Calhoun County Court Docket

Court docket records in Calhoun County show all actions from filing to final outcome. The Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Anniston keeps these records for the public. Calhoun County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit with Cleburne County. The courts handle civil fights, criminal cases, family law, and traffic tickets. You can search online through Alacourt ACCESS or see records in person at the clerk's office.

Calhoun County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Calhoun County. This office takes in new filings, keeps the docket for open and closed cases, sends out court docs, and gives copies when you ask. The clerk also runs jury work, takes in fees, and handles appeals.

The Calhoun County Courthouse is on Noble Street in downtown Anniston. Parking is on nearby streets and lots. You go through security at the entrance. The clerk's office is on the main floor. Staff can help with record searches, copies, and how to file.

Online Court Record Access

Calhoun County court records are on Alacourt ACCESS, Alabama's statewide court portal. The database has civil cases, criminal matters, family cases, and traffic tickets. You can search by name or case number and pay a fee to see the docket.

To search Calhoun County records online:

1. Go to pa.alacourt.com
2. Select Calhoun County from the list of counties
3. Enter the party name or case number you wish to search
4. Complete the payment and review the docket

The online site shows the docket sheet with all filings and court actions in date order. To get actual docs like complaints, motions, and orders, you may need to ask the clerk's office. Some records are not online. These include sealed cases, juvenile cases, and some domestic violence matters.

Copy and Search Fees

The Circuit Clerk charges fees for copies and searches to pay for admin costs.

The clerk's office takes cash, checks, and money orders. Call first to ask about credit cards. For mail requests, send a check or money order to Calhoun County Circuit Clerk. They will call you if more payment is needed.

Types of Court Records Available

The Calhoun County Circuit Clerk keeps docket records for all case types in Circuit Court and District Court.

Civil Cases

Civil dockets track fights between parties. These include injury suits, contract claims, property fights, 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, trial events, 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 changes over time, all logged in the docket.

Traffic Cases

Traffic tickets go through District Court. Cases range from speeding to DUI. Each case 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 records. 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 records, child victim names, and some addresses. This info gets blacked out from public records.

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 if needed.

Expungement

Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 lets you erase some criminal records. Dropped cases 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 Calhoun County Courthouse in Anniston is open during work hours. The building has the clerk's office, courtrooms, and related services.

When visiting:

• Bring valid photo identification
• Have case details ready including party names, case numbers, or date ranges
• Allow time for security screening at the entrance
• Bring payment for any copy fees
• Leave weapons and prohibited items in your vehicle

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

Submitting Written Requests

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

Include the following in your request:

• Complete names of parties in the case
• Case number if known
• Type of case being requested
• Date range if case number is unknown
• Specific documents needed
• Your name, address, and phone number
• Proof of Alabama residency
• Check or money order for estimated fees

Mail to: Calhoun County Circuit Clerk, 1702 Noble St, Suite 102, Anniston, AL 36201. The office will contact you if additional fees are needed. Overpayments are refunded.

Cities in Calhoun County

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

Cities in Calhoun County include Anniston, Oxford, Jacksonville, and Piedmont. Anniston is the county seat and biggest city. All court filings for Calhoun County go through the Anniston 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

Calhoun County shares the 7th Judicial Circuit with Cleburne County. The same judges may hear cases in both. Nearby counties may have records if your case crosses county lines.

Legal Resources

The following resources can help Calhoun County residents with legal matters.

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 and self-help tools are on the Alabama Judicial System site.

Start Your Search

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