Access Pike County Court Records
Court records for Pike County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Troy. The county is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Coffee County.
Pike County Quick Facts
Pike County Circuit Clerk
The Pike County Circuit Clerk serves as the official record keeper for all court proceedings in the county. This office handles filings for civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, and appeals from District and Municipal courts. The clerk's staff processes new cases, maintains docket records, manages jury coordination, and provides copies of court documents to attorneys, parties, and the general public.
| Address | 120 W Church St Troy, AL 36081 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 566-1246 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | pike.alacourt.gov |
The Pike County Courthouse is on West Church Street in downtown Troy. Street parking and public lots are available nearby. Bring valid photo identification when visiting to request records. Courthouse security may require you to pass through a metal detector. Staff can help locate records but cannot offer legal advice or help fill out legal forms.
How to Access Court Records
Online Access
Pike County court records are searchable online through the Alacourt Public Access system at pa.alacourt.com. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. The system shows case status, docket entries, charges, and hearing dates. Basic information is free to view, while document copies may require payment or in-person retrieval.
The online database covers most recent cases in Pike County. Older cases from before electronic records were implemented may not appear online. For those records, you will need to contact the clerk's office directly. The system updates regularly but very recent filings may not appear immediately.
In-Person Requests
You can visit the Pike County Courthouse at 120 W Church St in Troy during regular business hours to access court records. Viewing case files at the courthouse is free. If you need copies of documents, pay the required fees at the clerk's window. Provide as much information as possible about the case you need to help staff locate records quickly.
Some older records may be stored off-site. If you need historical files, contact the clerk's office ahead of time so they can retrieve the records before you arrive. This saves you from making multiple trips. Very old records may have been transferred to the Alabama Department of Archives.
Mail Requests
Mail requests to Pike County Circuit Clerk, 120 W Church St, Troy, AL 36081. Include your full name, address, phone number, and a complete description of what records you need. Specify whether you want plain copies or certified copies. Enclose a check or money order payable to Pike County Circuit Clerk for the estimated fees. The clerk's office will contact you if additional payment is needed.
Types of Court Records Available
Criminal Records
Criminal case files in Pike County Circuit Court cover felony prosecutions. Records include indictments, arrest warrants, bail and bond information, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation documentation. Misdemeanor cases are handled in District Court unless appealed. Criminal records are generally public, though some may be sealed by court order.
Civil Records
Civil court records involve disputes over money, property, contracts, personal injury, and other matters between private parties. Circuit Court handles civil cases where more than $20,000 is in dispute. Files include complaints, answers, motions, discovery documents, trial exhibits, and judgments. Smaller disputes go through District Court or Small Claims.
Family Court Records
Domestic relations files include divorces, legal separations, child custody cases, child support proceedings, and modifications of existing orders. Most divorce and custody records are public, though some information about children may be restricted. Adoption records are confidential. Juvenile case records are also sealed from public view.
Probate Records
The Probate Court is separate from Circuit Court but usually located in the same building. Probate handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and marriage licenses. If you need estate or guardianship records, ask for directions to the Probate Judge's office when you arrive at the courthouse.
Appeals
Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court and Municipal Court decisions in Pike County. When a case is appealed, the Circuit Court maintains the appeal file while the original case record stays with the lower court. Circuit Court decisions may be further appealed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals.
Court Record Fees
Pike County uses the standard Alabama fee schedule for court records. Contact the clerk's office to verify current fees before submitting 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 |
Cash, checks, and money orders are accepted at the clerk's office. Online payments may be possible through Alacourt for some transactions. Search fees are typically non-refundable even if no records are found.
Pike County Court System
Pike County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit along with Coffee County. Circuit judges rotate between both counties to hold court sessions. The Pike County Courthouse in Troy hosts regular court dates for civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases.
The court calendar is posted at the courthouse and online through Alacourt. Grand jury sessions meet periodically to consider felony charges. If you have a pending case, check the calendar or call the clerk's office for your hearing date. Jury duty notices are sent out by the Circuit Clerk's office.
Additional Court Resources
Legal Aid Services
Legal Services Alabama offers free legal assistance for civil matters to qualifying low-income residents. Call 866-456-4995 for eligibility information. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 can help you find attorneys who practice in Pike County.
Court Forms
Standard Alabama court forms can be downloaded at eforms.alacourt.gov. Forms are available for divorce, custody modifications, name changes, and many other common filings. Read all instructions carefully to make sure you use the correct form.
Electronic Filing
AlaFile is the electronic filing system used by Alabama courts. Attorneys can file documents electronically and get notifications about case activity. Some self-represented parties may also use the system. Visit efile.alacourt.gov for more details.
Nearby Counties
Cases involving parties from different counties may require searching records in multiple jurisdictions.