Bibb County Bench Warrants

Bibb County bench warrants are court orders issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a judge's order. The Circuit Clerk and Sheriff in Centreville keep these records. Bibb County is a small rural county in central Alabama between Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery. The 4th Judicial Circuit handles all cases. You can check for warrants by calling the clerk or visiting the courthouse.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Bibb County?

A bench warrant is an order from a judge to arrest someone. The name comes from the judge's bench. When you miss a court date, the judge can issue a bench warrant. This is called failure to appear or FTA.

Other reasons for bench warrants include not paying fines, not doing community service, or breaking probation rules. These all count as not following court orders. The judge issues a warrant to bring you back to court.

Bench warrants are different from arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police get one when they have proof of a crime. A bench warrant is for an existing case. You already had court matters pending. You did not show up or did not do what the judge said.

Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant tells officers to arrest you and bring you to court. They can do this any day at any time. This includes nights, weekends, and holidays.

Felony bench warrants never expire in Bibb County. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits. However, judges can renew them. Never assume your warrant went away.

Bibb County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Bibb County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The clerk's office is in the courthouse on the town square in Centreville.

Bibb County shares the 4th Judicial Circuit with Hale, Dallas, Perry, and Wilcox counties. The circuit judge travels between these counties. Check the court calendar for hearing dates in Bibb County.

Bibb County Sheriff

The Sheriff's office keeps copies of active warrants. Deputies execute bench warrants and make arrests. You can call the Sheriff to check if a warrant exists. This is often the fastest way to find out.

In a small county like Bibb, the Sheriff's office handles most warrant service. City police in Centreville and Brent also execute warrants within their limits. All agencies share warrant data.

How to Search Bibb County Bench Warrants

There are several ways to check for bench warrants in Bibb County. Use the method that works best for you.

Call the Sheriff: Call (205) 926-3104 and ask about warrants. Have the full name and date of birth ready. Staff can tell you if a warrant is active. This is free.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (205) 926-3103 to search court records. The clerk can check for cases and warrants. For copies, you may need to visit in person.

Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 35 Court Square East in Centreville. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and print copies for you.

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

ALEA Background Check: For a statewide criminal history, contact Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This costs $25 and requires fingerprints.

How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Bibb County

An active bench warrant will not go away on its own. Deal with it now. Police can arrest you at any time if you have a warrant.

The safest way is to hire a lawyer first. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. They can negotiate with the court and set a new hearing date. This may help you avoid jail time or get a lower bond.

You can also turn yourself in directly. Go to the Bibb County Jail or courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell them you have a warrant. A judge will decide to set bail, release you, or hold you for a hearing.

In a small county like Bibb, turning yourself in often works out better. The court knows you took responsibility. Judges often view this more favorably than a traffic stop arrest.

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

Bibb County Bench Warrant Fees

Fees apply when you search records or handle a court matter in Bibb County.

• Sheriff phone check: 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 may be available.

Alabama State Court Resources

These statewide tools work for Bibb County and all Alabama counties.

Alacourt Portal: Visit alacourt.gov for court info, forms, and links to local courts.

Alabama eForms: Get court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov. Print what you need before going to court.

AlaPay: Pay traffic tickets and fines at alapay.com. You need your case number to use this site.

Administrative Office of Courts: For questions about Alabama courts, call 1-866-954-9411. Staff can direct you to the right office.

Legal Help in Bibb County

Free or low-cost legal help is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for low-income residents. Call the Birmingham office at (205) 328-3540 or toll-free at (866) 456-4995.

Alabama State Bar Referral: Call (800) 354-6154 for a lawyer referral. The first meeting is often low cost.

Court-Appointed Lawyer: If you face criminal charges and cannot afford a lawyer, ask the judge at your first appearance. The court can appoint a public defender.

Nearby Counties

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