Search Escambia County Court Records

Court records in Escambia County are filed with the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Brewton. The county operates within the 21st Judicial Circuit as a standalone circuit.

Escambia County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk has all court records in Escambia County. This office keeps case files, takes new filings, runs dockets, and lets the public get records. Both Circuit and District Court files are here. Staff help with copies and can make certified docs for you when you need them for legal stuff.

The Escambia County Courthouse is on Belleville Avenue in downtown Brewton. The clerk's office and courtrooms are in the building. Park on streets nearby. Bring ID when you come for records. Closed on state holidays.

How to Access Court Records

Online Search via Alacourt

Escambia County records are in the state Alacourt system. Go to pa.alacourt.com and search by name or case number. The site has civil, criminal, traffic, and family cases. There are fees. Pay by card. This is how most folks check records from home.

Results come up right away. You see case type, names, date, and status. Criminal results show charges. Full reports cost more but tell the whole story. Faster than going in person.

In-Person Requests

Walk-ins are welcome during work hours. Staff search for you and get paper files. You look at docs at the counter. Copies cost a fee. Certified copies take more time since the clerk has to add the seal.

Bring as much information as possible. A case number speeds things up. Names alone work but the search takes longer. Approximate dates help narrow results. The staff handles record requests daily and knows how to find what you need.

Mail Requests

Written requests go to the Circuit Clerk at 314 Belleville Ave, Brewton, AL 36426. Include party names, case type, and any known dates or case numbers. Describe what documents you need. Provide your contact information. Payment by check or money order should accompany the request.

Mail requests take one to three weeks to process. Older records or complex searches take longer. The clerk contacts you if more information or payment is needed.

Types of Court Records

Circuit Court Records

Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles felony criminal cases, civil lawsuits over $10,000, and domestic relations matters. Divorce, custody, and support cases are filed here. Appeals from District Court go to Circuit Court. Case files contain pleadings, motions, orders, and judgments.

District Court Records

District Court covers smaller civil cases, misdemeanor crimes, and traffic violations. The civil limit is $20,000. Small claims court is part of District Court. Preliminary hearings for felonies happen here before cases move to Circuit Court. Records are maintained by the same clerk's office.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law cases include divorce petitions, custody disputes, child support enforcement, and protective orders. Files may contain financial statements, parenting plans, and home studies. Final decrees are public. Documents involving minor children may be partially sealed.

Criminal Records

Criminal case files document the case from arrest to final disposition. Charges, bond, pleas, verdicts, and sentences are recorded. The docket shows every court date and action. Expunged or sealed records are not available to the public.

Court Records Fees

Fees for accessing Escambia County court records follow state guidelines.

The courthouse accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Credit card acceptance varies. Online payments through Alacourt are by card. Search fees are not refundable if no records are found.

Escambia County Court Resources

21st Judicial Circuit

Escambia County is the whole 21st Judicial Circuit by itself. The county has its own judges for Circuit and District Court. They don't go to other places. This means the schedule stays the same and judges know the local area well.

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

Southwest Alabama Location

Escambia County is in southwest Alabama near Florida. Brewton is the county seat. There is a lot of timber work here. Atmore is the other big town. All court stuff goes through the Brewton courthouse no matter where the case started.

Legal Aid Resources

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

Criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney may apply for a public defender at their first court date. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral line is 1-800-392-5660 for finding private counsel.

Related Court Offices

Probate Court

Escambia County Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. Property records including deeds and mortgages are filed with the Probate Judge. This is a separate office from the Circuit Clerk.

District Attorney

The 21st Judicial Circuit District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases in Escambia County. The office files charges, presents evidence at trial, and handles plea negotiations. Victim assistance is available.

Federal Courts

Federal cases for Escambia County go to the Southern District of Alabama in Mobile. Federal records are accessed through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov. Bankruptcy, federal crimes, and certain civil matters are federal jurisdiction.

Nearby Counties

Escambia County borders Florida to the south and several Alabama counties. Each maintains separate court records.

Major Nearby Cities

Escambia County has no cities over 50,000 population. The nearest major city is Mobile, about 50 miles south.

Start Your Search

Search court records from Escambia County and throughout Alabama using our records lookup.