DeKalb County Bench Warrants

DeKalb County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not comply with a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Fort Payne maintains all official records. The 9th Judicial Circuit serves DeKalb County alone. This northeast Alabama county was created in 1836 from Cherokee Nation land. The county seat has changed seven times in its history, but Fort Payne has been home since 1878.

What Is a Bench Warrant in DeKalb County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. DeKalb County judges issue these when someone misses court or fails to follow a court order. This is not the same as a warrant for a new crime.

Under Code of Alabama § 15-10-60, a bench warrant orders law enforcement to arrest the person and bring them to court. Officers can execute it any day or night. They do not need to wait for business hours. If you have a warrant, police can arrest you at any time.

Felony bench warrants never expire. They stay in the system until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may expire but are often renewed. The warrant will not go away if you ignore it. It only grows worse as time passes.

Bench Warrant vs Arrest Warrant

These two warrant types are different. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police bring evidence to a judge. The judge signs the warrant. Officers then arrest the suspect. A bench warrant works differently.

A bench warrant comes from the court. You already have a case. You miss a hearing. You do not pay fines. You skip community service. You violate probation. Any of these can result in a bench warrant in DeKalb County.

Both types appear in the state computer. Both let police arrest you. Both show up on background checks. The main difference is the reason. A bench warrant means you did not handle an existing case properly.

DeKalb County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in DeKalb County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is in the courthouse on Grand Avenue in Fort Payne. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies.

Call ahead before you visit. The staff can tell you what to bring. They can check if a warrant exists under your name. This lets you plan before you walk into the courthouse.

DeKalb County Sheriff's Office

The DeKalb County Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. The office serves papers and makes arrests. You can call to ask about a warrant. Many people call before they turn themselves in.

The phone check is usually free. Have the full name and date of birth ready. Deputies can tell you if a warrant exists and what it is for. They can also explain the bond amount if one is set.

How to Search DeKalb County Bench Warrants

There are several ways to check for bench warrants in DeKalb County. Pick the method that works for you. Some cost money. Others are free.

Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 845-3801. Ask if a warrant exists. Have the name and birth date ready. This is often the fastest free method.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 845-8525. The clerk can search court records. They may ask you to visit in person for a detailed search.

Alacourt Access: Search online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. You can see case details and bench warrants issued by any Alabama court.

Visit in Person: Go to the clerk office at the courthouse. Bring a valid ID. Staff can run a search and print copies. Certified copies cost extra.

ALEA Background Check: For a full criminal history, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency at (334) 676-7700. The fee is $25. This shows all Alabama records, not just DeKalb County.

How to Clear a DeKalb County Bench Warrant

A bench warrant will not go away on its own. Ignoring it is the worst choice. The warrant stays active until you deal with it. Here are your options.

Hire a Lawyer: A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. They may arrange a new court date without jail time. The lawyer can also appear with you when you turn yourself in. This is the safest approach.

Turn Yourself In: Go to the DeKalb County Jail or the courthouse during business hours. Tell them you have a warrant. Bring your ID. You will see a judge who will decide on bail.

Post Bond: If the warrant allows bond, you may be able to post it and leave. Ask the Sheriff about the bond amount first. A bondsman can help if you cannot pay the full amount.

Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, warrant records are public. Anyone can access them. Employers and landlords check for warrants. Clear yours to protect your job and housing.

DeKalb 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 by page count
• Certified copies: $5.00 and up
• ALEA background check: $25.00
• Sheriff phone check: usually free

If your warrant is for unpaid fines or costs, you still owe those amounts. The bench warrant may add extra fees. Ask the clerk what you owe before you appear. Payment plans may be available for large balances.

DeKalb County Court Information

Fort Payne is known as the Sock Capital of the World. It was once home to many hosiery mills. The county also has a strong connection to Cherokee history. The Trail of Tears passed through here in the 1830s when the county was formed from Cherokee land.

Today, DeKalb County courts handle the same types of cases as other Alabama counties. The 9th Judicial Circuit serves only DeKalb County. This means all circuit court matters stay local. The courthouse is modern and easy to find on Grand Avenue.

Minors under 18 who get citations must appear with a parent or guardian. If you are a parent, make sure your child appears on time. Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant for the minor and possible charges for the parent.

Nearby Counties

These counties border DeKalb County. If you are not sure where your case was filed, check the location of the offense. Each county has its own court system.