Tuscaloosa County Court Records Search

Court records in Tuscaloosa County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the 6th Judicial Circuit, located in the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse on Greensboro Avenue.

Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk

Magaria H. Bobo serves as Circuit Clerk for Tuscaloosa County. The clerk's office is the official repository for all court records in the 6th Judicial Circuit. This includes civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, domestic relations cases, and appeals from district court. The office handles new filings, maintains case files, and provides copies to the public.

The Tuscaloosa County Courthouse is located on Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa. The building sits near the heart of the city and is within walking distance of the University of Alabama campus. The clerk's office is on the second floor and is open during regular business hours.

Tuscaloosa is home to the University of Alabama, which affects the local court system in several ways. The student population creates unique demands during the academic year. Football game weekends bring additional traffic cases. The university also generates civil litigation related to contracts, intellectual property, and employment matters.

How to Access Court Records

Online Access

Tuscaloosa County court records are available through Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. The statewide system allows you to search by party name, case number, or attorney. Basic search results are free. Viewing full documents requires a paid subscription. The system covers both circuit and district court cases.

Electronic filing through AlaFile is available for attorneys and regular court users. This system allows online submission of court documents. It also provides access to case information and filings. Parties represented by counsel can often get documents from their attorney rather than ordering them from the clerk.

In-Person Access

The courthouse is open to the public during business hours. A public access computer terminal is available in the clerk's office. You can search for cases and view basic information. Staff can assist if you need help finding a specific case or understanding the records.

Parking in downtown Tuscaloosa can be challenging, especially during university events. Several public lots are within walking distance. Street parking has time limits. Plan ahead if you need to spend significant time at the courthouse. The building has security screening at the entrance.

Mail Requests

Written requests for records can be mailed to the clerk's office. Include as much identifying information as possible about the case. State what documents you need and how many copies. Include payment by check or money order made payable to Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk.

Processing time depends on the complexity of your request and how busy the office is. Simple requests may be completed in a few days. Older records or complex searches take longer. Call ahead if you need to know the timeline or want to confirm the records exist before sending payment.

Types of Court Records Available

Civil Records

Civil case files document lawsuits between individuals, businesses, and government entities. Types include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, and collection matters. Circuit court handles cases with amounts over $20,000. District court handles smaller claims. Files contain complaints, answers, motions, discovery documents, orders, and judgments.

Criminal Records

Criminal cases involve prosecutions for violations of Alabama law. Circuit court handles felonies. District court handles misdemeanors and traffic violations. 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 include divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, and visitation matters. Adoption records are part of this docket but are typically sealed. Protection from abuse cases are also filed here. Many family court records have restricted access to protect children and domestic violence victims.

Student-Related Cases

The large student population generates unique case types. Minor in possession charges, noise violations, and landlord-tenant disputes are common. DUI and traffic cases spike during football season. Student debt collection cases also appear in district court. These follow the same procedures as other cases but can have specific local patterns.

Appeals

Appeals from district court come to circuit court. Appeals from circuit court go to the state appellate courts in Montgomery. The circuit clerk maintains the record on appeal until it is transmitted to the higher court. You can request copies of appeal records from the clerk's office.

Fees for Court Records

Tuscaloosa County charges fees for copies and certification. Contact the clerk's office for the current fee schedule. Here are general guidelines.

If you need a large number of copies, calling ahead is recommended. This lets staff prepare your order and give you an accurate total. Large orders may not be available same-day. Budget extra time if you need documents for a deadline.

Tuscaloosa County Court Search Portal

The screenshot below shows the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court website. This site provides information about court services and links to the statewide Alacourt system for record searches.

Nearby Counties

Tuscaloosa County shares borders with several other counties. Cases involving parties from neighboring areas may have records in multiple jurisdictions.

Major Cities in Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County contains the City of Tuscaloosa, which is the fifth largest city in Alabama and home to the University of Alabama. The following city has a population over 50,000.

Other incorporated municipalities in Tuscaloosa County include Northport and Cottondale. These smaller cities do not have separate court record pages, but their court cases are filed in the Tuscaloosa County court system.