Tallapoosa County Court Docket Search
Court docket records for Tallapoosa County are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Dadeville. These records track all cases in civil, criminal, family, and traffic matters filed in the county. Tallapoosa County is in the 5th Judicial Circuit with Chambers, Macon, and Randolph counties. The docket is the official log of what happens in a case from start to end. This includes dates, motions, hearings, orders, and final rulings. You can look up records on the state Alacourt ACCESS site or go to the Circuit Clerk's office in person.
Tallapoosa County Quick Facts
Tallapoosa County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk holds all court records in Tallapoosa County. This office takes case filings, keeps court records, handles docs, and gives copies to the public. The clerk also runs jury lists, takes in court fees, and issues certified copies. Staff can help you find records if you have case numbers or names to search.
| Address | 125 N Broadnax St Dadeville, AL 36853 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 825-4268 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | tallapoosa.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Court Dockets
Online Search
The best way to search Tallapoosa 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 this system.
In-Person Search
You can search court dockets at the clerk's office with no online fees. The courthouse is at 125 N Broadnax St in Dadeville. Bring ID and any info you have about the case. You can view docket sheets and case files for free. Fees only kick in when you ask for copies.
Written Requests
You can mail written requests for court records. Put in the party names, rough filing dates, case type, and your return address. You often need to pay fees up front. Mail requests to the Circuit Clerk at 125 N Broadnax St, Dadeville, AL 36853. It takes two to four weeks.
Fees for Court Record Services
The Circuit Clerk charges fees for copies and some record services. 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 landlord-tenant issues. Circuit Court takes cases over $10,000. District Court handles smaller cases. 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. The docket shows first court dates, hearings, motions, trial dates, verdicts, and sentencing. Traffic tickets also show up 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 protection orders. Probate Court handles adoptions, and those records are usually sealed.
Appeals
Circuit Court also hears appeals from District Court and city courts in Tallapoosa County. 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 limits for private info. Knowing these rules helps you see what you can get.
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 like 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, or private family matters. Juvenile 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 Tallapoosa County
Tallapoosa County is in the 5th Judicial Circuit with Chambers, Macon, and Randolph counties. Circuit judges can hear cases in any of these four counties, but most Tallapoosa County work happens in Dadeville.
Circuit Court
Circuit Court is the main trial court. It handles felonies, civil cases over $10,000, family law, and appeals from lower courts. Circuit judges in the 5th Circuit serve all four counties.
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.
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 Tallapoosa County may run 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
A few resources offer legal help for Tallapoosa County folks. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to low-income people who qualify. The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral line at 1-800-354-6154.
Related Record Sources
Other offices in Tallapoosa County keep different 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 runs state-level criminal background checks.
Federal Court
Federal cases are handled apart from state courts. Tallapoosa County is in the Middle 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 Tallapoosa County and all of Alabama.
Cities and Towns in Tallapoosa County
Tallapoosa 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 Dadeville (the county seat), Alexander City, Camp Hill, and Jacksons Gap. None are big enough for their own city page. Alexander City is the biggest, with about 14,000 people. For court docket info on anyone in Tallapoosa County, use the county court system or go to the Circuit Clerk's office in Dadeville.
Nearby Counties
If you need court records in nearby areas, these counties border Tallapoosa County.