Search Talladega County Court Docket
Court docket records in Talladega County track all cases in civil, criminal, family, and traffic matters filed in the 29th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk keeps these records at the Talladega County Courthouse. Docket entries show the full history of a case from start to end. This includes motions, hearings, orders, judgments, and more. Talladega County is the only county in the 29th Judicial Circuit. That means all circuit court work for this area stays local. You can look up court dockets on Alacourt ACCESS online or go to the courthouse in person.
Talladega County Quick Facts
Talladega County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk holds all court records in Talladega County. This office takes new case filings, keeps old records, and gives copies to the public. The clerk also runs jury lists, takes in court fees and fines, and issues certified copies. Staff can help you find cases if you have a case number or names.
| Address | 1 Court Square Talladega, AL 35160 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 761-2103 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | talladega.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Court Dockets
Online Search
The main way to search Talladega County court dockets is through Alacourt ACCESS. This state site has records from all 67 Alabama counties. You can search by name or case number. You pay per search, and fees show before you pay. Civil, criminal, family, and traffic records are all in the system. Results show basic case info like parties, case type, filing date, and status.
In-Person Search
Going to the Circuit Clerk's office lets you search court dockets with no online fees. The courthouse is at 1 Court Square in downtown Talladega. Bring ID and any info you have about the case. Staff can point you to the right records. You can view case files and docket sheets for free. Fees only kick in when you ask for copies.
Written Requests
You can mail a request for court records. Put in the full names of the parties, rough filing dates if you know them, the case type, and your contact info. You often need to pay fees up front. Send requests to the Circuit Clerk at 1 Court Square, Talladega, AL 35160. It takes two to four weeks based on how busy the office is.
Fees for Court Record Services
The Circuit Clerk charges fees for copies and some services for court records. These fees help pay for keeping records and giving the public access.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee |
| Record search (in-person) | No charge to view records |
| Written search request | $5.00 to $10.00 depending on complexity |
Online searches through Alacourt ACCESS have their own fees set by the state. Those fees show before you finish each search on the site.
Types of Court Docket Records
Civil Case Dockets
Civil dockets track lawsuits between people or firms. These include contract fights, injury claims, land disputes, debt cases, and evictions. Circuit Court takes civil cases over $10,000. District Court handles smaller suits and small claims under $3,000. Each docket entry logs filings, motions, hearings, and orders as they happen.
Criminal Case Dockets
Criminal dockets track cases where the state charges someone with a crime. Circuit Court handles felonies. District Court handles misdemeanors. Docket entries show first court dates, hearings, motions, trial steps, verdicts, and sentencing. Traffic tickets are also in the docket system.
Domestic Relations Dockets
Domestic relations dockets cover family law cases in Circuit Court. These include divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and protective orders. Adoption records are at the Probate Court and are usually sealed from public view.
Appeals
Circuit Court also hears appeals from District Court and city courts. Appeal dockets show the lower court case, why the appeal was filed, briefs, and the decision.
Legal Framework for Record Access
Alabama law allows public access to court records with some exceptions for private info. Knowing these rules helps you see what records you can get and what limits apply.
Public Records Law
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives state residents the right to look at and copy public records. This includes court records kept by the Circuit Clerk. 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 cover what info must stay hidden in court records. These rules took effect January 1, 2025. They list 96 types of private info. This includes Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, birth dates of minors, names of minor crime victims, and addresses of domestic violence victims.
Sealed Records
Courts can seal records when they find clear proof that info involves trade secrets, national security, risk of harm to parties, or private family issues. Juvenile court records are private under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133.
Expungement
Some criminal records may qualify for expungement under Alabama Code Section 15-27-1. Dropped charges, not guilty verdicts, some misdemeanors after a wait time, and some non-violent felonies may qualify. Expunged records are taken out of public view.
Court Structure in Talladega County
Talladega County is the only county in the 29th Judicial Circuit. All circuit court work for county folks happens at the Talladega County Courthouse.
Circuit Court
Circuit Court is the main trial court. It handles felonies, civil cases over $10,000, family law like divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. Circuit Court judges serve six-year terms.
District Court
District Court handles misdemeanors, first felony hearings, civil cases under $10,000, small claims under $3,000, and traffic cases. The Circuit Clerk keeps District Court records too.
Probate Court
The Probate Judge handles estates, wills, guardianships, mental health cases, adoptions, and marriage licenses. Probate Court also keeps property records like deeds and mortgages. These are separate from Circuit Clerk dockets.
Municipal Courts
Cities in Talladega County may have municipal courts for city code violations and traffic tickets in city limits. The city keeps those records, not the Circuit Clerk.
Additional Resources
Legal Assistance
If you need legal help in Talladega County, a few resources are out there. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to low-income folks who qualify. The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral line at 1-800-354-6154. The Talladega County Bar Association can also point you to local lawyers.
Related Record Sources
For records outside court dockets, other offices in Talladega County keep public records. Probate Court has property records, marriage licenses, and estate files. The Tax Assessor has property tax records. The Sheriff's Office has arrest records and inmate info. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) runs criminal background checks at the state level.
Federal Court
Federal cases are handled apart from state courts. Talladega County is in the Northern District of Alabama. You can find federal court records through the PACER system.
Search Court Records
Use the tool below to find court docket info from Talladega County and all of Alabama.
Cities and Towns in Talladega County
Talladega County has several towns. Court records for folks in these cities are kept at the county level by the Circuit Clerk. City courts may handle code violations on their own.
Big towns include Talladega (the county seat), Sylacauga, Lincoln, Childersburg, and Munford. None are big enough for their own city page. For court docket info on anyone in Talladega County, use the county court system or go to the Circuit Clerk's office.
Nearby Counties
If you need court records in nearby areas, these counties border Talladega County.