Fayette County Bench Warrants

Fayette County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Fayette maintains all official court records. The 24th Judicial Circuit serves Fayette County along with Lamar and Pickens counties. Fayette County is one of the few Alabama counties with an online warrant page maintained by the Sheriff's office.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Fayette County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. In Fayette County, judges issue bench warrants when someone fails to appear in court or does not comply with a court order. This is not the same as 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 or night. They do not wait for business hours.

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

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 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 Fayette County.

Both types go into the state computer system. Both let police arrest you. Both appear on background checks. The key difference is why they were issued. A bench warrant means you did not handle an existing case properly.

Fayette County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Fayette County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is on North Temple Avenue in downtown Fayette. 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 under your name. This helps you prepare before going to the courthouse.

Fayette County Sheriff's Office

The Fayette County Sheriff maintains copies of active warrants. Deputies serve papers and make arrests. You can call to check if a warrant exists. The Sheriff's office also has an online warrant page.

The online warrant page lists active warrants in Fayette County. This is one of the few counties in Alabama that posts warrants online for free. Check the website first. Then call if you need more details.

How to Search Fayette County Bench Warrants

Fayette County is one of the easier Alabama counties for warrant searches. You have several options. Some are free. Others have fees.

Check Online: Visit fayetteso.com/warrants.html to see the current warrant list. This is free and available 24/7. Not all warrants may be listed, so follow up by phone if needed.

Call the Sheriff: Call (205) 932-3205. Ask if there is a warrant. Have the name and birth date ready. This is quick and usually free.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (205) 932-4617. The clerk can search court records. 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. 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.

How to Clear a Fayette County Bench Warrant

A bench warrant will not go away on its own. Ignoring it only makes things worse. The warrant stays active until you deal with it. 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 Fayette 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 pay 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 options.

Fayette County Bench Warrant Fees

Fees apply for some searches and copies. Here are the common costs:

• Sheriff's online warrant list: Free
• Sheriff phone check: usually free
• 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

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

Fayette County Court Information

Fayette County is a rural county in northwest Alabama. The county has a small population but a full court system. The 24th Judicial Circuit serves Fayette along with Lamar and Pickens counties.

Because Fayette is a small county, the court docket moves faster than larger counties. Cases do not get lost in the shuffle. But this also means judges notice when you miss a court date. They will issue a bench warrant quickly.

The online warrant page from the Sheriff's office makes Fayette County more transparent than most. You can check if a warrant exists without calling anyone. This is useful if you want to know your status before taking action.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Fayette County or are in the same judicial circuit. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant.