Search Alabama Court Docket

Court docket records in Alabama are kept by the Circuit Clerk in each of the state's 67 counties. Alabama runs a unified court system. All county courts feed into one statewide database called Alacourt ACCESS. This makes record searches much simpler than in states with split systems. The docket is the official log of all case events, from the first filing through the final ruling. You can search civil cases, criminal cases, domestic matters, and traffic tickets. Records are on Alacourt online or at the county courthouse in person.

How to Search Alabama Court Dockets

Online Search Through Alacourt ACCESS

The main way to search Alabama court dockets is Alacourt ACCESS. This database holds trial court records from all 67 counties. It covers civil, criminal, domestic, and traffic cases. You can search by name or case number. The site charges a fee per search. Fees show up before you pay. If you need to look up records often, you can get a subscription plan to save time and cut costs on repeat searches.

Alabama Appellate Courts Portal

For appeals court records, the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal gives free access to cases from the Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals. You can search by case number or name. No sign-up or fee is needed.

In-Person Search at the Courthouse

Every county courthouse has a Circuit Clerk's office where you can search dockets and view case files. In-person searches let you browse without the per-search fees you pay online. Copy fees still apply when you need a document. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Hours change by county so call ahead to check. Bring an ID and know the names, case numbers, or dates you need before you go.

Written and Mail Requests

You can send a written request to the Circuit Clerk in the right county. Put in the full names of the people involved, the date range, and what kind of records you want. You will likely need to pay fees up front. Wait two to four weeks for a reply. Times vary based on how busy the county is. Include your address and pay by check or money order.

What Information Court Dockets Contain

A court docket is the full timeline of all events in a case from start to finish. The Circuit Clerk adds info as things happen. Each entry becomes part of the permanent record. This log shows who filed what and when, what the court ruled, and how the case ended. Anyone searching court records relies on the docket to see the full story of a case.

Docket entries typically include:

• Case number and case type (civil, criminal, domestic, traffic)
• Party names (plaintiff/defendant in civil cases, State vs. defendant in criminal)
• Filing date and all subsequent filings
• Judge assignment and attorney information
• Motions, pleadings, responses, and exhibits
• Court orders, rulings, and judgments
• Hearing dates and outcomes
• Continuances and reasons
• Verdicts, judgments, and sentencing information
• Case status (active, pending, closed, appealed)

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Dockets

Civil dockets track disputes between people or businesses. Common cases include injury lawsuits, contract fights, property disputes, debt claims, and evictions. Small claims under $3,000 go to District Court. Cases over $10,000 go to Circuit Court. The docket shows each filing and motion as the case moves through the system from complaint to final judgment.

Criminal Dockets

Criminal dockets track cases where the state charges someone with a crime. Circuit Courts handle felonies. District Courts handle lesser offenses. The docket shows bail hearings, court dates, plea deals, trials, and sentencing. Traffic tickets also show up in the system. You can see what charges were filed and how each case ended.

Domestic Relations Dockets

Domestic dockets cover family law cases. These include divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and protective orders. Paternity cases also fall here. The Circuit Court in each county keeps these records. Many family cases stay active for years as parents return to court when things change with the kids or finances.

Probate Dockets

Probate dockets are kept by the Probate Court, not the Circuit Clerk. These records cover wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health cases. Adoptions are filed here too, but those files are sealed. You cannot view them without a court order. For all other probate matters, ask the Probate Judge's office in your county.

Fees and Costs

Alacourt ACCESS Fees

Alacourt ACCESS charges you per search. You see the exact cost before you pay. If you look things up often, a subscription can save money. The site takes credit cards. Most single searches cost just a few dollars, making it an affordable option for quick lookups when you need basic case info fast.

Copy Fees

Copy fees at Alabama courts run $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. Add $5 to $10 for the seal, depending on your county. Search fees run $5 to $20 and also vary by county. Call ahead to get the exact cost before you go so you bring the right amount of cash or a check.

Federal Court Fees

Federal courts charge more. These are the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Alabama. A name search costs $31. Certification is $11 per document. Paper copies are $0.50 per page. These fees are the same at all federal courts across the country.

