Search Greene County Court Records
Court records in Greene County are filed and maintained at the Circuit Clerk's office in Eutaw. As the least populous county in Alabama, Greene County processes fewer cases than most jurisdictions but follows the same state procedures.
Greene County Quick Facts
Greene County Circuit Clerk
The Greene County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian for all court records within the county. This office handles case filings, maintains court documents, and processes requests for copies of court records. The Circuit Clerk also manages jury selection, collects court fees, and coordinates with judges on case scheduling.
| Office | Greene County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 Morrow Ave Eutaw, AL 35462 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 17th Judicial Circuit |
Greene County shares the 17th Judicial Circuit with Marengo and Sumter counties. Judges rotate between these three counties, which means court dates may vary based on the circuit schedule. You should contact the clerk's office to confirm when court sessions are held in Greene County.
What the Circuit Clerk Does
The Circuit Clerk's office performs several key functions related to court operations. Staff members accept new case filings, assign case numbers, and enter information into the court's database system. They maintain physical and electronic records of all proceedings, including motions, orders, and final judgments. The office also handles appeals to higher courts by preparing and transmitting the record.
Beyond record keeping, the clerk's office collects filing fees, fines, and court costs. They issue subpoenas, process jury summons, and maintain lists of qualified jurors. If you need a certified copy of any court document, this is where you would submit your request. The staff can also help you find older records that may be stored in archives.
How to Access Court Records
Getting court records in Greene County can be done in a few different ways. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the records and whether you need certified copies or just want to view the information.
In Person
Visiting the courthouse in Eutaw is the most direct way to get court records. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 400 Morrow Ave in the Greene County Courthouse. You can walk in during business hours, ask to view case files, and request copies. Most current cases are available for immediate viewing. Older cases may require staff to retrieve files from storage, so calling ahead is a good idea if you need records more than a few years old.
When you visit in person, bring identification and be prepared to fill out a request form. Staff can help you locate cases by party name, case number, or date range. You can view most records at no charge, but copies carry a fee.
Online Access
Alabama's statewide Alacourt system provides online access to court records from all counties, including Greene. The Alacourt Access portal at pa.alacourt.com lets you search for cases and view basic case information. Some documents may be available for viewing or download through this system.
To use Alacourt Access, you need to create an account. There may be fees associated with viewing certain documents or running detailed searches. The system includes records from Circuit Court, District Court, and some municipal courts. Not all historical records have been digitized, so very old cases may only be available through the clerk's office.
By Mail
You can request court records by mail by sending a written request to the Circuit Clerk's office. Your request should include as much identifying information as possible: full names of parties, approximate dates, case numbers if known, and the type of records you need. Include a check or money order for the estimated fees, or call ahead to find out the exact amount.
Mail requests typically take one to two weeks to process, depending on the volume of requests and complexity of your search. The clerk's office will mail copies to the address you provide. If your payment does not cover the full cost, they will contact you for additional payment before sending the records.
Through an Attorney
If you have legal representation, your attorney can obtain court records on your behalf. Attorneys often use the AlaFile electronic filing system, which gives them access to cases they are involved in. They can also request records from opposing parties through the discovery process in pending cases.
Types of Court Records Available
Greene County courts handle various types of cases, each producing its own set of records. Understanding which court handles which matters helps you find what you need more quickly.
Circuit Court Records
Circuit Court is the main trial court in Alabama with broad jurisdiction. In Greene County, the Circuit Court hears felony criminal cases, civil cases involving more than $20,000, domestic relations matters, and appeals from District Court. Records from these cases include complaints, answers, motions, court orders, transcripts, and final judgments.
Domestic relations cases cover divorce, child custody, child support, and alimony. These files often contain sensitive information about families and finances. While generally public, some documents in family cases may be sealed to protect children or abuse victims.
District Court Records
District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases under $20,000, small claims, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. District Court records include citations, complaints, plea agreements, and judgments. Many minor traffic and misdemeanor cases are resolved quickly, so records may be less extensive than Circuit Court files.
Criminal Records
Criminal case records document the prosecution of individuals accused of crimes. These files contain charging documents, arrest warrants, bond information, plea agreements, trial records, sentencing orders, and probation conditions. Criminal records are generally public unless sealed by court order.
Background check companies and employers often search criminal court records. If you need to clear up an error in your criminal record or expunge an eligible case, you would file a petition with the court that handled the original case.
Civil Records
Civil court records document disputes between individuals, businesses, or other entities. Common civil cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and debt collection. Civil files contain pleadings, discovery documents, settlement agreements, and judgments.
Probate Court Records
While separate from the Circuit Clerk, the Probate Court maintains important records including wills, estate proceedings, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are also issued through the Probate Court. These records are available at the Probate Judge's office in the courthouse.
Court Record Fees
Fees for court records in Greene County follow state guidelines. The exact amount depends on what you need and how many pages are involved. Here are typical costs you can expect.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Additional pages (over 20) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Search fee (current records) | $10.00 |
| Search fee (archived records) | $25.00 |
Payment can be made by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's office. Some fees may apply differently depending on the specific type of record or urgency of the request. Contact the clerk's office directly if you need an exact quote for your request.
Certified copies cost more but may be required for legal proceedings, employment verification, or official purposes. A certified copy bears the clerk's seal and signature, attesting that it is a true copy of the original document in the court's files.
Greene County Court System
Below is an image showing the Alacourt portal where you can search Greene County court records online.
The Alacourt system is maintained by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts and provides access to records from all Alabama counties. Greene County participates in this statewide system, making it possible to search case information without visiting the courthouse.
Legal Resources
If you need legal help in Greene County, several resources are available. Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents. You can reach them at 866-456-4995 or visit AlabamaLegalHelp.org.
The Alabama State Bar maintains a lawyer referral service that can connect you with attorneys in your area. For self-represented litigants, court forms are available through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts at eforms.alacourt.gov.
The 17th Judicial Circuit, which includes Greene County, has procedures for handling cases involving people who cannot afford attorneys. The court can appoint counsel in criminal cases where jail time is possible. In civil cases, you may proceed without an attorney, though the court cannot give you legal advice.
Nearby Counties
Greene County borders several other counties where you might also need to search for court records. If a case involves events that occurred near county lines or parties who lived in different counties, records might exist in multiple locations.