Search Clarke County Bench Warrants
Clarke County bench warrants are court orders for arrest issued when someone fails to appear or breaks a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Grove Hill keeps these records. The 1st Judicial Circuit handles all cases. Note that the clerk's office is closed from 12 to 1 PM daily for lunch. You can check for active warrants by calling ahead or visiting in person.
Clarke County Quick Facts
Office Hours Notice
Clarke 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 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. Home, work, or traffic stops are all fair game.
Felony bench warrants in Clarke County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but judges can renew them.
Clarke County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Clarke County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is in the courthouse in Grove Hill.
| Circuit Clerk | Summer Padgett |
|---|---|
| Address |
Clarke County Courthouse 114 Court Street Grove Hill, AL 36451 |
| Phone | (251) 275-3363 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Closed 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch |
| Fees | Copies 50 cents per page Certified copies $5.00 plus per-page fee |
Clarke County shares the 1st Judicial Circuit with Choctaw and Washington counties. The county is large and rural, bordered by the Alabama River and Tombigbee River.
Clarke County Sheriff
The Sheriff's office keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to check if a warrant exists. Deputies serve warrants throughout this large rural county.
| Address |
Clarke County Sheriff's Office Grove Hill, AL 36451 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 275-3236 |
Many people call the Sheriff before turning themselves in. Staff can tell you about your warrant and what to expect.
How to Search Clarke County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Clarke County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (251) 275-3236 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (251) 275-3363 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person. Avoid the lunch hour.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 114 Court Street in Grove Hill. Bring valid ID. Staff can search records and provide copies. Remember they close from 12 to 1 PM.
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 Clarke 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 Clarke 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.
Clarke County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Clarke County.
- Sheriff phone check: Free
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 plus per-page fee
- Alacourt name search: $9.99
- Alacourt document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
- 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 Clarke 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 Clarke 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 Clarke County. Check where your offense took place.