Houston County Bench Warrants

Houston County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Dothan maintains all official court records. The 20th Judicial Circuit serves Houston County along with Henry County. Houston County is the youngest county in Alabama, created in 1903. Dothan is known as the Peanut Capital of the World.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Houston County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. The judge issues it from the bench. In Houston 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 at any time. There are no restrictions on when they can arrest you. They can come to your home, your job, or pull you over during a traffic stop.

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 Houston 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.

Houston County Circuit Clerk

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

Houston County is one of the larger courts in southeast Alabama. The clerk office handles thousands of cases each year. Call ahead to ask what documents to bring and what fees to expect.

Houston County Sheriff's Office

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

Sheriff Valenza was sworn in as President of the Alabama Sheriff's Association in January 2024. The Houston County Sheriff's Office is one of the busier offices in the region. The phone check for warrants is usually free.

How to Search Houston County Bench Warrants

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

Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 677-4888. 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) 671-8764. 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 Houston 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 Houston 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.

Dothan Amnesty Court Program

Dothan Municipal Court runs an Amnesty Court program. This is for people with failure to appear or failure to pay warrants from city court. It gives you a chance to clear warrants without going to jail.

The program is held on specific dates announced by the court. Check with Dothan Municipal Court for the next Amnesty Court date. You must appear in person during the amnesty period. The court may waive some fees or set up payment plans.

Amnesty Court only applies to Dothan Municipal Court warrants. County bench warrants from the Circuit or District Court are not included. Make sure you know which court issued your warrant before going to Amnesty Court.

Houston 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.

Houston County Court Information

Houston County is the youngest county in Alabama. It was created in 1903 from parts of Dale, Geneva, and Henry counties. Dothan is the county seat and the largest city in southeast Alabama.

Dothan is known as the Peanut Capital of the World. The National Peanut Festival is held here each year. The city is also a hub for the Wiregrass region, which includes parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

Fort Novosel, the U.S. Army Aviation Center, is located nearby in Dale County. Many military families live in Houston County. If you have a warrant, being in the military does not change the process. You still must clear it through the court.

Cities in Houston County

Houston County includes Dothan, the only city over 50,000 population. Dothan has its own municipal court for city ordinance violations. County courts handle felonies and most misdemeanors for all county residents.

Nearby Counties

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