Search Chambers County Court Docket

Court docket records in Chambers County contain a complete chronological record of all actions taken in each case from filing through final disposition. The Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in LaFayette maintains these official records. Chambers County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit along with Macon, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties. The court system handles civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, and traffic cases. Records can be accessed online through Alacourt ACCESS or in person at the clerk's office during regular business hours.

Chambers County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of all court records in Chambers County. The office handles new case filings, maintains the official docket, issues summonses and subpoenas, and provides public access to court documents. The clerk also manages jury operations, collects court fees and fines, and processes appeals to higher courts.

The Chambers County Courthouse is located on Lafayette Street in downtown LaFayette. Parking is available on surrounding streets and in nearby public areas. Security screening is required upon entering the building. The clerk's office is on the main floor where staff can help with record searches, copy requests, and filing procedures.

Online Court Record Access

Chambers County court records are available through Alacourt ACCESS, the statewide online court records database. The system covers civil cases, criminal matters, domestic relations proceedings, and traffic violations. Users search by party name or case number and pay a fee to view the docket.

To search Chambers County records:

1. Visit pa.alacourt.com
2. Select Chambers County from the county dropdown
3. Enter the party name or case number
4. Pay the search fee and review the docket information

Online searches display the docket sheet with all filings and court actions listed chronologically. To obtain copies of actual documents such as complaints, motions, and court orders, you may need to request them from the clerk's office. Some records are restricted from online viewing, including juvenile cases, sealed matters, and certain domestic violence proceedings.

Copy and Search Fees

The Circuit Clerk charges fees for copies and record searches to cover the costs of maintaining records and providing public access.

The clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Call ahead to confirm credit card acceptance. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to Chambers County Circuit Clerk. The office will notify you if additional payment is required before completing your request.

Types of Court Records Available

The Chambers County Circuit Clerk maintains docket records for all case types in Circuit Court and District Court.

Civil Cases

Civil dockets include disputes between parties over money, property, or legal rights. Common cases involve personal injury claims, contract disputes, property matters, debt collection, and evictions. Circuit Court handles civil matters exceeding $10,000 while District Court handles smaller claims including small claims under $3,000.

Criminal Cases

Criminal dockets track prosecutions by the state against individuals charged with offenses. Felony cases are tried in Circuit Court and misdemeanors in District Court. The docket records arraignments, preliminary hearings, motions, trials, pleas, verdicts, and sentences.

Domestic Relations

Family law matters filed in Circuit Court include divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support cases, visitation matters, and protective orders. These cases often involve ongoing modifications over time, with each court action reflected in the docket.

Traffic Cases

Traffic violations are processed through District Court. Cases range from speeding tickets to serious offenses like driving under the influence. The docket shows citations, court appearances, outcomes, and penalties.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Alabama law establishes public access to court records while protecting certain sensitive information from disclosure.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to inspect and copy public records including court documents. A 2024 amendment requires proof of Alabama residency for records requests. Acceptable documentation includes an Alabama driver license, state ID, or voter registration card. The statute is interpreted to favor public access.

Court Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality identify 96 categories of protected information. This includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, medical records, names of minor victims, and certain addresses. Such information is redacted before records are released to the public.

Sealed Records

A court may seal records when disclosure would cause harm. Sealing may protect trade secrets, national security matters, individuals from harassment, or privacy in family matters. Sealed records are not publicly accessible. Parties may petition to unseal if circumstances warrant.

Expungement

Under Alabama Code Section 15-27-1, certain criminal records can be expunged. Dismissed charges and acquittals are eligible. Some misdemeanors may be expunged after a waiting period. Limited non-violent felonies may qualify in specific circumstances. Expunged records are removed from public databases.

Visiting the Courthouse

The Chambers County Courthouse in LaFayette is open to the public during regular business hours. The building contains the Circuit Clerk's office, courtrooms, and other county services.

Prepare for your visit:

• Bring valid photo identification
• Have case information ready including party names, case numbers, or date ranges
• Plan for security screening at the entrance
• Bring payment for copy fees if needed
• Leave prohibited items in your vehicle

Clerk staff can assist with locating records and explaining procedures. They cannot provide legal advice or help prepare legal documents. For legal assistance, consult an attorney or contact a legal aid organization.

Submitting Written Requests

Chambers County accepts written requests for court records by mail. Processing typically takes two to four weeks depending on the request complexity.

Your written request should include:

• Full names of parties in the case
• Case number if available
• 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: Chambers County Circuit Clerk, 2 Lafayette St, LaFayette, AL 36862. Staff will contact you if additional payment is needed. Overpayments are refunded.

Cities in Chambers County

Court records for all cities and towns in Chambers County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in LaFayette. Municipal courts may handle city ordinance violations within city limits.

Cities and towns in Chambers County include LaFayette, Lanett, Valley, Five Points, Waverly, and Cusseta. LaFayette serves as the county seat. The cities of Lanett and Valley, located on the Chattahoochee River near the Georgia border, are among the larger communities. All civil, criminal, and family law filings for Chambers County are processed through the LaFayette courthouse.

For records involving other counties, contact the Circuit Clerk in the appropriate jurisdiction. Cases are typically filed where the defendant resides or where the underlying events occurred.

Nearby Counties

Chambers County shares the 5th Judicial Circuit with Macon, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties. The same judges may hear cases in all four counties. Adjacent counties may have relevant records for matters involving cross-county parties or events.

Legal Resources

Resources to help Chambers County residents with legal matters include the following.

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal assistance to qualifying low-income residents. The Alabama State Bar offers lawyer referral services. Court forms and self-help resources are available through the Alabama Judicial System website.

Start Your Search

Use the search tool below to find court docket records in Chambers County.