Washington County Court Records

Court records in Washington County are filed with the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Chatom. As part of the 1st Judicial Circuit, the county shares judicial resources with Choctaw and Clarke counties while maintaining comprehensive local court files.

Washington County Circuit Clerk

The Washington County Circuit Clerk manages all court records for cases filed in Circuit Court and District Court. This office sits in the county courthouse on Court Street in downtown Chatom. Staff accept new filings, maintain active case files, process motions and orders, and provide copies of court documents upon request. The clerk also handles financial matters including collection of court costs, fines, and restitution payments.

The 1st Judicial Circuit covers Washington, Choctaw, and Clarke counties in southwest Alabama. Circuit judges rotate between the three courthouses to hear cases. This arrangement means court sessions in Washington County occur on a scheduled basis rather than every day. If you need to appear in court or check hearing dates, contact the clerk's office directly for the current schedule.

Washington County holds the distinction of being the oldest county in Alabama, created on June 4, 1800 when the area was still part of the Mississippi Territory. Court records from earlier eras may be held in archives or historical collections.

District Court

Washington County District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil disputes under $20,000, small claims, and landlord-tenant evictions. District Court also conducts preliminary hearings for felony cases before they are bound over to Circuit Court. Records from both courts are maintained by the same clerk's office and can be searched through Alacourt.

How to Access Court Records

Washington County court records can be obtained through online searches, visits to the courthouse, or mail requests. Each method works differently, so pick the one that fits your situation.

Online Through Alacourt Access

The state of Alabama operates an online court records database at pa.alacourt.com called Alacourt Access. This system includes records from Washington County and all 66 other Alabama counties. You can search by entering a person's name or a case number. Search results show party names, case type, filing date, case status, and disposition. Criminal case results include charges and how they were resolved. Searches cost $9.99. Full case reports with additional details cost $19.99 for District Court cases and $29.99 for Circuit Court cases.

In-Person at the Courthouse

The Washington County Courthouse is at 45 Court Street in Chatom. Walk-in visitors can request court records during regular business hours. The clerk's office can search for cases using names or case numbers and pull files for your review. Public access terminals may be available for self-service searches. Bring a valid ID and any information you have about the case. Staff can make copies of documents for you upon payment of the fee.

Chatom is located in rural southwest Alabama. The courthouse is the main government building in town and easy to find. Street parking is available. Security screening may be required to enter. The clerk's office is typically on the main floor.

Written Requests by Mail

To request court records by mail, write a letter to the Washington County Circuit Clerk that includes the full names of all parties involved, the approximate date the case was filed, what kind of case it is (criminal, civil, divorce, etc.), and the case number if known. Indicate whether you need certified copies or plain copies. Include a check or money order for the estimated amount payable to Washington County Circuit Clerk.

Send requests to:
Washington County Circuit Clerk
45 Court St
Chatom, AL 36518

Processing usually takes one to three weeks. If the clerk needs more information or additional payment, they will reach out. Certified copies take longer because of the authentication process.

Types of Court Records Available

Washington County courts generate records for every case that moves through the system. What documents you find depends on the type of case.

Criminal Case Records

Criminal files include arrest warrants, criminal complaints or indictments, bail and bond documents, plea agreements, motions filed by attorneys, hearing transcripts, verdict forms, sentencing orders, and probation paperwork. Felonies prosecuted in Circuit Court have larger files than misdemeanors handled in District Court. Criminal record searches are used for background checks, employment screening, and legal proceedings. The official criminal history from ALEA is the authoritative source, but court records show case-specific details.

Civil Case Records

Civil litigation produces complaints, answers, discovery documents, depositions, motions, court orders, and final judgments. Washington County courts handle lawsuits involving contracts, property disputes, personal injuries, and debt collection. Judgments become public records and can be recorded as liens against real property. Civil files may be thin or quite thick depending on how contested the case was.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law files include divorce petitions, answers, property settlements, custody agreements, child support orders, and any modifications filed later. Protection from abuse cases generate temporary and permanent protective orders. These records are commonly needed for remarriage, tax purposes, insurance claims, and custody enforcement. Information about minor children may have limited access.

Traffic Records

Traffic violations account for a substantial portion of District Court cases. Records document the violation, court dates, defendant's plea, fines imposed, and payment status. More serious offenses like DUI generate additional records including arrest details, chemical test results, and license suspension orders. Convictions for moving violations are reported to ALEA and affect driving records.

Court Records Fees

Fees for Washington County court records follow state guidelines and local rules.

The clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Call ahead to ask about credit and debit card acceptance. Online Alacourt searches require a credit or debit card. Fees must be paid when you request the records.

Washington County Court Resources

Online Resources

• Alacourt Access: pa.alacourt.com - Alabama court record searches
• Circuit Clerk: washington.alacourt.gov - County court page
• Court Forms: eforms.alacourt.gov - Downloadable forms
• E-Filing: efile.alacourt.gov - Electronic filing system

Legal Aid

Residents who need legal help but cannot pay for an attorney should contact Legal Services Alabama at 866-456-4995. This organization provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income individuals. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral line at 1-800-392-5660 can connect you with attorneys in your area. Free legal information is available at AlabamaLegalHelp.org.

Nearby Counties

Washington County shares the 1st Judicial Circuit with Choctaw and Clarke counties. These neighboring counties may have records relevant to your search.

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