Alabama Court System Structure

Alabama has one unified court system with several levels. Knowing how it works helps you find records faster. Lower courts handle smaller cases. Higher courts handle appeals and bigger disputes. The Circuit Clerk keeps records for most court levels in each county.

Supreme Court of Alabama

The Supreme Court is the highest in the state. Nine justices sit on this court. They hear final appeals and review big cases worth over $50,000. Their records are free to search on the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal online.

Courts of Appeals

Two appeals courts sit below the Supreme Court. The Court of Civil Appeals has five judges who hear civil case appeals. The Court of Criminal Appeals also has five judges and hears criminal case appeals. Both courts post their records on the free appeals portal.

Circuit Courts

Circuit Courts are the main trial courts. Alabama has 41 circuits. Some circuits cover more than one county. These courts hear felony crimes, civil cases over $10,000, family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk in each county keeps these records on file. Most of your searches will come from this level.

District Courts

District Courts handle smaller cases. They take misdemeanor crimes, early felony hearings, civil disputes under $10,000, and small claims under $3,000. The Circuit Clerk keeps these records too. They show up in the same Alacourt system.

Municipal Courts

Municipal Courts cover city rules and traffic tickets in city limits. Each city keeps its own records. These may not show up in Alacourt. Call the city court clerk if you need these files.

Probate Courts

Each county has a Probate Court. It handles wills, estates, mental health cases, adoptions, and marriage licenses. The Probate Judge keeps these records. They are not in the Circuit Clerk's system. You need to contact the Probate office directly.

Legal Framework for Court Record Access

Public Records Access

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives state residents the right to see and copy public records, including court files. A 2024 law now asks for proof that you live in Alabama when you make a request. A state driver license or voter card works fine. The law favors making records public when in doubt.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect on January 1, 2025. These rules list 96 types of info that must stay private. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, medical account numbers, names of child crime victims, home addresses of domestic violence victims, and trade secrets.

Sealed and Confidential Records

Courts may seal records when the info inside could cause harm. This includes trade secrets, national security risks, family law matters like divorce or custody, and cases where someone could be harassed or hurt. Juvenile court records are always sealed by law under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. You cannot view them without a court order.

Expungement

Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 covers expungement of criminal records. Cases that got dropped or ended in not guilty may qualify. Some misdemeanors can be wiped after a wait period. A few nonviolent felonies may also qualify, but the rules are strict. Once a record is expunged, it no longer shows up in public searches.

Related Record Sources

Criminal Background Records

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) runs criminal background checks statewide. If you need to find someone in prison, the Alabama Department of Corrections has a free inmate search online. It shows where people are held and when they might get out.

Federal Court Records

Federal cases are not in the state system. Use the PACER system to search federal court records. Alabama has three federal districts. The Northern District in Birmingham covers 35 counties. The Middle District in Montgomery covers 24 counties. The Southern District in Mobile covers 8 counties near the coast.

Property and Vital Records

Property records like deeds, mortgages, and liens are kept by the Probate Judge. Marriage licenses also come from the Probate Court. For birth and death records, go to the Alabama Department of Public Health or your county health office. These are not in the court docket system.

Tips for Effective Court Docket Searches

• Know the county: Cases are filed where the defendant resides or where the events occurred. Check the correct county first.
• Use correct spelling: Search systems are often exact-match. Double-check names before searching.
• Try variations: Search maiden names, nicknames, and middle names. Aliases may be listed differently.
• Know approximate dates: Date ranges help narrow results and reduce search time.
• Use case numbers: If you have a case number, this is the most efficient search method.
• Check multiple counties: A person may have records in more than one county.
• Consider federal courts: Some matters fall under federal jurisdiction. Check PACER for federal cases.

Start Your Search

Use the search tool below to find court docket info from anywhere in Alabama.

Browse by County

Alabama has 67 counties. Each one has a Circuit Clerk who keeps court docket records. Pick a county below to find contact info and local resources for that area.

View All 67 Alabama Counties →

Browse by City

Court records for city residents are kept at the county level. Pick a major city below to learn where to search and find local legal aid.

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Official State Resources