St. Clair County Court Docket Search
Court docket records in St. Clair County track all cases filed in the 30th Judicial Circuit. St. Clair County is the only county in this circuit. One thing that makes St. Clair County stand out is it has two county seats: Ashville and Pell City. The Circuit Clerk has offices at both spots to serve folks in different parts of the county. You can look up court docket records on Alacourt ACCESS online or go in person to either courthouse. Staff can help you find cases, tell you what records are on hand, and give you copies.
St. Clair County Quick Facts
St. Clair County Circuit Clerk
The St. Clair County Circuit Clerk keeps court docket records at two spots, one in each county seat. Both offices take case filings, store court docs, and give the public access to records. You can go to either spot based on what works for you. Staff at both places can help you find cases and tell you what records are on hand.
Ashville Office
| Address | 129 5th Ave, Suite 101 Ashville, AL 35953 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 594-2120 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Pell City Office
| Address | 1815 Cogswell Ave, Suite 215 Pell City, AL 35125 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 338-9449 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Website: stclair.alacourt.gov
How to Search Court Docket Records
Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS
You can search St. Clair County court dockets on Alacourt ACCESS, the state court records site. It has trial court records from all 67 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 either clerk's office during work hours to search court dockets. 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 either office. 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
St. Clair County charges fees for copies and searches. The county posts its fees for filings and services. You can pay by cash, check, or money order at either courthouse.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy fees (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 - $10.00 |
| Search fee | $5.00 - $20.00 |
Fee lists are on the county site. 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 first court dates, hearings, trials, and 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.
Traffic Cases
Traffic tickets are tracked in the docket system. Most go to District Court or Municipal Court based on where you got the ticket.
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.
St. Clair County Court Structure
30th Judicial Circuit
St. Clair County is the only county in the 30th Judicial Circuit. All circuit court work stays in the county. Court sessions may be at either the Ashville or Pell City courthouse based on the schedule.
Circuit Court
St. Clair County Circuit Court handles felonies, civil suits over $10,000, family law, and appeals from District Court. Juvenile cases go here too.
District Court
St. Clair 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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair County like Pell City, Moody, and Ragland run Municipal Courts for city code violations and traffic tickets in city limits.
Related Record Sources
Federal Courts
Federal cases for St. Clair 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 St. Clair County Probate Court. Property tax records are at the Revenue Commissioner's office.
Cities in St. Clair County
St. Clair County has Pell City, Moody, Ashville, Ragland, and Springville. None of these towns are big enough for their own city page. The Circuit Clerk keeps all court docket records for St. Clair County folks at either the Ashville or Pell City courthouse.
Nearby Counties
St. Clair County borders a few other counties. Each one keeps its own court docket records through its Circuit Clerk.