Lamar County Court Docket Search

Court docket records in Lamar County track all cases filed in this northwest Alabama county near the Mississippi line. Lamar County is part of the 24th Judicial Circuit with Fayette and Pickens counties. The Circuit Clerk in Vernon keeps the records for Circuit Court and District Court. These records track civil disputes, criminal cases, family law matters, and traffic tickets from start to end. Lamar County has fewer cases than city areas, but all records follow the same state rules and are there online and in person.

Lamar County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Lamar County. This elected role runs all 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's office works with judges from the 24th Judicial Circuit who rotate among Lamar, Fayette, and Pickens counties.

Court Records Available

Lamar County courts handle all the case types found in Alabama trial courts. Circuit Court takes felonies, civil cases over $10,000, and all family law matters like divorce and custody. District Court handles misdemeanors, first felony hearings, small claims up to $3,000, and civil cases under $10,000. Traffic tickets in Lamar County also make docket entries in District Court.

Online Access Through Alacourt

Lamar County court records are on Alacourt ACCESS, Alabama's statewide 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 summaries with parties, charges or claims, and status. Full docket sheets list all events in order, and many records have links to scanned papers.

Fees for Court Record Services

Lamar County charges standard fees set by Alabama law for court record services. The Circuit Clerk collects fees for copies, certified copies, and searches.

You can pay in person with cash, check, or money order. For mail requests, add a check or money order to Lamar County Circuit Clerk. Include a stamped return envelope. The Alacourt site has its own fees shown before each search.

How to Search Court Dockets

Online Search Process

To search Lamar County court records online, go to Alacourt ACCESS. Set up an account or search as a guest. Pick Lamar County from the list or search all Alabama counties. Type in the name with last name first. If you have a case number, that's faster. The search shows matching cases. Pick any case to see the full docket with all events and filings.

In-Person Search

The Lamar County Courthouse in Vernon lets you see court records during work hours. Terminals in the clerk's office let you search with no per-search fees. This helps if you need to look at many cases or want staff help. Bring a valid 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 Lamar County court records can go to the Circuit Clerk. Include party names, rough date range, case type if known, and your return address. Pay the search fee up front. It usually takes two to three weeks. The clerk will send papers or let you know if more money or info is needed.

Legal Framework for Record Access

Alabama laws and court rules set who can see Lamar County court records. 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, including court records. A 2024 change asks for proof that you live in Alabama. An Alabama driver license, state ID, or voter registration works. Records should be ready 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 that must stay private. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, medical records, names of child crime victims, and addresses of abuse victims. People must cut this info from filed papers.

Sealed and Restricted Records

Some court records in Lamar County can't be seen by the public. Juvenile court records are private under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133. Adoption files are sealed. A judge can seal other records when there's good cause, like protecting trade secrets, stopping harassment, or keeping family matters private. You need a court order to see sealed records.

Types of Cases in Lamar County Courts

Criminal Cases

Criminal cases in Lamar County split between Circuit Court and District Court based on how bad they are. Felonies like burglary, drug trafficking, assault, and big theft go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanors like disorderly conduct, simple assault, small drug crimes, and DUI go to District Court. The criminal docket tracks each step from arrest through sentencing.

Civil Cases

Civil fights in Lamar County are claims between parties who want money or other help. Contract issues, property fights, injury claims, 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 Lamar County Circuit Court. Divorce, child custody fights, child support setup and changes, visitation, and protective orders all make docket entries. Family cases often stay active for years as things change and people come back for changes.

Traffic Cases

Traffic tickets in Lamar County go to District Court. Speeding, failure to yield, driving with a suspended license, and other car crimes show up on the traffic docket. Serious traffic crimes may go up to Circuit Court.

Related Record Sources

Lamar County Probate Court

The Probate Judge keeps records separate from the Circuit Clerk. Probate records include wills, estates, guardianships, and marriage licenses. These aren't in Alacourt. Call the Probate Office at (205) 695-7133 for estate and property matters.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

For statewide criminal history checks, go to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Background reports may have records from other counties too.

Alabama Department of Corrections

The Alabama Department of Corrections has an online inmate search showing where people are and release info for those in state custody.

Federal Courts

Lamar County is in the Northern District of Alabama for federal court. Federal crimes, bankruptcy, and civil rights lawsuits go to federal court. Use PACER to search federal records.

Cities and Towns in Lamar County

Lamar County is a rural county in northwest Alabama with several small towns. Vernon is the county seat where the courthouse sits. Other towns are Kennedy, Millport, and Sulligent. Court records for folks in all these towns are kept by the Circuit Clerk in Vernon.

No towns in Lamar County have over 100,000 people, so there are no city pages for this county. All court filings go through the county.

Nearby Counties

For court records from nearby areas, these counties sit next to Lamar County.

Search Lamar County Court Records

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