Access Lamar County Court Records

Court records in Lamar County are kept at the courthouse in Vernon. The Circuit Clerk processes all case filings and maintains records for matters heard in the 24th Judicial Circuit.

Lamar County Circuit Clerk

The Lamar County Circuit Clerk works out of the courthouse in Vernon. This office takes in new filings, keeps case files, and gives copies of court docs to the public. Staff help you find records and walk you through the steps. If you need something pulled from archives, they can do that too, though it may take a day or two for older files stored off-site.

Lamar County shares the 24th Judicial Circuit with Fayette and Pickens counties. Judges move between these three spots on a set plan. Court dates in Vernon do not fall every week. Call the clerk to see when the judge will be in town.

What the Clerk's Office Does

The Circuit Clerk does a lot of things. Staff take in new suits, criminal cases, and other legal work. They hand out case numbers, type data into the system, and put papers in the right file. All docs filed in a case come through here first.

For cases that are still open or already done, the clerk keeps the full file. That means every pleading, motion, order, and final ruling. When lawyers or folks in the case need docs, they come here to get them. The office also sends out subpoenas, calls up jury pools, and works with the judge on setting court dates. It is a busy place even in a small county like this one.

Money tasks fall here too. The clerk takes in filing fees, court costs, fines, and restitution. If you owe the court cash, you pay at the window. Staff track what comes in and send it where the law says it should go.

On the public service side, anyone can come to the clerk's office and request to view or copy court records. Staff help with searches, explain fee structures, and process copy requests. They cannot give legal advice but can point you toward resources if you need help.

How to Get Court Records

Most Lamar County court records are open to the public. Some types are off limits, like juvenile files or things a judge has sealed. But if you want to look at a civil or criminal case, you can in most situations. You do not need to give a reason or prove you are involved in the matter.

In Person

The best way to get records is to go to the courthouse in Vernon. Head to the clerk's office on 1st Street NW. Tell them what case or file you need. If you have a case number, they can pull it fast. If not, staff will search by name or a rough date range for you.

Most recent cases are available right away. Older files may be stored elsewhere and require notice to retrieve. If you need records from cases more than a decade old, call ahead so staff can pull the file before you arrive.

You can view files for free. Copying costs money, with fees based on page count. Bring ID and be ready to fill out a request form for copies. The clerk will tell you the total before making the copies.

Online

Alabama's Alacourt Access portal at pa.alacourt.com provides electronic access to court records statewide, including Lamar County. Register for an account, then search by name or case number. Basic case information shows up in results for free. Viewing full documents may cost extra.

Not all records are online. Very old cases and some document types may only exist in paper form at the courthouse. Alacourt is good for quick searches and checking case status, but for complete files you may still need to contact the clerk.

By Mail

Send a letter to the clerk if you want to ask for records by mail. Put in as much info as you have: names, case numbers, dates, and what docs you want. Note if you need plain copies or certified ones. Add a check or money order, or ask them to tell you the cost first so you can send payment later.

Allow a couple weeks for mail requests. The clerk will locate the records, make copies, and mail them once payment is received. If records are not found, they will notify you. Search fees may apply regardless of whether records are located.

Through Your Lawyer

If you have an attorney, they can access records through the AlaFile electronic filing system. Attorneys who are counsel of record on a case can view and download documents through this platform. They can also request records from the clerk's office on your behalf.

Types of Records Available

Courts in Lamar County hear all sorts of cases, and each kind leaves a different paper trail. What type of case it is shapes what docs you will find and how you can get them.

Circuit Court Records

Circuit Court is the main trial court. It has broad jurisdiction covering felony crimes, civil cases over $20,000, and all family law matters. Appeals from District Court come to Circuit Court as well. Records include complaints, answers, motions, orders, transcripts, and final judgments.

Felony cases start when a grand jury hands down an indictment. The file will hold that, plus the arrest warrant, bond info, discovery docs, plea papers or trial notes, and the sentence. If the person later appeals or gets their probation revoked, that goes in the file too.

District Court Records

Lamar County District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $20,000, small claims, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Records from District Court are generally simpler than Circuit Court files, often just the charging document and disposition.

Small claims cases have minimal paperwork. The plaintiff files a claim, the defendant may file a response, and the judge decides at a short hearing. The record shows who filed, what was claimed, and what the judge ruled.

Family Court Records

Domestic relations cases go through Circuit Court in Lamar County. These include divorce, annulment, custody, visitation, child support, and alimony matters. Records contain petitions, financial disclosures, settlement agreements, and court orders.

Family cases often involve children, which can affect what records are public. Portions dealing with abuse allegations, psychological evaluations, or minor children may be sealed or restricted. Ask the clerk what parts of a family file you can access.

Criminal Records

Criminal court records document the prosecution process from arrest to disposition. They show charges filed, how the defendant responded, trial outcomes if any, and sentences imposed. These files also track probation terms and whether the person completed them successfully.

Employers and background check firms search these records all the time. If you need to look up someone's criminal past in Lamar County, or check your own file, the clerk can help you find the right cases. Just ask at the front desk and bring ID.

Civil Judgment Records

Civil cases produce records of lawsuits and their outcomes. Contract disputes, personal injury claims, debt collection, and property disputes all generate civil files. Judgments from these cases can become liens affecting real estate or other assets.

Title companies, creditors, and others checking for encumbrances search civil court records. A judgment against a property owner may need to be satisfied before title can transfer cleanly.

Court Record Fees

What you pay for court records in Lamar County is set by state rules. The exact cost hinges on what you ask for and how much digging the staff has to do. Here is a quick look at common fees.

You can pay with cash, check, or money order at the window. If you mail in a request, add payment or ask for a cost quote first. They will not send copies until you have paid in full.

Certified copies have the clerk's seal and signature verifying authenticity. Regular copies work for personal reference. Certified copies are needed for official purposes like court filings elsewhere or licensing applications.

Lamar County Court Resources

Below is an image of the Alacourt portal where Lamar County court records can be searched electronically.

The Alacourt system is maintained by Alabama's Administrative Office of Courts. It provides statewide access to court records, including those from Lamar County's Circuit and District courts.

Getting Legal Help

If you live in Lamar County and need a lawyer but lack the funds, help is out there. Legal Services Alabama at 866-456-4995 gives free civil legal aid to people who qualify based on income. They take on family law, housing fights, consumer issues, and benefit claims. It is worth a call if money is tight and you face a legal problem.

In criminal cases, the court appoints counsel for defendants facing jail time who cannot afford a lawyer. Inform the judge at your first appearance if you need appointed counsel. The clerk can explain the process.

Self-represented parties can find court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov. These standardized forms cover common proceedings like uncontested divorce, small claims, and name changes. Instructions accompany the forms, but they do not replace legal advice for complex situations.

The Alabama State Bar offers a lawyer referral service to connect people with attorneys. The 24th Judicial Circuit has local rules that apply in Lamar, Fayette, and Pickens counties. Review these before filing any case. The clerk can provide copies of local rules.

Nearby Counties

Lamar County borders several other counties in northwest Alabama. Cases involving events or parties near county lines might have records in more than one jurisdiction.

Regional Urban Centers

Lamar County is rural with no large cities. The nearest major city is Tuscaloosa, located to the southeast. Tuscaloosa County handles court records for matters occurring in that city. Birmingham is farther but serves as the state's largest urban center.