Limestone County Bench Warrants

Limestone County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Athens keeps all bench warrant records. Limestone County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama. New warrants are issued only on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and afternoons.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Limestone County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When you miss a court date, the judge can issue a bench warrant. The same happens when you do not pay fines or break probation rules.

Bench warrants differ from arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police need evidence to get one. A bench warrant is for not following rules in an existing case. No new crime is required. You simply did not do what the court told you to do.

In Limestone County, Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Municipal Courts in Athens and other cities handle city violations. All can issue bench warrants. Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, these warrants direct law enforcement to arrest the person named.

Felony bench warrants in Limestone County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled by the court. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits but courts often renew them. Do not assume your warrant went away.

Limestone County Warrant Schedule

Limestone County has a specific schedule for issuing new warrants. This is different from many other Alabama counties. Knowing this schedule can help you plan when to deal with your case.

Warrant hours are Tuesday and Thursday only:

• Morning session: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Afternoon session: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

This means if you miss a court date on a Monday, the warrant will likely be issued on Tuesday. The limited schedule affects when new warrants enter the system. However, existing warrants are active 24/7. Police can serve them any day of the week.

If you want to turn yourself in, any day works. The jail accepts people with active warrants every day. The warrant schedule only affects when new warrants are created, not when they can be served.

Limestone County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Limestone County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. Staff can search for warrants and provide document copies. The clerk office is in the courthouse in downtown Athens.

The courthouse is on Washington Street in downtown Athens. Parking is available on the square and in nearby lots. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Call ahead with questions about fees or what you need.

Limestone County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. They execute bench warrants when they find the named person. You can call to ask if a warrant exists in your name. This is often the fastest way to check.

Limestone County has grown fast in recent years. The Sheriff's office handles more calls than in the past. If you have a bench warrant, do not wait for them to find you. Turn yourself in when you are ready.

How to Search Limestone County Bench Warrants

There are several ways to check for bench warrants in Limestone County. Pick the method that works best for your situation.

Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 232-0111 to check for active warrants. Have the full name and date of birth ready. This is free.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (256) 233-6406 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 info and any bench warrants issued.

Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk office at 200 West Washington Street in Athens. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and give you copies.

Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, most bench warrant records are public. Anyone can request to see them. Juvenile and sealed records have limits.

How to Clear a Limestone County Bench Warrant

A bench warrant will not go away on its own. You must take action. The longer you wait, the worse it gets. Clear your warrant before police find you during a traffic stop or at home.

The best option is to hire a lawyer. An attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant. They know the Limestone County judges and how the courts work. A lawyer may help you avoid jail or get a lower bond.

You can turn yourself in without a lawyer. Go to the Limestone County Jail or courthouse. Bring your ID. Tell staff you have a warrant. A judge will decide about bail. You may be able to post bond right away.

If your 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 making an effort counts for a lot.

Bench warrants appear on background checks. An active warrant can cost you a job or apartment. With Limestone County growing so fast, more employers and landlords are doing checks. Deal with your warrant now.

Limestone County Bench Warrant Fees

Several fees apply when dealing with bench warrants in Limestone County. Some searches are free while others cost money.

• 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

If your bench warrant is for unpaid fines or court costs, you will owe those amounts. The court may add fees for the warrant itself. Ask the clerk for a total before you appear so you know what to expect.

Fast-Growing Limestone County

Limestone County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Alabama. The population has increased significantly in recent years. Athens is growing, and new developments are popping up across the county.

Growth means more people, more traffic, and more court cases. The courts are busier than before. If you have a bench warrant from years ago, it is still in the system. The case did not disappear just because the county changed around you.

Many new residents move to Limestone County from other states. If you moved here with an Alabama bench warrant from another county, it can still be served here. Limestone County deputies can arrest you on a warrant from any Alabama county. They will transfer you to where the warrant was issued.

Alabama State Court Resources

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

Alacourt Portal: Main court portal at alacourt.gov with forms and court info.

Alabama eForms: Free court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov.

AlaPay: Pay fines online at alapay.com.

ALEA Background Check: Get your own record from ALEA Criminal Records for $25.

Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for low-income residents. Huntsville office at (256) 536-9645.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Limestone County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before trying to clear it.