Search Colbert County Court Docket

Court docket records for Colbert County are available through the Circuit Clerk office in Tuscumbia. The docket contains records of all proceedings in civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases. Colbert County comprises the entire 31st Judicial Circuit, meaning it does not share judges with other counties. Located in northwestern Alabama along the Tennessee River, the county has a population of approximately 57,000. The Shoals region, which includes Colbert County, is known for its music heritage. Court records can be accessed online through Alacourt ACCESS or in person at the courthouse.

Search Colbert County Court Records

Colbert County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk office maintains all court records for Colbert County. Staff members process new filings, update docket entries, and provide copies of documents to the public. The office handles jury administration and appeals processing as well. You can visit in person to search records or request certified copies.

Address	201 N Main St Tuscumbia, AL 35674
Phone	(256) 386-8515
Hours	Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Website	colbert.alacourt.gov

How to Search Court Dockets

Multiple options exist for searching Colbert County court records. Choose the method that best fits your needs.

Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS

Alacourt ACCESS is the statewide portal for Alabama court records. It includes Colbert County and all other counties. Search by party name or case number. The system charges per search, with fees shown before completing the transaction. Subscriptions exist for frequent users. Coverage includes civil, criminal, domestic, and traffic cases.

In-Person Search

Visit the Colbert County Courthouse in Tuscumbia to search records without online fees. Circuit Clerk staff will help you locate cases. Bring identification and any details you have about the case. Copy fees apply for documents you want.

Written Request

Written requests can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk. Include full names of parties, case type, and any known dates or case numbers. Prepayment for fees is usually required. Mail to the address above. Allow two to four weeks for a response.

Fees for Court Records

Colbert County charges the following fees for court record services:

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

The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Call ahead to verify payment options.

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Case Dockets

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

Criminal Case Dockets

Criminal dockets record prosecutions by the State of Alabama. Felony cases go to Circuit Court, including drug charges, theft, assault, and other serious crimes. District Court handles misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings. Traffic violations are also in the docket system.

Domestic Relations Dockets

Family law cases appear on the domestic relations docket. This covers divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and protective orders. Circuit Court handles all domestic relations matters in Colbert County.

Probate Records

Probate Court maintains separate records. The Probate Judge handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions. Marriage licenses are issued through Probate Court. Most adoption records are sealed and not available to the public.

Colbert County Court Records Portal

The screenshot below shows the Alacourt ACCESS search interface for Colbert County court records.

Alacourt ACCESS search page for Colbert County court docket records

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. This includes court records maintained by the Circuit Clerk. A 2024 amendment requires proof of Alabama residency. An Alabama driver license or voter registration card is acceptable. The statute favors public access.

Privacy and Confidentiality Rules

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

Sealed Records

Courts can seal records when there is clear and convincing evidence that disclosure would cause harm. Reasons include trade secrets, national security, scandal prevention, and family privacy. Juvenile records are confidential under Alabama law. Youthful offender and adoption records are typically sealed.

Expungement

Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 and following sections permit expungement of some criminal records. Eligible records include dismissed charges, acquittals, and certain non-violent offenses. Expunged records are removed from public access.

31st Judicial Circuit

Colbert County is the sole county in the 31st Judicial Circuit. Unlike many rural counties that share judges with neighboring counties, Colbert has its own dedicated circuit judges. This means all cases filed in Colbert County are heard by judges assigned solely to this county.

The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $10,000, domestic relations, and appeals from District Court. Having a dedicated circuit means scheduling may be more consistent than in multi-county circuits where judges travel between courthouses.

Additional Court Resources

Alabama Appellate Courts

Appeals from Colbert County go to the Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals depending on case type. The Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal provides free access to appellate records. No registration required.

Federal Courts

Federal cases involving Colbert County fall under 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 eligible low-income residents. Call 1-866-456-4995 for intake. The Alabama State Bar maintains a lawyer referral service at 1-800-354-6154.