Find Court Docket in Cherokee County

Court docket records for Cherokee County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Centre. The docket serves as the official log of all proceedings from case filing through final judgment. Cherokee County is part of the 9th Judicial Circuit along with DeKalb County. The Circuit Clerk handles records for civil disputes, criminal prosecutions, domestic relations matters, and traffic violations. Public access is available online through the Alacourt ACCESS database or in person at the clerk's office during regular business hours.

Cherokee County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk serves as the official record keeper for all court proceedings in Cherokee County. The office receives new case filings, maintains the official docket, issues court documents such as summonses and subpoenas, and provides copies of records to the public. Additional responsibilities include jury management, collection of fees and fines, and processing documents for appeals.

The Cherokee County Courthouse is located on Cedar Bluff Road in Centre. Parking is available on site and on surrounding streets. Security screening is conducted at the entrance. The clerk's office is on the main floor where staff can assist with record searches, copy requests, and filing information. The county is known for its location along Weiss Lake, one of the largest lakes in Alabama.

Online Court Record Access

Cherokee County court records can be searched through Alacourt ACCESS, the statewide online court records system. The database includes civil cases, criminal matters, domestic relations proceedings, and traffic violations. Searches can be conducted by party name or case number, with a fee charged for each search.

Steps to search Cherokee County records:

1. Go to pa.alacourt.com
2. Choose Cherokee County from the county list
3. Enter the party name or case number you are looking for
4. Complete the payment and view the docket details

The online system displays the docket sheet showing all filings and court actions in chronological order. To obtain copies of actual documents like complaints, motions, and judgments, contact the clerk's office directly. Some records are restricted from online access, including sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain domestic violence files.

Copy and Search Fees

The Circuit Clerk's office charges fees for document copies and record searches to offset administrative costs.

Payment methods at the clerk's office include cash, checks, and money orders. Call ahead to confirm credit card acceptance. For mail requests, send a check or money order payable to Cherokee County Circuit Clerk. Staff will contact you if additional payment is needed before completing your request.

Types of Court Records Available

Cherokee County's Circuit Clerk maintains docket records for all case types in Circuit Court and District Court.

Civil Cases

Civil dockets track disputes between parties including personal injury lawsuits, contract claims, property disputes, debt collection, and evictions. Circuit Court handles civil cases over $10,000. District Court handles smaller claims and small claims matters under $3,000.

Criminal Cases

Criminal dockets document prosecutions by the state against individuals charged with crimes. Felonies are tried in Circuit Court while misdemeanors are handled in District Court. The docket shows arraignments, hearings, motions, trial dates, pleas, verdicts, and sentencing.

Domestic Relations

Family law cases in Circuit Court include divorces, child custody disputes, child support matters, visitation, and protective orders. These cases often involve ongoing proceedings with modifications over time, all reflected in the docket record.

Traffic Cases

Traffic violations are processed through District Court. Cases range from speeding tickets to more serious offenses like driving under the influence. The docket records the citation, court dates, disposition, and any fines or penalties imposed.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Alabama law provides for public access to court records while protecting certain categories of sensitive information.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 grants Alabama residents the right to inspect and copy public records including court documents. Following a 2024 amendment, proof of Alabama residency is required. Valid documentation includes an Alabama driver license, state ID, or voter registration. The law is interpreted in favor of public disclosure.

Court Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality protect 96 categories of information from disclosure. Protected data includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, medical records, minor victim names, and addresses in certain cases. This information is redacted before records are released.

Sealed Records

Courts may seal records when disclosure would cause harm. Grounds for sealing include trade secret protection, national security concerns, harassment prevention, and privacy in family matters. Sealed records cannot be publicly accessed. Parties may petition to unseal if circumstances warrant.

Expungement

Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 permits expungement of certain criminal records. Dismissed charges and acquittals are generally eligible. Some misdemeanors may be expunged after a waiting period. Certain non-violent felonies may qualify in limited circumstances. Expunged records are removed from public databases.

Visiting the Courthouse

The Cherokee County Courthouse in Centre is open to the public during regular business hours. The building houses the Circuit Clerk's office, courtrooms, and other county offices.

Before visiting:

• Bring a valid photo ID
• Have case details ready such as party names, case numbers, or date ranges
• Plan for security screening at the entrance
• Bring payment for copy fees
• Leave prohibited items in your vehicle

Staff can help you locate records and explain the request process. They cannot give legal advice or prepare legal documents for you. For legal assistance, consult an attorney or contact a legal aid organization.

Submitting Written Requests

Cherokee County accepts written requests for court records by mail. Allow two to four weeks for processing depending on the complexity of the request.

Include in your written request:

• Full names of all parties in the case
• Case number if known
• Type of case (civil, criminal, domestic, traffic)
• Approximate 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: Cherokee County Circuit Clerk, 260 Cedar Bluff Rd, Centre, AL 35960. The clerk will notify you if additional payment is required. Overpayments are refunded.

Cities in Cherokee County

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

Cities and towns in Cherokee County include Centre, Cedar Bluff, Gaylesville, Leesburg, Sand Rock, and Piedmont (partially in Cherokee County and partially in Calhoun County). Centre serves as the county seat. The county is known for Weiss Lake, attracting visitors for fishing and recreation. All civil, criminal, and family law filings for Cherokee County are processed through the courthouse in Centre.

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

Nearby Counties

Cherokee County shares the 9th Judicial Circuit with DeKalb County. The same circuit judges may hear cases in both counties. Adjacent counties may have relevant records for matters with cross-county connections.

Legal Resources

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

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to eligible low-income residents. The Alabama State Bar offers lawyer referral services. Court forms for common proceedings are available through the Alabama Judicial System website.

Start Your Search

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