Find Court Docket in Dale County

Court docket records in Dale County track all proceedings through the local court system. The Circuit Clerk's office in Ozark serves as the official repository for these records, which document civil cases, criminal prosecutions, traffic matters, and family law proceedings. Dale County shares the 33rd Judicial Circuit with neighboring Geneva County. The county is home to Fort Novosel, a major U.S. Army aviation installation that adds to the local population and court caseload. Public access to docket information is available online through Alacourt ACCESS and in person at the Dale County Courthouse during normal business hours.

Dale County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk maintains all official court records for Dale County. This office processes new case filings, records docket entries as cases progress, and provides public access to court documents. The clerk also handles collection of fines, fees, and court costs. Staff members can assist with locating records and explaining general procedures but cannot provide legal advice.

Available Services

The Circuit Clerk's office offers a range of services related to court records. You can conduct searches of existing cases, request certified copies of court orders and judgments, and pay outstanding fines or fees. The office also accepts new filings for civil cases, domestic matters, and appeals. If you have questions about a specific case, the staff can look up basic information such as case status and upcoming hearing dates.

Online Court Record Access

Dale County court dockets are available through the statewide Alacourt ACCESS database. This online portal provides remote access to case information from all Alabama trial courts.

Using the Alacourt System

To search Dale County records through Alacourt ACCESS, you need to create an account first. The system operates on a pay-per-search basis with fees shown before you complete each transaction. Searches can be conducted by party name or case number. Results include basic case information, party details, and docket entries. The database covers civil, criminal, traffic, and domestic relations cases.

Record Availability

Most recent Dale County court records are accessible online. The system includes cases from Circuit Court, District Court, and some municipal court matters. However, certain records have restricted access. Juvenile cases, sealed matters, and some domestic violence cases are not publicly viewable online. Very old records that predate the electronic system may require an in-person search at the courthouse.

Searching at the Courthouse

An in-person visit to the Dale County Courthouse allows you to search records without per-transaction fees. The clerk's office maintains public access terminals and physical case files. This option works well for people who need to review multiple cases or detailed documents. Plan your visit during regular business hours and bring a valid form of identification.

Court Record Fees

Dale County charges fees for court record services consistent with Alabama state requirements. These fees support the costs of maintaining and providing access to court documents.

At the courthouse, you can pay with cash, money order, or certified check. Credit cards may be accepted with a convenience fee. For mail requests, include a written request describing the records needed, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment by check or money order made out to the Dale County Circuit Clerk.

Court Docket Record Types

Civil Case Dockets

Civil dockets track lawsuits between private parties or entities. In Dale County, these include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property matters, foreclosures, and debt collection cases. Circuit Court handles civil claims over $10,000 while District Court manages smaller amounts. Each docket entry creates a chronological record of filings, motions, hearings, and orders.

Criminal Case Dockets

Criminal dockets document cases where the State of Alabama prosecutes individuals for alleged offenses. Dale County Circuit Court handles felony prosecutions while District Court manages misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings. The docket tracks every step from initial appearance through sentencing, including bond hearings, arraignments, plea negotiations, and trial proceedings.

Traffic Violation Dockets

Traffic cases in Dale County are recorded in the court docket system. Most routine violations go to District Court or Municipal Court. More serious offenses like DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license may be treated as criminal matters. The docket shows the citation details, court dates, disposition, and any fines or penalties assessed.

Domestic Relations Dockets

Family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, and protective orders are tracked in domestic relations dockets. Circuit Court handles these cases in Dale County. Docket entries record petitions, temporary orders, hearings, and final decrees. Some information in domestic cases may be restricted, particularly matters involving children or domestic violence.

Public Access Legal Framework

Access to court records in Alabama is governed by state statutes and court rules. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 provides the basic right of Alabama residents to inspect and copy public records. The law requires proof of Alabama residency, which can be established with an Alabama driver license or voter registration card.

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality set additional standards for what information can be released. These rules identify 96 categories of privileged or confidential information that must be protected. This includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, medical information, and identifying information about certain crime victims.

Restricted Records

Not all court records are available for public inspection. Alabama law protects juvenile court records under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. Adoption records are sealed. Youthful offender cases have special protections. Courts can seal individual cases when disclosure would cause demonstrable harm. If you need access to a restricted record, you may need to petition the court and show a legitimate legal purpose.

The 33rd Judicial Circuit

Dale County is part of Alabama's 33rd Judicial Circuit, which also includes Geneva County to the south. Circuit court judges travel between the two counties to hear cases. This arrangement is common in less populated areas of Alabama where the caseload does not warrant a full-time judge in each county.

The shared circuit means that court schedules in Dale County depend in part on judicial availability. Cases may be grouped on certain days when the judge is in Ozark. Attorneys practicing in Dale County should be familiar with procedures in both counties of the circuit. The proximity of Fort Novosel also means that military-related legal matters occasionally come before the circuit court.

Military Installation and Court Records

Dale County is home to Fort Novosel, formerly known as Fort Rucker. This U.S. Army installation is the primary center for Army aviation training. The military presence means that Dale County courts sometimes handle matters involving military personnel or their dependents.

It is worth noting that offenses committed on the military installation itself fall under federal jurisdiction rather than state courts. Those matters would be handled through military justice or federal court, not the Dale County court system. However, off-post incidents involving military members would typically go through Dale County courts like any other case.

Cities in Dale County

Dale County contains the city of Ozark and several smaller communities. All county court records are maintained at the Circuit Clerk's office in Ozark regardless of where the parties reside within the county. Municipal courts in incorporated cities handle city ordinance violations separately.

Communities in Dale County include Ozark (the county seat, population approximately 14,000), Daleville, Midland City, Newton, Pinckard, Grimes, Ariton, Clayhatchee, and Level Plains. None of these communities have populations exceeding 100,000.

For court information in nearby major cities, residents may find our city-specific pages useful. Montgomery is located approximately 80 miles to the northwest. Mobile is about 140 miles to the southwest.

Nearby Counties

Dale County shares borders with several other Alabama counties. Court records are maintained separately by each jurisdiction.

Additional Resources

The following resources may assist with court record research and legal questions in Dale County.

Search Dale County Court Records

Use the search tool below to find court docket information for Dale County, Alabama.