Search Hale County Bench Warrants

Hale County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Greensboro maintains all official court records. The 4th Judicial Circuit serves Hale County along with Bibb, Dallas, Perry, and Wilcox counties. Greensboro calls itself the Catfish Capital of Alabama and is home to Moundville Archaeological Park.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Hale County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. In Hale County, judges issue bench warrants when someone fails to appear in court or does not 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 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 Hale 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.

Hale County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Hale County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and judgments. The office is on Main Street in downtown Greensboro. 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.

Hale County Sheriff's Office

The Hale 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 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 Hale County Bench Warrants

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

Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 624-3081. 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) 624-4334. 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.

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 Hale 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 Hale 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.

Hale 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.

Hale County Court Information

Greensboro is the county seat and largest town. Hale County calls itself the Catfish Capital of Alabama. The county is also home to Moundville Archaeological Park, which contains Native American mounds from over 1,000 years ago.

Three Alabama governors were born in Hale County. The area has deep roots in state history. Today, the county has a small population but maintains a full court system as part of the 4th Judicial Circuit.

The 4th Judicial Circuit serves five counties: Hale, Bibb, Dallas, Perry, and Wilcox. Judges travel between all five counties. If you have warrants in multiple counties within the circuit, you may be able to coordinate with the court to address them together.

Nearby Counties

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