Jefferson County Bench Warrants
Jefferson County bench warrants are issued by judges when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk and Sheriff's office keep these records. Jefferson County is the largest county in Alabama with over 674,000 residents. The 10th Judicial Circuit serves this county with two court divisions: Birmingham and Bessemer.
Jefferson County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Jefferson County?
A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When someone misses a court date or breaks a court order, the judge can issue a bench warrant. This is not the same as an arrest warrant. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. A bench warrant is for not following court rules in an existing case.
In Jefferson County, judges at Circuit Court and District Court issue bench warrants. Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Municipal Courts in Birmingham and other cities also issue bench warrants for city ordinance violations. Each type stays in the system until the person is found or the court recalls it.
Under Code of Alabama § 15-10-60, a bench warrant directs law enforcement to arrest the person and bring them before the court. Felony bench warrants in Jefferson County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have limits, but courts often renew them.
Jefferson County's Two Court Divisions
Jefferson County is the only county in Alabama with two separate court divisions. The Birmingham Division covers the east side of the county. The Bessemer Division covers the west side. Which division handles your case depends on where you live or where the offense took place.
The Birmingham Division serves Birmingham, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Trussville, Irondale, and other east side cities. Most Jefferson County bench warrants come from this division since it serves the larger part of the population. The courthouse is at 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N in downtown Birmingham.
The Bessemer Division serves Bessemer, Hueytown, Pleasant Grove, Midfield, and other west side cities. This division has its own courthouse at 1851 2nd Ave N in Bessemer. If your case started in the Bessemer area, you must deal with that division even if you now live elsewhere in the county.
Cell phones are not allowed in the Criminal Justice Center. Plan to leave yours in your car or at home when you visit to handle a bench warrant in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records, including bench warrants in Jefferson County. Each division has its own clerk office. Staff can search for warrants and give you copies of court documents. Call ahead to ask what you need to bring.
| Birmingham Division |
Jefferson County Courthouse 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Room 420 Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 325-5355 |
|---|---|
| Bessemer Division |
Bessemer Courthouse 1851 2nd Ave N Bessemer, AL 35020 Phone: (205) 497-8510 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | jeffersoncircuitclerk.alacourt.gov |
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
The Jefferson County Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. The Warrants Division handles bench warrant inquiries and executes arrests. You can call to ask if a warrant exists. Many people call the Sheriff before turning themselves in so they know what to expect.
| Sheriff's Office |
2200 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 325-5700 |
|---|---|
| Warrants Division |
801 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd Birmingham, AL 35203 Phone: (205) 325-5725 |
| Sheriff | Mark Pettway |
The Jefferson County Sheriff serves about 250,000 civil processes and 20,000 warrants each year. This is by far the busiest in the state. Expect waits if you visit in person during busy times.
How to Search Jefferson County Bench Warrants
You can search for bench warrants in Jefferson County in several ways. The method you choose depends on how fast you need the info and whether you want to do it yourself or ask someone to check for you.
Call the Sheriff: The Warrants Division at (205) 325-5725 can tell you if a warrant exists. This is often the fastest free option. Have the person's full name and date of birth ready when you call.
Call the Circuit Clerk: The clerk office can check court records for warrants. Call the Birmingham Division at (205) 325-5355 or Bessemer Division at (205) 497-8510. Staff may ask you to come in person for detailed searches.
Alacourt Access: Search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99 and shows case details including any bench warrants issued. Document images cost $5.00 for the first 20 pages.
Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk office at either courthouse. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and print copies for you. Certified copies cost more than plain ones.
Public Records Request: For bulk requests or formal requests, use the NextRequest portal at jeffersoncounty.nextrequest.com.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Jefferson County
If you have an active bench warrant in Jefferson County, you have options. The worst thing you can do is nothing. A bench warrant will not go away on its own. It stays in the system until you deal with it or until police arrest you.
The safest approach is to hire a lawyer first. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant and set a new court date. In some cases, the lawyer can appear on your behalf before you turn yourself in. This may help you avoid jail time or get a lower bond.
You can also turn yourself in directly. Go to the Jefferson County Jail or the courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell them you have a warrant and want to turn yourself in. You will see a judge who will decide whether to set bail, release you, or hold you.
Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Anyone can ask to see them. This means employers, landlords, and others may find out about an active warrant during a background check. Clear it now rather than wait.
Jefferson County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply when you search for records or handle a case in Jefferson County. The Sheriff's phone inquiry is usually free. Formal searches and copies have costs.
- Alacourt name search: $9.99
- Alacourt document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
- Copy fees: varies by page count
- Certified copies: $5.00 and up
- Sheriff phone check: Free
If you have fines or court costs tied to your bench warrant, you may owe those too. Ask the clerk what you owe before you appear. You may be able to set up a payment plan rather than pay all at once.
Legal Help in Jefferson County
Several groups offer legal help in Jefferson County. Some give free services to people with low income. Others charge a fee for the first meeting.
Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for low-income residents. Call (205) 328-3540 or toll-free at (866) 456-4995. Spanish speakers can call (888) 835-3505.
Birmingham Volunteer Lawyers Program: Helps with court matters at no cost. Call (205) 250-5198 to see if you qualify.
Birmingham Bar Association Referral: First meeting up to $50 for 30 minutes. Call (205) 251-8006.
Jefferson County Law Library: Free forms and research help. Located in the Birmingham courthouse. Call (205) 325-5628 or visit lawlib.jccal.org.
Cities in Jefferson County
Jefferson County has over 35 cities and towns. All file cases at the Jefferson County Circuit Court. Which division you use depends on where you live. Cities on the east side use Birmingham Division. Cities on the west side use Bessemer Division.
Other cities in Jefferson County include Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Bessemer, Trussville, Gardendale, Center Point, Hueytown, and Irondale.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Jefferson County. If you are not sure which county handles your case, check the address where the offense happened. You must deal with the right county for the warrant.