DeKalb County Court Records Search

Court records in DeKalb County are stored at the Circuit Clerk's office in Fort Payne. The county is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit along with Cherokee County.

DeKalb County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in DeKalb County. This office has files for civil, criminal, and family cases from both Circuit and District Court. The clerk takes new filings and runs the case dockets. You can get records here during work hours. Staff make certified copies and pull files for you to look at.

The DeKalb County Courthouse is on Grand Avenue in downtown Fort Payne. The clerk's office is here along with courtrooms and other county offices. Bring ID when you ask for records. You can park on the street. Staff know the system and can point you in the right direction.

How to Access Court Records

Online Search via Alacourt

DeKalb County records are in Alacourt at pa.alacourt.com. Search by name or case number. The site has civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. There are fees. Pay by card. Most people use this for a quick look before they come to the courthouse.

Results pop up fast. You see case type, names, date filed, and status. Full reports cost more but give you the whole story. This is the quick way to check court records in the county.

In-Person Requests

Come to the clerk's office during work hours. Tell staff who you need and what kind of case. They search the system and find paper files if there are any. You look at docs at the counter. Then ask for copies of what you want.

Certified copies have the clerk's seal and signature for official use. Plain copies work for personal reference. Most requests are processed while you wait. Larger orders or older records may take longer to retrieve.

Mail Requests

Written requests can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk at 111 Grand Ave SW, Fort Payne, AL 35967. Include party names, case type, and any known dates or case numbers. Provide your return address and phone number. Payment by check or money order should accompany your request.

Allow one to three weeks for processing. The clerk will contact you if more information or payment is needed. Complex searches or archived records take longer.

Types of Court Records

Circuit Court Records

Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Alabama. DeKalb County Circuit Court hears felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits over $10,000, and domestic relations matters. Divorce, custody, and child support cases are filed in Circuit Court. Appeals from District Court also come here.

District Court Records

District Court handles smaller civil cases, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and small claims. The dollar limit for civil cases is $20,000. Preliminary hearings for felonies happen in District Court before transfer to Circuit Court. The same clerk's office maintains these records.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law cases include divorce petitions, custody disputes, support enforcement, and protection orders. Files contain financial statements, parenting plans, and court orders. Final decrees are public record. Documents involving children may be partially sealed for privacy.

Criminal Records

Criminal case files show the entire history from arrest through disposition. Charges, bond information, pleas, verdicts, and sentences are documented. The docket lists every court appearance. Expunged or sealed records are not publicly available.

Court Records Fees

Fees for accessing court records in DeKalb County follow standard state guidelines.

The courthouse accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card acceptance depends on equipment availability. Online payments are by card. Search fees are non-refundable.

DeKalb County Court Resources

9th Judicial Circuit

DeKalb County shares the 9th Judicial Circuit with Cherokee County. Judges go back and forth between Fort Payne and Centre. This is how it works in places with fewer people since there are not enough cases for one judge per county.

Court sessions are scheduled throughout the month. Criminal dockets, civil trials, and domestic hearings happen on different days. Check with the clerk's office for the current court calendar.

Northeast Alabama Location

DeKalb County is in the northeast corner of Alabama, close to Georgia. Lookout Mountain is here and there is a lot of poultry work. Fort Payne is the big city. The county is rural. Most court stuff happens at the main courthouse in town.

Legal Aid Resources

Legal Services Alabama gives free civil help to folks who don't make much. Call 866-456-4995 to see if you can get help. They do family law, housing, and benefits stuff. AlabamaLegalHelp.org has forms you can use on your own.

Criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney can apply for a public defender at their first court appearance. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service is 1-800-392-5660 for finding private attorneys.

Related Court Offices

Probate Court

DeKalb County Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. Property records including deeds and mortgages are filed here. This is a separate office from the Circuit Clerk. Contact Probate directly for estate or land matters.

District Attorney

The 9th Judicial Circuit District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases in DeKalb County. The office works with law enforcement to file charges and try cases. Victim assistance services are available.

Federal Courts

Federal cases for DeKalb County go to the Northern District of Alabama. The nearest federal courthouses are in Gadsden and Birmingham. Use PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov for federal record searches.

Nearby Counties

DeKalb County borders Georgia to the east and several Alabama counties. Each maintains separate court records.

Major Nearby Cities

DeKalb County has no cities over 50,000 population. The nearest major cities are Huntsville and Gadsden.

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