Clay County Bench Warrant Search
Clay County bench warrants are court orders for arrest when someone misses court or fails to follow a judge's order. The Circuit Clerk in Ashland keeps these records. The 40th Judicial Circuit handles all cases. Clay County is a small rural county in east-central Alabama. You can check for warrants by calling the clerk or Sheriff.
Clay 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 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 court.
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 Clay County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but can be renewed.
Clay County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Clay County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The courthouse sits on the traditional town square in Ashland.
| Circuit Clerk | Cynthia Jonell Bishop |
|---|---|
| Address |
Clay County Courthouse Court Square Ashland, AL 36251 |
| Phone | (256) 354-7926 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Clay County shares the 40th Judicial Circuit with Coosa County. Both are small rural counties. The circuit judge travels between them for court sessions.
Clay 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 |
Clay County Sheriff's Office Ashland, AL 36251 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 354-2176 |
In a small county like Clay, the Sheriff handles most warrant service. Call ahead before turning yourself in to know what to expect.
How to Search Clay County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Clay County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 354-2176 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 354-7926 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse on Court Square in Ashland. 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 Clay 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 Clay 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.
In a small county, turning yourself in shows the court you take responsibility. Judges often view this more favorably than a traffic stop arrest.
Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Clear yours before it shows on a background check.
Clay County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Clay 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 Clay 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 Clay 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 Clay County. Check where your offense took place.