Morgan County Court Records

Court records in Morgan County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the 8th Judicial Circuit, located at the Morgan County Courthouse in Decatur.

Morgan County Circuit Clerk

Chris Priest serves as Circuit Clerk for Morgan County. The clerk's office handles all court records for the 8th Judicial Circuit. This includes civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, domestic relations cases, and appeals from district court. The office processes new filings, maintains case files, and provides copies to the public.

The Morgan County Courthouse is located on Lee Street in downtown Decatur. The building serves as the center of county government and houses the circuit and district courts. Multiple courtrooms handle the county's caseload. The clerk's office has a civil division and a criminal division, each with separate phone lines.

Morgan County is located in the Tennessee Valley region of north Alabama. The area has a strong industrial and manufacturing base, which generates business litigation and employment-related cases. The county also sees significant traffic court activity due to major highways passing through the area.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access

Morgan County court records are available through Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Basic search results are free. Viewing full documents requires a paid subscription. The system includes civil, criminal, traffic, and family court cases from circuit and district courts.

Court forms are available through eforms.alacourt.gov. This statewide resource has standard forms for various court matters. While filing still requires going through the clerk's office or electronic filing system, the forms can be prepared in advance. This saves time when you visit the courthouse.

In-Person Access

The Morgan County Courthouse is open to the public during business hours. You can visit the circuit clerk's office to search for cases and request copies. Staff can help you with the search process. The office has separate windows for civil and criminal matters, so go to the appropriate division for your needs.

Parking is available around the courthouse in downtown Decatur. The building has security screening at the entrance. Plan extra time if you have a deadline. Bringing case numbers or specific party names makes the search process faster.

Mail Requests

Written requests can be mailed to the clerk's office. Include as much identifying information as you have about the case. If you know the case number, include it. Otherwise, provide party names, approximate dates, and type of case. State what documents you need and include payment by check or money order.

Allow one to two weeks for mail requests. Older records or complex searches may take longer. If you need records quickly, visiting in person or calling ahead is recommended. Staff can tell you what records are available and provide fee estimates.

Types of Court Records Available

Civil Records

Civil case files include lawsuits for money damages, property disputes, contract claims, and collections. Circuit court handles cases over $20,000. District court handles smaller amounts. Morgan County sees business litigation related to the local manufacturing sector. Real estate and contract disputes are also common.

Criminal Records

Criminal cases document prosecutions for violations of Alabama law. Circuit court handles felonies. 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 under Alabama law.

Family Court Records

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

Traffic Cases

Traffic violations are handled in district court. Interstate 65 passes through Morgan County, generating highway patrol citations. Local traffic enforcement also produces significant case volume. Records include citations, court appearances, pleas, and dispositions. Many traffic matters can be resolved by paying fines.

Appeals

Appeals from district court are heard in circuit court. Appeals from circuit court go to the state appellate courts in Montgomery. The circuit clerk maintains appeal records until they are transmitted to the higher court. You can request copies of appeal filings through the clerk's office.

Fees for Court Records

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

Call ahead to confirm current fees before sending payment. If you are ordering multiple documents, getting a fee estimate helps you bring the correct amount. Large orders may need to be prepared in advance and picked up later.

Morgan County Court Search Portal

Below is a screenshot of the Morgan County Circuit Court website. The site provides information about court services and links to the Alacourt system for online record searches.

Nearby Counties

Morgan County is located in north Alabama, west of Madison County. Cases involving parties from neighboring counties may have records in multiple jurisdictions.

Major Cities in Morgan County

Morgan County contains Decatur, which has a population over 50,000. The following city has its own page with additional local information.

Other incorporated municipalities in Morgan County include Hartselle, Priceville, Somerville, Falkville, and Trinity. These smaller cities do not have separate court record pages, but their court cases are filed in the Morgan County court system.