Calhoun County Bench Warrant Lookup
Calhoun County bench warrants are public court records you can search through the Circuit Clerk or Sheriff in Anniston. A bench warrant gets issued when someone misses court or breaks a judge's order. The 7th Judicial Circuit handles all cases. Note that court offices are closed from 12 to 1 PM daily for lunch. You can check for warrants by calling ahead or visiting the courthouse.
Calhoun County Quick Facts
Office Hours Notice
Calhoun County court offices are closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch. Plan your visit around this closure. Morning visits before noon or afternoon visits after 1 PM work best.
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 can issue one. This is called failure to appear.
Other reasons for bench warrants include unpaid fines, missed community service, and broken probation rules. All of these count as not following court orders. The warrant forces you back to court.
Bench warrants are not arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police need proof of a new offense. A bench warrant is for an existing case. You had a court matter. You did not follow the rules.
Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant commands officers to arrest you. They can act any day, any time. This includes nights, weekends, and holidays.
Felony bench warrants in Calhoun County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits, but judges often renew them. Never assume your warrant is gone.
Calhoun County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records in Calhoun County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office has multiple suite locations in the courthouse building.
| Address |
Calhoun County Courthouse 25 West 11th Street, Suite 300 Anniston, AL 36201 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 231-1750 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch |
Calhoun County is one of the larger counties in northeast Alabama. Anniston was home to Fort McClellan, which closed in 1999. The county still handles a significant caseload with its 7th Judicial Circuit courts.
Calhoun County Sheriff
The Sheriff's office keeps active warrant records. You can call to check if a warrant exists. Deputies serve warrants throughout the county. City police in Anniston, Oxford, and Jacksonville also execute warrants.
| Address |
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office Anniston, AL 36201 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 236-6600 |
Many people call the Sheriff before turning themselves in. Staff can tell you about your warrant and what to expect when you surrender.
How to Search Calhoun County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Calhoun County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 236-6600 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and often quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 231-1750 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person. Remember they close from 12 to 1 PM.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 25 West 11th Street in Anniston. Bring valid ID. Staff can search records and print copies. Avoid the lunch hour closure.
Alacourt Access: Search court records at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99 and shows bench warrants.
ALEA Background Check: For a statewide criminal history, contact Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This costs $25 and needs fingerprints.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Calhoun County
An active bench warrant will not go away on its own. Deal with it now. Police can arrest you 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 works best for most people.
You can also turn yourself in directly. Go to the Calhoun County Jail or courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell staff about your 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. Employers and landlords may find them. Clear yours before it shows on a background check.
If you owe fines or court costs, ask the clerk for the total. Payment plans may be available for larger amounts.
Calhoun County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for searches and copies in Calhoun 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 matters. Ask the clerk for the exact amount you owe.
Alabama State Court Resources
These statewide tools work for Calhoun 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 Calhoun County
Free legal help is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal Services Alabama: Free help for low-income residents. Call (256) 236-0021 for the Anniston 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 Calhoun County. Check where your offense took place to find the right county.