Access Houston County Court Records

Court records in Houston County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the 20th Judicial Circuit, located at the Houston County Courthouse in Dothan.

Houston County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk's office maintains all court records for the 20th Judicial Circuit in Houston County. This office handles new case filings, maintains court files, and provides copies to the public. The clerk's office is located at the Houston County Courthouse on North Oates Street in downtown Dothan.

Houston County is the youngest county in Alabama, having been established in 1903. Despite its relatively recent founding, the county has grown to become one of the more populous in southeast Alabama. Dothan serves as a regional center for the Wiregrass area, drawing residents from neighboring counties and nearby Georgia and Florida.

The Houston County court system serves 13 communities within the county. Dothan is by far the largest, but smaller municipalities also have residents who may appear in county court. The 20th Judicial Circuit also includes Henry County, so some judicial resources are shared between the two counties.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access

Houston County court records are available through Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. The statewide database lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney. Basic search results showing case information are free. Full document access requires a paid subscription. The system covers circuit and district court cases.

Electronic filing through AlaFile is available for attorneys and regular filers. This system allows online document submission and provides case notifications. While primarily designed for legal professionals, the underlying case information is the same as what appears in Alacourt Access for public searches.

In-Person Access

The Houston County Courthouse is open to the public during business hours. The circuit clerk's office can help you search for cases and request copies. Staff are available to assist with the search process. Public computer terminals may be available for self-service searches.

Downtown Dothan has parking available on the street and in nearby lots. The courthouse has security screening at the entrance. Plan extra time if you have a specific deadline. Bringing case numbers or party names speeds up the search process significantly.

Mail Requests

You can request records by mail. Send your request to the circuit clerk's address with as much case information as you have. Include the case number if known. Otherwise, provide party names, approximate dates, and type of case. State what documents you need and include payment by check or money order.

Processing time varies depending on the request. Simple requests for recent cases may be done quickly. Older records or complex searches take longer. If you have an urgent need, calling ahead or visiting in person is faster.

Types of Court Records Available

Civil Records

Civil case files document lawsuits between individuals, businesses, and government entities. Common types include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and collections. Circuit court handles cases over $20,000. District court handles smaller amounts. Each file contains the complaint, answer, motions, orders, and final judgment.

Criminal Records

Criminal cases involve prosecutions for violations of Alabama law. Circuit court handles felonies, which are more serious offenses. District court handles misdemeanors. Records include charging documents, bond information, plea records, trial transcripts when available, and sentencing orders. Some records may be sealed or expunged.

Family Court Records

Domestic relations cases include divorce, child custody, child support, and visitation matters. Adoption records are part of this docket but are typically sealed from public access. Protection from abuse orders are also filed here. Many family court records have restricted access to protect children and domestic violence victims.

Traffic Cases

Traffic violations are handled in district court. Dothan sits at the intersection of several major highways, generating significant traffic case volume. Records include citations, court dates, pleas, and dispositions. Many traffic matters can be resolved by paying fines without a court appearance.

Regional Cases

Dothan serves as a regional hub for southeast Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and southwest Georgia. Cross-border issues occasionally arise in court cases. However, Alabama courts only have jurisdiction over matters occurring within the state. Cases involving out-of-state parties follow the same procedures as any other civil or criminal matter.

Fees for Court Records

Houston County charges fees for copies and certification. Contact the clerk's office for the current fee schedule.

Fees can change, so call ahead to confirm current rates. If you plan to order multiple documents, asking for a fee estimate helps you bring the correct payment. Large orders may need advance preparation.

Houston County Court Search Portal

The screenshot below shows the Houston County Circuit Court website. This site provides information about court services and connects to the Alacourt system for record searches.

Nearby Counties

Houston County is located in the southeast corner of Alabama, near the Florida and Georgia borders. Cases involving parties from neighboring counties may have records in multiple jurisdictions.

Major Cities in Houston County

Houston County contains Dothan, which is the largest city in southeast Alabama and has a population over 50,000. The following city has its own page with additional local information.

Other communities in Houston County include Ashford, Cowarts, Columbia, Gordon, Kinsey, Madrid, Rehobeth, Taylor, and Webb. These smaller municipalities do not have separate court record pages, but their court cases are filed in the Houston County court system.