Autauga County Court Records
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Autauga County sits in central Alabama with its county seat in Prattville, and its courts operate under the 19th Judicial Circuit. The court system spans the Circuit Court, District Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, and two Municipal Courts—each generating its own category of records. Those records cover case dockets, pleadings, motions, judgments, orders, warrants, and exhibits filed or produced throughout legal proceedings. Whether you want to confirm a case outcome, get a certified copy of a court order, or research property filings, knowing which office holds what records—and how to reach them—is where to begin.
If you need to track down court records anywhere in Alabama, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts runs statewide case-management platforms covering circuit and district court filings. AlabamaCourts.us can also help you locate publicly available court case information across the state. In Autauga County specifically, the Circuit Clerk's office and the Probate Court each maintain separate record categories and offer their own search tools.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Autauga County?
You can search Autauga County court cases online, visit the courthouse in person, or contact the appropriate clerk's office directly. Which approach works best depends on the case type and whether you already have a case number or party name.
Online Searches
The main electronic tool for Autauga County Circuit and District Court records is Alacourt Access, which covers criminal, civil, domestic relations, child support, traffic, and small claims filings statewide. You can search by party name or case number. The service charges fees:
- Name search: $9.99
- Case number search: $9.99
- Document images: $5.00 for the first 20 pages, $0.50 per page thereafter
You'll need to create an account before running any searches. If you only need to look up or pay a traffic citation, defendants can use AlaPay with a ticket or case number—no full account required.
For probate matters, the Autauga County Probate Court runs a separate Probate Case Lookup and a Land Records search through its online services portal.
In-Person Searches
Records can be reviewed at the Autauga County Courthouse during regular business hours—Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Go directly to the division that handled the case:
| Division | Phone | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Criminal (CC) | (334) 358-6807 | 117 |
| District Criminal (DC) / Traffic (TR) | (334) 358-6802 | 117 |
| Domestic Relations (DR) / Child Support (CS) | (334) 358-6809 | 108 |
| Circuit Civil (CV) / District Civil (DV) | (334) 358-6806 | 114 |
| Small Claims (SM) / Evictions | (334) 358-6805 | 114 |
| Juvenile (JU) | (334) 358-6803 | 107 |
Autauga County Courthouse
Address: 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6800
Autauga County Probate Court
Address: 176 West 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 361-3728
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Autauga County?
Alabama law gives the public a general right to inspect and copy government records, including court records. Under Section 36-12-40 of the Code of Alabama, every citizen may examine any public writing of the state unless access is expressly restricted by statute. That framework applies to filings held by the Circuit Clerk, Probate Court, and other record offices in Autauga County.
Several categories of records are restricted from public access, though:
- Sealed records — A court may seal records only after making a written finding, supported by clear and convincing evidence, that releasing them would cause specific harm—such as exposing trade secrets, enabling harassment, or intruding on wholly private family matters. This standard comes from the Alabama Supreme Court's holding in Holland v. Eads.
- Juvenile case records — Records involving minors adjudicated as delinquent, dependent, or in need of supervision are confidential under Ala. Code § 12-15-133.
- Adoption proceedings — Adoption files are sealed and restricted to the parties directly involved.
- Child abuse and neglect records — Reports and related court filings remain confidential.
- Expunged records — Criminal records expunged under Ala. Code § 15-27-1 et seq. are not subject to public disclosure. Unauthorized release of expunged records is a Class B misdemeanor under § 15-27-7.
The Alabama Supreme Court has also enacted comprehensive Rules of Record Privacy and Confidentiality that apply to all appellate, circuit, district, juvenile, small claims, municipal, and probate courts. Rules 201 and 202 identify 96 categories of privileged or confidential information under state law. The person or entity filing a document is responsible for redacting confidential information—including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and medical records—before submission.
Autauga County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Autauga County are split between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on severity. The Circuit Court handles all felony prosecutions, while the District Court takes misdemeanor charges (offenses carrying a maximum of six months imprisonment and/or a $1,000 fine), traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Two Municipal Courts in Prattville and Autaugaville adjudicate municipal ordinance violations within their respective cities.
