Geneva County Bench Warrant Lookup

Geneva County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Geneva maintains all official court records. The 33rd Judicial Circuit serves Geneva County along with Dale and Coffee counties. Important: Geneva County offices are CLOSED ON FRIDAYS. Plan your visit for Monday through Thursday.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Geneva County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. In Geneva County, judges issue bench warrants when someone misses a court date or fails to comply with 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 time. They do not wait for business hours. They can arrest you at a traffic stop, at home, or at work.

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 Geneva 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.

Geneva County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Geneva County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is on North Commerce Street in downtown Geneva. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies.

Geneva County operates on a 4/10 schedule. Offices are open four days a week for ten hours each day. They are closed on Fridays. Do not show up on Friday expecting service. Plan your visit for Monday through Thursday.

Geneva County Sheriff's Office

The Geneva County Sheriff maintains copies of active warrants. Deputies serve papers and make arrests. You can call to check if a warrant exists. Many people call before turning themselves in.

The Sheriff's office may also follow the 4/10 schedule. Call ahead to confirm hours. The phone check for warrants is usually free. Have the full name and date of birth ready when you call.

How to Search Geneva County Bench Warrants

There are several ways to check for bench warrants in Geneva County. Remember that offices are closed on Fridays. Plan accordingly.

Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 684-5660. Ask if there is a warrant. Have the name and birth date ready. This is quick and usually free.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (334) 684-5620. The clerk can search court records. They may ask you to come in person for a detailed search. Remember, they are closed on Fridays.

Alacourt Access: Search online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. Results show case details and any bench warrants issued. This works 24/7, even on Fridays.

Visit in Person: Go to the clerk office Monday through Thursday. 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.

How to Clear a Geneva 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 Geneva County Jail or the courthouse during business hours. Remember: Monday through Thursday only. 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.

Geneva 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, you still owe those amounts. The warrant may add court costs. Ask the clerk what you owe before you appear. Payment plans may be available.

Geneva County Court Information

Geneva County sits in the southeast corner of Alabama. It borders Florida to the south. The county seat is the City of Geneva. The 33rd Judicial Circuit serves Geneva along with Dale and Coffee counties.

The Friday closure is unusual for Alabama counties. Most courts are open Monday through Friday. Geneva County adopted a 4/10 schedule to save on operating costs and give employees a three-day weekend. But this means you cannot handle court business on Fridays.

Geneva County uses electronic recording through SimpliFile, CSC, and goepn.com. You can file documents electronically without visiting in person. But for warrant matters, you will likely need to call or visit.

Nearby Counties

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