Search Lawrence County Court Records

Court records in Lawrence County are filed and maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Moulton. This office processes all filings for the 36th Judicial Circuit and provides public access to court documents.

Lawrence County Circuit Clerk

The Lawrence County Circuit Clerk works at the courthouse on Court Street in Moulton. This office keeps all court records made in the county. Staff take in new filings, look after case files, and help folks who want to see or copy records. They have been doing this work for a long time and know the system well.

Lawrence County is the only county in the 36th Judicial Circuit. That means the judge works just in Moulton, not bouncing between towns. Court runs more often since there is no travel to other places.

Clerk Functions

The clerk handles every step of a case. When a new suit or charge comes in, staff give it a number and add it to the database. Every doc filed after that goes into the permanent file. Motions, responses, orders, and rulings all pass through this office.

The clerk also takes in money. Filing fees, court costs, fines, and restitution all get paid here. Staff track what you owe and send funds where the law says they should go.

Jury work falls here too. Staff keep the jury list, mail summons, and set up panels for trials. When a case goes up on appeal, the clerk puts the file together, gathering all the docs and transcripts from the trial.

For the public, the clerk's office provides record access services. Anyone can come in and ask to view or copy court records. Staff help locate cases, explain what is available, and process copy requests. They can answer procedural questions but are not allowed to give legal advice.

Accessing Court Records

You can get Lawrence County court records a few ways. Most files are open to the public, though a few types are off limits or have rules about who can see them.

In-Person Requests

Going to the courthouse in Moulton gives you the best shot at full access. The clerk's office on Court Street has files for active and old cases. Walk in when they are open and say what you want.

With a case number, finding the file is easy. Without one, staff can search by name, date, or case type. Active cases are on hand right away. Old ones may be stored somewhere else. Call first if you need files from long ago.

Looking at files is free. Fees kick in when you want copies. Bring ID and be set to fill out a short form. Staff tell you the cost before they copy. You pay first, then get the papers.

Online Through Alacourt

The Alacourt Access site at pa.alacourt.com lets you look up court records from your computer. Search Lawrence County and any other county in the state. Make a free account and start looking.

Results show basic info like party names, charges or claims, and how the case ended. Some docs can be viewed or grabbed online, though fees may apply. Not all old records have been scanned, so really old cases might only be on paper at the courthouse.

Mail Requests

Send a letter to the clerk if you want records by mail. Put in party names, case numbers if you have them, rough dates, and what docs you want. Say if you need plain copies or certified ones.

Add payment or ask for a cost quote first. Give it one to two weeks for mail requests. Once the clerk finds the files and gets your money, copies go out. If there is nothing to find, they let you know.

Legal Counsel

Attorneys use the AlaFile system for electronic filing and case access. If you have a lawyer, they can obtain court records on your behalf through this system. Attorneys also have mechanisms to obtain records from opposing parties through discovery in pending cases.

Types of Court Records

Courts in Lawrence County make different kinds of records based on the case type. Each court has its own turf and deals with certain matters.

Circuit Court

Circuit Court is the primary trial court with general jurisdiction. It handles felony criminal cases, civil matters worth more than $20,000, and all domestic relations cases including divorce, custody, and support. Appeals from District Court decisions come to Circuit Court.

Circuit Court records are often extensive. Criminal cases include indictments, arrest warrants, bond documents, discovery, trial records, and sentencing orders. Civil cases have complaints, answers, motions, depositions, and judgments. Family cases contain petitions, financial disclosures, and detailed court orders.

District Court

District Court hears smaller matters. Misdemeanor crimes, traffic violations, civil cases up to $20,000, small claims, and preliminary hearings in felony cases all go through District Court. Records are typically shorter than Circuit Court files.

A traffic case may have just the citation and disposition. Small claims cases include the complaint, any response, and the judge's decision. More contested matters produce more paperwork, but District Court files remain simpler overall.

Criminal Records

Criminal court records document prosecutions from arrest to final resolution. They show charges brought, how the defendant responded, whether there was a trial or plea, and the sentence imposed. These records also reflect probation terms, violations, and any post-conviction proceedings.

Background checks often mean looking at criminal court files. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards want to see if someone has a past. Records show convictions, dropped cases, acquittals, and open charges. If a case is expunged, it will not show up.

Family Law Records

Domestic relations cases produce records covering divorce, legal separation, child custody, visitation, child support, and alimony. These files contain petitions, responses, financial statements, parenting plans, and settlement agreements or trial orders.

Family court records are generally public but may have restricted portions. Information about children, abuse victims, or sealed proceedings may not be available. Check with the clerk about what you can access in any specific family case.

Civil Litigation

Civil court records cover lawsuits between individuals, businesses, or other entities. Contract disputes, injury claims, debt collection, and property fights all generate civil records. Files show pleadings, discovery, any settlement, and the final judgment.

Civil judgments can create liens on property. Title companies and creditors often search civil court records to find existing judgments before completing transactions or extending credit.

Record Fees

Lawrence County uses the standard fee list for copies and searches. These rates are the same across most of the state, set by Alabama law.

The clerk accepts cash, check, and money order. For mail requests, include payment or ask for a cost estimate first. Records are not released until full payment is received.

Certified copies have the clerk's seal and signature verifying authenticity. Use certified copies when you need documents for official purposes. Regular copies work for personal reference or research.

Lawrence County Court Access

Below is an image of the Alacourt portal used to search Lawrence County court records online.

The Alacourt system connects all Alabama county court systems. You can search Lawrence County records from home without visiting the Moulton courthouse. The system is maintained by Alabama's Administrative Office of Courts.

Legal Assistance

If you live in Lawrence County and need a lawyer but lack cash, options exist. Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal help to those who qualify by income. They take on family law, housing, consumer fights, and benefit issues. Call 866-456-4995 or go to AlabamaLegalHelp.org to check if you fit the criteria.

In criminal cases where jail time is possible, defendants who cannot afford lawyers will have counsel appointed by the court. Tell the judge at your first appearance if you need a public defender or appointed attorney.

For those representing themselves, court forms are available at eforms.alacourt.gov. The Administrative Office of Courts provides standardized forms for common procedures. Instructions come with the forms, though they cannot substitute for legal advice in complex situations.

The Alabama State Bar's lawyer referral service can connect you with attorneys in your area. The 36th Judicial Circuit has local rules that govern procedure in Lawrence County courts. Obtain a copy from the clerk before filing if you are unfamiliar with local requirements.

Nearby Counties

Lawrence County is located in northwest Alabama. Several neighboring counties share borders. Cases involving people or events near county lines may have records in multiple jurisdictions.

Nearby Major Cities

Lawrence County has no cities over 50,000 in population. The nearest large cities are Decatur in Morgan County and Huntsville in Madison County. Court records for events occurring in those cities are maintained by their respective county clerks.