Searching Criminal Case Records
- Online: Use Alacourt Access to search by defendant name or case number. Results include docket entries, court actions, hearing dates, party details, and financial information. Document images are available for a fee.
- In person: Visit the Criminal Division of the Circuit Clerk's office at the Autauga County Courthouse, Room 117. Direct Circuit criminal questions to (334) 358-6807 and District criminal or traffic matters to (334) 358-6802.
- Online payments: Outstanding traffic tickets and District criminal fines may be paid through AlaPay or by calling (877) 252-7294.
Municipal Courts
Prattville Municipal Court
Address: 101 West Main Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 595-0450
Fax: (334) 361-3696
Autaugaville Municipal Court
Address: P.O. Box 237, Autaugaville, AL 36003
Phone: (334) 365-9335
Statewide Criminal History Records
If you need a comprehensive background check that pulls arrest records from all Alabama jurisdictions, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) maintains the Alabama Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) system. To request a personal review of your criminal history:
- Complete the ALEA Application to Review Alabama CHRI.
- Include a copy of valid photo identification.
- Submit fingerprint scans.
- Include a $25.00 fee by money order or cashier's check.
- Mail or deliver the packet to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
301 South Ripley Street, P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
Sheriff's Office
The Autauga County Sheriff's Office may hold arrest logs, incident reports, and booking records for matters originating within its jurisdiction.
Autauga County Sheriff's Office
Address: 162 West 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 361-2500
Autauga County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Autauga County go to either the Circuit Court or the District Court depending on the dollar amount at issue. The Circuit Court takes civil matters exceeding $10,000; the District Court handles civil disputes under $15,000, with small claims capped at $6,000. Both courts share concurrent jurisdiction for claims between $10,000 and $15,000.
Types of Civil Records
Civil case files typically include the complaint or petition, answers, motions, discovery documents, court orders, and final judgments. Common civil matters in Autauga County include contract disputes, personal injury claims, landlord-tenant actions (unlawful detainers and evictions), and debt collection suits.
How to Obtain Civil Court Records
The Circuit Clerk keeps all civil filings from both the Circuit and District Courts. You can request records in several ways:
- In person at Room 114, Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067. Civil division Phone: (334) 358-6806 Small claims and eviction inquiries: (334) 358-6805.
- Online through Alacourt Access, which has docket information, case summaries, and document images for all civil divisions—circuit civil, district civil, and small claims.
Filing and Court Forms
You can find legal and court-related forms for civil actions through Alabama Legal Help and the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. The Circuit Clerk's office accepts filings in person; electronic filing is also available through the AlaFile system maintained by the state courts.
Property-Related Civil Records
Civil judgments and liens filed in Autauga County may also be recorded at the Probate Court. The county's real property search portal run by the Revenue Commissioner has assessment information, tax details, and property ownership data. Land records—including deeds, mortgages, and other instruments—can be searched through the Probate Court's online land records search.
Autauga County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Autauga County fall under the Circuit Court's Domestic Relations Division or, when minors are involved, the Juvenile Court. The Domestic Relations Division handles divorce, custody, visitation, alimony, and child support proceedings. The Juvenile Court adjudicates dependency, delinquency, and child-in-need-of-supervision (CHINS) petitions.
Divorce and Custody Records
Divorce case files—including the complaint, settlement agreements, parenting plans, and final decrees—are held by the Circuit Clerk. Direct requests to the Domestic Relations Division:
Domestic Relations / Child Support Division
Room 108, Autauga County Courthouse
134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6809
Divorce records are also searchable through Alacourt Access under the Domestic Relations case type. If you need a verification copy of a divorce certificate for divorces from 1950 forward, the Alabama Department of Public Health maintains statewide records. Mail a completed Vital Record Request Form along with a $15.00 fee (check or money order payable to the Center for Health Statistics) to:
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time cost $6.00 each.
