Find Court Records in Dale County

Court records in Dale County are maintained at the Circuit Clerk's office in Ozark. The county belongs to the 33rd Judicial Circuit along with Geneva County.

Dale County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Dale County. Case files, orders, and judgments go through this office. The clerk runs both Circuit Court and District Court records. You can get records during normal hours. Staff can help you find what you need and make copies of most files in the system. Just bring ID and know who or what case you are looking for.

The Dale County Courthouse sits on Court Square in downtown Ozark. Fort Rucker is close by, so the county has a lot of military folks. The clerk's staff deals with records requests from service members and their families all the time. Bring your ID when you come in to ask for records.

How to Access Court Records

Online Search via Alacourt

Dale County records are in the state Alacourt system. Go to pa.alacourt.com to search online. You can look up cases by name or case number. The search shows basic case info. If you want more detail, that costs extra. Most folks use this for quick checks before going to the courthouse.

You pay per search. Cards work for online payment. Results show case type, filing date, party names, and status. Criminal searches list charges. Civil searches show the amount at stake. This is the fast way to check court records without a trip to the courthouse.

In-Person Requests

The Circuit Clerk's office takes walk-ins. Tell staff what you need. They search the database for you. You can look at case files right at the counter. Paper copies cost a fee. Certified copies take more time since the clerk has to sign and seal them.

Bring as much information as you can. A case number speeds things up. If you only have names, the search takes longer. Dates help narrow down the results. The staff deals with record requests every day. They know how to find what you need if it exists.

Mail Requests

Written requests go to the Circuit Clerk at 100 Court Square, Ozark, AL 36360. State the party names, case type, and approximate dates. Explain what documents you need. Include your contact information. Payment by check or money order should accompany the request.

Mail requests take one to three weeks to process. The office handles them between other duties. Complex searches or old records take longer. The clerk will contact you if more information or payment is needed.

Types of Court Records

Circuit Court Records

Circuit Court has jurisdiction over major cases. Felony prosecutions, civil lawsuits above $10,000, and domestic matters are heard here. Appeals from District Court also go to Circuit Court. Case files include pleadings, motions, evidence lists, orders, and final judgments.

District Court Records

District Court covers smaller civil cases, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Small claims court operates under District Court. Preliminary hearings for felony charges happen at this level before transfer to Circuit Court. Records are maintained by the same clerk's office.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law cases form a large part of the court docket. Divorce petitions, child custody battles, support enforcement, and protection orders are domestic matters. These files may contain personal financial information. Final decrees and orders are public record. Some documents involving children may be sealed.

Criminal Records

Criminal case files document the entire prosecution from arrest to disposition. You can find charges, bond information, plea entries, trial verdicts, and sentences. The docket lists every hearing and what happened. Expunged records are removed from public access.

Court Records Fees

Fees apply for searching and copying court records in Dale County.

The courthouse accepts cash, personal checks, and money orders. Credit card availability varies. Online payments through Alacourt are by card. Search fees are non-refundable even if no records are found.

Dale County Court Resources

33rd Judicial Circuit

Dale County shares the 33rd Judicial Circuit with Geneva County. Judges move between the two courthouses. This is how rural Alabama works since there are not enough cases for one judge per county. Court days are spread out through the month.

The circuit has separate judges for Circuit Court and District Court matters. Criminal dockets, civil trials, and domestic hearings are set on different days. Check with the clerk's office for the current court calendar.

Fort Rucker Area

Dale County is home to Fort Rucker (now Fort Novosel), a major Army aviation installation. Military personnel stationed there are subject to Alabama court jurisdiction for off-base matters. The clerk's office routinely handles records involving service members. Federal military justice matters go through separate channels.

Legal Aid Resources

Free legal help may be available for those who qualify. Legal Services Alabama serves low-income residents with civil legal issues. Call 866-456-4995 for intake. The AlabamaLegalHelp.org website has self-help forms and information. Military families can also access legal assistance through the base JAG office.

Public defenders are appointed for criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney. Apply at your first court appearance. The Alabama State Bar referral line is 1-800-392-5660 for finding private lawyers.

Related Court Offices

Probate Court

Dale County Probate Court manages wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. Property records including deeds are filed here. This office is separate from the Circuit Clerk. Contact Probate directly for estate and real property matters.

District Attorney

The 33rd Judicial Circuit District Attorney handles criminal prosecutions in Dale County. The office works with law enforcement to bring charges and try cases. Victim assistance is available through the DA's office.

Federal Courts

Federal cases for Dale County go to the Middle District of Alabama in Montgomery. Search federal records through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov. Bankruptcy, federal crimes, and certain civil rights matters are federal jurisdiction.

Nearby Counties

Dale County is in southeastern Alabama. Each surrounding county maintains its own court records system.

Major Nearby Cities

While Dale County has no cities over 50,000 population, residents may need records from nearby larger jurisdictions.

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