Find Court Docket in Shelby County
Court docket records in Shelby County track all cases filed in the 18th Judicial Circuit. Shelby County is the only county in this circuit. All circuit court work stays in the county. Located just south of Birmingham, Shelby County is one of the fastest growing counties in Alabama. The Circuit Clerk in Columbiana holds all court records for civil, criminal, and family cases. You can look them up on Alacourt ACCESS online or go to the courthouse in person.
Shelby County Quick Facts
Shelby County Circuit Clerk
The Shelby County Circuit Clerk holds all court docket records in the county. This office takes case filings, keeps court docs, and gives copies to the public. The Shelby County judicial commission also fills open circuit court seats. Staff can help you find cases and tell you what records are on hand.
| Address | 112 N Main St Columbiana, AL 35051 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 669-3710 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | shelby.alacourt.gov |
Courthouse Location
The Shelby County Courthouse is on North Main Street in Columbiana. The building has the Circuit Clerk's office, courtrooms, and other county offices. Bring a valid ID when you ask for court records. You can park on streets close by or in lots near the courthouse.
How to Search Court Docket Records
Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS
You can search Shelby County court dockets on Alacourt ACCESS. This state site has trial court records from all 67 Alabama counties. Search by name or case number. You pay per search, and fees show 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. Copy fees kick in when you ask for docs. Staff can find cases if you give them names or case numbers.
Written Requests
You can mail a request to the Circuit Clerk. Put in party names, case type, and rough dates. You often need to pay fees up front. It takes a few weeks to process.
Fees for Court Records
Shelby 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 |
Call the Circuit Clerk to check fees before you send a request.
Types of Court Docket Records
Civil Cases
Civil dockets track lawsuits between people or firms. 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 show up on domestic relations dockets. These include divorce, child custody, child support, and protection orders. Circuit Court handles these cases.
Traffic Cases
Traffic tickets are tracked in the docket system. Most go to District Court or the local Municipal 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 like court dockets. A 2024 change 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. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and victim info in some cases.
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 more records when they need to keep info safe.
Expungement
Alabama Code Section 15-27-1 covers expungement of criminal records. You may qualify if charges were dropped, you were found not guilty, or for some crimes after a wait time.
Shelby County Court Structure
18th Judicial Circuit
Shelby County is the only county in the 18th Judicial Circuit. All circuit court work stays in the county. Judges do not move to other counties. The Circuit Clerk keeps dockets for both Circuit Court and District Court.
Circuit Court
Shelby County Circuit Court handles felonies, civil suits over $10,000, family law, and appeals from District Court. Juvenile cases go here too.
District Court
Shelby County District Court handles misdemeanors, civil claims under $10,000, small claims under $3,000, and first felony hearings. Traffic cases go through District Court.
Probate Court
The Shelby County Probate Court runs on its own from the Circuit Clerk. Probate Court deals with wills, estates, guardianships, mental health cases, and marriage licenses.
Municipal Courts
Cities in Shelby County like Hoover (partly), Alabaster, Pelham, and Helena run Municipal Courts. These courts handle city code violations and traffic tickets in city limits.
Related Record Sources
Federal Courts
Federal cases for Shelby County go to the Northern District of Alabama. You can find records through the PACER system.
Alabama Appellate Courts
Appeals go to the Alabama 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 Shelby County Probate Court. Property tax records are at the Revenue Commissioner's office.
Cities in Shelby County
Shelby County has many growing towns in the Birmingham metro area. Big cities include Hoover (partly in Jefferson County), Alabaster, Pelham, Helena, and Calera. None of the cities just in Shelby County are big enough for their own city page. The Circuit Clerk in Columbiana keeps all court docket records.
Nearby Counties
Shelby County borders a few other counties. Each one keeps its own court docket records through its Circuit Clerk.