Access Houston County Court Docket
Court docket records in Houston County have detailed info on every case in the local court system. Houston County was the last county formed in Alabama, set up in 1903. It anchors the 20th Judicial Circuit with Henry County. The Circuit Clerk in Dothan keeps all trial court records. These records track civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family law matters, and traffic tickets from first filing to end. Houston County has more cases than many Alabama counties because Dothan is the main city of the Wiregrass area.
Houston County Quick Facts
Houston County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Houston County. This office takes filings, keeps the docket up to date, handles payments, and gives the public access to records. Houston County has more filings than small rural counties, so the clerk's office has more staff. The office serves both Circuit Court and District Court.
| Address | 462 N Oates St Dothan, AL 36303 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 677-4846 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 20th Judicial Circuit (with Henry County) |
Court Records Available
Houston County courts make records for many case types. Circuit Court handles felonies, civil lawsuits over $10,000, all divorce and custody cases, and appeals from District Court. District Court takes misdemeanors, first felony hearings, small claims up to $3,000, and civil cases under $10,000. Traffic tickets and city court appeals also make docket entries in District Court.
Online Access Through Alacourt
Houston County is in the statewide Alacourt ACCESS court records system. You can search by name or case number. There's a fee for each search shown before you pay. Credit cards work. Results show case summaries, full docket sheets in order by date, and links to document images for many filings.
Fees for Court Record Services
Houston County uses standard Alabama fees for court record services. The Circuit Clerk collects fees for copies, certified copies, and record searches.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy fees (regular) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification |
| Record search (computerized) | $10.00 |
| Record search (manual/paper) | $20.00 |
You can pay in person with cash, check, or money order. Mail requests should have a check or money order to Houston County Circuit Clerk. Add a stamped return envelope. Alacourt has its own fees shown on the site.
How to Search Court Dockets
Online Search Process
To search Houston County records online, go to Alacourt ACCESS. Set up an account for often use or go in as a guest. Pick Houston County from the list or search the whole state. Type in the name with last name first. If you have a case number, use that for faster results. The search shows matching cases. Click on any case to see the full docket with all filings and events.
In-Person Search
The Houston County Courthouse in Dothan lets you see court records during work hours. Public terminals let you search with no per-search fees. This works well for looking at many cases or doing broad research. Bring an ID and have names, dates, or case numbers ready. Staff can help find records but can't give legal advice.
Mail Requests
Mail requests for Houston County court records can go to the Circuit Clerk. Include full names of parties, rough dates, case type if known, and your contact info. Pay the search fee up front with check or money order. Allow two to three weeks. The clerk will send papers or let you know if more info or money is needed.
Legal Framework for Record Access
Alabama law sets who can see Houston County court records. Knowing these rules helps you see what's there and what limits apply.
Public Records Law
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to look at and copy public records, including court papers. A 2024 change asks for proof that you live in Alabama. An Alabama driver license, state ID, or voter registration works. Records should be there during work hours.
Court Record Privacy Rules
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality started January 1, 2025. These rules list 96 types of private info. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, medical records, names of child crime victims, and addresses of abuse victims. People filing papers must cut this info before submitting.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some records in Houston County can't be seen by the public. Juvenile court records are private under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. Adoption records are sealed. Courts can also seal other records when release would cause harm, show trade secrets, or hurt witness safety. To see sealed records, you must file a motion and get a court order.
Types of Cases in Houston County Courts
Criminal Cases
Houston County has a big criminal docket due to its larger head count. Felonies like drug trafficking, robbery, assault, and fraud go to Circuit Court. District Court handles misdemeanors like theft, simple assault, drug possession, and DUI. The criminal docket tracks arrests, bond, charges, plea talks, trials, and sentences.
Civil Cases
Civil lawsuits in Houston County cover many types of fights. Contract cases, injury lawsuits, property issues, and debt collection are common. Circuit Court handles bigger civil matters. District Court takes smaller claims and evictions. The civil docket shows complaints, answers, discovery, motions, and judgments.
Domestic Relations
Family law cases go to Houston County Circuit Court. Divorce, child custody fights, child support setup and enforcement, visitation, and abuse protection orders all make docket entries. These cases often stay active for years as families come back for changes.
Traffic Cases
Traffic crimes in Houston County go to District Court. Speeding, running red lights, reckless driving, and driving with no license are typical charges. More serious traffic crimes can go up to Circuit Court. The traffic docket shows tickets, court dates, and outcomes.
Related Record Sources
Houston County Probate Court
The Probate Judge keeps records separate from the Circuit Clerk. Probate handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and marriage licenses. These records aren't in Alacourt. Call the Probate Office at (334) 677-4710 for estate and property matters.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Statewide criminal history checks are on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency site. Background reports may have info from other counties too.
Alabama Department of Corrections
The Alabama Department of Corrections site has an inmate search showing where people are and release info for those in state custody.
Federal Courts
Houston County is in the Middle District of Alabama for federal court. Federal criminal cases, bankruptcy, and civil rights lawsuits go to federal court. Use PACER to search federal records.
Cities and Towns in Houston County
Houston County has several towns, with Dothan being the biggest and the county seat. Dothan is the main city of the Wiregrass area, though its head count of about 71,000 is under the 100,000 mark for a city page on this site. Other towns in Houston County are Ashford, Cowarts, and Taylor.
All court records for Houston County folks are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Dothan. People from all towns and rural areas file court papers at the county level.
Nearby Counties
If you need court records from nearby areas, these counties sit next to Houston County.
Search Houston County Court Records
Use the search tool below to find court docket information from Houston County and across Alabama.