Hale County Court Records
Court records for Hale County are maintained at the courthouse in Greensboro. The Circuit Clerk's office handles all filings and record requests for cases heard in the 4th Judicial Circuit.
Hale County Quick Facts
Hale County Circuit Clerk
The Hale County Circuit Clerk maintains official court records for all matters filed in the county. This includes civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, and appeals. The office is located in the Hale County Courthouse on Main Street in downtown Greensboro.
| Office | Hale County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1001 Main St Greensboro, AL 36744 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 4th Judicial Circuit |
Hale County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit along with Bibb, Dallas, Perry, and Wilcox counties. Circuit judges travel between these five counties to hold court sessions. The schedule rotates throughout the year, so specific court dates in Hale County vary. Call the clerk's office to confirm when judges will be present for hearings.
Services Provided
The Circuit Clerk's office accepts new case filings, maintains court records, and processes requests for copies. Staff members assist the public in locating case information and navigating the court system. They also collect fees, fines, and restitution ordered by the court.
Beyond public services, the clerk's office supports court operations by preparing case files for judges, managing jury pools, and coordinating with attorneys on scheduling. The office processes appeals by compiling the trial court record for review by higher courts. All documents filed in a case pass through this office and become part of the permanent record.
If you need to file a new case, the clerk's staff can provide the correct forms and explain filing requirements. They cannot give legal advice about what to file or how to present your case, but they can answer procedural questions about deadlines and fees.
How to Access Court Records
Hale County court records are available through several methods. Most records are public and can be viewed or copied upon request, though some restrictions apply to sensitive cases involving minors or sealed proceedings.
Visit the Courthouse
The most straightforward approach is to visit the Hale County Courthouse in Greensboro. The Circuit Clerk's office on Main Street maintains current and archived court files. Walk in during business hours, provide the case name or number, and staff will retrieve the file for you to review.
Bring identification when you visit. While you can view most files without charge, copying fees apply if you want to take records with you. The clerk can certify copies if you need official documentation for legal or employment purposes.
For older records, you may need to submit a request in advance so staff can locate files from storage. Call ahead if you need records from cases more than ten years old to make sure they can be retrieved before you arrive.
Search Online
Alabama's Alacourt Access system at pa.alacourt.com provides electronic access to court records statewide, including Hale County. You can search by party name, case number, or other criteria. Basic case information such as parties, charges, and disposition is often available online.
Registration is required to use Alacourt Access. Some features carry fees, particularly for viewing full documents or running extensive searches. The system is useful for quick lookups but may not contain all documents, especially from older cases that predate electronic filing.
Request by Mail
Written requests can be sent to the Circuit Clerk's office. Include as much detail as possible: party names, approximate dates, case numbers if known, and specifically what records you need. Enclose payment for estimated fees or ask the clerk to contact you with the amount before processing.
Mailed requests generally take one to two weeks to fulfill. The clerk will send copies to your return address once payment is received and records are located. Complex requests involving multiple cases or archived records may take longer.
Attorney Access
Attorneys practicing in Hale County can access case files through the AlaFile electronic filing system. This system allows them to file documents, view case information, and receive electronic notices. If you have legal representation, your attorney can obtain records on your behalf through these channels.
Types of Court Records
The Hale County court system produces various types of records depending on the nature of each case. Understanding where different matters are heard helps you find the records you need.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court serves as the general trial court with broad jurisdiction. It handles felony criminal cases, civil disputes exceeding $20,000, and all domestic relations matters including divorce, custody, and support. Circuit Court also hears appeals from District Court decisions.
Records from Circuit Court cases include the complaint or indictment that started the case, answers and motions filed by the parties, court orders and rulings, trial transcripts if proceedings were recorded, and the final judgment or verdict. In criminal cases, you may also find arrest records, bond documentation, plea agreements, and sentencing orders.
District Court
District Court handles smaller matters including misdemeanor crimes, civil cases under $20,000, traffic violations, and small claims. Preliminary hearings for felony cases also occur in District Court before cases move to Circuit Court.
District Court records tend to be less extensive than Circuit Court files. Many cases resolve quickly through plea agreements or default judgments. Records typically include the charging document or complaint, any motions filed, and the court's disposition.
Domestic Relations
Family law matters in Hale County go through Circuit Court. Divorce cases, child custody disputes, child support enforcement, and domestic violence protective orders all generate court records. These files often contain financial disclosures, parenting plans, and orders regarding property division.
While generally public, some family court records may be restricted. Cases involving abuse allegations, child welfare, or juvenile matters may be sealed or limited in access. Ask the clerk about availability when you request specific family court records.
Criminal Records
Criminal court records track prosecutions from arrest through final disposition. These files document charges brought, bond conditions, plea negotiations, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentences. They may also include probation terms, restitution orders, and records of any violations.
People often need criminal court records for background checks, employment verification, or to verify someone's history in the legal system. Records show whether charges resulted in conviction, acquittal, or dismissal. Expunged records are no longer part of the public file.
Civil Judgments
Civil court records document lawsuits between parties seeking money damages or other relief. These cases include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disagreements, and debt collection. Records show who sued whom, the claims made, any defenses raised, and the outcome.
Judgments from civil cases can affect credit reports and property ownership. If someone has a judgment against them, that record may be searched by creditors, landlords, or others evaluating financial responsibility.
Fees for Court Records
Hale County charges fees for copies and searches of court records. These fees are set by state law and apply uniformly across the clerk's office.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy fee (first 20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Additional pages beyond 20 | $0.50 each |
| Certification fee | $5.00 per document |
| Record search (computerized) | $10.00 |
| Archived record search | $25.00 |
Payment is accepted at the clerk's office by cash, check, or money order. If you request records by mail, include payment with your request or ask the clerk to provide a total before processing. Requests will not be fulfilled until payment is received.
Viewing records at the courthouse is generally free. Fees only apply when you want copies to take with you. Certified copies, which bear the clerk's official seal, cost more but may be required for legal proceedings or official purposes.
Hale County Court Information
The image below shows the Alacourt system where Hale County court records can be accessed electronically.
Through the Alacourt portal, you can search for cases filed in Hale County without traveling to Greensboro. The system covers Circuit Court, District Court, and some municipal court records from across Alabama.
Legal Help and Resources
Several resources exist for people needing legal assistance in Hale County. Legal Services Alabama offers free civil legal help to income-eligible residents. They can assist with family law, housing, consumer issues, and other civil matters. Call 866-456-4995 or visit AlabamaLegalHelp.org for more information.
The Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service to help you find an attorney. For basic legal information and self-help forms, visit eforms.alacourt.gov where the Administrative Office of Courts provides standardized documents for common court procedures.
If you cannot afford an attorney in a criminal case where jail time is possible, the court will appoint one for you. In civil cases, you have the right to represent yourself, but the court cannot advise you on legal strategy or what to file.
The 4th Judicial Circuit has specific local rules that apply in Hale County. Attorneys and self-represented parties should review these rules before filing. The clerk's office can provide copies of local court rules upon request.
Nearby Counties
Hale County shares borders with several neighboring counties. If a case involves parties or events from multiple areas, you may need to search court records in more than one county.