Search Crenshaw County Court Docket

Court docket records in Crenshaw County document all case activity processed through the county court system. The Circuit Clerk in Luverne maintains these records, which include civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, traffic violations, and domestic relations matters such as divorce and child custody proceedings. Crenshaw County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit along with Butler and Lowndes counties. The court system handles cases for communities throughout this rural south-central Alabama county. Public access to docket information is available through the statewide Alacourt ACCESS portal as well as in person at the Crenshaw County Courthouse.

Crenshaw County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of all court records in Crenshaw County. This office processes case filings, maintains docket entries, and provides public access to court documents. The clerk's office is located in the Crenshaw County Courthouse in downtown Luverne. Staff can assist with record searches, certified copies, and general questions about court procedures.

Services Provided

The Circuit Clerk's office handles a range of court-related services for Crenshaw County residents. You can file new cases, retrieve existing case documents, obtain certified copies of court orders, and access docket information. The office also processes payments for fines, fees, and court costs. For complex legal questions, staff may refer you to the Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service, as clerks cannot provide legal advice.

How to Search Court Dockets Online

The primary method for searching Crenshaw County court dockets remotely is through Alacourt ACCESS. This statewide database contains trial court records from all 67 Alabama counties including Crenshaw. The system allows searches by party name or case number.

Using Alacourt ACCESS

To search Crenshaw County records through Alacourt ACCESS, you will need to create an account and agree to the terms of service. The portal operates on a pay-per-search model with fees displayed before completing each transaction. You can search civil cases, criminal cases, traffic violations, and domestic relations matters. Results show basic case information including parties, filing dates, and case status. More detailed docket entries and documents may require additional fees.

In-Person Record Searches

Visiting the Crenshaw County Courthouse allows you to search records without the per-search fees charged by the online system. The Circuit Clerk's office maintains public access terminals and physical case files. Bring identification and have specific information ready such as party names, case numbers, or approximate filing dates. Staff can assist with locating records, though they cannot help interpret legal documents or provide advice about your case.

Court Record Fees

Crenshaw County charges standard fees for court record services as established by Alabama law. These fees help cover the administrative costs of maintaining and providing access to court documents.

Payment methods accepted at the courthouse include cash, money orders, and certified checks. Some locations also accept credit cards, though a convenience fee may apply. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope and prepayment by check or money order made payable to the Crenshaw County Circuit Clerk.

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Case Dockets

Civil dockets in Crenshaw County track lawsuits between private parties. Common civil matters include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disagreements, and debt collection cases. The Circuit Court handles civil cases involving amounts over $10,000, while the District Court handles smaller claims. Each docket entry records filings, hearings, motions, and orders as the case progresses.

Criminal Case Dockets

Criminal dockets record cases where the State of Alabama prosecutes individuals for alleged crimes. Felony cases are handled in Circuit Court while misdemeanors go to District Court. The docket tracks arraignments, preliminary hearings, trial dates, plea agreements, verdicts, and sentencing. Some criminal records may be sealed or expunged under Alabama law.

Traffic Violation Dockets

Traffic cases including speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and DUI offenses are recorded in the court docket system. Most traffic matters are handled in District Court or Municipal Court. The docket shows the violation, court dates, fines assessed, and payment status.

Domestic Relations Dockets

Family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, and protection orders are tracked in domestic relations dockets. These cases are handled in Circuit Court. Docket entries record petitions, responses, temporary orders, hearings, and final judgments. Some portions of domestic cases involving minors may have restricted access.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Public access to court records in Alabama is governed by state law and court rules. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 establishes the general right of citizens to inspect and copy public records. This statute requires proof of Alabama residency for records requests, with acceptable documentation including an Alabama driver license or voter registration card.

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality provide additional guidance on what information is publicly accessible and what must be protected. These rules identify 96 categories of privileged or confidential information that may be redacted from public records. Protected information includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and the names and addresses of certain crime victims.

Restricted Records

Some court records are not available for public inspection. Sealed cases, juvenile court records, adoption files, and youthful offender records have statutory protections limiting access. Domestic violence victim addresses are also protected. To access restricted records, you may need to file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal interest.

About the 2nd Judicial Circuit

Crenshaw County is part of Alabama's 2nd Judicial Circuit, which also includes Butler County and Lowndes County. Circuit judges rotate between the three counties to hear cases. The circuit serves a combined population of approximately 35,000 residents across a largely rural area in south-central Alabama.

Having multiple counties share a judicial circuit helps distribute the judicial workload efficiently in areas with smaller populations. Attorneys practicing in Crenshaw County should be familiar with procedures across all three counties in the circuit. Court schedules and docket call times may vary depending on which judge is presiding.

Cities and Communities in Crenshaw County

Crenshaw County contains several small communities. Court records for residents of these areas are maintained at the county level in Luverne. There are no cities in Crenshaw County with populations over 100,000.

Major communities in Crenshaw County include Luverne (the county seat), Brantley, Dozier, Glenwood, Highland Home, Petrey, and Rutledge. Residents of these communities would search for court records through the Crenshaw County Circuit Clerk or through Alacourt ACCESS.

For court matters in nearby major cities, residents may need to look at surrounding county court systems. The closest qualifying city with a dedicated court information page is Montgomery, located approximately 50 miles north in Montgomery County.

Nearby Counties

Crenshaw County shares borders with several other Alabama counties. If you are searching for court records and are unsure which county has jurisdiction, it may be helpful to check neighboring counties as well.

Additional Resources

The following resources may be helpful when researching court records or navigating the legal system in Crenshaw County.

Search Crenshaw County Court Records

Use the search tool below to find court docket information for cases in Crenshaw County, Alabama.