Covington County Bench Warrant Lookup
Covington 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 Andalusia keeps these records. The 22nd Judicial Circuit handles all cases. Covington County has its own dedicated courts website. You can check for warrants by calling the clerk or Sheriff.
Covington 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 Covington County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but judges can renew them.
Covington County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Covington County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is in the courthouse on North Court Square in Andalusia.
| Circuit Clerk | Amy W. Jones |
|---|---|
| Address |
Covington County Courthouse 1-K North Court Square Andalusia, AL 36420 |
| Phone | (334) 428-2520 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | covingtoncountycourts.com |
Covington County has its own dedicated courts website. This is unusual for a county of its size. The site provides court info, schedules, and contact details.
Covington County Sheriff
The Sheriff's office keeps copies of active warrants. The Sheriff is a U.S. Army veteran and former Alabama State Trooper with over 25 years of law enforcement experience.
| Sheriff | Blake Turman |
|---|---|
| Address |
290 Hillcrest Drive Andalusia, AL 36420 |
| Phone | (334) 428-2640 |
The Sheriff served with the 101st Airborne Division and has over 30 specialized certifications. Call before turning yourself in to know what to expect.
How to Search Covington County Bench Warrants
You can check for bench warrants in Covington County several ways.
Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 428-2640 and ask about warrants. Give the full name and date of birth. This is free and quick.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (334) 428-2520 to check court records. Staff can search for cases and warrants. For copies, visit in person.
Visit in Person: Go to the courthouse at 1-K North Court Square in Andalusia. 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 Covington 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 Covington 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.
Covington County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for record searches and copies in Covington 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 Covington 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 Covington 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 Covington County. Check where your offense took place.