Butler County Bench Warrant Search
Butler County bench warrants are public court records you can look up through the Circuit Clerk or Sheriff in Greenville. A bench warrant is issued when someone misses court or fails to follow a judge's order. The 2nd Judicial Circuit handles all cases. Butler County sits along Interstate 65 between Montgomery and Mobile. You can check for warrants by phone or in person at the courthouse.
Butler County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When you miss a court date, the judge may issue one. This is called failure to appear or FTA.
Other reasons for bench warrants include not paying fines, not doing community service, and breaking probation rules. All count as not following court orders. The warrant brings you back to face the judge.
Bench warrants differ from arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police need evidence of a crime to get one. A bench warrant is for an existing case. You already had a court matter. You broke the rules.
Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant commands officers to arrest you and bring you to court. They can do this any day, any time. They can come to your home, your job, or stop you in traffic.
Felony bench warrants in Butler County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits. But judges can renew them. Do not assume yours went away.
Butler County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Butler County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. The office is in the historic courthouse on Court Square in Greenville.
| Address |
Butler County Courthouse 700 Court Square Greenville, AL 36037 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 382-3521 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Butler County shares the 2nd Judicial Circuit with Crenshaw and Lowndes counties. The circuit judge travels between these counties. Check the court calendar for Butler County hearing dates.
Butler County Sheriff
The Sheriff's office keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to ask if a warrant exists. The Sheriff has a mobile app for some services. This makes it easier to stay informed.
| Sheriff | Danny Bond |
|---|---|
| Address |
801 Walnut Street Greenville, AL 36037 |
| Phone | (334) 382-6521 |
Many people call the Sheriff before turning themselves in. Staff can tell you what to expect. They can also confirm if you have an active warrant.
How to Search Butler County Bench Warrants
There are several ways to check for bench warrants in Butler County.
Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 382-6521 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and often the fastest option.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (334) 382-3521 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For detailed info, visit in person.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 700 Court Square in Greenville. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and provide copies.
Alacourt Access: Search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. This shows case details and bench warrants.
ALEA Background Check: For a full criminal history, contact Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This costs $25 and needs fingerprints.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Butler County
An active bench warrant will not go away on its own. You must deal with it. Police can arrest you at any time.
Hiring a lawyer first is the safest approach. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. They can set a new court date and may help you avoid jail. This approach works well for most people.
You can also turn yourself in directly. Go to the Butler County Jail or courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell staff you have a warrant. A judge will decide whether to set bail or hold you.
Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Anyone can look them up. Clear yours before it shows on a background check.
If you owe fines or court costs, ask the clerk for the total. Many courts offer payment plans. This lets you pay over time instead of all at once.
Butler County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Butler 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
Court fines vary by case type. Traffic cases cost less than criminal cases. Ask the clerk for exact amounts before your hearing.
About Butler County Courts
Butler County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Greenville is known as the Camellia City. The historic courthouse is a landmark in the town center.
The county sits along Interstate 65 between Montgomery and Mobile. Many travelers pass through. If you got a citation while driving through, the warrant stays in Butler County. You must handle it here.
Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both courts issue bench warrants for failure to appear or failure to comply.
Alabama State Court Resources
These statewide tools work for Butler County and all Alabama counties.
Alacourt Portal: Visit alacourt.gov for court info and forms.
Alabama eForms: Get court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov.
AlaPay: Pay fines online at alapay.com.
Administrative Office of Courts: For questions, call 1-866-954-9411.
Legal Help in Butler County
Free legal help is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal Services Alabama: Free help for low-income residents. Call (334) 832-4570 for the Montgomery office or (866) 456-4995 toll-free.
Alabama State Bar Referral: Call (800) 354-6154 for a lawyer referral.
Court-Appointed Lawyer: If facing criminal charges and cannot afford a lawyer, ask the judge at your first appearance.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Butler County. Check where your offense took place to find the right county.