Access Sumter County Court Records

Court records in Sumter County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Livingston. The county is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit and handles civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases through the Alabama Unified Judicial System.

Sumter County Circuit Clerk

The Sumter County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records for both the Circuit Court and District Court. This office maintains case files, processes filings, and provides certified copies of court documents to the public. The clerk's office is located in the Sumter County Courthouse in downtown Livingston. Staff can assist with record searches and help locate specific case files when you visit in person.

The 17th Judicial Circuit includes both Sumter County and Greene County. Cases may be heard by judges who travel between courthouses in both counties. The circuit handles all felony criminal cases, civil matters over $10,000, domestic relations cases, and appeals from district court. If you need to file documents or pull records, plan to visit during regular business hours as the office does close for lunch on some days.

District Court

Sumter County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases involving smaller amounts, traffic tickets, and preliminary hearings for felony cases. District Court records are maintained by the same clerk's office and can be searched through the Alacourt system. Small claims cases are also heard in District Court for disputes under $6,000.

How to Access Court Records

There are several ways to search and obtain Sumter County court records. The method you choose depends on whether you need official certified copies or just want to review case information. Most people start with an online search, then request specific documents from the clerk if needed.

Online Through Alacourt Access

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates the Alacourt Access system at pa.alacourt.com. This database contains court records from all 67 Alabama counties including Sumter County. You can search by name or case number. The system returns case information, party names, charges, filing dates, and dispositions. A search costs $9.99, and detailed case reports cost between $19.99 and $29.99 depending on the court level. This is the fastest way to check for court records without driving to Livingston.

In-Person at the Courthouse

You can visit the Sumter County Courthouse in Livingston to search court records in person. The clerk's office has public access terminals for searching the court database. Staff members can help you locate case files and pull documents for review. Bring a valid government ID when you visit. If you know the case number, that makes the search much easier. For records involving your own case, you may be able to review the full file.

The courthouse is a historic building located on Court Square in the center of town. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. Security screening is required before entering the building. Leave weapons and prohibited items in your vehicle. The clerk's office is on the first floor.

Written Requests by Mail

You can submit a written request for court records to the Sumter County Circuit Clerk. Include as much information as possible about the case: party names, approximate dates, case type (criminal, civil, domestic), and the case number if you have it. Specify what documents you need and whether you need certified or plain copies. Include payment by check or money order payable to the Sumter County Circuit Clerk. Mail requests to:

Sumter County Circuit Clerk
101 Court Square
Livingston, AL 35470

Allow two to three weeks for mail requests to be processed. The clerk's office will contact you if additional information or payment is needed. Certified copies take longer because they require the clerk's signature and official seal.

Types of Court Records Available

Sumter County courts generate various types of records depending on the case. Most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute.

Criminal Case Records

Criminal records include arrest information, charging documents, indictments, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and probation records. Felony cases are handled in Circuit Court while misdemeanors go through District Court. Criminal case searches often return the defendant's name, charges filed, case disposition, and sentencing information. These records are frequently requested for background checks, although the official criminal history from ALEA is the authoritative source.

Civil Case Records

Civil court records document disputes between parties that don't involve criminal charges. This includes lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury cases, property disputes, and debt collection matters. Civil case files contain the complaint, answer, motions, discovery documents, orders, and final judgments. Circuit Court handles cases over $10,000, while smaller claims go to District Court.

Domestic Relations Records

Domestic relations files include divorce cases, child custody matters, child support orders, and protection from abuse cases. These records contain petitions, temporary orders, final decrees, and modification orders. Some domestic cases involve sensitive information about children that may be restricted. Divorce decrees are commonly requested for remarriage, name changes, or proof of marital status.

Traffic and Municipal Records

Traffic violation records document speeding tickets, DUI arrests, reckless driving charges, and other motor vehicle offenses. These cases are typically handled in District Court. The records show the violation, court dates, plea entered, fines assessed, and payment status. Moving violations may affect your driving record maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Court Records Fees

Fees for Sumter County court records follow the schedule established by Alabama law and local court rules. The exact amount depends on what you're requesting.

The clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some offices now accept credit and debit cards, but call ahead to confirm. Make checks payable to the Sumter County Circuit Clerk. Fees must be paid at the time of service. The clerk cannot provide records on credit or promise to bill you later.

Sumter County Court Resources

Online Resources

• Alacourt Access: pa.alacourt.com - Search court records online
• Circuit Clerk Info: sumter.alacourt.gov - Official court page
• Court Forms: eforms.alacourt.gov - Downloadable court forms
• E-Filing: efile.alacourt.gov - File documents electronically

Legal Aid Services

If you need legal help but cannot afford an attorney, contact Legal Services Alabama at 866-456-4995. They provide free legal assistance to qualifying low-income individuals. The Alabama State Bar also operates a lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660 that can connect you with local attorneys who handle court record matters.

Nearby Counties

If you need court records from surrounding areas, these neighboring counties are part of the Alabama court system. Each has its own Circuit Clerk office and courthouse.

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