Find Court Docket in Clarke County

Court docket records for Clarke County are available through the Circuit Clerk office in Grove Hill. These records document all case activity in civil, criminal, and family law matters filed in the county courts. Clarke County is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit along with Choctaw and Washington counties. Located in southwestern Alabama, the county has a mostly rural character with a population of around 23,000 residents. The courthouse in Grove Hill serves as the primary location for court services. Online access to docket information is provided through the statewide Alacourt ACCESS system, which covers all 67 Alabama counties.

Clarke County Circuit Clerk

The Clarke County Circuit Clerk maintains all official court records for the county. This office processes case filings, updates docket entries, and provides copies of court documents to the public. The Circuit Clerk also manages jury pools and handles appeals to higher courts. Staff can help visitors locate specific cases and explain the process for obtaining records.

How to Search Court Dockets

There are multiple options for searching Clarke County court records. Each has advantages depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.

Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS

Alacourt ACCESS is the statewide portal for Alabama court records. It includes records from Clarke County and all other counties. Search by party name or case number. The system charges per search, with fees shown before you confirm. Subscription options exist for frequent users. Coverage includes civil, criminal, domestic, and traffic matters.

In-Person Search

Visiting the courthouse in Grove Hill allows you to search records without the per-search fees of online access. The Circuit Clerk staff can assist with your search. Bring identification and any details you have about the case. Copy fees apply for any documents you want to take with you.

Written Request

Mail a written request to the Circuit Clerk for records. Include names of parties, case type, and any known dates or case numbers. Prepayment for fees is generally required. Allow two to four weeks for a response. Send requests to the Circuit Clerk at the address listed above.

Fees for Court Records

Clarke County charges fees for court record services as follows:

The Circuit Clerk accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Contact the office to verify payment methods before your visit.

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Case Dockets

Civil dockets track non-criminal disputes between parties. Common civil cases in Clarke County include contract disputes, property boundary issues, personal injury claims, and debt collection matters. Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $10,000. District Court handles smaller civil cases and claims under $3,000.

Criminal Case Dockets

Criminal dockets record prosecutions by the State of Alabama against individuals. Felony cases go to Circuit Court. These include serious offenses such as drug crimes, theft, assault, and other felonies. District Court handles misdemeanors and conducts preliminary hearings for felony cases. Traffic violations also appear in the docket system.

Domestic Relations Dockets

Family law cases are recorded on the domestic relations docket. This covers divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and protective orders. Circuit Court handles all domestic relations matters in Clarke County. These cases often involve ongoing modifications and enforcement actions.

Probate Records

Probate Court is separate from Circuit Court and maintains its own records. The Probate Judge handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are also issued through the Probate Court. Most adoption records are sealed.

Clarke County Court Records Portal

Below is the Alacourt ACCESS search interface used to look up court docket records in Clarke County.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 grants Alabama residents the right to inspect and copy public records, including court documents. A 2024 amendment requires proof of Alabama residency. An Alabama driver license or voter registration card is acceptable. The law favors public disclosure when properly requested.

Privacy and Confidentiality Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect on January 1, 2025. These rules designate 96 types of information as privileged or confidential. Protected information includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, medical information, names of minor crime victims, and addresses of domestic violence victims.

Sealed Records

Courts can seal records when disclosure would cause harm outweighing the public interest in access. Reasons for sealing include trade secret protection, national security, scandal prevention, and family privacy. Juvenile records are confidential under Alabama law. Youthful offender and adoption records are typically sealed as well.

Expungement

Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 and following sections allow expungement of some criminal records. Eligible cases include dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain non-violent offenses. Expunged records are removed from public access and do not appear in standard searches.

1st Judicial Circuit

Clarke County shares the 1st Judicial Circuit with Choctaw and Washington counties. Judges assigned to this circuit handle cases across all three counties, traveling between courthouses as needed. This arrangement allows for efficient use of judicial resources in less populated areas.

Each county in the circuit maintains its own Circuit Clerk office. Cases filed in Clarke County remain with the Clarke County Circuit Clerk for their entire duration. The shared judges do not affect where records are stored or how they are accessed.

Additional Court Resources

Alabama Appellate Courts

Appeals from Clarke County Circuit Court go to the Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals. The Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal provides free access to appellate records. No registration or fees required.

Federal Courts

Federal cases affecting Clarke County residents are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama. Access federal court records through PACER. Registration and fees apply.

Legal Aid

Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to eligible low-income residents. Call 1-866-456-4995 for information. The Alabama State Bar offers a lawyer referral service at 1-800-354-6154.

Search Clarke County Court Dockets

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

Cities and Towns in Clarke County

Court records for residents of these communities are filed with the Clarke County Circuit Clerk.

• Grove Hill (county seat)
• Jackson
• Thomasville
• Coffeeville
• Fulton

Clarke County has no cities with populations over 100,000. For major Alabama cities, see Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, or Tuscaloosa.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Clarke County. Each maintains separate court records.