexed in the Alacourt Access system at pa.alacourt.com. You can search by the name of a party or by case number if you have one. The database covers civil lawsuits, criminal charges, traffic tickets, and domestic cases. Search results list the case type, parties, filing date, and status.

A search fee is charged for each query. You pay by credit card online. The results come up right away. If you need full case documents, those cost extra. Detailed reports include more information like hearing dates and case notes. This is the quickest way to check if someone has a court record in the county.

In-Person Requests

Walk-in visitors can search records at the courthouse. The clerk's office has computers with case information. Staff will pull paper files from the vault on request. You tell them who you are looking for and what kind of case. They locate the file and let you review it at the counter. Making copies requires payment.

Certified copies take a bit longer. The clerk has to verify the document and attach the official seal. You need certified copies when you have to prove something in another court or to a government agency. Plain copies work fine for personal reference. Either way, the office processes requests while you wait if they are not too busy.

Mail Requests

Send written requests to the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse address. Include the names of all parties, any case numbers you know, and the type of record you need. Describe the case as best you can. Put your phone number and return address. Enclose payment by check or money order made out to Cullman County Circuit Clerk.

Response time depends on how complicated the search is. Simple name checks take a week or so. Older records stored off-site require more time. The clerk will call you if they have questions or need more money. Keep copies of everything you send for your own records.

Types of Court Records

Circuit Court Records

Circuit Court is where the big cases go. Felony crimes, civil suits over ten thousand dollars, and family law matters all belong in Circuit Court. Divorce cases, child custody fights, and adoption petitions are filed here. The case file has everything from the first filing to the final order. Appeals from District Court land here too.

District Court Records

District Court takes care of smaller cases. Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and civil claims up to twenty thousand dollars are handled at this level. Small claims court is part of District Court. Preliminary hearings for felonies happen here before cases move up to Circuit Court. Records are stored in the same building and searched the same way.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law cases have their own category in Cullman County. Divorce filings, custody petitions, support modifications, and protection orders all fall under domestic relations. These files often contain financial statements, parenting plans, and home study reports. Some parts may be sealed to protect children. The final decree is public record.

Criminal Records

Criminal files show what happened from arrest to sentencing. You can see the charges, plea entered, trial outcome, and punishment given. Felonies have more detailed records than misdemeanors. The docket sheet lists every court date and what occurred. Sealed or expunged cases do not appear in searches.

Court Records Fees

Fees for court record services follow state rules with some local differences.

The courthouse takes cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may be accepted depending on available equipment. Online fees through Alacourt are paid by card. Fees are not refundable if no records are found.

Cullman County Court Resources

32nd Judicial Circuit

Cullman County makes up the entire 32nd Judicial Circuit. This means the county has its own dedicated Circuit Court judge and District Court judge. They don't rotate to other counties. Court is in session regularly throughout the year. The schedule varies for criminal docket, civil trials, and domestic hearings.

Having a dedicated circuit means faster case processing compared to counties that share judges. The docket moves steadily. Attorneys practice frequently before the same judges. The courthouse staff knows the local procedures well. This can make things easier if you need to navigate the system.

Legal Aid Resources

If you cannot pay for a lawyer, help may be available. Legal Services Alabama assists with civil legal problems for low-income residents. Call the intake line at 866-456-4995 to see if you qualify. They handle housing, family, and benefits cases. The AlabamaLegalHelp.org website has forms and guides you can use on your own.

Criminal defendants who cannot afford counsel can request a public defender. You apply at your first court appearance. The judge decides based on your income and assets. Private attorneys are listed through the Alabama State Bar referral service at 1-800-392-5660.

Related Court Offices

Probate Court

The Cullman County Probate Judge handles wills, estates, and guardianship matters. Marriage licenses are issued here. Deeds and other property records are filed with the Probate Office. This is separate from the Circuit Clerk. For land records or estate information, contact Probate Court directly.

District Attorney

The 32nd Judicial Circuit District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases in Cullman County. The office files charges, presents evidence, and represents the state in court. Victims can get information and support through the DA's victim services program. The office is in the courthouse complex.

Federal Courts

Federal matters go to the Northern District of Alabama. The closest federal courthouses are in Birmingham and Huntsville. Use PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov to search federal records. Bankruptcy, federal crimes, and civil rights cases are heard in federal court.

Nearby Counties

Cullman County is in north-central Alabama. Courts in adjacent counties handle records for cases filed there.

Start Your Search

Use the search tool below to look up court records from Cullman County and other Alabama locations.