Limestone County Court Docket
Court docket records for Limestone County are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the Athens courthouse. The county is in the 39th Judicial Circuit. It is the only county in that circuit. All court cases make docket entries that track each case from start to end. Records include civil suits, crime cases, family law, and traffic cases. The public can get docket info through Alacourt ACCESS online or by going to the clerk's office during work hours. Limestone County has grown a lot. That means more court cases.
Limestone County Quick Facts
Limestone County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Limestone County. This office takes case filings, keeps docket records up to date, handles doc requests, and gives out certified copies. The clerk's office serves both Circuit Court and District Court.
| Address | 200 W Washington St Athens, AL 35611 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 233-6427 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 39th Judicial Circuit (Limestone County only) |
Types of Court Records
The docket system has records for all case types. Circuit Court hears felonies, civil cases over $10,000, family matters like divorce and custody, and appeals from District Court. District Court handles misdemeanors, civil fights under $10,000, small claims, traffic tickets, and first hearings for felonies.
Searching Court Records
There are a few ways to search court docket records. You can search online through Alacourt ACCESS, the state court records site. Search by name or case number. There is a fee per search. If you don't want to use the online system, go to the Circuit Clerk office in Athens during work hours. There are no fees per search in person. But copy fees still apply when you ask for docs. You can also mail written requests with the fees paid up front.
Online Court Records Portal
Limestone County court records are in the Alacourt ACCESS state database. This site has trial court records from all 67 Alabama counties. It covers civil, crime, family, and traffic cases.
The online site shows case info like case numbers, party names, case types, filing dates, and status. Docket entries that show the time line of each case are there too. Some docs may cost extra or need a visit to the courthouse to view.
Fees and Costs
Limestone County uses standard fees for court record services. State law and local court rules set these fees.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee |
| Record search fee | $5.00 to $10.00 |
| Alacourt ACCESS | Fees displayed before each transaction |
The Circuit Clerk office takes cash, checks, and money orders. Credit cards may work for some things. Mail requests need the fee paid up front by check or money order to the Limestone County Circuit Clerk.
Legal Framework for Record Access
State law and court rules set how the public can get court records in Alabama. These rules try to balance open access with privacy.
Alabama Public Records Law
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 lets Alabama residents look at and copy public records. A 2024 change says you must show proof you live in Alabama. A driver license, state ID, or voter card works. The law leans toward letting people see records.
Privacy and Confidentiality Rules
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality guard private info in court records. These rules list 96 types of info that may be cut or blocked. This covers Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, medical info, names of child crime victims, and abuse victim addresses. Some case types like juvenile matters, sealed cases, and adoptions are not open to the public.
Expungement
Alabama law lets some criminal records be expunged in certain cases. Dropped charges, acquittals, and some misdemeanors may qualify after wait times pass. Expunged records are taken out of public view. If you have questions, talk to a lawyer.
Additional Court Resources
Appellate Records
Appeals from Limestone County Circuit Court go to the Alabama appeals courts. The Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal gives free access to cases from the Supreme Court, Court of Civil Appeals, and Court of Criminal Appeals. You don't need to sign up or pay.
Federal Courts
Limestone County is in the Northern District of Alabama for federal cases. Federal court records, like bankruptcy and federal crime cases, are on the PACER system. Federal cases are kept apart from state court records.
Legal Help
The Alabama State Bar runs a Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-354-6154 to help you find a lawyer. Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal help to low-income people who qualify. Call them at 1-866-456-4995.
Cities and Towns in Limestone County
Limestone County has several cities and towns. Circuit and District Court records for all county residents are kept at the Athens courthouse. City courts in each town handle local ordinance tickets and traffic tickets in city limits.
Communities in Limestone County include:
- Athens (county seat)
- Ardmore
- Elkmont
- Lester
- Mooresville
- Tanner
For Circuit or District Court records, call the Limestone County Circuit Clerk in Athens. For city court matters, call that city's court.
Nearby Counties
Limestone County borders several other Alabama counties and Tennessee. Cases are usually filed where the defendant lives or where the event took place.
Start Your Search
Search court docket records from Limestone County and all of Alabama using the form below.