Access Autauga County Court Docket

Court docket records in Autauga County show all case actions from filing through final ruling. The Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Prattville keeps these records for both Circuit Court and District Court. Autauga County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit along with Chilton and Elmore counties. You can search docket info online through Alacourt ACCESS. Or you can visit the clerk's office in person during work hours. The docket covers civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family law matters, and traffic tickets.

Autauga County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of court records in Autauga County. This office takes in new case filings and keeps the docket for all open and closed cases. Staff can give you copies of court docs when you ask. The clerk also runs jury selection, takes in court fees and fines, and sends out summonses and subpoenas as the court directs.

The courthouse sits in downtown Prattville near Court Street and Main Street. You can park on nearby streets and in public lots. Plan to go through security when you enter. The clerk's office is on the main floor. Staff can help you find case files, get copies, and learn about how to file.

Online Court Record Access

Autauga County court docket info is on the statewide Alacourt ACCESS system. This online site lets you search for cases by name or case number. The database has civil cases, criminal matters, family law cases, and traffic tickets. You pay for each search, and the fee shows up before you check out.

To search Autauga County records online:

1. Visit the Alacourt ACCESS portal at pa.alacourt.com
2. Select Autauga County from the county dropdown menu
3. Enter the party name or case number in the search fields
4. Review the search results and pay the required fee to view case details

The online system shows docket sheets with all filings and court actions in a case. But to get the actual docs like motions, orders, and judgments, you may need to visit in person or send a written request. Some records are blocked from online view. These include sealed cases, juvenile matters, and youthful offender files.

Copy and Search Fees

The Circuit Clerk's office charges fees for copies of court documents and for conducting record searches. These fees help cover the administrative costs of maintaining court records and providing public access services.

Payment at the clerk's office can typically be made by cash, check, or money order. Credit card acceptance varies, so it is best to call ahead if you plan to pay by card. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Autauga County Circuit Clerk. The office will provide an estimate of copy costs before processing larger requests.

Types of Court Records Available

The Autauga County Circuit Clerk maintains docket records for multiple types of court proceedings. Each case type has its own filing requirements, procedures, and timelines.

Civil Cases

Civil dockets track disputes between parties including personal injury claims, contract disputes, property matters, debt collection, and evictions. Circuit Court handles civil cases with amounts in controversy over $10,000. District Court handles smaller civil matters and small claims under $3,000. The docket shows all pleadings, motions, hearings, and final judgments in each case.

Criminal Cases

Criminal dockets record cases where the state prosecutes individuals for alleged offenses. Circuit Court handles felony cases while District Court handles misdemeanors. The docket includes arraignments, preliminary hearings, trial settings, plea agreements, verdicts, and sentencing information. Traffic violations are also part of the criminal docket.

Domestic Relations

Domestic relations dockets cover family law matters filed in Circuit Court. These include divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support matters, visitation schedules, domestic violence protection orders, and paternity cases. Court orders in these cases may be modified over time, with each modification reflected in the docket.

Probate Matters

Probate records are maintained separately by the Probate Judge rather than the Circuit Clerk. The Probate Court handles estate administration, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and adoptions. Adoption records are sealed by law and not available for public inspection.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Alabama law establishes the public's right to access court records while also protecting certain sensitive information from disclosure.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 provides that Alabama residents have the right to inspect and copy public records, including most court records. A 2024 amendment to this statute now requires proof of Alabama residency for records requests. Acceptable proof includes an Alabama driver license or Alabama voter registration. The statute is interpreted broadly in favor of public access and disclosure.

Court Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality govern what information in court records must be protected from public view. These rules identify 96 categories of privileged or confidential information. Protected details include Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, medical records, names of minor crime victims, and addresses of domestic violence victims. The Circuit Clerk redacts this information before providing copies to the public.

Sealed and Restricted Records

Courts may seal records when there is clear evidence that disclosure would cause harm. Reasons for sealing include trade secret protection, national security concerns, potential for harassment or physical harm, and private family matters. Juvenile court records are confidential under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. Youthful offender adjudications may also be sealed in certain circumstances.

Expungement

Alabama law allows for expungement of certain criminal records under Alabama Code Section 15-27-1. Cases that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal may be expunged. Some misdemeanors can be expunged after a waiting period. Certain non-violent felonies may also be eligible in limited circumstances. Expunged records are removed from public access and do not appear in standard court record searches.

Visiting the Courthouse

The Autauga County Courthouse is located in downtown Prattville. The building houses the Circuit Clerk's office, courtrooms, and other county offices. Visitors should be prepared for security screening at the entrance.

When visiting in person:

• Bring a valid photo ID for identification
• Have specific case information ready such as party names, case numbers, or approximate dates
• Allow time for security screening and waiting in line
• Bring cash, check, or money order for copy fees
• Cell phones and electronic devices may be restricted in some areas

The clerk's staff can assist with locating records, explaining filing procedures, and providing information about court processes. They cannot provide legal advice or recommend what documents you should file. For legal guidance, consult an attorney or contact a legal aid organization.

Submitting Written Requests

Autauga County accepts written requests for court record copies by mail. This option is convenient for those who cannot visit the courthouse in person. Allow two to four weeks for processing, depending on the volume of requests and complexity of the search.

Include the following in your written request:

• Full names of all parties involved in the case
• Case number if known
• Type of case (civil, criminal, domestic)
• Approximate date range of the case
• Specific documents requested (complaint, judgment, order, etc.)
• Your name, address, and phone number
• Proof of Alabama residency
• Check or money order for estimated fees

Mail your request to the Autauga County Circuit Clerk at 134 N Court St, Prattville, AL 36067. If the fees exceed your prepayment amount, the clerk's office will contact you for additional payment before processing the request. Refunds are issued for any overpayment.

Cities in Autauga County

Court records for residents of all cities and towns in Autauga County are maintained by the Autauga County Circuit Clerk. There is no separate city court system for general civil and criminal matters. Municipal courts may handle city ordinance violations and some traffic offenses within city limits.

Major cities and towns in Autauga County include Prattville, Autaugaville, Billingsley, Booth, Deatsville, Independence, Marbury, Pine Level, and White Hall. Prattville is the county seat and largest city, with a population of approximately 37,000. All court filings for cases arising in these communities are processed through the Circuit Clerk's office in Prattville.

Residents of Autauga County who need court records involving parties or events in other counties should contact the Circuit Clerk in the appropriate county. Cases are typically filed where the defendant resides or where the underlying events occurred.

Nearby Counties

Autauga County shares judicial resources with Chilton and Elmore counties as part of the 19th Judicial Circuit. The same judges may hear cases in all three counties. If your case involves parties or events in a neighboring county, you may need to check records in that jurisdiction as well.

Legal Resources

If you need assistance with a legal matter in Autauga County, several resources are available to help.

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to low-income residents in civil matters such as family law, housing, consumer issues, and public benefits. The Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service that can connect you with an attorney in your area who handles your type of case. Self-represented litigants can find court forms and instructions on the Alabama Judicial System website.

Start Your Search

Use the search tool below to look up court docket records in Autauga County.