Pickens County Court Records
Court records in Pickens County are managed by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Carrollton. The county is part of the 24th Judicial Circuit along with Fayette and Lamar counties.
Pickens County Quick Facts
Pickens County Circuit Clerk
The Pickens County Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of all court records in the county. This office processes filings for civil lawsuits, criminal cases, domestic relations matters, and appeals. Staff maintain case files, manage the court docket, coordinate jury selection, and provide certified copies of court documents to attorneys, parties, and members of the public who submit proper requests.
| Address | 1 Court Square Carrollton, AL 35447 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 367-2020 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | pickens.alacourt.gov |
The Pickens County Courthouse is located on the town square in Carrollton. The historic building is well known in the area. Parking is available around the square. When visiting, bring photo identification and any case information you have. The clerk's staff can help locate records but cannot provide legal advice about your case or help fill out forms.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Pickens County court records can be searched through the statewide Alacourt Public Access portal at pa.alacourt.com. The database allows searches by name, case number, or attorney. You can view case status, docket entries, hearing dates, and charges without charge. Document copies may require payment or in-person pickup.
The online system includes most recent cases but may not have records from before electronic record-keeping began. Very old cases may only be available in paper form at the courthouse. The database updates regularly, though there may be a short delay before new filings appear online.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Pickens County Courthouse at 1 Court Square in Carrollton during regular business hours to access court records. You may review case files at the courthouse without charge. When you need copies, pay the required fees at the clerk's window. Staff can assist in locating cases but are not able to give legal advice.
Older records may be stored off-site and require additional time to retrieve. For historical cases, especially those from many decades ago, contact the clerk in advance to allow time for retrieval. Some very old records may have been transferred to state archives.
Mail Requests
Send written requests to Pickens County Circuit Clerk, 1 Court Square, Carrollton, AL 35447. Your letter should include your full name, mailing address, phone number, and a detailed description of what records you need. Indicate whether you need regular copies or certified copies. Include payment by check or money order payable to Pickens County Circuit Clerk. Contact the office first if you need to confirm the amount.
Types of Court Records Available
Criminal Records
Criminal court records in Pickens County Circuit Court include felony prosecution files. Records contain indictments, arrest warrants, bond documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation records. Misdemeanor cases are handled in District Court unless appealed. Most criminal records are public unless a judge has sealed them.
Civil Records
Civil case files cover disputes between private parties over contracts, property, personal injury, and other matters. Circuit Court handles civil cases where more than $20,000 is at stake. Records include complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials, trial exhibits, and final judgments. Lower-value cases go through District Court or Small Claims Court.
Family Court Records
Domestic relations files include divorce cases, child custody matters, child support proceedings, and modifications of existing orders. Most family court records are public, though information about minor children may be restricted. Adoption records are confidential and require court approval to access. Juvenile case files are also sealed.
Probate Records
The Probate Court operates separately from Circuit Court but is typically in the same courthouse building. Probate handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and marriage licenses. For estate or guardianship records, ask directions to the Probate Judge's office when you arrive.
Appeals
Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court and Municipal Court decisions. When a case is appealed, the Circuit Court creates a new file for the appeal while the original record stays with the lower court. Decisions from Circuit Court can be further appealed to the Alabama appellate courts in Montgomery.
Court Record Fees
Pickens County follows the standard Alabama fee schedule for court record copies and services. Verify current fees with the clerk before sending payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Additional pages (over 20) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Record Search (computerized) | $10.00 |
| Record Search (paper/archived) | $25.00 |
The clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some online payment options may be available through Alacourt. Search fees are non-refundable whether or not matching records are found.
Pickens County Court System
Pickens County is part of the 24th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Fayette County and Lamar County. Circuit judges rotate among all three counties to hold court sessions. Regular court dates are scheduled at the Pickens County Courthouse in Carrollton.
The court calendar is posted at the courthouse and available online. Grand jury sessions meet periodically to consider felony charges. If you have a pending case, check the calendar or contact the clerk's office for your hearing date. Jury duty notices are issued by the Circuit Clerk.
Additional Court Resources
Legal Aid Services
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help for civil matters to qualifying low-income residents. Call 866-456-4995 to check eligibility. The Alabama State Bar maintains a lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 to help find attorneys in Pickens County.
Court Forms
Standard court forms for Alabama are available at eforms.alacourt.gov. You can download forms for divorce, custody modifications, name changes, and other common filings. Follow the instructions carefully and use the right form for your case type.
Electronic Filing
AlaFile is the electronic filing system for Alabama courts. Attorneys can file documents electronically and receive case notifications. Some self-represented parties may also use the system for certain filings. Visit efile.alacourt.gov for information.
Nearby Counties
If parties in a case resided in different counties, you may need to search records in multiple jurisdictions. Here are the counties neighboring Pickens.