Access Sumter County Court Docket
Court docket records in Sumter County track cases filed in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Sumter County shares this circuit with Greene and Marengo counties. Each county keeps its own records. Located in west Alabama near the Mississippi border, Sumter County handles civil, criminal, and family cases at the courthouse in Livingston. The Circuit Clerk holds all court records. You can look them up on Alacourt ACCESS online or go to the clerk's office in person. Livingston has the University of West Alabama, so the court sees a mix of cases from the area.
Sumter County Quick Facts
Sumter County Circuit Clerk
The Sumter County Circuit Clerk keeps all court docket records for cases filed in the county. This office takes case filings, stores court docs, and gives copies to the public. Staff can help you find cases and tell you what records you can see.
| Address | 115 Washington St Livingston, AL 35470 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 652-7281 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | sumter.alacourt.gov |
Courthouse Location
The Sumter County Courthouse is on Washington Street in Livingston. The building has the Circuit Clerk's office, courtrooms, and other county offices. Bring a valid ID when you ask for court records.
How to Search Court Docket Records
Online Search via Alacourt ACCESS
You can search Sumter County court dockets on Alacourt ACCESS, the state court records site. It 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 to search court dockets during work hours. 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
Sumter County charges fees for court record services. 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 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 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 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.
Sumter County Court Structure
17th Judicial Circuit
Sumter County is in the 17th Judicial Circuit with Greene and Marengo counties. Each county keeps its own records through its Circuit Clerk. Judges may move between the three counties in the circuit.
Circuit Court
Sumter County Circuit Court handles felonies, civil suits over $10,000, family law, and appeals from District Court. Juvenile cases go here too.
District Court
Sumter 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 Sumter County Probate Court runs on its own from the Circuit Clerk. Probate Court deals with wills, estates, guardianships, mental health cases, and marriage licenses.
Related Record Sources
Federal Courts
Federal cases for Sumter County go to the Southern 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 Sumter County Probate Court. Property tax records are at the Revenue Commissioner's office.
Cities in Sumter County
Sumter County has Livingston (the county seat), York, Cuba, and Epes. None of these towns are big enough for their own city page. The Circuit Clerk in Livingston keeps all court docket records for Sumter County folks.
Nearby Counties
Sumter County borders a few other counties, such as its circuit partners Greene and Marengo. Each one keeps its own court docket records.