Marriage Records
Autauga County no longer issues marriage licenses or performs marriage ceremonies through the Probate Court. Alabama now requires couples to complete and file a marriage certificate form directly. For details, contact the Probate Office at (334) 361-3732. The recording fee schedule lists $40.00 for a marriage license (plus a $5.00 special Judge of Probate fee) and $3.00 for a marriage certificate copy. Marriage records from August 1936 forward are also available from the Alabama Department of Public Health for $15.00 per certified copy. Walk-in requests are accepted at any county health department, including:
Autauga County Health Department
219 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 361-3743
Birth and Death Records
Alabama birth certificates are confidential for 125 years from the date of birth, and death certificates are restricted for 25 years. Eligible requesters—the person named, parents, spouse, siblings, children, or a legal representative—may obtain certified copies from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics at $15.00 per copy ($6.00 for each additional copy). Applications can be submitted by mail, in person at any county health department, or online through VitalChek (additional service fees apply).
Juvenile Court Records
Juvenile proceedings in Autauga County are handled at the courthouse by Judge Jessica K. Sanders and support staff. Cases include delinquency (Ala. Code § 12-15-102(6)-(7)), dependency (§ 12-15-102(8)), and CHINS (§ 12-15-102(4)) petitions. These records are confidential under § 12-15-133 and are not open for public inspection. Parties and their attorneys may contact:
Juvenile Clerk Brittney Petty
Room 103, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6803
Email: brittney.petty@alacourt.gov
Juvenile Court Services: (334) 358-6860
Autauga County Probate Court Records
The Autauga County Probate Court has jurisdiction over estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, and involuntary commitment proceedings. It also functions as the county's recording office for land records, business filings, and marriage certificates. Probate Judge Al Booth presides over these matters from the Probate Court offices on West 5th Street.
Autauga County Probate Court
Address: 176 West 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 361-3728
Probate Court line: (334) 361-3730
Email: autaugaprobate@yahoo.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records—including estate administrations, will filings, guardianship petitions, and conservatorship proceedings—can be searched online through the court's Probate Case Lookup. Search by party name or case number.
Land records filed with the Probate Court—such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and UCC filings—are accessible through the court's online land records search. The court also offers the REAACT (Real Estate Activity Alert and Contact Tool) program as a free service that alerts property owners when a document is recorded against their name.
Requesting Copies
You can request copies of probate records in person at the Probate Court or by mailing your request to 176 West 5th Street, Prattville, AL 36067. For questions about fees and processing times, contact the Probate Records division at (334) 361-3728. Documents requiring the judge's seal or probate seal carry a fee of $3.00 per seal.
Recording Fee Schedule (Selected Items)
| Document Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Filing fee (deeds, mortgages, etc.) | $3.00 per instrument |
| Recording fee | $3.00 per page |
| Indexing additional names beyond one grantor/grantee pair | $1.00 per name |
| Special Judge of Probate fee | $5.00 per instrument |
| Mortgage tax | $0.15 per $100 |
| Deed tax | $0.50 per $500 |
| UCC-1 / UCC-3 filing (up to 2 pages) | $20.00 |
| UCC pages over two | $2.00 per additional page |
| Notary public appointment | $15.00 + $5.00 Judge of Probate fee |
A more detailed recording fee schedule is published on the Autauga County website. All schedules are subject to change, so confirm current fees with the Probate Court before submitting documents.
Wills and Estate Administration
Once a decedent's will is filed for probate, the case file becomes part of the public record unless a court order seals it. Estate administration records include inventories, accountings, petitions for distribution, and final settlement documents. Contact the Probate Clerk or use the online case lookup to request copies.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
Petitions for guardianship of a minor or incapacitated adult—and conservatorship petitions for managing another person's financial affairs—are filed with the Probate Court. These filings are generally accessible to the public, though certain medical or financial details within a file may be subject to confidentiality protections under the Alabama Rules of Record Privacy and Confidentiality.