Coffee County Bench Warrant Lookup
Coffee County bench warrants are court orders for arrest when someone misses court or fails to follow a judge's order. The county has two courthouses in Elba and Enterprise. The 12th Judicial Circuit handles all cases. Note that many county offices are closed on Fridays. You can check for warrants at either courthouse or by phone.
Coffee County Quick Facts
Important: Friday Closures
Since September 2024, many Coffee County offices operate on a 4/10 schedule. This means they are closed on Fridays. Plan your visit Monday through Thursday to avoid closures. Call ahead to confirm hours.
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 Coffee County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but can be renewed.
Coffee County's Two Courthouses
Coffee County has two courthouse locations. Elba is the official county seat but Enterprise has its own courthouse. Which one handles your case depends on where the offense took place.
| Elba Courthouse |
230 Court Avenue Elba, AL 36323 Phone: (334) 897-2954 |
|---|---|
| Enterprise Courthouse |
101 South Edwards Street Enterprise, AL 36330 Phone: (334) 347-2519 |
| Circuit Clerk | Amy L. Reeves |
Enterprise is home to the Boll Weevil Monument. This is the only monument in the world honoring an agricultural pest. The weevil destroyed cotton crops but forced farmers to diversify, leading to prosperity.
Coffee 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 |
Coffee County Sheriff's Office Elba, AL 36323 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 347-3189 |
Call the Sheriff before turning yourself in. They can tell you which courthouse to go to based on your case.
How to Search Coffee County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Coffee County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 347-3189 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call Enterprise at (334) 347-2519 or Elba at (334) 897-2954. Staff can search for cases and warrants. Avoid calling on Fridays.
Visit in Person: Go to either courthouse. Bring valid ID. Staff can search records and provide copies. Remember offices are closed Fridays.
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 Coffee 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 either courthouse during business hours. Remember they are closed Fridays. Bring your ID. 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.
Coffee County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Coffee 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 Coffee 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 Coffee County
Free legal help is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal Services Alabama: Free help for low-income residents. Call (334) 793-4673 for the Dothan 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 Coffee County. Check where your offense took place.