Search Etowah County Bench Warrants
Etowah County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Gadsden keeps all official court records. The 16th Judicial Circuit serves Etowah County along with Blount and St. Clair counties. With over 103,000 residents, Etowah is one of the larger counties in northeast Alabama.
Etowah County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Etowah County?
A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. The judge issues it from the bench. In Etowah 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 restrictions on when they can arrest you. A traffic stop, a visit to your home, a stop at work. Any time is fair game.
Felony bench warrants in Etowah County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor bench warrants may have limits but can be renewed by the court. Do not assume a warrant will go away on its own. It will not.
Bench Warrant vs Arrest Warrant
People often mix up 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 arrest 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 Etowah County.
Both types go into the state computer. Both allow police to arrest you. Both show up on background checks. The key difference is why the warrant exists. A bench warrant means you had court business and did not handle it right.
Etowah County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records in Etowah County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is on Forrest Avenue in downtown Gadsden. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies of documents.
| Circuit Clerk | Cassandra Sam Johnson |
|---|---|
| Address |
Etowah County Courthouse 801 Forrest Avenue, Suite 202 Gadsden, AL 35901 |
| Phone | (256) 549-2150 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Etowah County charges a $25 search fee for warrant lookups. This fee is non-refundable whether or not a warrant is found. Copy fees are also $25 for the first 20 pages. Call ahead to confirm current fees and ask what to bring.
Etowah County Sheriff's Office
The Etowah County Sheriff keeps 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 |
827 Forrest Ave Gadsden, AL 35901 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 549-2183 |
The Sheriff's phone check is often faster than visiting in person. Have the full name and date of birth ready. Deputies can tell you if a warrant exists and what the bond amount is if one is set.
How to Search Etowah County Bench Warrants
There are several ways to check for bench warrants in Etowah County. Pick the method that fits your needs. Some have fees. Others are free.
Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 549-2183. Ask if there is a warrant. Have the full name and birth date ready. This is quick and usually free.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 549-2150. The clerk can search court records. Note that there is a $25 search fee at this office.
Alacourt Access: Search online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. You can see case details and any bench warrants from Alabama courts.
Visit in Person: Go to the clerk office at the courthouse. Bring a valid ID and $25 for the search fee. Staff can run a search and print 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.
How to Clear an Etowah County Bench Warrant
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 get you a new court date without jail time. The lawyer can appear with you when you turn yourself in.
Turn Yourself In: Go to the Etowah 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 avoid staying in jail. Ask the Sheriff about the bond before you go in. A bondsman can help if you cannot pay the full amount.
Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Anyone can access them. Employers run background checks. Landlords run them too. Clear your warrant now to protect your future.
Etowah County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees in Etowah County are higher than some other Alabama counties. Here are the common costs:
- Circuit Clerk search fee: $25 (non-refundable)
- Copy fees: $25 for first 20 pages
- Alacourt name search: $9.99
- Alacourt document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
- ALEA background check: $25.00
- Sheriff phone check: usually free
If your warrant is for unpaid fines, you still owe those. The warrant may add court costs. Ask the clerk what you owe before you appear. Payment plans may be available.
Etowah County Court Information
Gadsden is the county seat and largest city. The city is known for Noccalula Falls, a 90-foot waterfall in a public park. Etowah County is part of the Gadsden metro area and serves as a hub for northeast Alabama.
The 16th Judicial Circuit serves Etowah, Blount, and St. Clair counties. 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.
The Etowah County website features accessibility modes for people with disabilities. If you need help reading documents or navigating the court system, ask the clerk about available services.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Etowah County or are in the same judicial circuit. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before taking action.