Calhoun County Court Records Search
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Calhoun County is located in northeastern Alabama, with its county seat in Anniston. The county falls within Alabama’s 7th Judicial Circuit and is served by a Circuit Court, a District Court, a Probate Court, and several municipal courts. These judicial bodies collectively generate and maintain records for felony and misdemeanor prosecutions, civil lawsuits, family law proceedings, probate matters, traffic violations, and local ordinance infractions. The Calhoun County Circuit Clerk’s Office, led by Circuit Clerk Kim McCarson, serves as the official custodian of court records for the Circuit and District Courts and manages record requests from attorneys, litigants, and the general public.
Individuals looking to locate court records in Alabama can draw on several official resources. The Calhoun County Courthouse website publishes contact directories, filing information, and record request procedures for the 7th Judicial Circuit. The statewide Alacourt Access portal allows online searches of trial court case records across all Alabama counties, including criminal, civil, domestic relations, and traffic matters. For broader reference, AlabamaCourts.us may help users identify publicly available court case information. Records can also be obtained directly from the clerk’s office in person, by mail, or through public-access computer terminals at the courthouse during regular business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Calhoun County?
There are two principal methods for searching Calhoun County court records: online through the statewide Alacourt Access system, or in person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
Online through Alacourt Access
Alacourt Access is the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts’ on-demand platform for searching state trial court records. The system covers criminal, civil, small claims, traffic, domestic relations, and child support case information. Users may search by name or by case number. The following fees apply:
- Name search — $9.99 (includes one case detail; additional case details cost $9.99 each)
- Case number search — $9.99 (includes one case detail)
- Document images — $5.00 for the first 20 pages; $0.50 per page thereafter
- Case monitoring — $19.99 for a District Court case; $29.99 for a Circuit Court case
Users who wish to search by name can enter the subject’s first, middle, and last name along with their position in the case (such as plaintiff, defendant, attorney, or guardian). Adding optional parameters—the type of action, date range, or case number—narrows results and improves accuracy.
In person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office
A public-access computer terminal is available inside the Circuit Clerk’s Office for name-based record searches during regular courthouse business hours. Staff members are on hand to assist. Once a relevant case is located, copies of documents can be requested at the counter.
Calhoun County Circuit Clerk’s Office
25 West 11th Street
Anniston, AL 36201
Circuit Court Division: (256) 231-1750
District Court Division: (256) 231-1850
Family Court Division: (256) 231-1740
Requesting copies by mail
Written requests for court records may be mailed to the Circuit Clerk’s Office. A written request should include the requester’s name, address, and contact phone number; identification of the documents needed and whether certification is required; case identifiers such as case numbers, party names, case style, dates of birth, aliases, charges, and case type; and a self-addressed stamped envelope if the records are to be returned by mail. The Record Request and Copies page on the courthouse website provides additional detail and downloadable request forms.
Fees for copies obtained through the Clerk’s Office are:
- Archived or microfilmed records search — $25.00
- Copies (up to 20 pages) — $5.00 (each additional page $0.50)
- Certification of a document by the Clerk — $5.00
Payment may be made by personal check, money order, cashier’s check, or cash (cash accepted in person only).
Are Court Records Public in Calhoun County?
Alabama law establishes a strong presumption that court records are open for public inspection. Under Alabama Code § 36-12-40, every citizen has the right to inspect and copy any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by law. Court records—including docket entries, rulings, judgments, and most filings—generally fall within this definition of public writings.
There are, however, several categories of records that are restricted or sealed:
Sealed and expunged records. Cases that a court has ordered sealed are not accessible to the general public. Expunged criminal records are similarly removed from public view.
Juvenile proceedings. Court cases involving minors are inherently confidential under Alabama law. Records from juvenile proceedings are not available for public inspection.
Cases involving sensitive subject matter. Records from proceedings that involve sexual abuse or other matters where disclosure could harm a victim’s privacy may be restricted by statute or court order.
Vital records. Although not court records per se, birth and death certificates maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health carry their own access restrictions. Birth certificates, for example, are confidential for 125 years from the date of birth under Alabama law and may only be obtained by persons listed on the certificate, immediate family members, or legal representatives.
When requesting any court record, the requester should provide sufficient identifying information about the record subject—including full name, case number if known, date of birth, and case type—to facilitate a successful search.
