Search Chilton County Court Docket

Court docket records in Chilton County provide detailed information about cases filed in the local court system. The Circuit Clerk maintains records for civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, domestic relations matters, and traffic violations. Chilton County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Autauga and Elmore counties. Located in central Alabama, the county seat of Clanton houses the courthouse where residents can access records in person. Online searches are available through the statewide Alacourt ACCESS system. The Circuit Clerk office processes requests for copies and certified documents during regular business hours.

Search Chilton County Court Records

Chilton County Circuit Clerk

The Chilton County Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of all court records within the county. This office handles case filings, maintains docket information, and provides copies of court documents to the public. The Circuit Clerk also manages jury selection and processes appeals to higher courts. Staff members can assist with locating specific cases and explaining the procedures for obtaining records.

Address	500 2nd Ave N Clanton, AL 35045
Phone	(205) 755-1551
Hours	Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Website	chilton.alacourt.gov

How to Search Court Dockets

There are several ways to search for court docket information in Chilton County. Each method has its own advantages depending on your needs and circumstances.

Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS

The Alacourt ACCESS portal provides statewide access to court records from all 67 Alabama counties, including Chilton. Users can search by party name or case number. The system operates on a pay-per-search basis with fees shown before completing each transaction. Subscription plans are available for frequent users. The database includes civil, criminal, domestic relations, and traffic cases.

In-Person Search

Visiting the Chilton County Courthouse allows you to search records without the per-search fees charged online. The Circuit Clerk staff can help you locate specific cases and retrieve documents. Bring identification and any case information you have, such as names of parties or approximate dates. Copy fees apply when you request documents.

Written Request

You may submit a written request to the Circuit Clerk for court records. Include the full names of the parties, the type of case, and any other identifying details. Prepayment for search and copy fees is usually required. Mail requests to the Circuit Clerk at the address listed above. Allow two to four weeks for processing.

Fees for Court Records

Chilton County charges standard fees for court record services. These fees help cover the administrative costs of maintaining and reproducing documents.

Service	Fee
Copy Fee (per page)	$1.00
Certified Copy (per document)	$5.00 plus copy fees
Record Search	$5.00 - $10.00

Payment methods include cash, check, and money order. Some offices may accept credit cards. Contact the Circuit Clerk to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Case Dockets

Civil dockets track lawsuits between private parties. Common civil matters in Chilton County include personal injury claims, contract disputes, property disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and debt collection cases. Circuit Court handles civil cases with amounts over $10,000, while District Court handles smaller claims up to $10,000. Small claims cases involve amounts under $3,000.

Criminal Case Dockets

Criminal dockets contain records of prosecutions by the State of Alabama. Circuit Court handles felony cases including drug offenses, theft, assault, and other serious crimes. District Court handles misdemeanor cases and conducts preliminary hearings for felonies. Traffic violations are also tracked in the docket system.

Domestic Relations Dockets

Domestic relations dockets cover family law matters. These include divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support cases, visitation modifications, and protective orders. The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all domestic relations cases in Chilton County.

Probate Records

Probate matters are handled by the Probate Court, which is separate from the Circuit Court. Probate records include wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. The Probate Judge maintains these records. Some adoption records are sealed by law and not available for public inspection.

Chilton County Court Records Portal

The image below shows the Alacourt ACCESS search interface used to look up court docket records in Chilton County and throughout Alabama.

Alacourt ACCESS search page for Chilton County court docket records

Legal Framework for Record Access

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 establishes the right of Alabama residents to inspect and copy public records, including court records. A 2024 amendment requires proof of Alabama residency for records requests. Acceptable forms of identification include an Alabama driver license or voter registration card. The statute directs that it should be liberally construed in favor of public access.

Privacy and Confidentiality Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality govern what information may be withheld from public view. These rules took effect on January 1, 2025. They establish 96 categories of information designated as privileged or confidential. Protected information includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, medical information, names of minor crime victims, and domestic violence victim addresses.

Sealed and Confidential Records

Courts may seal records when there is clear evidence that disclosure would harm privacy interests, national security, or the administration of justice. Juvenile records are confidential under Alabama law. Youthful offender records and adoption files are also typically sealed. Certain records may be unsealed by court order upon proper motion.

Expungement

Alabama law allows expungement of certain criminal records under specific circumstances. Charges that were dismissed, acquittals, and some non-violent offenses may be eligible. The expungement statute is found in Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 and following sections. Once expunged, records are removed from public access.

19th Judicial Circuit

Chilton County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit along with Autauga and Elmore counties. The circuit judges handle cases across all three counties. This arrangement allows for efficient use of judicial resources in areas with smaller populations. Judges rotate between courthouses based on the case schedule.

The 19th Circuit handles a range of matters including felony criminal cases, civil litigation, domestic relations, and appeals from lower courts. Each county maintains its own Circuit Clerk office and docket records. Cases filed in Chilton County are maintained by the Chilton County Circuit Clerk regardless of which circuit judge presides.

Additional Court Resources

Alabama Appellate Courts

Appeals from Chilton County Circuit Court go to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals depending on the case type. Appellate records are available free through the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal. No registration or payment is required to search appellate cases.

Federal Courts

Federal cases involving Chilton County residents are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama in Montgomery. Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Registration is required and fees apply.

Legal Aid

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to qualifying low-income residents. Services include assistance with family law, housing, and consumer issues. The statewide intake number is 1-866-456-4995. The Alabama State Bar offers a lawyer referral service for those seeking private representation.