Find Court Docket in Tuscaloosa County
Court docket records in Tuscaloosa County track all cases in civil, criminal, family, and traffic matters filed in the 6th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk keeps these records at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. Docket entries show the full history of each case from start to end, with motions, hearings, orders, and rulings. Tuscaloosa County is the only county in the 6th Judicial Circuit, so all circuit court work stays local. You can search records on Alacourt ACCESS online or go to the courthouse. The clerk's office serves about 227,000 county residents.
Tuscaloosa County Quick Facts
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk holds all court records in Tuscaloosa County. Circuit Clerk Magaria H. Bobo runs the office that takes new case filings, keeps old records, and gives copies to the public. The clerk's office runs jury lists, takes in court fees and fines, and issues certified copies. Metered parking is near the Judicial Building.
| Circuit Clerk | Magaria H. Bobo |
|---|---|
| Address | 714 Greensboro Ave Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 |
| Phone | (205) 349-3870 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| alafilenotices@alacourt.gov | |
| Website | tuscaloosa.alacourt.gov |
Presiding Judge
The Presiding Judge of the 6th Judicial Circuit is Hon. Allen W. May, Jr. You can reach the presiding judge at (205) 464-8275 for court admin issues.
How to Search Court Dockets
Online Search
The main way to search Tuscaloosa 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 go to the Circuit Clerk's office to search court dockets with no online fees. The courthouse is at 714 Greensboro Ave in downtown Tuscaloosa. Bring ID and any info you have about the case. Staff can help you find records. You can view case files and docket sheets for free. Fees kick in when you ask for copies.
Written Requests
You can mail requests to the Circuit Clerk. Put in party names, rough filing dates if you know them, case type, and your contact info. You often need to pay fees up front. Send requests to 714 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. It takes two to four weeks on average.
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, firms, and other groups. These include contract fights, injury suits, 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 in Tuscaloosa 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 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, including 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. 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 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 Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa County is the only county in the 6th Judicial Circuit. All circuit court work for county folks happens at the Tuscaloosa 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
The City of Tuscaloosa runs a municipal court for city code violations and traffic tickets in city limits. Info about Tuscaloosa Municipal Court is at tuscaloosa.com/court. Other towns in the county may also have city courts.
Additional Resources
Legal Assistance
A few resources offer legal help for Tuscaloosa 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. The Tuscaloosa County Bar Association can point you to local lawyers.
Related Record Sources
Other offices keep public records outside court dockets. 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 criminal background checks statewide.
Federal Court
Federal cases are handled apart from state courts. Tuscaloosa County is in the Northern District of Alabama. You can find federal court records through the PACER system.
County Website
The Tuscaloosa County site at tuscco.com has info about county services, departments, and contact details for various offices.
Search Court Records
Use the tool below to find court docket info from Tuscaloosa County and all of Alabama.
Cities and Towns in Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa County has several towns. Court records for folks are kept at the county level by the Circuit Clerk. City courts may handle code violations on their own.
Other towns in the county include Northport, Cottondale, Brookwood, Coaling, and Vance. The City of Tuscaloosa is the county seat and home to the University of Alabama. With over 100,000 people, Tuscaloosa is the only city in the county with its own city page.
Nearby Counties
If you need court records in nearby areas, these counties border Tuscaloosa County.