Search Lowndes County Bench Warrants
Lowndes County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Hayneville keeps all bench warrant records. Lowndes County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. This small rural county in the Alabama Black Belt has limited online resources, so phone and in-person requests work best.
Lowndes County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant?
A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When someone misses a court date, the judge issues a bench warrant. Not paying fines or breaking probation rules can also result in a bench warrant.
Bench warrants differ from arrest warrants. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. Police need evidence and probable cause. A bench warrant is for not following rules in an existing case. You did not do what the court told you to do.
In Lowndes County, Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both courts can issue bench warrants. Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant directs law enforcement to arrest the named person.
Felony bench warrants never expire in Lowndes County. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits, but courts often renew them. Your warrant did not go away just because time passed.
Lowndes County History
Lowndes County has deep roots in civil rights history. In the 1960s, it was known as "Bloody Lowndes" due to violence against Black residents seeking to vote. The Selma to Montgomery march route passed through this county. Organizers from SNCC helped form the Lowndes County Freedom Organization here.
Today, Lowndes County is a small rural county in the Black Belt region of Alabama. The population is under 10,000. Hayneville, the county seat, is a small town. Most government services are centralized at the courthouse.
Because Lowndes County is small, the court system handles fewer cases than larger counties. But bench warrants issued here are just as serious. They stay in the state system and can be served anywhere in Alabama. If you have a Lowndes County bench warrant, you must clear it in Lowndes County.
Lowndes County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Lowndes County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. Staff can search for warrants and give you copies. Call ahead before visiting since office hours may be limited.
| Circuit Clerk | Stephanie Jones |
|---|---|
| Address |
1 South Washington Street Hayneville, AL 36040 |
| Phone | (334) 548-2252 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
The courthouse is on Washington Street in downtown Hayneville. Parking is free. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Lowndes County has limited online resources, so phone calls and in-person visits work best.
Lowndes 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. The Sheriff's office is also in Hayneville.
| Sheriff's Office |
Hayneville, AL 36040 Phone: (334) 548-2151 |
|---|
Lowndes County is a rural county. The Sheriff's office handles all law enforcement outside city limits. If you have a bench warrant, the Sheriff can arrest you anywhere in the county. They also work with state troopers and other agencies.
How to Search Lowndes County Bench Warrants
Lowndes County has limited online resources for warrant searches. Phone calls and in-person visits work best. Here are your options.
Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 548-2151 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 (334) 548-2252 to search court records. The clerk can check for bench warrants in any case. Staff may ask you to visit in person for detailed requests.
Alacourt Access: Search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. This is the state court system. A name search costs $9.99 and shows case details including bench warrants.
Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk office at 1 South Washington Street in Hayneville. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and provide copies.
Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, most bench warrant records are public. Anyone can request to see them.
How to Clear a Lowndes County Bench Warrant
A bench warrant will not go away on its own. You must deal with it. The longer you wait, the more problems it causes. Police can arrest you during traffic stops, at work, or at home.
The best option is to hire a lawyer. An attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant. They know the local judges and how Lowndes County 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 Lowndes 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 or may need to wait.
If your warrant is for unpaid fines, be ready to talk about payment. Courts work with people who cannot pay everything at once. Ask about a payment plan. Showing up and making an effort helps your case.
Bench warrants show up on background checks. Employers and landlords can see them. An active warrant can cost you a job or apartment. Clear it now to protect your future.
Lowndes County Bench Warrant Fees
Several fees may apply when dealing with bench warrants in Lowndes County. Some searches are free. Others have costs.
- 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 too. The court may add fees for the warrant. Ask the clerk for a total before you appear.
2nd Judicial Circuit
Lowndes County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Butler and Crenshaw counties. The same judges serve all three counties. They travel between courthouses on set schedules.
If your case is in Lowndes County, you must appear at the Hayneville courthouse. Even if a judge also serves Butler or Crenshaw, your warrant stays with Lowndes County. Do not go to the wrong courthouse.
The 2nd Circuit handles both criminal and civil cases. Circuit Court takes felonies and major civil matters. District Court handles misdemeanors and small claims. Both courts can issue bench warrants for failure to appear.
Alabama State Court Resources
These state resources can help with Lowndes County bench warrant matters.
Alacourt Portal: Main court portal at alacourt.gov with forms and 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. Montgomery office at (334) 264-1471.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lowndes County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before trying to clear it.