St. Clair County Court Records

Court records in St. Clair County are filed at courthouses in both Ashville and Pell City. The county is unique in having two county seats and operates within the 30th Judicial Circuit.

St. Clair County Circuit Clerk

The St. Clair County Circuit Clerk maintains all court records for the county at two locations. This office handles filings for civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law cases, and appeals. Staff process new cases, manage court dockets, coordinate with judges on scheduling, and provide certified copies of court documents. The dual courthouse system means some records may be at one location or the other, depending on when and where they were filed.

Ashville Courthouse

Pell City Courthouse

If you are unsure which courthouse has the records you need, call ahead or check the online system first. The Pell City location tends to handle more cases due to population distribution, but both courthouses maintain active case files. Bring valid photo identification when visiting either location.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access

St. Clair County court records can be searched online through the statewide Alacourt Public Access system at pa.alacourt.com. The database allows searches by party name, case number, or attorney name. You can view case status, docket entries, charges, and hearing dates. Basic information is free, while document copies may require fees or in-person retrieval.

The online system shows records from both courthouses. It can be helpful to check which location has your case before making a trip. Older cases from before electronic records may only be available in paper form at the courthouse where they were originally filed. The database updates regularly, though recent filings may not appear immediately.

In-Person Requests

Visit either the Ashville or Pell City courthouse during regular business hours to access court records. You can review case files at the courthouse without charge. When you need copies, pay the required fees at the clerk's window. Have as much information as possible about the case to help staff locate what you need efficiently.

Some historical records may be stored off-site. If you need old files, contact the appropriate courthouse ahead of time so staff can retrieve them before you arrive. Very old records may have been transferred to state archives.

Mail Requests

Send written requests to either courthouse location. Include your full name, mailing address, phone number, and a detailed description of what records you need. Indicate whether you want regular copies or certified copies. Enclose payment by check or money order payable to St. Clair County Circuit Clerk. The clerk's office will contact you if additional fees are required.

Types of Court Records Available

Criminal Records

Criminal case files in St. Clair County Circuit Court cover felony prosecutions. Records include indictments, arrest warrants, bond documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation records. Misdemeanor cases go through District Court unless appealed. Most criminal records are public unless sealed by court order.

Civil Records

Civil court records cover disputes over contracts, property, personal injury, and other matters between private parties. Circuit Court handles civil cases where more than $20,000 is at stake. Files include complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials, trial exhibits, and judgments. Lower-value disputes go to 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 children may be restricted. Adoption records are confidential and require court approval to access. Juvenile case records are sealed.

Probate Records

The Probate Court is separate from Circuit Court and has offices at both courthouses. Probate handles wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and marriage licenses. If you need probate records, ask for directions to the Probate Judge's office at whichever courthouse you visit.

Appeals

Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court and Municipal Court decisions. The appeal file is maintained at Circuit Court while the original record stays with the lower court. Circuit Court decisions may be appealed further to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals.

Court Record Fees

St. Clair County uses the standard Alabama fee schedule for court records. Verify current fees with the clerk before sending payment.

Both courthouses accept cash, checks, and money orders. Some online payments may be available through Alacourt. Search fees are non-refundable whether or not matching records are found.

St. Clair County Court System

St. Clair County operates within the 30th Judicial Circuit. This is a single-county circuit with dedicated judges who hold court at both the Ashville and Pell City courthouses. Court sessions alternate between the two locations based on the court calendar.

The court schedule is posted at both courthouses and available online through Alacourt. Grand jury sessions meet periodically. If you have a pending case, check which courthouse your hearing is scheduled for. Contact the clerk's office with questions about scheduling.

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 for eligibility information. The Alabama State Bar maintains a lawyer referral service at (800) 392-5660 to help find attorneys in St. Clair County.

Court Forms

Standard Alabama court forms are available at eforms.alacourt.gov. You can download forms for divorce, custody modifications, name changes, and other common filings. Read the instructions carefully to ensure you use the correct form.

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. Visit efile.alacourt.gov for information.

Nearby Counties

St. Clair County borders several other counties. You may need to search records in multiple jurisdictions if case parties lived in different areas.