Pickens County Court Docket Search
Court docket records in Pickens County track all cases filed in the 24th Judicial Circuit. Pickens County shares this circuit with Fayette and Lamar counties. Each county keeps its own set of records. The Circuit Clerk in Carrollton holds all court records for civil, criminal, and domestic cases. You can look up records through the state Alacourt ACCESS site or go to the courthouse in person. Staff there can help you find cases, tell you what records are on hand, and give you copies of court docs.
Pickens County Quick Facts
Pickens County Circuit Clerk
The Pickens County Circuit Clerk keeps all court docket records for cases filed in the county. This office takes new case filings, stores court docs, and gives the public access to records. Staff can help you find cases and tell you what types of docs are on file.
| Address | 1 Courthouse Square Carrollton, AL 35447 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 367-2020 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | pickens.alacourt.gov |
Courthouse Location
The Pickens County Courthouse sits on the town square in Carrollton. The old courthouse has the Circuit Clerk's office, courtrooms, and other county offices. Bring a valid ID when you visit to ask for court records.
How to Search Court Docket Records
Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS
You can search Pickens County court dockets on Alacourt ACCESS. This state site has trial court records from all 67 Alabama counties. Search by name or case number. The site charges fees per search, and it shows you the cost before you pay.
In-Person Record Search
You can go to the Circuit Clerk's office during work hours to search court dockets in person. There are no search fees when you go in person. You pay copy fees when you ask for docs. Staff can help you find cases if you give them names or case numbers.
Written Requests
You can mail a written request to the Circuit Clerk. Put in the party names, case type, and rough dates. You usually need to pay fees up front. It takes a few weeks to process.
Fees for Court Records
Pickens County charges fees for copies and searches. You can pay by cash, check, or money order at the courthouse.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy fees (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 - $10.00 |
| Search fee | $5.00 - $20.00 |
Fees can change. Call the clerk's office to check what fees are now in place.
Types of Court Docket Records
Civil Cases
Civil dockets track lawsuits between parties. These include contract fights, injury claims, land disputes, debt cases, and evictions. Circuit Court takes cases over $10,000.
Criminal Cases
Criminal dockets track state cases against people. Felonies go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanors go to District Court. Records show all steps from first court date through sentencing.
Domestic Relations
Family law cases go on domestic relations dockets. These include divorce, child custody, child support, and protective orders. Circuit Court handles these cases.
Traffic Cases
Traffic tickets are tracked in the docket system. Most go through District Court.
Legal Framework for Record Access
Public Records Law
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives state residents the right to look at and copy public records. A 2024 change now asks for proof you live in Alabama. A driver license or voter card works.
Court Record Privacy Rules
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality took effect January 1, 2025. These rules list 96 types of private info that must stay hidden. This includes Social Security numbers and bank account info.
Sealed and Confidential Records
Some records are not open to the public. These include sealed cases, juvenile records, youthful offender files, and adoption records. Courts can seal other records too when they need to keep info safe.
Expungement
Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 covers expungement. You may qualify if your charges were dropped, you were found not guilty, or for some crimes after a wait time.
Pickens County Court Structure
24th Judicial Circuit
Pickens County is in the 24th Judicial Circuit with Fayette and Lamar counties. Each county keeps its own records through its Circuit Clerk. Judges may move between counties in the circuit.
Circuit Court
Pickens County Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil suits over $10,000, family law, and appeals from District Court. Juvenile cases go here too.
District Court
Pickens County District Court handles misdemeanors, civil cases under $10,000, small claims under $3,000, and first felony hearings. Traffic tickets go through District Court.
Probate Court
The Pickens County Probate Court runs on its own. Probate Court deals with wills, estates, guardianships, mental health cases, and marriage licenses.
Related Record Sources
Federal Courts
Federal cases for Pickens County go to the Northern District of Alabama. You can find records through the PACER system.
Alabama Appellate Courts
Appeals go to the Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals. Records are free at the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal.
Criminal Background Checks
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency runs criminal history checks. The Alabama Department of Corrections has an online inmate search tool.
Property Records
Deeds, mortgages, and liens go to the Probate Court. Tax records are at the Revenue Commissioner's office.
Cities in Pickens County
Pickens County has Carrollton (the county seat), Reform, Aliceville, and Gordo. None of these towns are big enough to have their own city page. The Circuit Clerk in Carrollton keeps all court docket records for Pickens County folks.
Nearby Counties
Pickens County borders a few other counties. Each one keeps its own court docket records.