Chilton County Bench Warrant Lookup
Chilton County bench warrants are court orders issued when someone fails to appear or breaks a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Clanton keeps these records. Chilton County is famous for peaches and hosts an annual Peach Festival. The 19th Judicial Circuit handles all cases. You can check for warrants by calling the clerk or Sheriff at the courthouse.
Chilton 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 court, the judge can issue one. This is failure to appear or FTA.
Other reasons include unpaid fines, missed community service, and broken 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 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. They can do this any day, any time. They can come to your home, work, or stop you in traffic.
Felony bench warrants in Chilton County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but judges can renew them.
Chilton County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Chilton County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is in the courthouse in downtown Clanton.
| Circuit Clerk | Nick Burnett |
|---|---|
| Address |
Chilton County Courthouse 500 2nd Avenue North Clanton, AL 35046 |
| Phone | (205) 755-4275 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Chilton County shares the 19th Judicial Circuit with Autauga and Elmore counties. The circuit judge travels between these counties. Clanton sits along Interstate 65 between Birmingham and Montgomery.
Chilton County Sheriff
The Sheriff's office keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to check if a warrant exists. The county jail has 232 beds and processes local warrants.
| Sheriff | John Shearon |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 755-4698 |
| Jail |
301 City Street Clanton, AL 35046 Phone: (205) 755-1053 |
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 Chilton County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Chilton County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (205) 755-4698 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (205) 755-4275 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 500 2nd Avenue North in Clanton. 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 Chilton 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 Chilton County Jail at 301 City Street or the 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.
Chilton County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Chilton 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.
About Chilton County
Chilton County is famous for peaches. The annual Chilton County Peach Festival draws thousands of visitors. If you got a citation during the festival or while visiting, the warrant stays here.
Confederate Memorial Park is also in Chilton County near Marbury. The park draws Civil War history buffs. Any citations issued there fall under Chilton County jurisdiction.
Clanton is right on Interstate 65. Many travelers pass through. If you got a traffic ticket here and missed court, deal with the warrant now. It will not go away on its own.
Alabama State Court Resources
These statewide tools work for Chilton 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 Chilton County
Free legal help is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal Services Alabama: Free help for low-income residents. Call (205) 328-3540 for the Birmingham 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 Chilton County. Check where your offense took place.