Search Colbert County Bench Warrants
Colbert County bench warrants are court orders for arrest issued when someone misses court or fails to follow a judge's order. The Circuit Clerk in Tuscumbia keeps these records. Colbert County is in northwest Alabama in the Shoals region. The county is the birthplace of Helen Keller. You can check for warrants by calling the clerk or Sheriff.
Colbert 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. Home, work, or traffic stops are all fair game.
Felony bench warrants in Colbert County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but judges can renew them.
Colbert County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Colbert County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is in the courthouse in downtown Tuscumbia.
| Circuit Clerk | Mark Eady |
|---|---|
| Address |
Colbert County Courthouse 201 North Main Street Tuscumbia, AL 35674 |
| Phone | (256) 386-8511 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Colbert County has a unique history. It was created in 1867, abolished the same year, and re-established in 1870. The county is named for George and Levi Colbert, Chickasaw chiefs.
Colbert 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.
| Sheriff | Eric Balentine |
|---|---|
| Address |
108 North Water Street Tuscumbia, AL 35674 |
| Phone | (256) 381-3643 |
Call the Sheriff before turning yourself in. They can tell you what to expect when you surrender.
How to Search Colbert County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Colbert County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 381-3643 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 386-8511 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 201 North Main Street in Tuscumbia. 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 Colbert 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 Colbert County Jail or courthouse during business hours. 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.
Colbert County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Colbert 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.
The Shoals Region
Colbert County is part of the Shoals. This region includes Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. These cities share court resources in some ways.
Muscle Shoals is famous for its recording studios. W.C. Handy, the Father of the Blues, was born here. Helen Keller's birthplace, Ivy Green, is a major tourist site in Tuscumbia.
If you got a citation in any Shoals city, check which jurisdiction issued it. Colbert County handles Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals, and Sheffield. Lauderdale County handles Florence.
Alabama State Court Resources
These statewide tools work for Colbert 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 Colbert County
Free legal help is available if you cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal Services Alabama: Free help for low-income residents. Call (256) 764-2359 for the Florence 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 Colbert County. Check where your offense took place.