Lauderdale County Bench Warrants

Lauderdale County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Florence keeps all bench warrant records. Lauderdale County is in the Shoals area of northwest Alabama. The 11th Judicial Circuit serves this county. Florence is the largest city and the county seat.

What Is a Bench Warrant?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. The name comes from the judge's bench. When someone misses a court date, the judge can issue a bench warrant. Failing to pay fines or follow other court orders can also result in a bench warrant.

Bench warrants are not the same as arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police need evidence and probable cause for an arrest warrant. A bench warrant is for not following court rules in an existing case. The judge issues it from the bench without new evidence needed.

In Lauderdale County, Circuit Court handles felony cases and major civil matters. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic violations. Municipal Courts in Florence and other cities handle city ordinance violations. All these courts can issue bench warrants. Each warrant stays active until served or recalled by the court.

Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant directs law enforcement to arrest the named person and bring them before the court. Felony bench warrants never expire in Alabama. They stay in the system forever until dealt with.

Lauderdale County and the Shoals Area

Lauderdale County is part of the Shoals region in northwest Alabama. The Shoals includes Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin, and Lawrence counties. Florence is the largest city in the region. This area is known for the Tennessee River and Muscle Shoals music history.

If you have a bench warrant in the Shoals area, make sure you know which county issued it. Each county has its own court system. A Lauderdale County bench warrant must be cleared in Lauderdale County. You cannot handle it in Colbert or any other county.

The University of North Alabama is in Florence. Students with bench warrants from Lauderdale County need to deal with the local court. Out of state students should know that a bench warrant can follow them. It shows up on background checks and can cause problems later.

Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Lauderdale County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. You can request copies of documents from this office. Staff can search for warrants and tell you what you owe.

The courthouse is in downtown Florence on Court Street. Parking is available nearby. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Staff can help you search for records and get copies. Call ahead if you have questions about fees or what to bring.

Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. They arrest people with bench warrants. You can call to ask if a warrant exists in your name. The Sheriff's office is often the fastest way to check for warrants by phone.

If you plan to turn yourself in, call the Sheriff first. They can tell you what to expect. You may be able to post bail right away. Or you may need to see a judge first. It depends on the type of warrant and the charges.

How to Search Lauderdale County Bench Warrants

There are several ways to search for bench warrants in Lauderdale County. The right method depends on how fast you need the info and whether you want official records.

Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 760-5757 to check for active warrants. Have the full name and date of birth ready. This is free and usually quick.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 760-5728 to search court records. The clerk can check for bench warrants in any case. Staff may ask you to come in for detailed requests.

Alacourt Access: Search court records 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 Circuit Clerk office at 200 South Court Street in Florence. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and provide copies. Certified copies cost more than regular copies.

Most bench warrant records are public under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40. Some exceptions apply to juvenile and sealed records. Anyone can request to see public warrant records.

How to Clear a Lauderdale County Bench Warrant

A bench warrant will not disappear on its own. You must take action to clear it. The sooner you deal with it, the better. Waiting only makes things worse.

The best approach is to hire a lawyer. An attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant. They can negotiate with the court and may help you avoid jail. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about a public defender when you appear in court.

You can turn yourself in at the Lauderdale County Jail or courthouse. Go during business hours and bring your ID. Tell staff you have a warrant and want to turn yourself in. You will see a judge who decides about bail.

If your bench warrant is for unpaid fines, be ready to discuss payment. Courts work with people who cannot pay all at once. Ask about a payment plan. Showing up and taking responsibility counts for a lot with judges.

Bench warrants show up on background checks. Employers and landlords can see them. An active bench warrant can cost you a job or a place to live. Clear it now to protect your future.

Lauderdale County Bench Warrant Fees

Several fees may apply when you deal with bench warrants in Lauderdale County. Here is what to expect.

• Sheriff phone check: Free
• Alacourt name search: $9.99
• Document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
• Regular copies: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 and up
• Passport execution fee: $35 (unrelated to warrants)

If your bench warrant involves unpaid fines or court costs, you will owe those amounts too. The court may add fees for the warrant itself. Ask the clerk for a full accounting before you appear. This way you know the total amount owed.

Legal Help in Lauderdale County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, several options exist in the Shoals area.

Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for low-income residents. The Huntsville office serves northwest Alabama. Call (256) 536-9645 or toll-free at (800) 371-5342.

Public Defender: If you qualify based on income, the court will appoint a public defender. Ask about this when you first appear before the judge.

Alabama State Bar Referral: The state bar can connect you with local lawyers. Some offer free or low-cost first meetings. Call (800) 392-5660.

Alabama State Court Resources

These state resources can help with Lauderdale County bench warrant matters.

Alacourt Portal: The main court portal at alacourt.gov has forms, court info, and links to local courts.

Alabama eForms: Download court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov. Forms are free.

AlaPay: Pay court fines online at alapay.com. You need your case number to pay.

ALEA Background Check: Get your own criminal history from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The fee is $25. Visit ALEA Criminal Records for info.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lauderdale County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant. Each county has its own court system.