Search Jefferson County Court Docket

Court docket records in Jefferson County track thousands of cases filed each year in Alabama's biggest county. Jefferson County makes up the entire 10th Judicial Circuit. It runs the largest court system in the state with 27 circuit judges. The Circuit Clerk in Birmingham keeps records for both the Birmingham and Bessemer divisions. Civil lawsuits, criminal cases, family law matters, and appeals all create docket entries. Each entry tracks a case from start to finish. The high case volume means a lot of records are ready for public search.

Jefferson County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of court records for Jefferson County. The county is so big that the clerk runs two offices. The Birmingham Division handles most cases. The Bessemer Division serves the west side of the county. Jackie Anderson-Smith is the current Circuit Clerk. The office takes in tens of thousands of filings each year and keeps a large archive of older court files.

Birmingham Division

Bessemer Division

Court Records Available

Jefferson County courts handle all types of cases. Circuit Court takes felony crimes, civil cases over $10,000, family law matters, and appeals. District Court handles misdemeanors, early felony hearings, civil cases under $10,000, and small claims. The county also has a Family Court at 120 2nd Court North in Birmingham. It deals with juvenile cases and some domestic matters.

Online Access Through Alacourt

Jefferson County court records are on Alacourt ACCESS, the statewide database. You can search by name or case number. The site charges a fee per search and takes credit cards. Results show case summaries, docket sheets with all events in order, and links to document images. The county also has AlaFile for e-filing. It is free to sign up for.

Fees for Court Record Services

Jefferson County uses Alabama's set fee schedule for court record services. The Circuit Clerk collects fees for copies, seals, and record lookups.

You can pay at the courthouse with cash, check, or money order. For mail requests, send a check or money order to the Jefferson County Circuit Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Alacourt shows fees before you pay online.

How to Search Court Dockets

Online Search Process

To search online, go to Alacourt ACCESS. Make an account if you search often, or just use the guest option. Pick Jefferson County from the list or search the whole state at once. Type the name you want with the last name first. Case numbers give faster results if you have one. Look through the matches and click one to see the full docket with all filings and events.

In-Person Search

Both courthouses let you search court records during work hours. Public terminals let you browse without per-search fees. In-person visits work best when you have a lot to look up or need help. Bring an ID. Have names, dates, or case numbers ready. Clerks can help find records but they cannot give legal advice.

Mail Requests

You can send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at either location. Put in the full names of the people involved, the date range, the case type if you know it, and how to reach you. Pay the search fee up front with a check or money order. Expect a wait of two to three weeks since the office is busy. They will mail the records or call if they need more info or money.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Alabama law sets the rules for who can see court records in Jefferson County. State statutes and court rules say what info is public and what must stay sealed or hidden.

Public Records Law

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives state residents the right to see and copy public records including court files. A 2024 law now asks for proof that you live in Alabama. A state driver license, ID card, or voter card works fine. Records are open during normal office hours.

Court Record Privacy Rules

The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect on January 1, 2025. These rules list 96 types of private info. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, medical account numbers, names of child crime victims, and home addresses of domestic violence victims. People who file court papers must blank out this info first.

Sealed and Restricted Records

Some records are not open to the public. Juvenile records are private under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. Adoption files are sealed. Youthful offender records have limits on who can see them. Judges may seal other records if release could cause harm, show trade secrets, or put someone at risk. You need a court motion and order to view sealed records.

Types of Cases in Jefferson County Courts

Criminal Cases

Jefferson County has one of the largest criminal dockets in the state. Circuit Court handles felonies like murder, robbery, drug crimes, assault, and fraud. District Court takes misdemeanors like theft, simple assault, drug possession, and DUI. The docket tracks arrests, bond hearings, first court dates, plea deals, trials, and sentencing. The District Attorney prosecutes state crimes in the county.

Civil Cases

Civil cases in Jefferson County cover a wide range of disputes. Contract fights, injury lawsuits, medical claims, business disputes, and debt collection are all common. Circuit Court handles big cases. District Court takes smaller claims, evictions, and landlord-tenant fights. The civil docket shows the complaint, answers, discovery, motions, and final judgments.

Domestic Relations

Family law cases are filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court. Divorces, custody fights, child support, visitation, and protective orders all create docket entries. Jefferson County Family Court at 120 2nd Court North handles some of these cases plus juvenile matters. Many family cases stay active for years as people come back to court when things change.

Appellate and Specialty Dockets

Jefferson County also hears appeals from District Court and city courts. Family Court keeps the juvenile docket, which tracks cases about minors. Call the Juvenile Docket at (205) 325-5444 or the Adult Docket at (205) 325-5803 for more info.

Related Record Sources

Jefferson County Probate Court

The Probate Judge keeps records apart from the Circuit Clerk. Probate files include wills, estates, guardianships, property records, and marriage licenses. The Probate Court has an online search called LANDMARK WEB for property and marriage records. Call the Probate Office at (205) 325-5300 for help.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

Statewide criminal background checks are at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. These reports may show records from all over Alabama, not just Jefferson County.

Alabama Department of Corrections

The Alabama Department of Corrections has a free inmate search. It shows where people are held and when they might get out.

Federal Courts

Jefferson County is in the Northern District of Alabama, based in Birmingham. Federal crimes, bankruptcy, and civil rights cases are filed in federal court. Search these records on PACER.

Cities and Towns in Jefferson County

Jefferson County is the most populous county in Alabama. It has over 35 incorporated cities and towns. Birmingham is the county seat and Alabama's third-largest city. Court records for all Jefferson County residents are kept by the Circuit Clerk. The Birmingham Division serves most areas. The Bessemer Division serves the west side.

Other big cities in the county include Hoover, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Mountain Brook, Homewood, Trussville, and Gardendale. While these have large populations, only Birmingham tops 100,000 and gets its own page here. Court filings for all Jefferson County residents go through the county system.

Nearby Counties

For court records from areas next door, check these counties that border Jefferson County.

Search Jefferson County Court Records

Use the search tool below to find court docket information from Jefferson County and across Alabama.