Cherokee County Bench Warrant Search
Cherokee County bench warrants are court orders for arrest issued when someone fails to appear in court or breaks a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Centre keeps these records. Cherokee County is in northeast Alabama near Weiss Lake and the Georgia border. You can search for warrants by calling the clerk or Sheriff, or by visiting the courthouse in person.
Cherokee County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. The judge issues one when someone misses a court date. This is failure to appear or FTA.
Other reasons for bench warrants include unpaid fines, missed community service, and broken probation rules. These all count as not following court orders. The warrant brings you back to court.
Bench warrants are different from arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. A bench warrant is for breaking rules in an existing case. You had court business. You did not show up or follow orders.
Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant commands officers to arrest you. They can do this any day, any time. Home, work, or traffic stops are all fair game.
Felony bench warrants in Cherokee County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but can be renewed. Never assume yours went away.
Cherokee County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Cherokee County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. The clerk's office is in the courthouse in Centre.
| Circuit Clerk | Dwayne Amos |
|---|---|
| Address |
Cherokee County Courthouse 100 Main Street, Room 203 Centre, AL 35960 |
| Phone | (256) 927-3637 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Cherokee County was created in 1836 from land that was part of the Cherokee Nation. The county has rich Native American history. Turkey Town was an important Cherokee settlement. The PWA built the current courthouse during the Great Depression.
Cherokee 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 |
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office Centre, AL 35960 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 927-3565 |
Many people call the Sheriff before turning themselves in. Staff can tell you about your warrant and what to expect.
How to Search Cherokee County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Cherokee County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 927-3565 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and often quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 927-3637 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 100 Main Street in Centre. 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 full criminal history, contact Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This costs $25 and needs fingerprints.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Cherokee 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 approach. 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 Cherokee 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 for larger amounts.
Cherokee County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Cherokee 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 exact amounts.
Weiss Lake Area
Cherokee County is home to Weiss Lake. This popular fishing spot draws visitors from across the region. If you got a citation while visiting the lake area, the warrant stays in Cherokee County.
Boating citations and fishing violations can lead to bench warrants if you miss your court date. Even minor tickets can become major problems. Clear any Cherokee County warrant before your next lake trip.
Alabama State Court Resources
These statewide tools work for Cherokee 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 Cherokee 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, ask the judge to appoint a lawyer at your first appearance.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Cherokee County. Check where your offense took place.