Baldwin County Bench Warrant Search

Baldwin County bench warrants are court orders for arrest issued when someone misses a court date or breaks a court order. This is the largest county in Alabama by land area and the fastest growing by population. The 28th Judicial Circuit serves Baldwin County from the main courthouse in Bay Minette. The Sheriff offers an online arrest search, making it easier to check for active warrants here than in most Alabama counties.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Baldwin County?

A bench warrant is an order from a judge for your arrest. The judge issues it from the bench. In Baldwin County, bench warrants get issued for failure to appear, failure to pay fines, or breaking probation terms.

Bench warrants are not the same as arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police get one when they have evidence of a crime and need to make an arrest. A bench warrant is different. It comes from an existing case where you did not follow the rules.

Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant tells any peace officer to arrest you and bring you to court. Officers can do this any day of the week, any time of day. They can come to your home, your job, or stop you in traffic.

Felony bench warrants never expire in Baldwin County. They stay active forever until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may expire after 180 days to one year, but judges often renew them. Do not assume your warrant went away.

Baldwin County Courthouse Locations

Baldwin County has three courthouse locations. This helps residents across this large county. You can handle court matters at any of these locations, though your case may be assigned to a specific one.

The main courthouse in Bay Minette handles most administrative matters. The Fairhope and Foley locations serve the southern part of the county near the Gulf Coast. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach residents often use the Foley courthouse.

Baldwin County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records in Baldwin County. This includes bench warrants, case files, judgments, and court orders. You can search records or get copies at any courthouse location.

Baldwin County processes about 18,000 warrants per year. This is one of the busiest counties in the state. The Open Baldwin transparency portal lets residents access some county data online.

Baldwin County Sheriff

The Baldwin County Sheriff has an online arrest search. This is unusual in Alabama. Most counties require a phone call or visit to check for warrants. Baldwin County lets you search online first.

The online search shows recent arrests and some active warrants. It may not show all warrants. For a complete check, call the warrant office or use Alacourt Access. The Sheriff's office can confirm if a warrant is active.

How to Search Baldwin County Bench Warrants

Baldwin County offers more search options than most Alabama counties. Start with the online tools, then call or visit for more detail.

Online Arrest Search: Go to the Baldwin County Sheriff arrest search. Enter a name to see recent arrests and some active warrants. This is free and fast.

Call the Sheriff: Call (251) 580-2519 for the warrant office. Ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready. Staff can confirm active warrants.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (251) 937-9561 for court records. The clerk can search cases and tell you about warrants. For detailed info or copies, visit in person.

Visit in Person: Go to any Baldwin County courthouse. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and print copies. The main office in Bay Minette has the most resources.

Alacourt Access: Search court records at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. This shows all case details, charges, and warrants.

How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Baldwin County

Clear your bench warrant as soon as you can. Active warrants cause problems. Police can arrest you at any time. Background checks show active warrants. This affects jobs, housing, and more.

Hiring a lawyer is the safest approach. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. They can negotiate with the prosecutor and set a new court date. You may avoid jail or get a lower bond this way.

You can also turn yourself in directly. Go to the Baldwin County Jail or any courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell staff you have a warrant. A judge will decide what happens next. You may be released on bail or held until your hearing.

Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Anyone can look them up. Clear your warrant before it shows up on a background check.

Baldwin County Bench Warrant Fees

Search and copy fees apply in Baldwin County. The online Sheriff search is free. Other services have costs.

• Online Sheriff arrest search: Free
• Alacourt name search: $9.99
• Alacourt document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
• Copy fees: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 and up
• ALEA background check: $25.00

If you owe fines or court costs, add those to your total. Ask the clerk for the exact amount before you appear. Payment plans are often available for larger amounts.

Baldwin County Gulf Coast

Baldwin County includes Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Millions of tourists visit each year. If you got a citation or missed court while visiting, the warrant stays in Baldwin County. You must deal with it here even if you live elsewhere.

Municipal courts in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach handle city ordinance violations. These are separate from the Circuit Court. If your bench warrant is from a municipal court, contact that court directly. If it is from Circuit or District Court, use the Circuit Clerk.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Baldwin County. Check where your offense took place to know which county handles your case.