St. Clair County Court Records Search
AlabamaCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on AlabamaCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
St. Clair County sits in central Alabama, anchored by two courthouse locations — one in the county seat of Ashville and one in Pell City. This dual-courthouse arrangement means that most county offices, including the Circuit Clerk, District Court, and Probate Court, operate from both sites. The county falls within the 30th Judicial Circuit of Alabama, and its court system generates and maintains records spanning criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, domestic relations, child support, juvenile matters, traffic violations, and probate proceedings. Understanding which office holds a particular record and how to request it is essential for anyone conducting a court records search in St. Clair County.
Residents and members of the public looking for court case information in Alabama may search through several channels, including clerk offices, courthouse public access terminals, and electronic databases. AlabamaCourts.us provides statewide court information and links to case search tools that can help users locate publicly available trial court records, including those filed in St. Clair County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in St. Clair County?
St. Clair County court records are managed primarily by the Circuit Clerk’s office, which serves as the official record keeper for both the Circuit Court and the District Court. Circuit Clerk Kathryn Burke’s office maintains records across divisions including Civil, Criminal, Domestic, Child Support, Traffic, Juvenile, and Warrants. There are three main ways to search for a case.
Online through Alacourt Access
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates Alacourt Access, an on-demand system for searching state trial court records. The system covers criminal, civil, small claims, domestic relations, child support, and traffic records. Users must create an account to search. Fees are structured as follows:
- District Court case: $19.99
- Circuit Court case: $29.99
- Document images: $5.00 for the first 20 pages, then $0.50 per page thereafter
Searches can be conducted by party name or by case number. Results include court setting dates, actions and rulings, party information, case action summaries, financial information, and document images.
In Person at the Circuit Clerk’s Office
The Circuit Clerk operates from both courthouse locations:
St. Clair County Circuit Clerk — Ashville
Address: 100 6th Avenue, Suite 400, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2184
St. Clair County Circuit Clerk — Pell City
Address: 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Pell City, AL 35125
Phone: (205) 338-2511
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Visitors can inspect court records in person and request copies. It is advisable to have the case number, party names, or case dates available to assist the clerk in locating records. Copy and search fees may apply; contact the relevant office for current pricing.
Electronic Filing and Forms
Attorneys and pro se litigants can file court documents electronically through AlaFile, the state’s web-based eFiling platform. Pro se users who register through AlaFile and present a state-issued photo ID at the Clerk’s Office can receive electronic copies of court orders by email. Standardized court forms for a variety of case types are available through Alabama E-Forms, which includes do-it-yourself forms for domestic relations, civil actions, child support modifications, and more.
Traffic Citation Inquiries
For questions about traffic citations, individuals can call the toll-free number at (877) 252-7294 or pay traffic citations online through the state traffic payment portal.
Are Court Records Public in St. Clair County?
Court records in St. Clair County are classified as public records under Alabama’s open records statute, Ala. Code § 36-12-40 et seq. This law grants every citizen the right to inspect and copy public writings maintained by government agencies, including court files. The Circuit Clerk’s office fulfills public record requests during normal business hours at either the Ashville or Pell City location.
Certain categories of court records are not publicly accessible. Restrictions apply to:
- Records related to ongoing criminal investigations that, if released, could compromise the investigation
- Records sealed or expunged by court order — Alabama’s expungement statute, Ala. Code § 15-27-1 et seq., permits individuals to petition for expungement of certain criminal records, after which those records are not accessible to the general public
- Juvenile court records, which are confidential under Alabama law
- Adoption records, which are sealed
- Records containing personal information the release of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records that could compromise the security of government facilities, systems, or software
Expunged records are treated as though the proceedings never occurred, and agencies receiving an expungement order must remove the records from public access. However, criminal justice agencies and district attorneys may retain limited access under the provisions of § 15-27-16.
St. Clair County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in St. Clair County are adjudicated by both the Circuit Court (felonies, appeals) and the District Court (misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, certain felony arraignments). The Circuit Clerk’s Criminal Division maintains records of all criminal proceedings, including arrest warrants, indictments, pleas, motions, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and post-conviction filings.
Searching Criminal Court Records
- Online: Register for Alacourt Access and search by the defendant’s name or case number. Criminal case records, including case actions and document images, are available for a per-case fee.
- In person: Visit the Circuit Clerk’s office at either the Ashville or Pell City courthouse during business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday).
- By phone: Contact the Ashville office at (205) 594-2184 or the Pell City office at (205) 338-2511 for case status information.
Criminal History Background Checks
Formal criminal history record information (CHRI) is available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). To obtain a background check, an applicant must:
- Complete the Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information.
- Submit a set of fingerprints and a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Pay $25 for the first copy and $5 for each additional record ordered simultaneously, by check or money order payable to “ALEA, Criminal Records and Identification Unit”.
- Submit the application in person at 301 S. Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, or mail it to P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511.
Arrest Records and Inmate Information
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records and provides a publicly accessible inmate roster online, showing current bookings and releases. The Sheriff’s Office can be contacted at:
St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office — Ashville
Address: 48 6th Street, Suite 300, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2140
Fax: (205) 594-2146
St. Clair County Jail — Pell City
Address: 100 18th Street North, Pell City, AL 35125
Phone: (205) 814-3525
St. Clair County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in St. Clair County are heard in either Circuit Court or District Court, depending on the amount in controversy and the type of action. The Circuit Court handles civil claims exceeding $20,000, while the District Court handles claims between $6,000.01 and $20,000. Small claims cases (up to $6,000) are also processed through the District Court. The Circuit Clerk maintains records of all civil proceedings, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery documents, settlement agreements, judgments, and liens.