Calhoun County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Calhoun County is divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court. The Circuit Court handles felony cases and certain serious misdemeanors, while the District Court presides over misdemeanors (offenses carrying up to one year of incarceration), traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
Searching criminal court records
Public criminal case records can be searched through the Alacourt Access portal using a defendant’s name or case number. The fees described above apply. Criminal case information available through the portal typically includes case action summaries, court setting dates, party details, rulings, financial information, and document images.
In-person searches are available at the public terminal in the Circuit Clerk’s Office at 25 West 11th Street, Anniston, during regular business hours.
Obtaining a state criminal history record
Individuals seeking a comprehensive criminal history—including arrest records, felony and misdemeanor charges, convictions, and dispositions reported statewide—may request records through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The Criminal Records and Identification Unit maintains these records. To obtain a personal criminal history:
- Download and complete the Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record.
- Include the required identification documentation as specified on the form.
- Enclose the $25.00 administrative fee in the form of a money order or cashier’s check payable to ALEA (for personal requests).
- Mail the completed application, supporting documents, and fee to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
Court locations handling criminal matters
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Calhoun County Circuit Court | 25 W 11th St, Anniston, AL 36201 | (256) 231-1750 |
| Calhoun County District Court | 25 W 11th St, Anniston, AL 36201 | (256) 231-1850 |
| Anniston Municipal Court | 174 13th St, P.O. Box 2168, Anniston, AL 36202 | (256) 231-7614 |
| Hobson City Municipal Court | 610 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Hobson City, AL 36201 | (256) 831-0441 |
| Jacksonville Municipal Court | 911 Public Safety Dr. SW, Jacksonville, AL 36265 | (256) 435-6960 |
| Ohatchee Municipal Court | 7801 AL Hwy 77, P.O. Box 645, Ohatchee, AL 36271 | (256) 892-1691 |
| Oxford Municipal Court | 600 Stanley Merrill Dr, Oxford, AL 36203 | (256) 835-0860 |
| Piedmont Municipal Court | 312 N Center Ave, Piedmont, AL 36272 | (256) 447-3571 |
Municipal courts handle ordinance violations and infractions such as traffic tickets and noise violations within their respective city limits.
Calhoun County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Calhoun County are divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on the amount in controversy. The Circuit Court exercises jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $10,000, while the District Court handles small claims and civil cases involving amounts up to $10,000.
Locating civil court records
Civil case records produced by either court are available to the public through the same channels as criminal records. The Alacourt Access portal supports searches of civil, small claims, and domestic relations records by name or case number. Standard search and document fees apply.
For in-person requests, the relevant divisions within the Circuit Clerk’s Office are:
- Circuit Civil — (256) 231-1750, Suite 300
- District Civil / Small Claims — (256) 231-1850, Suite 260
A typical civil case file may contain the plaintiff’s complaint and any amendments, the defendant’s answer and counterclaims, motions, discovery materials, court orders, judgments, and any settlement documents filed with the court.
Written requests for copies of civil records should follow the same procedures outlined in the record request section above. Fees are $5.00 for copies up to 20 pages (plus $0.50 per additional page) and $5.00 for clerk certification of a document. An archived or microfilmed records search costs $25.00.
Property records
Although separate from court records, property records are frequently relevant in civil litigation. The Calhoun County Revenue Commission maintains property tax assessments, ownership information, and related records. The Commission is located at 1702 Noble Street, Suite 103, Anniston, AL 36201, and can be reached at (256) 241-2840 (Tax Collector) or (256) 241-2855 (Appraising). Property searches may also be conducted through the county’s online property search tool.
Calhoun County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Calhoun County—including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and juvenile proceedings—are heard by the Circuit Court’s Family Court Division and, for certain matters, the District Court. The Family Court Division within the Circuit Clerk’s Office can be contacted at (256) 231-1740 (Suite 500). Additional contacts within the courthouse include Juvenile Court Clerk at (256) 231-1730 and Juvenile Probation at (256) 231-1731.
Accessing family court records
Family court records that have not been sealed or otherwise restricted may be searched through Alacourt Access under the domestic relations category, or in person at the Circuit Clerk’s public terminal. Standard fees apply for online searches and document retrieval.
Records related to juvenile proceedings are confidential and are not available for public inspection, whether online or at the courthouse.
