Search Chambers County Bench Warrants
Chambers County bench warrants are court orders issued when someone misses court or fails to follow a judge's order. The Circuit Clerk in Lafayette keeps these records. The 5th Judicial Circuit handles all cases. Chambers County sits on the Alabama-Georgia border with Lanett and Valley as major cities. You can check for active warrants by calling the clerk or Sheriff.
Chambers 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 someone misses a court date, the judge issues one. This is failure to appear or FTA.
Other reasons for bench warrants include not paying fines, skipping community service, and breaking probation rules. These all count as not following court orders. The warrant brings you back to court.
Bench warrants differ from 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 where you broke the rules.
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.
Felony bench warrants in Chambers County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but can be renewed. Do not assume yours went away.
Chambers County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Chambers County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is in the courthouse in downtown Lafayette.
| Address |
Chambers County Courthouse 2 Lafayette Street Lafayette, AL 36862 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 864-4348 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Chambers County shares the 5th Judicial Circuit with Macon, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties. Appeals from this circuit go to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta since the county is on the Georgia border.
Chambers County Sheriff
The Sheriff's office keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to check if a warrant exists. Deputies serve warrants throughout the county.
| Address |
Chambers County Sheriff's Office Lafayette, AL 36862 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 864-4181 |
City police in Lafayette, Lanett, and Valley also execute warrants within their limits. All agencies share warrant information.
How to Search Chambers County Bench Warrants
There are several ways to check for bench warrants in Chambers County.
Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 864-4181 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (334) 864-4348 to search court records. Staff can check for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 2 Lafayette Street in Lafayette. Bring valid ID. Staff can search records and provide copies.
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 Chambers County
An active 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 way. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. They can set a new court date and may help you avoid jail.
You can also turn yourself in directly. Go to the Chambers 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. 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.
Chambers County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Chambers 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. Ask the clerk for exact amounts before your hearing.
Georgia Border Cases
Chambers County borders Georgia. Cities like Lanett and Valley sit right on the state line. If you got a citation in Alabama near the border, the warrant stays in Chambers County.
Georgia has different courts and laws. An Alabama warrant is only valid in Alabama. However, if you live in Georgia and have an Alabama warrant, police may still arrest you and extradite you back to Alabama for serious charges.
Clear your Chambers County warrant even if you live in Georgia. It will show on background checks and may cause problems when crossing state lines.
Alabama State Court Resources
These statewide tools work for Chambers 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.
Legal Help in Chambers County
Free legal help is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal Services Alabama: Free help for low-income residents. Call (334) 793-4673 for the Dothan 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, ask the judge to appoint a lawyer at your first appearance.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Chambers County. Check where your offense took place.