Etowah County Court Records Search
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Etowah County sits in northeastern Alabama with its county seat in Gadsden. The county’s judicial system operates within the 16th Judicial Circuit and includes Circuit Court, District Court, Probate Court, and several Municipal Courts. These courts collectively produce and maintain a broad range of records — case filings, dockets, orders, judgments, warrants, motions, and transcripts — that document every stage of legal proceedings within the county’s jurisdiction.
For individuals seeking court records in Alabama, multiple pathways exist at the county and state levels. The Etowah County Circuit Clerk’s Office serves as the primary custodian for Circuit and District Court records, while the Etowah County Probate Court maintains property recordings, estate files, and other probate-related documents. Online access to Alabama trial court records — including civil, domestic, criminal, and traffic cases — is available through the Alacourt Access portal, which covers courts statewide. Additional court-related information and general forms can be found through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website, and AlabamaCourts.us may also help users locate publicly available court case information. Beyond digital tools, records can be searched at public access terminals within the courthouse, requested in person at clerk offices during business hours, or obtained by mail with the appropriate written request and fees.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Etowah County?
Etowah County provides several options for locating court records, and the right approach depends on the type of case and how quickly the information is needed.
Online Through Alacourt Access
The Alacourt Access portal provides on-demand access to trial court records throughout Alabama, including all Circuit and District Court cases in Etowah County. Users can search by party name, case number, or other identifiers. The portal operates on a pay-per-search basis with the following fee structure:
- Base search fee (includes one case detail record): charged per search whether or not results are found
- Each additional case detail record: additional search charge
- Document images: $5.00 for the first 20 pages, $0.50 per page thereafter
- Case monitoring (email alerts for case activity): available at a listed price for the life of the case
Volume discounts are available through the Alacourt subscriber service for frequent users. Purchased case snapshots remain available in customer history for at least 30 days.
In-Person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office
A public access computer terminal is available inside the Etowah County Circuit Clerk’s Office for name-based and case-number searches during business hours. Once the desired records are located, copies can be requested at the clerk’s counter.
Etowah County Circuit Clerk’s Office
Address: 801 Forrest Ave., Suite 202, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 549-2150
Circuit Clerk: Cassandra “Sam” Johnson — (256) 549-2181
Deputy Clerk: Tina Sewell — (256) 549-5429
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Written and Mail Requests
The Circuit Clerk’s Office accepts written record requests either in person or by mail. Each request should include:
- Requester’s full name, mailing address, and phone number
- Specific documents needed and whether certification is required
- Case identifiers — case number, party names, case style, dates of birth, aliases, charges, or case type
- A self-addressed stamped envelope if records will be mailed back
- Payment by money order (personal checks are not accepted)
Processing may take up to 30 days due to limited staffing. Mail all written requests to:
Etowah County Circuit Clerk
801 Forrest Ave., Suite 202
Gadsden, AL 35901
Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (up to 20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Each additional page beyond 20 | $0.50 |
| Archived or microfilmed records search | $25.00 |
| Certification of document by clerk | $5.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Etowah County?
Alabama Code § 36-12-40 establishes that every citizen has the right to inspect and copy any public writing of the state, except as expressly provided by statute. This right extends to court records maintained in Etowah County’s Circuit, District, Probate, and Municipal Courts. The Alabama Supreme Court has long recognized a common-law right of public access to judicial records, requiring that limitations on access “be strictly construed” and applied only where disclosure would result in clear harm.
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality, enacted by the Alabama Supreme Court, provide the comprehensive framework governing access to court records across all Alabama courts — Circuit, District, Juvenile, Small Claims, Municipal, and Probate.
Records Generally Open to the Public
Most civil, criminal, domestic relations, and traffic case filings are accessible, including pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, dockets, and transcripts. Property records, liens, deeds, and mortgages recorded through the Probate Court are also generally available for public inspection.
Records That Are Restricted or Confidential
Under Rule 201 of the Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality, the following categories of court records are exempt from public access:
- Juvenile records — Legal files, social records, and reports concerning children are confidential under Alabama Code § 12-15-133
- Adoption records — All papers and pleadings pertaining to adoptions are sealed under Alabama Code §§ 26-10E-30 and 26-10F-15
- Sealed records — Any court record sealed by court order following a hearing under the standard established in Holland v. Eads, 614 So. 2d 1012 (Ala. 1993)
- Grand jury proceedings — Deliberations, books, and reports are confidential under Alabama Code § 12-16-215
- Abuse and neglect files — Protected under Alabama Code § 26-14-8
- Victim information — Addresses, phone numbers, and employment details of criminal victims are confidential under Alabama Code § 15-23-69
- Domestic violence victim information — Home addresses, business addresses, and shelter locations are protected under Alabama Code § 30-5-5
- Vital records — Birth, death, and marriage records have restricted access periods under Alabama Code § 22-9A-21
Confidential Information Requiring Redaction
Rule 202 requires that the following information be treated as confidential in any court record: complete Social Security numbers, employer or taxpayer identification numbers, financial and medical account numbers, and the names of minor victims in criminal proceedings against adults.
