Access Cleburne County Court Docket

Court docket records in Cleburne County track all case proceedings filed in the local court system. The Circuit Clerk in Heflin maintains these records and provides public access during business hours. Cleburne County is part of the 7th Judicial Circuit along with Calhoun County. Located in northeastern Alabama near the Georgia border, Cleburne County has a population of approximately 15,000 residents. The county courthouse in Heflin is the primary location for court services and records. Online searches can be conducted through Alacourt ACCESS, which provides statewide coverage of Alabama court records.

Cleburne County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk office serves as the custodian of all court records in Cleburne County. Staff members process new filings, update docket entries, and provide copies of documents. The office also manages jury selection and handles the administrative side of appeals. You can visit in person to search records or request copies of court documents.

How to Search Court Dockets

Cleburne County court records can be accessed through several methods, each with different advantages.

Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS

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

In-Person Search

Visiting the Cleburne County Courthouse allows you to search records without paying online fees. The Circuit Clerk staff can assist with your search. Bring any case information you have, such as party names or approximate dates. Copy fees apply when you request documents.

Written Request

Written requests for court records can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk. Include full names of parties, case type, and any other identifying information. Prepayment is generally required. Mail your request to the address listed above. Allow two to four weeks for processing.

Fees for Court Records

Cleburne County charges the following fees for court record services:

The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Verify accepted payment methods by calling before your visit.

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Case Dockets

Civil dockets track lawsuits between parties over non-criminal matters. Common civil cases in Cleburne County include property disputes, contract disagreements, personal injury claims, and debt collection actions. Circuit Court handles civil cases involving amounts over $10,000. District Court handles smaller matters and small claims under $3,000.

Criminal Case Dockets

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

Domestic Relations Dockets

Family law cases are tracked on the domestic relations docket. This includes divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support cases, visitation matters, and protective orders. Circuit Court has jurisdiction over domestic relations cases in Cleburne County.

Probate Records

Probate Court maintains separate records from Circuit Court. The Probate Judge handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are also issued through Probate Court. Adoption records are typically sealed and not available for public inspection.

Cleburne County Court Records Portal

The screenshot below shows the Alacourt ACCESS interface used to search Cleburne County court records.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to inspect and copy public records, including court records. A 2024 amendment requires proof of Alabama residency for records requests. An Alabama driver license or voter registration card serves as acceptable proof. The statute is to be liberally construed in favor of disclosure.

Privacy and Confidentiality Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect January 1, 2025. These rules establish 96 categories of confidential information. Protected items include Social Security numbers, tax identification numbers, financial account numbers, medical information, names of minor crime victims, and domestic violence victim addresses.

Sealed Records

Courts may seal records when there is clear evidence that disclosure would cause harm exceeding the public interest in access. Grounds for sealing include trade secrets, national security concerns, scandal prevention, and family privacy in domestic cases. Juvenile records are confidential under Alabama law. Youthful offender and adoption records are also typically sealed.

Expungement

Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 and following sections govern expungement of criminal records. Dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain non-violent offenses may qualify for expungement. Once expunged, records are removed from public access.

7th Judicial Circuit

Cleburne County shares the 7th Judicial Circuit with Calhoun County. Judges assigned to this circuit handle cases in both counties. Calhoun County has a much larger population, so the circuit judges spend more time there, but they regularly hold court in Cleburne County as well.

Each county in the circuit maintains its own Circuit Clerk and records. Cases filed in Cleburne County remain with the Cleburne County Circuit Clerk throughout their duration, regardless of which circuit judge presides over the matter.

Additional Court Resources

Alabama Appellate Courts

Appeals from Cleburne 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 court records. No registration or payment is required.

Federal Courts

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

Legal Aid

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

Search Cleburne County Court Dockets

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

Cities and Towns in Cleburne County

Court records for residents of these communities are maintained by the Cleburne County Circuit Clerk:

• Heflin (county seat)
• Ranburne
• Fruithurst
• Edwardsville

Cleburne County has no cities exceeding 100,000 in population. For major Alabama cities, see Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, or Tuscaloosa.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Cleburne County: