Access Madison County Court Docket
Court docket records in Madison County are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the Huntsville courthouse. Madison County is the only county in the 23rd Judicial Circuit. It is one of the bigger single-county circuits in the state. The docket tracks all court cases from filing to the end. Madison County has grown a lot and now has the second most people in Alabama. This means a busy court system with lots of cases. You can get records for civil, crime, family, and traffic cases through Alacourt ACCESS online or in person at the clerk's office.
Madison County Quick Facts
Madison County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Madison County. Circuit Clerk Debra Kizer and staff run case filings, keep the docket up to date, record court orders and judgments, and give copies to the public. The office serves both Circuit Court and District Court. They use digital imaging of court records so docs are easy to find.
| Circuit Clerk | Debra Kizer |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 North Side Square Huntsville, AL 35801 |
| Phone | (256) 532-3380 |
| Fax | (256) 532-3768 |
| circuitclerk@madisoncountyal.gov | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Judicial Circuit | 23rd Judicial Circuit (Madison County only) |
Types of Court Records
The Circuit Clerk keeps docket records for many case types. Circuit Court hears felonies, civil suits over $10,000, family matters like divorce and custody, and appeals from District Court. District Court takes misdemeanors, civil cases under $10,000, small claims, traffic tickets, and first hearings. Madison County courts handle a lot of cases due to the big population.
Searching Court Records
There are a few ways to search Madison County court docket records. Alacourt ACCESS online covers the whole state. Search by name or case number. There is a fee per search. The Circuit Clerk office takes email requests and lets you search records in person during work hours. They use digital imaging, so most records can be pulled fast. The clerk's office asks that you set up an appointment one day ahead.
Online Records Access
Madison County is part of the state Alacourt ACCESS system. This gives online access to trial court records from all Alabama counties. It covers civil, crime, family, and traffic cases.
Online search results show case numbers, party names, case types, filing dates, and status. The docket with the time line of each case is there too. Some docs may cost extra to view or need a visit in person.
Fees and Costs
Madison County has set fees for court record services. The Circuit Clerk office posts these fees. They may change.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Copies (21+ pages) | 50 cents per page |
| Certifications | $5.00 |
| Computerized records search | $10.00 |
| Paper records search | $20.00 |
| Alacourt ACCESS | Per-search fees displayed before transaction |
The Circuit Clerk office takes many payment types. For mail requests, pay up front by check or money order to the Madison County Circuit Clerk. You can also email the clerk's office with questions.
Legal Framework for Record Access
State law and court rules set how you get court records in Alabama. These rules say what records are open and what limits there are.
Public Records Law
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 lets Alabama residents look at and copy public records, including court docket 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. These rules list 96 types of private data. This covers Social Security numbers, tax IDs, bank account numbers, medical records, names of child crime victims, and abuse victim addresses. Juvenile records, sealed cases, adoptions, and young offender records are not open to the public.
Restricted Records
Some records need court permission or are not open to the public. This includes sealed cases, juvenile records, adoption records, and expunged records. You must file a petition with the court to see sealed or private records.
Additional Court Resources
23rd Judicial Circuit
The 23rd Judicial Circuit serves only Madison County. Info about the circuit, like judge assignments and court schedules, is at the circuit's admin office.
Appellate Court Records
Appeals from Madison 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
Madison County is in the Northern District of Alabama for federal cases. Federal court records, like bankruptcy and federal crime cases, are on PACER.
Legal Assistance
The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can help you find a lawyer at 1-800-354-6154. Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal help to low-income people who qualify. Call 1-866-456-4995.
Cities and Towns in Madison County
Madison County has several cities and towns. Circuit and District Court records for all county residents are kept at the Huntsville courthouse. City courts handle ordinance tickets and traffic tickets in city limits.
Other communities in Madison County include:
- Madison
- Harvest
- Meridianville
- New Hope
- Owens Cross Roads
- Triana
For Circuit and District Court records, call the Madison County Circuit Clerk in Huntsville. For city court matters, call that city's court.
Nearby Counties
Madison County is in northern Alabama and borders several other counties and Tennessee. If you're not sure which county has a case, look where the defendant lives or where the event took place.
Start Your Search
Search court docket records from Madison County and all of Alabama using the form below.