A party may petition the court to seal additional records by demonstrating, through clear and convincing evidence, that disclosure would involve trade secrets, national security, scandal, wholly private family matters, harassment risks, or potential harm to third parties.
Etowah County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Etowah County are adjudicated across the Circuit Court, District Court, and Municipal Courts depending on the seriousness of the offense.
Circuit Court (Felonies)
The Etowah County Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, including capital offenses, violent crimes, drug trafficking, and other serious charges. Four circuit judges preside in the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Etowah County Circuit Court
Address: 801 Forrest Ave., Suite 202, Gadsden, AL 35901
Circuit Criminal/Magistrate: (256) 549-5437 / (256) 549-5444 / (256) 549-5438
District Court (Misdemeanors and Preliminary Hearings)
The Etowah County District Court handles criminal misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felony prosecutions, and accepts guilty pleas in non-capital felony cases.
District Criminal: (256) 549-5441 / (256) 549-5491 / (256) 549-5434
Traffic: (256) 439-6045
Municipal Courts
Several municipalities maintain their own courts for ordinance violations and minor offenses:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Gadsden Municipal Court | 90 Broad St, P.O. Box 267, Gadsden, AL 35902 | (256) 549-4595 |
| Attalla Municipal Court | 420 4th St NW, Attalla, AL 35954 | (256) 538-9986 |
| Rainbow City Municipal Court | 3700 Rainbow Dr, Rainbow City, AL 35906 | (256) 413-1216 |
| Southside Municipal Court | 2255 AL Highway 77, Southside, AL 35907 | (256) 442-9775 ext. 106 |
| Glencoe Municipal Court | 201 W Chastain Blvd, Glencoe, AL 35905 | (256) 492-1424 ext. 112 |
| Hokes Bluff Municipal Court | 3301 Alford Bend Rd, Hokes Bluff, AL 35903 | (256) 492-2414 ext. 4 |
| Altoona Municipal Court | 2844 Main St, P.O. Box 279, Altoona, AL 35952 | (256) 589-2311 |
| Sardis City Municipal Court | 1335 Sardis Dr, Sardis City, AL 35956 | (256) 593-6492 |
Searching Criminal Records
Criminal case records can be searched through the Alacourt Access portal by party name or case number. In-person searches are available at the Circuit Clerk’s public access terminal during office hours. Written requests follow the standard copy fee schedule ($5.00 for up to 20 pages, $0.50 each additional page, $5.00 for certification).
Statewide Criminal History Checks
For formal criminal background checks, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) operates the Criminal Records and Identification Unit. To obtain a criminal history record, applicants must:
- Complete the Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information (CJIS Form 46)
- Submit fingerprints and a copy of current photo ID
- Include payment of $25.00 by money order or cashier’s check (additional copies $5.00 each)
- Mail the completed application and materials to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
ATTN: Background Checks
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1511
For questions, contact ALEA at (866) 740-4762 or (334) 676-7897.
Sheriff’s Office Resources
The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online inmate roster that provides current booking information. A separate JAIL View search tool allows the public to look up inmates by name and booking date.
Etowah County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Etowah County are divided between Circuit Court and District Court based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim.
Circuit Court
The Circuit Court exercises general civil jurisdiction over lawsuits where the amount in controversy exceeds the District Court’s limits, as well as cases involving equitable relief, property disputes, and appeals from lower courts.
Circuit Civil/Domestic Relations: (256) 549-5431 / (256) 549-5439
Garnishments: (256) 549-5436
District Court
The District Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over civil actions when the amount in controversy is $20,000 or less. The court also functions as a small claims court for disputes involving $6,000 or less, covering matters such as debt collection, breach of contract, and property damage claims.
District Civil/Small Claims: (256) 549-5432 / (256) 549-5433 / (256) 549-5445
How to Search Civil Records
Civil case records from both Circuit and District Courts can be searched through the Alacourt Access online portal or at the public access terminal in the Circuit Clerk’s Office. Searches can be conducted by party name or case number.
To request copies of civil court documents, submit a written request to the Circuit Clerk specifying the case number, party names, and documents needed. A valid government-issued ID is required when picking up records in person.
Filing and Copy Fees
Standard copy fees apply to all civil record requests through the Circuit Clerk:
- Copies (up to 20 pages): $5.00
- Each additional page: $0.50
- Certification by the clerk: $5.00
- Archived or microfilmed records search: $25.00
Mail-in requests must include a money order. Personal checks are not accepted. Attorneys are required to file court documents electronically; information about e-filing is available at eFileTexas.gov — for Alabama, the corresponding system is accessible through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts.
Property Records
Property-related records — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and judgments — are recorded through the Etowah County Probate Court. The Probate Court’s recording fees for instruments include $16.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, with an additional $5.00 surcharge for documents exceeding ten pages. Property tax and appraisal information can be searched through the Etowah County Revenue Commissioner’s website by owner name, property address, or parcel number.
Etowah County Family Court Records
Etowah County does not maintain a separate family court. Family law matters are distributed between the Circuit Court and the District Court, with the Circuit Court handling most domestic relations cases.
