Find Court Records in Franklin County

Court records in Franklin County are kept at the Circuit Clerk's office in Russellville. The county is the sole member of the 34th Judicial Circuit.

Franklin County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of court records in Franklin County. This office files and stores all case documents, manages dockets, processes new filings, and provides public access to records. Both Circuit Court and District Court records are maintained here.

The Franklin County Courthouse sits on Jackson Avenue in downtown Russellville. The clerk's office is in the main building along with courtrooms. Parking is available on surrounding streets. Bring government ID for record requests. The office is closed on state holidays.

How to Access Court Records

Online Search via Alacourt

Franklin County records are in the statewide Alacourt system at pa.alacourt.com. Search by party name or case number. The database covers civil lawsuits, criminal charges, traffic tickets, and domestic cases. A fee is charged per search. Payment is by credit card.

Results come up right away. Basic information includes case type, parties, filing date, and current status. Criminal searches show charge details. Full case reports cost more but provide complete history. This is the fastest way to check records without visiting in person.

In-Person Requests

Visit the Circuit Clerk's office during business hours to search records. Staff look up cases in the computer system. Paper files can be pulled from storage. You can review documents at the counter and request copies. Fees apply.

Certified copies need the clerk's seal and signature. Plain copies work for personal use. Certified copies are required for legal filings or official purposes. Most requests are handled while you wait unless the office is very busy.

Mail Requests

Send written requests to the Circuit Clerk at 410 N Jackson Ave, Russellville, AL 35653. Include party names, case type, and any dates or numbers you know. Explain what documents you need. Provide your contact information. Payment by check or money order should be included.

Processing takes one to three weeks. Older records or complicated searches take longer. The clerk contacts you if more information or money is needed.

Types of Court Records

Circuit Court Records

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

District Court Records

District Court handles smaller cases. Misdemeanors, traffic violations, and civil claims under $20,000 are District Court matters. Small claims court is part of this court. Preliminary hearings for felonies happen here before transfer to Circuit Court. Records are kept by the same clerk.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law cases include divorce petitions, custody disputes, support enforcement, and protective orders. Files contain financial statements, parenting agreements, and court orders. Final decrees are public record. Documents about minor children may be sealed.

Criminal Records

Criminal case files show the full case history from arrest to disposition. Charges, bond, pleas, verdicts, and sentences are documented. The docket lists every court appearance and action. Expunged or sealed records are not available to the public.

Court Records Fees

Fees for court record services in Franklin County follow state guidelines.

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

Franklin County Court Resources

34th Judicial Circuit

Franklin County makes up the entire 34th Judicial Circuit. The county has dedicated judges who don't rotate to other counties. This means more consistent scheduling and familiarity with local cases. Court sessions run throughout the year with separate calendars for different case types.

Criminal dockets, civil trials, and domestic hearings happen on different days. Check with the clerk's office for the court calendar.

Northwest Alabama Location

Franklin County is in northwest Alabama along the Tennessee border. Russellville is the county seat and largest city. The area has significant agricultural and manufacturing activity. All court business goes through the courthouse in Russellville regardless of where in the county the matter arose.

Legal Aid Resources

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help for qualifying low-income residents. Call 866-456-4995 for intake. Services cover family law, housing issues, and benefits cases. AlabamaLegalHelp.org has self-help forms and legal guides.

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

Related Court Offices

Probate Court

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

District Attorney

The 34th Judicial Circuit District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases in Franklin County. The office files charges, presents evidence, and handles plea negotiations. Victim assistance is available.

Federal Courts

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

Nearby Counties

Franklin County borders Tennessee to the north and several Alabama counties. Each maintains separate court records.

Major Nearby Cities

Franklin County has no cities over 50,000 population. Decatur and Huntsville are the nearest larger cities.

Start Your Search

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