Search Autauga County Bench Warrants
Autauga County bench warrants are public court records you can look up through the Circuit Clerk or Sheriff in Prattville. A bench warrant is issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a judge's order. The 19th Judicial Circuit handles all Autauga County cases. The county seat is Prattville, just north of Montgomery. You can check for active warrants by calling the clerk or visiting in person.
Autauga County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is a court order for your arrest. The name comes from the judge's bench. When a judge issues one, law enforcement can arrest you at any time. This is true day or night, at home, at work, or during a traffic stop.
In Autauga County, bench warrants get issued for several reasons. The most common is failure to appear, also called FTA. If you miss a court date and do not have a good excuse, the judge may issue a bench warrant. Other reasons include not paying fines, not doing community service, or not following probation rules.
Bench warrants differ from arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. A bench warrant is for not following court rules in an existing case. Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant commands any peace officer to arrest the person and bring them to court.
Felony bench warrants in Autauga County never expire. They stay active until the person is found or the court recalls the warrant. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits, but judges often renew them. The best plan is to clear it now.
Autauga County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Autauga County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. The clerk office is in the courthouse in downtown Prattville. You can call to ask about warrants or visit in person.
| Circuit Clerk | Deb Hill |
|---|---|
| Address |
Autauga County Courthouse 134 North Court Street, Room 114 Prattville, AL 36067 |
| Phone | (334) 358-6801 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Autauga County was founded in 1818, before Alabama became a state. The historic courthouse dates to 1906. Daniel Pratt built the world's largest cotton gin factory here in the 1800s. Today, the county is part of the Montgomery metro area and growing fast.
Autauga County Sheriff
The Sheriff's office keeps copies of active warrants. Deputies execute bench warrants and make arrests. You can call the Sheriff to ask if a warrant exists. Many people call before turning themselves in.
| Sheriff | Mark Harrell |
|---|---|
| Address |
162 West 4th Street Prattville, AL 36067 |
| Phone | (334) 361-2500 |
The Sheriff's office handles all warrant service in unincorporated Autauga County. City police in Prattville also execute warrants within city limits. Both agencies share info about active warrants.
How to Search Autauga County Bench Warrants
You have several options to check for bench warrants in Autauga County. Pick the method that works best for your situation.
Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 361-2500 and ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready. This is often the fastest free option. Staff can tell you if there is an active warrant.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (334) 358-6801 to check court records. The clerk can search for cases and warrants. They may ask you to come in person for detailed searches or copies.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 134 North Court Street in Prattville. Bring a valid ID. The clerk can search records and print copies for you. In-person visits work best for complex searches.
Alacourt Access: Search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. This shows case details and any bench warrants issued. You can see the charge, court date, and warrant status.
ALEA Background Check: For a formal criminal history, contact Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. A background check costs $25 and requires fingerprints. This shows records from all Alabama counties.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Autauga County
If you have a bench warrant, deal with it now. Warrants do not go away on their own. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. Police can arrest you any time.
The safest way to clear a bench warrant is to hire a lawyer first. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. They can set a new court date and may appear on your behalf. In some cases, you can avoid jail time or get a lower bond this way.
You can also turn yourself in without a lawyer. Go to the Autauga County Jail or the courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell them you have a warrant. You will see a judge who decides what happens next. The judge may set bail, release you, or hold you.
Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Employers and landlords may find active warrants during background checks. Clear your warrant before this affects your life.
If you have unpaid fines or court costs, you may owe those too. Ask the clerk what you owe before you appear. Many courts allow payment plans. This lets you pay over time rather than all at once.
Autauga County Bench Warrant Fees
Several fees apply when searching for records or handling a case in Autauga County. The Sheriff's phone check is usually free. Other services have costs.
- Alacourt name search: $9.99
- Alacourt document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
- ALEA background check: $25.00
- Copy fees: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 and up
- Sheriff phone check: Free
Court fines and costs vary by case type. Traffic tickets may cost less than criminal cases. Ask the clerk for the exact amount you owe. Bring cash or check for payments. Some offices take credit cards.
Alabama State Court Resources
Alabama has several statewide resources for court records. These work for Autauga County and all other counties.
Alacourt Portal: The main website for Alabama courts is alacourt.gov. You can find forms, court info, and links to local courts. This is the official state court system portal.
Alabama eForms: Get court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov. This has forms for motions, filings, and other court needs. Print what you need before going to the courthouse.
AlaPay: Pay traffic tickets and fines online at alapay.com. You need your case number and citation info. This works for most Autauga County traffic cases.
Administrative Office of Courts: For general questions about Alabama courts, call 1-866-954-9411. The AOC oversees all trial courts in the state. They can direct you to the right office.
Legal Help in Autauga County
If you need a lawyer but cannot afford one, help is available. Several groups offer free or low-cost legal services.
Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for low-income residents. Call (334) 832-4570 for the Montgomery office, which serves Autauga County. Or call toll-free at (866) 456-4995.
Alabama State Bar Referral: Get a lawyer referral at (800) 354-6154. The first meeting is often low cost. This helps you find a lawyer who handles criminal cases.
Court-Appointed Lawyer: If you face criminal charges and cannot afford a lawyer, ask the court to appoint one. Tell the judge at your first appearance that you need a public defender.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Autauga County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check where the offense took place. You must deal with the right county.