Escambia County Bench Warrant Search

Escambia County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Brewton maintains all official records. The 21st Judicial Circuit serves Escambia County alone. This southern Alabama county borders Florida and is home to the Poarch Creek Indian Reservation, the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Escambia County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. In Escambia County, judges issue bench warrants when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. This differs from an arrest 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 before the court. Officers can execute the warrant any day, any time. They do not wait for business hours. If you have a bench warrant, you can be arrested at any moment.

Felony bench warrants never expire. They remain active until served or the court recalls them. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits but courts often renew them. The warrant will not go away if you ignore it. Deal with it now before law enforcement comes for you.

Bench Warrant vs Arrest Warrant

These two warrant types are different. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police gather evidence. They ask a judge to sign the warrant. Then they arrest the suspect. A bench warrant works differently.

A bench warrant comes from the court. You already had a case. You missed a hearing. You did not pay fines. You failed to complete community service. You violated probation. Any of these can result in a bench warrant in Escambia County.

Both types go into the state computer. Both let police arrest you. Both show up on background checks. The main difference is why they were issued. A bench warrant means you did not handle your existing court business properly.

Escambia County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records in Escambia County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. The office is on Belleville Avenue in downtown Brewton. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies.

Call ahead before you visit. The staff can tell you what documents to bring. They can check if a warrant exists in your name. This helps you prepare before going to the courthouse in person.

Escambia County Sheriff's Office

The Escambia County Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. Deputies serve legal papers and make arrests. You can call to check if a warrant exists. Many people call before turning themselves in so they know what to expect.

The Sheriff's office has a mobile app available. You can download it to stay informed about county law enforcement activities. The phone check for warrants is usually free. Have the full name and date of birth ready when you call.

How to Search Escambia County Bench Warrants

There are several ways to check for bench warrants in Escambia County. Pick the method that works best for you. Some are free. Others have fees.

Call the Sheriff: Call (251) 809-0741. Ask if there is a warrant. Have the name and birth date ready. This is quick and usually free.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (251) 867-0225. 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. Results show case details and any bench warrants from 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 extra.

ALEA Background Check: For a full criminal history, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The fee is $25. This covers all Alabama counties, not just Escambia.

How to Clear an Escambia County Bench Warrant

A bench warrant will not disappear on its own. Ignoring it only makes things worse. The warrant stays active until you address it. Here are your options.

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

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

Post Bond: Some warrants have a set bond amount. If you can pay it, you may get out quickly. Ask the Sheriff about the bond before you go in. A bondsman can help if you cannot afford the full amount.

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

Poarch Creek Reservation and Jurisdiction

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has reservation land in Escambia County. This is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. Tribal land has its own jurisdiction for some matters. However, state warrants still apply.

If you have a bench warrant from Escambia County courts, being on tribal land does not protect you. Alabama law enforcement can still arrest you. The tribe cooperates with state and local police on warrant matters.

The Poarch Creek tribe operates Wind Creek Casino and other businesses in the area. Many people work there. If you have a warrant, it can show up on a background check when you apply for jobs. Clear it before it affects your employment.

Escambia 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. The warrant may add extra fees. Ask the clerk what you owe before you appear. Payment plans may be available for large amounts.

Escambia County Court Information

Brewton is the county seat and largest city. The city sits near the Conecuh National Forest and Little River State Forest. The county borders Florida to the south. This means some residents may have cases in both states.

The 21st Judicial Circuit serves only Escambia County. All circuit court matters are handled locally. The courthouse is in downtown Brewton on Belleville Avenue. The Sheriff's office is right next door, making it easy to handle both searches and turn-ins in one trip.

If you have warrants in Florida as well as Alabama, you need to deal with each state separately. An Alabama bench warrant will not clear a Florida warrant. Check both states if you lived or traveled in both places.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Escambia County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before taking action.