Access Butler County Court Docket

Court docket records for Butler County show all actions in each case from first filing to final ruling. The Circuit Clerk in Greenville keeps these records. Butler County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit with Crenshaw and Lowndes counties. The docket has civil suits, criminal cases, family law, and traffic tickets. You can search online through Alacourt ACCESS or go in person during work hours.

Butler County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Butler County. The office takes in new filings, keeps the docket, sends out summonses and subpoenas, and gives the public access to records. The clerk also runs jury work, takes in fees and fines, and handles appeals.

The Butler County Courthouse is on Court Square in downtown Greenville. Parking is on nearby streets and public lots. You must go through security to enter. The clerk's office is on the main floor. Staff can help with record searches, copies, and how to file.

Online Court Record Access

Butler County court records are on Alacourt ACCESS, the statewide online court database. The system has civil, criminal, family, and traffic case info. You can search by name or case number. You pay a fee for each search.

Steps to search Butler County records:

1. Visit pa.alacourt.com
2. Choose Butler County from the available options
3. Enter the party name or case number
4. Pay the required fee and view the docket information

The online system shows docket sheets with all filings and court actions. To get actual docs like pleadings, motions, and orders, you may need to call the clerk's office. Some records are blocked online. These include sealed cases, juvenile matters, and some domestic violence files.

Copy and Search Fees

The Circuit Clerk charges fees for copies and searches. These fees pay for keeping records and giving the public access.

The clerk's office takes cash, checks, and money orders. Ask about credit cards before you visit. For mail requests, add a check or money order to Butler County Circuit Clerk. They will call you if more payment is needed.

Types of Court Records Available

Butler County's Circuit Clerk keeps docket records for all trial court cases.

Civil Cases

Civil dockets track fights between parties. These include injury claims, contract fights, property matters, debt cases, and evictions. Circuit Court handles cases over $10,000. District Court deals with smaller claims under $3,000.

Criminal Cases

Criminal dockets track cases where the state charges someone with a crime. Felonies go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanors go to District Court. The docket shows arraignments, hearings, motions, trials, pleas, verdicts, and sentencing.

Domestic Relations

Family law cases go to Circuit Court. These include divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and protection orders. These cases often have many hearings and changes over time.

Traffic Cases

Traffic tickets go through District Court. Cases range from speeding to DUI. The docket shows the ticket, court dates, outcome, and any fines.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Alabama law gives you access to court records while keeping some info private.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 lets Alabama residents look at and copy public records like court docs. A 2024 change asks you to prove you live in Alabama. A driver license, state ID, or voter card works. The law leans toward giving you access.

Court Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy list 96 types of info that stay private. These include Social Security numbers, bank accounts, medical info, child victim names, and some addresses. This info gets blacked out before records go out.

Sealed Records

Courts may seal records when letting them out would cause harm. Reasons to seal include trade secrets, national security, stopping harassment, and family privacy. Sealed records are not open to the public. You can ask to unseal them.

Expungement

Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 lets you erase some criminal records. Dropped charges and wins at trial usually qualify. Some misdemeanors can be erased after a wait. A few non-violent felonies may also work. Erased records come off public systems.

Visiting the Courthouse

The Butler County Courthouse in Greenville is open during work hours. The building has the clerk's office, courtrooms, and other county offices.

Before visiting:

• Bring a valid photo ID
• Have case information ready such as party names, case numbers, or date ranges
• Allow time for security screening
• Bring payment for copy fees
• Leave prohibited items in your vehicle

Staff can help find records and tell you how to make requests. They cannot give legal advice. For legal help, talk to a lawyer or call a legal aid group.

Submitting Written Requests

Butler County takes written requests by mail. It takes two to four weeks to process, based on how hard the request is.

Include in your request:

• Full names of all parties in the case
• Case number if known
• Type of case (civil, criminal, domestic, traffic)
• Date range if case number is unknown
• Specific documents requested
• Your name, address, and phone number
• Proof of Alabama residency
• Check or money order for estimated fees

Mail to: Butler County Circuit Clerk, 700 Court Square, Greenville, AL 36037. The clerk will notify you if additional payment is required. Overpayments are refunded.

Cities in Butler County

Court records for all places in Butler County are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Greenville. City courts may handle local law violations.

Cities in Butler County include Greenville, Chapman, Georgiana, and McKenzie. Greenville is the county seat and biggest city. All court filings for Butler County go through the Greenville courthouse.

For records from other counties, call the Circuit Clerk there. Cases are usually filed where the defendant lives or where the events took place.

Nearby Counties

Butler County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit with Crenshaw and Lowndes counties. The same judges may hear cases in all three. Nearby counties may have records if your case crosses county lines.

Legal Resources

Several organizations provide legal assistance to Butler County residents.

Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal help to low-income folks who qualify. The Alabama State Bar can link you with lawyers. Court forms are on the Alabama Judicial System site.

Start Your Search

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