Choctaw County Bench Warrants
Choctaw County bench warrants are court orders for arrest when someone misses court or fails to follow a judge's order. The Circuit Clerk in Butler keeps these records. The 1st Judicial Circuit handles all cases. Note that the Choctaw County Jail closed in 2019. Inmates are now housed in other counties. You can check for warrants by calling the clerk or Sheriff.
Choctaw County Quick Facts
Important Notice: Jail Closed
The Choctaw County Jail closed in 2019 due to budget issues. Inmates are now housed in nearby counties. If you turn yourself in on a bench warrant, you may be transported to another county for booking. Contact the Sheriff for current procedures.
What Is a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When someone misses court, the judge issues 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. 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.
Felony bench warrants in Choctaw County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but can be renewed.
Choctaw County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Choctaw County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is in the courthouse in Butler.
| Circuit Clerk | Donna Murphy |
|---|---|
| Address |
Choctaw County Courthouse 117 South Mulberry Avenue, Suite 10 Butler, AL 36904 |
| Phone | (205) 459-2155 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Choctaw County shares the 1st Judicial Circuit with Clarke and Washington counties. The county is named for the Choctaw Native American nation. It is one of the smallest counties in Alabama by population.
Choctaw County Sheriff
The Sheriff's office keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to check if a warrant exists. Since the jail closed, the Sheriff works with nearby counties to house inmates.
| Address |
Choctaw County Sheriff's Office Butler, AL 36904 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 459-2414 |
Call the Sheriff before turning yourself in. They can explain current procedures since the local jail is not in use. You may need to surrender at a different location.
How to Search Choctaw County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Choctaw County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (205) 459-2414 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (205) 459-2155 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 117 South Mulberry Avenue in Butler. 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 Choctaw 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 time.
You can also turn yourself in directly. Call the Sheriff first since the local jail is closed. They can tell you where to go. 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.
Choctaw County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Choctaw 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.
Alabama State Court Resources
These statewide tools work for Choctaw 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 Choctaw County
Free legal help is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal Services Alabama: Free help for low-income residents. Call (251) 433-6560 for the Mobile 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 Choctaw County. Check where your offense took place.