Access Washington County Court Docket
Court docket records in Washington County track all cases in civil, criminal, family, and traffic matters filed in the 1st Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk keeps these records at the courthouse in Chatom. Washington County was the first county formed in what would be Alabama, set up on June 4, 1800. The 1st Judicial Circuit has Washington County plus Choctaw and Clarke counties. Docket entries show the full case history from start to end, with motions, hearings, orders, and rulings. You can look up records on Alacourt ACCESS online or go to the Circuit Clerk's office in person.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk holds all court records in Washington 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 records if you have case numbers or names.
| Address | 45 Court St Chatom, AL 36518 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 847-2208 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | washington.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Court Dockets
Online Search
The main way to search Washington 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.
In-Person Search
Going to the Circuit Clerk's office lets you search court dockets with no online fees. The courthouse is at 45 Court St in Chatom. 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 a request for court records. Put in the 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 the Circuit Clerk at 45 Court St, Chatom, AL 36518. 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 evictions. Circuit Court takes 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 Washington 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 Washington County
Washington County is in the 1st Judicial Circuit with Choctaw and Clarke counties. Circuit judges can hear cases in all three counties, but most Washington County work happens in Chatom.
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 judges in the 1st Circuit serve all three 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 Washington 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
If you need legal help in Washington 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.
Related Record Sources
Other offices keep public records in Washington County. 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. Washington County is in the Southern 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 Washington County and all of Alabama.
Cities and Towns in Washington County
Washington 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 Chatom (the county seat), Millry, and McIntosh. None are big enough for their own city page. Washington County is mostly rural with about 16,000 total people. For court docket info on anyone in Washington County, use the county court system or go to the Circuit Clerk's office in Chatom.
Nearby Counties
If you need court records in nearby areas, these counties border Washington County.