Find Court Docket in Escambia County

Court docket records in Escambia County are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Brewton. These records track all cases in the county court system. This includes civil disputes, criminal cases, traffic matters, and family law cases. Escambia County is the only county in the 21st Judicial Circuit. That means it has its own judges and doesn't share them with other counties. The county sits in the far southwest corner of Alabama near the Florida line. It serves about 36,000 people. You can get court docket info online through Alacourt ACCESS or in person at the Escambia County Courthouse.

Escambia County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Escambia County. This office takes in new case filings, keeps the docket up to date as cases move along, collects fees, and gives the public access to court papers. Staff can help you find records and answer basic questions about how court works. They can't give legal advice or tell you what to do in your case.

Available Services

At the Circuit Clerk's office, you can search court records, get copies of papers, ask for certified copies for legal use, and pay court fines or fees. The office also takes new civil filings, family law petitions, and appeals. Staff can look up case info if you have the case number or party names. Old records in storage may take more time to find.

Searching Court Records Online

Escambia County court dockets are in the Alacourt ACCESS state database. This online site has trial court records from all Alabama counties.

Alacourt ACCESS Portal

The Alacourt ACCESS site lets you search Escambia County court records online. You need to sign up for an account first. There's a fee for each search. The site shows the cost before you pay. You can search by name or case number. Results show case summaries, party info, and docket entries.

Online Record Coverage

Most recent Escambia County court records are online. The database has civil cases, criminal matters, traffic tickets, and family law cases from Circuit and District Court. Some records can't be viewed by the public. These include juvenile cases, sealed files, and some domestic violence cases. Old records from before e-filing may not all be in the system.

In-Person Searches

Going to the Escambia County Courthouse lets you search records with no per-search fees. The clerk's office has computer terminals and paper case files you can use. This works well if you need to look at many cases or want detailed papers. Bring an ID and plan to visit during work hours.

Court Record Fees

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

The courthouse takes cash, money orders, and certified checks. Some credit cards may work too, but there's a fee. For mail requests, write down what you need, add a stamped return envelope, and pay up front with a check or money order to Escambia County Circuit Clerk.

Types of Court Docket Records

Civil Dockets

Civil court dockets in Escambia County track lawsuits over non-criminal matters. These include contract fights, injury claims, property issues, debt collection, and foreclosures. Circuit Court handles civil claims over $10,000. District Court takes smaller claims. The docket creates a record of all filings and court actions in order by date.

Criminal Dockets

Criminal dockets show cases where the State of Alabama goes after people for alleged crimes. Escambia County Circuit Court handles felonies. District Court takes misdemeanors and first hearings. Docket entries log each step from arrest to the end, including bail, arraignments, motions, trials, and sentencing.

Traffic Dockets

Traffic cases go into the court docket system. Minor tickets usually end up in District Court or city court. More serious ones like DUI, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license get treated as criminal matters. The docket shows the ticket, court dates, and final result with any fines.

Domestic Relations Dockets

Family law matters show up in domestic relations dockets at Circuit Court. This covers divorce cases, child custody fights, child support, and protective orders. Docket entries log petitions, temp orders, hearings, and final judgments. Some info may be kept private when kids or abuse victims are part of the case.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Alabama law sets the rules for public access to court records. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to look at and copy public records like court papers. You must prove you live in Alabama. An Alabama driver license or voter registration card works.

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality set rules for what stays private. These rules list 96 types of data that must be cut from public records. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and addresses of abuse victims.

Restricted Records

Some court records can't be seen by the public. Juvenile court cases are private under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. Adoption records are sealed. Courts can seal other cases to protect victims, trade secrets, or other private matters. To see restricted records, you usually need to ask the court and show a real legal need.

The 21st Judicial Circuit

Escambia County is the only county in Alabama's 21st Judicial Circuit. Being a single-county circuit means the county has its own judges. The circuit judge stays in Escambia County instead of going to other counties. This setup gives more steady scheduling. The judge also gets to know local lawyers and how things work here.

For people in court and lawyers, the single-county circuit means more steady court times. Cases can move through faster when judges don't have to split time with other places. The circuit serves about 36,000 people in this far southwest corner of Alabama.

Geographic Location

Escambia County sits next to Florida on the south. This means some folks have ties to both states. But court location is set by where things happened or where defendants live. Cases with Alabama ties go through Escambia County courts. Florida matters are handled across the state line.

Cities in Escambia County

Escambia County has Brewton and a few smaller towns. Court records for folks across the county are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Brewton. City courts in towns handle local law violations apart from the county system.

Towns in Escambia County include Brewton (the county seat, about 5,200 people), Atmore (about 10,000 people), East Brewton, Flomaton, Pollard, and Riverview. No cities in Escambia County have over 100,000 people.

For court info in nearby big cities, Mobile is about 55 miles southwest in Mobile County. Montgomery is about 100 miles northeast.

Nearby Counties

Escambia County sits next to several other Alabama counties and Florida. Each Alabama county keeps its own court records.

Additional Resources

These links can help with court record searches and legal matters in Escambia County.

Search Escambia County Court Records

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