Civil Filing Fees
The civil fee schedule for St. Clair County, as posted by the 30th Judicial Circuit, includes:
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Small Claims ($1,500 or less) | $59.00 ($84.00 with Sheriff service) |
| Small Claims ($1,500.01 – $3,000) | $133.00 ($158.00 with Sheriff service) |
| Small Claims ($3,000.01 – $6,000) | $222.00 ($247.00 with Sheriff service) |
| District Civil ($6,000.01 – $20,000) | $245.00 ($379.00 with Sheriff service) |
| Unlawful Detainers (Evictions) | $246.00 ($271.00 with Sheriff service) |
| Circuit Civil ($20,000.01 – $50,000) | $246.00 |
| Circuit Civil ($50,000.01 and above) | $346.00 |
| Circuit Civil (counterclaim, cross-claim, third-party complaint) | $297.00 |
| Circuit Civil Jury Demand | $100.00 |
| Civil Subpoenas | $12.00 ($37.00 with Sheriff service) |
| Attachment, Garnishment, Execution | $30.00 |
Service by the Sheriff within St. Clair County costs $25.00 per person, with $10.00 for each additional defendant. Service by Sheriff outside the county incurs no additional fee from the Circuit Clerk.
How to Obtain Civil Records
Civil case records can be searched on Alacourt Access by party name or case number. In-person requests may be made at either courthouse. Standardized civil court forms, including complaint forms, answer forms, and garnishment notices, are available through Alabama E-Forms. Parties seeking information about default judgment motions should note that the motion fee is $50.00 for cases above $3,000 in small claims and in all District and Circuit civil actions.
St. Clair County Family Court Records
Family law matters — including divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, domestic violence protection orders, and paternity — are handled through the Domestic Relations division of the Circuit Court. The Circuit Clerk maintains all records associated with these proceedings. The Family Division can be reached through the Circuit Clerk’s main numbers at (205) 594-2184 (Ashville) or (205) 338-2511 (Pell City).
Family Court Filing Fees
| Action Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic Relations (initial filing — divorce, custody, separation) | $194.00 |
| Domestic Relations (modification) | $297.00 |
| Child Support | $101.00 |
Do-it-yourself family law forms, such as the Request to Change Child Support (PS-02) and Request for Contempt Hearing (PS-03), are available through the Alabama E-Forms site for individuals representing themselves.
Marriage Records
As of August 29, 2019, the St. Clair County Probate Office no longer issues marriage certificates. Alabama transitioned to a marriage certificate system that does not require a ceremony officiated by a judge or clergy. Couples complete the Alabama Marriage Certificate form, have it notarized, and file it with the county Probate Office. Once recorded, certified copies of marriage certificates are available through the Alabama Department of Public Health. The St. Clair County Probate Office provides a printable marriage certificate form on its website.
Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce Certificates)
Certified copies of vital records are available through the St. Clair County Health Department:
St. Clair County Health Department
Address: 1175 23rd Street North, Pell City, AL 35125
Phone: (205) 338-3357
Fax: (205) 338-4863
The fee is $15.00 for the first certified copy and $6.00 for each additional copy of the same record. Records can typically be processed at the county health department in 30 minutes or less. To request records by mail, submit a completed Certified Vital Record Application (also available in Spanish) along with payment by check or money order payable to “Alabama State Board of Health” and a copy of acceptable identification. Mail requests are sent to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625
Mail requests are typically processed in 7 to 10 days. Online ordering is also available through VitalChek, though additional service fees apply.
Confidentiality of Birth and Death Records
Birth records in Alabama are confidential for 125 years from the date of birth and are accessible only to the record subject, parents or legal guardians, spouses, children, or authorized legal representatives. Death records are confidential for 25 years and are restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives of the estate, or the informant listed on the certificate. After the confidentiality period expires, both types of records become public.
St. Clair County Probate Court Records
The St. Clair County Probate Court has jurisdiction over wills, estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, and adoptions. Probate Judge Andrew Weathington presides over the court, which operates from two locations. The Probate Office also handles recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property instruments, as well as motor vehicle tag renewals.
Probate Court Locations
Ashville Probate Office
Address: 165 5th Avenue, Suite 101, Ashville, AL 35953
Phone: (205) 594-2120
Fax: (205) 594-2125
Pell City Probate Office
Address: 1815 Cogswell Avenue, Suite 212, Pell City, AL 35125
Phone: (205) 338-9449
Fax: (205) 525-0628
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Types of Probate Records
The Probate Court generates and maintains records related to:
- Probate of wills (testate and intestate estates)
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Estate inventories and accountings
- Guardianship petitions and orders (minors and incapacitated adults)
- Conservatorship proceedings
- Mental health commitment orders
- Adoption decrees (sealed; not publicly accessible)
- Real property records including deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, and liens
Requesting Probate Records
Interested parties should visit one of the Probate Office locations during business hours or call ahead to confirm record availability, required forms, and any applicable fees. The Probate Office accepts credit and debit cards for most transactions, though a 2.5% processing fee applies to card payments. Property records maintained by the Probate Office and the St. Clair County Revenue Commissioner can also be searched online through the county’s property search portal.
Probate cases involving contested wills or formal administration may generate extensive file records. Individuals seeking copies of estate documents, guardianship orders, or conservatorship records should contact the appropriate Probate Office with the decedent’s name, approximate date of death, or case number to facilitate the search.