Find Franklin County Bench Warrants

Franklin County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to comply with a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Russellville keeps all official court records. The 34th Judicial Circuit serves Franklin County alone. This northwest Alabama county sits between Birmingham, Memphis, and Nashville, making it a crossroads of regional travel.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Franklin County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. The judge issues it from the bench. In Franklin County, bench warrants are issued for failure to appear or failure to follow court orders. This differs from an arrest warrant, which is 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. There are no restrictions. If you have a bench warrant, you can be arrested anywhere.

Felony bench warrants never expire in Franklin County. They remain active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits but can be renewed. 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

People often confuse these two types. They work differently. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police gather evidence. They ask a judge to sign 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 result in a bench warrant in Franklin 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 exist. A bench warrant means you had court business and did not handle it right.

Franklin County Circuit Clerk

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

Copy fees are $1 per page for regular copies and $6 for certified copies. Call ahead to confirm current fees and ask what to bring. The staff can check if a warrant exists in your name.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office

The Franklin 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.

The Sheriff's phone check is usually free. Have the full name and date of birth ready when you call. Deputies can tell you if a warrant exists and what the bond amount is.

How to Search Franklin County Bench Warrants

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

Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 332-2240. Ask if a warrant exists. Have the name and birth date ready. This is quick and usually free.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 332-8861. 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. 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. Staff can search records and print copies. Certified copies cost $6.

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 Franklin.

How to Clear a Franklin 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 appear with you when you turn yourself in.

Turn Yourself In: Go to the Franklin 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. Employers and landlords check for warrants. Clear yours to protect your job and housing.

Franklin County Bench Warrant Fees

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

• Copy fees at clerk office: $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: $6.00
• 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.

Franklin County Court Information

Russellville is the county seat and largest city. Franklin County sits in northwest Alabama between three major metro areas. This location makes it a busy pass-through for travelers. Law enforcement checks for warrants during traffic stops.

The 34th Judicial Circuit serves only Franklin County. All circuit court matters stay local. The courthouse is in downtown Russellville on Jackson Avenue North. Most county offices are in the same building.

Franklin County has five municipalities: Russellville, Phil Campbell, Red Bay, Vina, and Hodges. Each may have its own municipal court for city offenses. County courts handle felonies and most misdemeanors.

Nearby Counties

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