Find Elmore County Bench Warrants
Elmore County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Wetumpka keeps all official court records. The 19th Judicial Circuit serves Elmore County along with Autauga and Chilton counties. Wetumpka sits just north of Montgomery along the Coosa River. The county has eight cities and a mix of rural and suburban areas.
Elmore County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Elmore County?
A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. The judge issues it from the bench. In Elmore County, bench warrants are issued for failure to appear or failure to comply with court orders. They differ from arrest warrants, which are for new crimes.
Under Code of Alabama § 15-10-60, a bench warrant directs law enforcement to arrest the person and bring them before the court. Police can execute the warrant at any time. There are no safe hours. They can arrest you during a traffic stop, at home, or at work.
Felony bench warrants never expire. They stay active until served or recalled by the court. Misdemeanor bench warrants may have limits but courts often renew them. Do not assume a warrant will disappear. It will not. Deal with it before police deal with you.
How Bench Warrants Differ from Arrest Warrants
People often confuse these two types. They are not the same. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police bring evidence to a judge. The judge signs the warrant. Officers then go find the suspect. A bench warrant is different.
A bench warrant comes from the court itself. You already had a case. You missed a hearing. You did not pay fines. You failed to complete probation. You skipped community service. Any of these can lead to a bench warrant in Elmore County.
Both types of warrants go into the state computer system. Both allow police to arrest you. Both appear on background checks. The key difference is why they exist. A bench warrant means you already had court business and did not handle it right.
Elmore County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Elmore County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is on US Highway 231 in Wetumpka. You can visit to search records or get copies of documents.
| Circuit Clerk | Michael Dozier |
|---|---|
| Address |
Elmore County Courthouse 8935 US Highway 231 N Wetumpka, AL 36092 |
| Phone | (334) 514-3116 ext. 4407 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Call ahead before visiting. The clerk staff can tell you what to bring. They can also check if a warrant exists in your name. This helps you plan before you go to the courthouse.
Elmore County Sheriff's Office
The Elmore County Sheriff maintains copies of active warrants. Deputies serve papers and make arrests throughout the county. You can call to ask about a warrant. Many people call before turning themselves in.
| Sheriff's Office |
8955 US Highway 231 Wetumpka, AL 36092 |
|---|---|
| Dispatch | (334) 567-5227 |
The phone check is usually free. Have the full name and date of birth ready when you call. Dispatch can tell you if a warrant exists. They can also tell you the bond amount if one is set.
How to Search Elmore County Bench Warrants
You have several ways to check for bench warrants in Elmore County. Some methods are free. Others have fees. Choose the one that works best for your situation.
Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 567-5227. Ask if a warrant exists for the person. Have the full name and birth date ready. This is quick and usually free.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (334) 514-3116 ext. 4407. The clerk can search court records for warrants. They may ask you to come 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 any bench warrants issued by Alabama courts.
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 more than plain copies.
ALEA Background Check: For a full criminal history, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The fee is $25. This shows records from all Alabama counties, not just Elmore.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Elmore County
A bench warrant will not go away on its own. Ignoring it makes things worse. The warrant stays active until you take action. Here are your options.
Hire a Lawyer: This is the safest choice. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. They may be able to arrange a new court date without jail time. The lawyer can appear with you when you turn yourself in.
Turn Yourself In: Go to the Elmore County Jail or the courthouse during business hours. 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 avoid staying in jail. Ask the Sheriff about the bond before you go in. A bondsman can help if you do not have the full amount.
Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Anyone can access them. Employers check for warrants. Landlords check too. Clear your warrant to protect your job and housing options.
Elmore County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply when you search for records or handle a case. 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 bench warrant is for unpaid fines, you still owe those amounts. The warrant itself may add court costs. Ask the clerk what you owe before you appear. Payment plans may be available.
Elmore County Court Information
Wetumpka sits along the Coosa River just north of Montgomery. The city is famous for the Wetumpka meteor crater, a 5-mile wide impact site from 83 million years ago. Today, Elmore County is growing fast as part of the Montgomery metro area.
The 19th Judicial Circuit covers three counties: Elmore, Autauga, and Chilton. This means judges and prosecutors handle cases across all three areas. If you have warrants in multiple counties within the circuit, you may be able to address them together.
Elmore County has eight municipalities: Wetumpka, Prattville (partly), Millbrook, Coosada, Eclectic, Elmore, Deatsville, and Tallassee (partly). Each city may have its own municipal court for city offenses. County courts handle felonies and most misdemeanors.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Elmore County or are in the same judicial circuit. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before taking action.