Access Dallas County Court Records

Court records for Dallas County are filed with the Circuit Clerk in Selma. The county is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit, which includes Bibb, Hale, Perry, and Wilcox counties.

Dallas County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Dallas County. This office stores case files, takes new filings, and gives copies to the public. Both Circuit Court and District Court records are here. The office is in the Dallas County Courthouse on Lauderdale Street in downtown Selma. If you need to find a case or get copies, this is where you go.

Parking is close to the courthouse. Bring a valid ID when you ask for records. Staff help with case searches and can pull files for you. They know the system well. The office is open normal hours and closed on state holidays.

How to Access Court Records

Online Search via Alacourt

You can search Dallas County court records at pa.alacourt.com. This is the state's online system for court records. Search by name or case number. Results show case type, filing date, parties, and status. It's the main way to check on cases from home.

There is a fee per search. Pay by card online. Results come up fast. Basic info costs less than full reports. This works great for quick checks or to see if a case exists without going to the courthouse.

In-Person Requests

Walk into the clerk's office to search records. Staff look up cases on the computer for you. Paper files are in the courthouse. They can pull them for you to look at. You check docs at the counter and ask for copies of what you need.

Plain copies cost less. Certified copies have the seal and clerk's name on them. You need certified for court use or to prove a judgment is real. Most requests are done while you wait. Big orders take more time.

Mail Requests

Send written requests to the Circuit Clerk at 105 Lauderdale St, Selma, AL 36701. Include the full names of all parties involved, the case type, and any dates or case numbers you have. Describe what documents you need. Provide your return address and phone number.

Include payment by check or money order made payable to the Dallas County Circuit Clerk. The office will contact you if additional fees are needed. Processing takes one to three weeks depending on the complexity. Keep a copy of your request for reference.

Types of Court Records

Circuit Court Records

Circuit Court handles the most serious cases. All felony criminal prosecutions go through Circuit Court. Civil lawsuits above $10,000 are filed here. Divorce cases, custody disputes, and other domestic matters belong in Circuit Court. Appeals from District Court are also heard at this level.

District Court Records

District Court covers smaller matters. Misdemeanor crimes, traffic tickets, and civil cases under $20,000 are District Court jurisdiction. Small claims court operates under District Court. Felony preliminary hearings start here before cases transfer to Circuit Court. The same clerk's office maintains these records.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law cases have specific record types. Divorce petitions, custody filings, child support cases, and protective orders are domestic matters. Files contain financial disclosures, parenting plans, and court orders. Final decrees are public. Some parts involving minors may be restricted.

Criminal Records

Criminal files show the complete case history. Charges, arraignment, bond, pleas, trial outcomes, and sentencing are documented. The docket sheet lists every court appearance and action taken. Sealed or expunged records are not available to the public without a court order.

Court Records Fees

Standard fees apply for court record services in Dallas County.

Payment at the courthouse is by cash, check, or money order. Some locations accept credit cards. Online Alacourt payments are by card. Fees paid for searches are not refunded if no records are found.

Dallas County Court Resources

4th Judicial Circuit

Dallas County is one of five in the 4th Judicial Circuit. Bibb, Hale, Perry, and Wilcox are also in this circuit. Judges move between all five courthouses. This is how rural Alabama runs its courts since there are not many cases in each place.

Court schedules vary by county and case type. Criminal dockets, civil trials, and domestic hearings happen on different days. The clerk's office posts the calendar and can tell you when a particular type of case will be heard.

Selma Courthouse

The Dallas County Courthouse on Lauderdale Street serves as the main judicial center for the county. All Circuit Court and District Court proceedings take place here. The Probate Court and other county offices are in the same building or nearby. Downtown Selma has limited parking, so allow extra time.

Legal Aid Resources

If you don't have much money, you may get free legal help. Legal Services Alabama does family law, housing, and benefits cases. Call 866-456-4995 to check. AlabamaLegalHelp.org has forms and guides you can use on your own.

Criminal defendants who cannot afford a lawyer may request a public defender. Apply at your first court date. The judge reviews your financial situation. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service is 1-800-392-5660.

Related Court Offices

Probate Court

Dallas County Probate Court handles estates, wills, guardianships, and marriage licenses. Deeds and property records are also filed with the Probate Judge. This is a separate office from the Circuit Clerk. Contact Probate for land records or estate matters.

District Attorney

The 4th Judicial Circuit District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases in Dallas County. The office reviews evidence, files charges, and presents cases at trial. Victim services are available through the DA's office.

Federal Courts

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

Nearby Counties

Dallas County is in south-central Alabama. Adjacent counties each have their own Circuit Clerk and court system.

Major Nearby Cities

Dallas County has no cities over 50,000 population. The nearest major city is Montgomery, the state capital.

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