Divorce records
Certified copies of Calhoun County divorce records may be requested from the Circuit Clerk’s Office. The requester must provide the names of the parties, the case file number, and the date the petition was filed. The fee is $5.00 for copies plus an additional $5.00 for the Clerk’s certification. Requests may be submitted in person or by mail to:
Calhoun County Circuit Clerk
25 West 11th Street
Anniston, AL 36201
Divorce certificates (verifications) are also available from the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics. The fee to search for a divorce certificate from the state is $15.00, which includes one certified copy or a Certificate of Failure to Find. Additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously cost $6.00 each.
Marriage records
Under Alabama Act 2019-340, the state replaced traditional marriage licenses with the Alabama Marriage Certificate process. Two persons wishing to marry complete a state-provided Alabama Marriage Certificate form, sign it in the presence of a notary public, and deliver the original to the Probate Office for recording within 30 days. The Calhoun County Probate Office handles the recording of marriage certificates and issues certified copies.
The cost to record a marriage certificate in Calhoun County is $104.00. Certified copies of a recorded marriage certificate cost $3.00 each. The Probate Office accepts cash or check only—no debit or credit cards. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Calhoun County Probate Office
1702 Noble Street, Suite 102
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 241-2825
Fax: (256) 231-1728
Marriage certificates (verifications) may also be obtained from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics. The search fee is $15.00, which includes one certified copy or a Certificate of Failure to Find.
Birth and death records
While not court records, birth and death certificates are often needed in connection with family law proceedings. The Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, has filed birth certificates since 1908 for persons born in Alabama. Birth certificates are confidential records with restricted access for 125 years from the date of birth. Access is limited to the person named on the certificate, parents, legal guardians, spouses, siblings, children, or a legal representative of an authorized person.
To obtain a birth or death certificate:
- Download and complete the state vital records application form.
- Include identification as specified by ADPH.
- Enclose a check or money order for $15.00 (per record search, which includes one certified copy). Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time cost $6.00 each. An expedite fee of $15.00 is available for faster processing. Make payment payable to “Center for Health Statistics”.
- Mail the application and fee to:
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Certified copies of birth and death certificates may also be obtained in person at any Alabama county health department, often while the applicant waits. Online ordering is available through the VitalChek service at (888) 279-9888, though additional fees apply.
Calhoun County Probate Court Records
The Calhoun County Probate Court exercises jurisdiction over estates of deceased persons, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, adoptions, name changes, and the recording of real property instruments. The court is presided over by Probate Judge Shirley A. Millwood.
Estate and will records
Under Alabama law, a will must be filed for probate within five years of the testator’s death. The Probate Court processes petitions for probate of wills, issues Letters Testamentary and Letters of Administration, oversees inventories, hears creditor claims, and approves final distributions. If a person dies without a will (intestate), a Petition for Letters of Administration may be filed, and the petitioner is required to post a bond covering the estate’s value plus one year’s estimated growth. An inventory must be filed within 60 days of appointment. Notice must also be given to the Alabama Medicaid Agency in each estate case, per Alabama Act 2019-489.
Guardianships and conservatorships
The Probate Court appoints guardians (for personal care decisions) and conservators (for financial and property management) for minors and incapacitated adults. Once a petition is filed for an adult, a physician must examine the ward, and the court appoints a Court Representative and a Guardian ad Litem. For minors, only a Guardian ad Litem is appointed. Conservators must file an inventory within 90 days of appointment and maintain detailed records of all transactions.
Accessing probate records
Probate case records may be searched through the Alacourt Access portal, which covers probate filings alongside other case types. In-person requests can be made at the Probate Office during regular business hours. The Probate Office maintains a Record Room with five computer terminals available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis during courthouse hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).
Calhoun County Probate Court
1702 Noble Street, Suite 102
Anniston, AL 36201
Phone: (256) 241-2825
Fax: (256) 231-1728
Recording of real property instruments
The Probate Office also serves as the county’s recording office for deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and other instruments affecting real property in Calhoun County. All recorded documents are public records, with the exception of military discharges. Basic recording fees are $15.00 for the first page (which includes certification, indexing, and the mental health fee, effective November 1, 2025), and $3.00 for each additional page. Copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 per page, and certification of a document costs $3.00.