Jackson County Court Docket
Court docket records in Jackson County give a full record of all legal cases filed in this northeast Alabama county. Jackson County sits at the Alabama-Tennessee line and makes up the whole 38th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk in Scottsboro keeps records for all trial court matters, including civil cases, criminal cases, and family law fights. Records are on the statewide Alacourt system or in person at the courthouse. The docket tracks each step of a case, from first filing to final judgment, with info about hearings, motions, orders, and appeals.
Jackson County Quick Facts
Jackson County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Jackson County. This office takes filings for Circuit Court and District Court, keeps the docket up to date, gives out certified copies, and lets the public see records. The clerk also runs jury selection and works with judges of the 38th Judicial Circuit.
| Address | 102 E Laurel St Scottsboro, AL 35768 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 574-9320 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 38th Judicial Circuit (Jackson County only) |
Court Records Available
Jackson County courts make records for many types of cases. Circuit Court handles felonies, civil matters over $10,000, and all family law cases like divorce, custody, and support. District Court takes misdemeanors, first felony hearings, civil cases under $10,000, and small claims. Traffic tickets in the county also show up in District Court.
Online Access Through Alacourt
Jackson County court records are on Alacourt ACCESS, the state court records site. You can search by name or case number. There's a fee for each search, paid by credit card. Results show case info with parties, charges or claims, and case status. Full docket sheets list every event in order by date, and many records have links to scanned papers.
Fees for Court Record Services
Jackson County uses standard Alabama fees for court record services. The Circuit Clerk collects fees for copies, certified copies, and staff 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 |
The courthouse takes cash, check, and money order. For mail requests, add a check or money order to Jackson County Circuit Clerk. Include a stamped return envelope. The Alacourt site shows its own fees before each search.
How to Search Court Dockets
Online Search Process
To search Jackson County court records online, go to Alacourt ACCESS. Set up an account or go in as a guest. Pick Jackson County or search the whole state. Type in the name with last name first. If you have a case number, that's faster and more exact. Look at matching cases and pick one to see the full docket. It shows all filings and events in order by date.
In-Person Search
The Jackson County Courthouse on East Laurel Street in Scottsboro lets you see court records. Terminals are there during work hours to search the database. There's no per-search fee in person, making this good for lots of research. Bring an ID and case info. Staff can help find records but can't give legal advice.
Mail Requests
You can ask for Jackson County court records by mail. Write to the Circuit Clerk with party names, rough date range, case type if known, and your contact info. Pay the search fee up front with check or money order. It usually takes 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 laws and court rules set who can see court records in Jackson County. These rules say what's available and what stays private.
Public Records Law
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to look at and copy public records. Court records are included. A 2024 change asks for proof you live in Alabama with a driver license, state ID, or voter registration. Records should be ready during office hours.
Court Record Privacy Rules
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality started January 1, 2025. These rules list 96 types of info as private. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, medical info, names of child victims, and addresses of abuse victims. Filers must cut this info before submitting papers.
Sealed and Restricted Records
Some court records in Jackson County can't be seen by the public. Juvenile records are private under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. Adoption records are sealed by law. A judge can seal other records when there's good cause, like protecting trade secrets, stopping witness threats, or keeping family matters private. To see sealed records, you must file a motion and get court approval.
Types of Cases in Jackson County Courts
Criminal Cases
The criminal docket in Jackson County has felonies in Circuit Court and misdemeanors in District Court. Felonies include drug crimes, burglary, assault, big theft, and violent acts. Misdemeanors include small drug crimes, minor assault, disorderly conduct, and first DUI. The docket tracks arrests, bond hearings, arraignments, pretrial motions, trials, and sentencing.
Civil Cases
Civil lawsuits in Jackson County are fights between parties over money, property, or other help. Contract claims, injury cases, property issues, and debt collection are common. Circuit Court handles bigger civil cases. District Court takes smaller claims and evictions. The civil docket shows pleadings, discovery, motions, and final judgments.
Domestic Relations
Family law cases go to Jackson County Circuit Court. Divorce, child custody fights, child support, visitation, and abuse protection orders all make docket entries. Family cases often stay active for years as people come back when things change.
Traffic Cases
Traffic tickets in Jackson County go to District Court. Speeding, failure to stop, driving with no license, and reckless driving show up on the traffic docket. Serious traffic crimes like vehicular homicide may go up to Circuit Court.
Related Record Sources
Jackson County Probate Court
The Probate Judge keeps separate records from the Circuit Clerk. Probate records include wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. These aren't in Alacourt. Call the Probate Office at (256) 574-9290 for estate and property matters.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Statewide criminal background checks are on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency site. These may have records from other counties too.
Alabama Department of Corrections
The Alabama Department of Corrections has an inmate locator showing where people are and release info for those in state custody.
Federal Courts
Jackson County is in the Northern District of Alabama for federal court. Federal crimes, bankruptcy, and civil rights lawsuits go to federal court. Search federal records through PACER.
Cities and Towns in Jackson County
Jackson County has several towns in northeast Alabama. Scottsboro is the county seat where the courthouse sits. Other towns are Stevenson, Bridgeport, Pisgah, Hollywood, and Section. Court records for folks in all Jackson County towns are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Scottsboro.
No cities in Jackson County have over 100,000 people, so there are no city pages for this county. All court filings go through the county.
Jackson County is near Huntsville, which is in Madison County next door. Folks near the county line may deal with Madison County courts based on where things happened.
Nearby Counties
For court records from nearby areas, these counties sit next to Jackson County.
Search Jackson County Court Records
Use the search tool below to find court docket information from Jackson County and across Alabama.