Dallas County Court Docket Search

Court docket records for Dallas County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Selma, the county seat. These records document all case activity in the local court system including civil lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, traffic violations, and domestic relations matters. Dallas County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Bibb, Hale, Perry, and Wilcox counties. The circuit court system handles cases from across this region of west-central Alabama. Public access to docket information is available through the statewide Alacourt ACCESS portal and through in-person visits to the Dallas County Courthouse during regular business hours.

Dallas County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk serves as the official custodian of court records in Dallas County. This office handles case filings, maintains docket entries, processes payments for fines and fees, and provides public access to court documents. The clerk's office is located in the Dallas County Courthouse in downtown Selma. Staff can help you find case information and explain general court procedures, though they cannot give legal advice.

Services Available

At the Circuit Clerk's office, you can search existing court records, request copies of documents, obtain certified copies for official purposes, and pay outstanding court costs or fines. The office also accepts new case filings and processes appeals. If you need assistance locating a specific case, have the party names, case number, or approximate filing date ready to help staff find the records more quickly.

Searching Court Records Online

Dallas County court dockets can be searched through the Alacourt ACCESS statewide database. This online system provides access to trial court records from all 67 Alabama counties.

Using Alacourt ACCESS

The Alacourt ACCESS portal allows remote searching of Dallas County court records. You will need to register for an account to use the system. Searches can be done by party name or case number. The system operates on a pay-per-search model with fees displayed before you complete each transaction. Results show case summaries, party information, and docket entries.

What You Can Find Online

The online database includes civil cases, criminal matters, traffic violations, and domestic relations cases from Dallas County courts. Most records from recent years are available electronically. Older cases that were not digitized may require an in-person search. Some records have restricted access including juvenile cases, sealed matters, and certain domestic violence proceedings.

In-Person Record Access

Visiting the Dallas County Courthouse allows you to search records without paying per-transaction fees. The clerk's office provides access to computer terminals and physical case files. This option is useful for comprehensive searches or when you need to review detailed documents. Bring identification and plan to visit during business hours.

Court Record Fees

Dallas County follows the fee schedule established by Alabama law for court record services.

The courthouse accepts cash, money orders, and certified checks. Credit cards may be accepted with an additional processing fee. Mail requests should include a written description of the records needed, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and prepayment by check or money order payable to Dallas County Circuit Clerk.

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Dockets

Civil court dockets in Dallas County document lawsuits between parties over non-criminal matters. These include contract disputes, personal injury claims, property disputes, foreclosure actions, and debt collection cases. Circuit Court handles civil matters where the amount exceeds $10,000. District Court manages smaller claims. The docket creates a chronological record of all filings and court actions.

Criminal Dockets

Criminal dockets track cases where the State of Alabama prosecutes individuals for alleged crimes. Dallas County Circuit Court handles felony cases while District Court processes misdemeanors and preliminary hearings. Docket entries record arrests, bail decisions, arraignments, motions, trials, and sentencing. Some criminal records may be expunged under certain circumstances.

Traffic Dockets

Traffic violations are recorded in the court docket system. Routine violations typically go to District Court or Municipal Court. More serious offenses such as DUI, reckless driving, and driving under suspension are treated as criminal matters with more extensive docket records. The docket shows the violation charged, court dates, and final disposition.

Domestic Relations Dockets

Family law matters are tracked in domestic relations dockets maintained by the Circuit Court. These include divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support cases, visitation modifications, and protection orders. Docket entries record petitions, temporary orders, hearings, and final judgments. Some information may be restricted when minor children or domestic violence victims are involved.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Public access to court records in Alabama is established by statute and court rules. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to inspect and copy public records. The statute requires proof of Alabama residency, which can be shown with an Alabama driver license or voter registration card.

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality provide standards for protecting sensitive information. These rules identify 96 categories of privileged or confidential information that must be redacted from public records. Protected data includes Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and the addresses of domestic violence victims.

Restricted Records

Certain court records are not available for public inspection. Juvenile court records are confidential under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. Adoption records are sealed. Courts may also seal individual cases to protect trade secrets, victims of domestic violence, or other sensitive matters. Accessing restricted records typically requires filing a motion with the court.

The 4th Judicial Circuit

Dallas County is part of Alabama's 4th Judicial Circuit, one of the larger multi-county circuits in the state. The circuit includes Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry, and Wilcox counties. Circuit judges rotate between these five counties to hear cases, with court schedules varying based on judicial availability.

The multi-county circuit structure means that attorneys and parties appearing in Dallas County court should be aware of the broader circuit's procedures and scheduling. Cases are grouped on specific days when the circuit judge is present in Selma. The circuit serves a largely rural region with a combined population of approximately 75,000 across all five counties.

Court Administration

Each county in the 4th Circuit maintains its own Circuit Clerk's office and court records. Dallas County records are kept in Selma, while the other counties maintain their records in their respective county seats. If you are searching for records from another county in the circuit, you will need to contact that county's clerk directly or search through Alacourt ACCESS.

Cities in Dallas County

Dallas County contains the city of Selma and several smaller communities. Court records for residents throughout the county are maintained by the Circuit Clerk in Selma. Municipal courts within incorporated areas handle city ordinance violations separately.

Communities in Dallas County include Selma (the county seat, population approximately 17,000), Orrville, Valley Grande, and smaller unincorporated areas. No cities in Dallas County have populations exceeding 100,000.

For court information in nearby major cities, you may find our city pages helpful. Montgomery, the state capital, is located approximately 50 miles to the east. Birmingham is about 90 miles to the north.

Nearby Counties

Dallas County shares borders with several other counties. Court records are maintained separately by each county's Circuit Clerk.

Additional Resources

These resources can help with court record research and legal matters in Dallas County.

Search Dallas County Court Records

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