Dallas County Bench Warrant Search
Dallas County bench warrants are issued by judges when someone misses a court date or breaks a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Selma keeps all official court records. The 4th Judicial Circuit serves Dallas County along with Bibb, Hale, Perry, and Wilcox counties. Selma is known worldwide for the Bloody Sunday civil rights march of 1965. The county has a rich history and a court system that handles both local and federal matters.
Dallas County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Dallas County?
A bench warrant is a court order. It tells law enforcement to arrest someone. The judge issues it from the bench. In Dallas County, bench warrants come from failure to appear or failure to comply with a court order. They are not the same as arrest warrants for new crimes.
Under Code of Alabama § 15-10-60, a bench warrant directs officers to bring the person before the court. Police can serve it any time. They can arrest you at a traffic stop. They can come to your home. They can pick you up at work. There is no safe place from an active warrant.
Felony bench warrants in Dallas County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled by the court. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but can be renewed. Do not assume a warrant will go away. It will not. Deal with it before law enforcement deals with you.
How Bench Warrants Differ from Arrest Warrants
Many people mix up these two types. They work differently. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. A prosecutor asks a judge to issue one based on evidence. A bench warrant is different. It comes from the court itself when someone does not follow the rules.
You might get a bench warrant if you miss a hearing. You might get one if you skip jury duty. You might get one for not paying court fines. You might get one for failing to complete probation. All of these happen in Dallas County courts every week.
Both types go into the state system. Both let police arrest you. Both show up on background checks. The key difference is why they were issued. A bench warrant means you already had business with the court and did not handle it right.
Dallas County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk is the keeper of all court records. In Dallas County, this office handles bench warrants, case files, and court orders. The clerk office is in downtown Selma on Lauderdale Street. You can visit to search records or get copies.
| Circuit Clerk | Lynnethia Bennett |
|---|---|
| Address |
Dallas County Courthouse 105 Lauderdale Street Selma, AL 36702 |
| Phone | (334) 874-2523 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
The clerk staff can search for warrants by name. They can print copies of court documents. Call ahead to ask what forms of ID they accept. This saves time when you visit in person.
Dallas County Sheriff's Office
The Dallas County Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. Deputies serve papers and execute arrests. The Sheriff can tell you if you have a warrant over the phone. This is often the fastest way to check.
| Sheriff | Michael L. Granthum |
|---|---|
| Address |
102 Church Street Selma, AL 36702 |
| Phone | (334) 874-2530 |
The phone check is usually free. Have the full name and date of birth ready. The dispatcher can tell you if a warrant exists. They can also tell you what it is for and whether bond is set.
How to Search Dallas County Bench Warrants
You have several options to check for bench warrants in Dallas County. Some are free. Others have fees. Pick the one that fits your needs.
Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 874-2530. This is quick and usually free. Have the person's full name and birth date ready.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (334) 874-2523. The clerk can search court records for any warrants. They may ask you to come in person for detailed searches.
Alacourt Access: Search online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. Results show case details and any bench warrants issued.
Visit in Person: Go to the clerk office at the courthouse. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and print copies. Certified copies cost extra.
ALEA Criminal History: For a full state background check, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The cost is $25. Mail requests to P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511. This shows records from all Alabama counties.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Dallas County
A bench warrant will not go away on its own. Ignoring it makes things worse. Clear it as soon as you can. Here are your options.
Get a Lawyer: A lawyer can file papers to recall the warrant. They may get you a new court date without jail. The lawyer can also be there when you turn yourself in. This is the safest path.
Turn Yourself In: Go to the Dallas County Jail or the courthouse. Tell them you have a warrant. Bring your ID. A judge will decide whether to set bond or release you.
Post Bond: Some warrants have a set bond amount. If you can pay it, you may get out the same day. A bondsman can help if you do not have the full amount. Ask the Sheriff about the bond before you go in.
Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Anyone can see them. Employers run background checks. Landlords run them too. Clear your warrant to protect your job and housing.
Dallas County and Civil Rights History
Dallas County is famous for the Selma to Montgomery marches. On March 7, 1965, marchers crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge. State troopers attacked them. This became known as Bloody Sunday. The event led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Selma has the largest contiguous historic district in Alabama. The city draws visitors from around the world. But it is also a working community with courts that handle everyday legal matters. If you have a bench warrant here, the court system operates like any other.
The history does not change how warrants work. A bench warrant in Dallas County follows the same Alabama law as everywhere else. Deal with it promptly. The courts here are used to working with people to resolve their cases.
Dallas County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply for searches and copies. Here are the common costs:
- Alacourt name search: $9.99
- Alacourt document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
- Copy fees at clerk office: varies
- Certified copies: $5.00 and up
- ALEA background check: $25.00
- Sheriff phone check: usually free
If your warrant is for unpaid fines, you still owe those. The warrant itself may add court costs. Ask the clerk what you owe before you appear. Payment plans may be available.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Dallas County or are in the same judicial circuit. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before taking action.