Divorce, Custody, and Support
The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, child support enforcement, spousal support, and domestic violence protective orders. Records from these proceedings are maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s Office.
Circuit Civil/Domestic Relations: (256) 549-5431 / (256) 549-5439
Child Support: (256) 549-5350 / (256) 549-5435
Juvenile Matters
Both the Circuit Court and District Court share concurrent jurisdiction over juvenile proceedings. Juvenile court records are confidential under Alabama Code § 12-15-133 and cannot be inspected by the general public. Access is limited to parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies.
Juvenile Division: (256) 549-5446 / (256) 549-5445
Adoption
Adoption proceedings in Etowah County are handled through the Probate Court. Under Alabama law, all adoption papers, pleadings, and documents are sealed after the final decree and cannot be publicly inspected. Identifying information about birth parents is released only under limited circumstances and typically requires a court order. Detailed information about adoption procedures — including consent requirements, pre-placement investigations, and filing steps — is available through the Etowah County Probate Court.
Marriage Records
Effective August 29, 2019, Alabama eliminated the traditional marriage license application process. Under Alabama Act 2019-340, couples complete a notarized marriage certificate form, which is then recorded by the Probate Court. No ceremony is required for the marriage to be legally recognized. The recording fee for a marriage certificate in Etowah County is $70.00. The marriage certificate form is available through the Alabama Department of Public Health website.
Certified copies of marriage certificates from 1936 forward can be obtained from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics for a search fee of $15.00, with additional copies at $6.00 each. Requests should be submitted using the mail-in application form with a check or money order payable to the State Board of Health (cash is not accepted).
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Alabama Center for Health Statistics, which has recorded these events since 1908. The search fee is $15.00 per record, which includes one certified copy or a Certificate of Failure to Find; additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously cost $6.00 each. Birth records are restricted for 125 years from the date of birth, and death records are restricted for 25 years from the date of death. Eligible requesters include the individual named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal guardians, and authorized legal representatives. A valid form of identification is required.
Requests can be mailed to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625
In-person requests may be submitted at the Etowah County Health Department, located at 709 East Broad Street, Gadsden, Alabama 35903, Phone: (256) 547-6311
Etowah County Probate Court Records
The Etowah County Probate Court handles estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, adoptions, name changes, will disputes, involuntary commitments, and the recording of property instruments. The Probate Judge also records marriage certificates, military discharges, business organization documents, and various liens and conveyances.
Etowah County Probate Court
Physical Address: 800 Forrest Ave., Suite 122, Gadsden, AL 35901
Mailing Address: Judge of Probate, P.O. Box 187, Gadsden, AL 35902
Phone: (256) 549-1444
Fax: (256) 549-5400
Probate Judge: Honorable Scott W. Hassell
Types of Probate Records
Records maintained or generated through the Probate Court include:
- Wills (original filings and probate orders)
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Estate inventories, appraisals, and accountings
- Guardianship and conservatorship petitions and orders
- Involuntary commitment petitions and hearing records
- Adoption filings (sealed after final decree)
- Deeds, mortgages, releases, assignments, and judgments
- Plats and maps
- Lis pendens filings
- UCC fixture filings
- Marriage certificates
Probate of Wills
Under Alabama law, a will must be filed for probate within five years of the testator’s death. Wills are generally filed in the county where the deceased resided. The Probate Judge ensures that Alabama distribution laws are followed, but court staff cannot provide legal advice or supply blank forms.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
The Probate Court appoints guardians for incapacitated adults and minors who need personal care, and conservators for individuals unable to manage their property and business affairs. Detailed information on guardianship and conservatorship procedures is available through the Probate Court’s FAQ page.
Searching Probate Records
Probate records related to deeds and recordings can be searched through the Etowah County Probate Court’s online records portal, which requires account registration. In-person searches can be conducted at the Probate Court office during regular business hours. The Probate Court preserves all documents, files, papers, and orders required by law to be recorded and filed in the office.
Recording Fees
The Probate Court charges the following recording fees for instruments:
| Instrument | Fee |
|---|---|
| Deeds, mortgages, releases, judgments, liens (first page) | $16.00 |
| Each additional page | $3.00 |
| Surcharge for documents over 10 pages | $5.00 |
| Additional grantors/grantees beyond 2 | $1.00 each |
| Mortgage release/satisfaction (one page) | $19.00 |
| Judgment (one page) | $16.00 |
| Notary bond | $38.00 |
| UCC (standard form, 2 pages) | $30.00 |
| UCC (non-standard form, 2 pages) | $35.00 |
| UCC termination (standard) | $10.00 |
| UCC termination (non-standard) | $15.00 |
| Federal tax lien (one name) | $21.00 |
| Federal tax lien (two names) | $22.00 |
| Marriage certificate recording | $70.00 |
Deed tax is assessed at $0.50 per $500.00 (or fraction thereof), and mortgage tax at $0.15 per $100.00 (or fraction thereof). All documents submitted for recording must be original or clerk-certified copies, properly signed and notarized, and must include a return name and address.