Macon County Bench Warrants

Macon County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Tuskegee keeps all bench warrant records. Macon County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit. This county is home to Tuskegee University and the historic Tuskegee Airmen training site.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Macon 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 if 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. You did not do what the court told you to do, so the judge orders your arrest.

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

Felony bench warrants in Macon County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits, but courts often renew them. Do not assume your warrant went away on its own.

Tuskegee and Macon County History

Macon County is rich in history. Tuskegee University was founded here by Booker T. Washington in 1881. It is the only campus designated as a National Historic Site. George Washington Carver did his famous research here.

The Tuskegee Airmen trained at Moton Field in Macon County. These were the first Black military pilots in the United States. 996 pilots and 16,000 support staff trained here during World War II. The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site tells their story.

Today, Macon County is a small rural county with under 20,000 residents. Tuskegee University brings students from across the country. If you are a student with a bench warrant from Macon County, deal with it before you leave. The warrant will follow you.

The Sheriff's office has a Mounted Unit, which is unusual for a county this size. This reflects the rural nature of the area. Law enforcement can still serve bench warrants throughout the county.

Macon County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Macon County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. Staff can search for warrants and give you copies of documents. The clerk office is in the courthouse in downtown Tuskegee.

The courthouse is on Rosa Parks Plaza in downtown Tuskegee. Parking is free nearby. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Call ahead if you have questions about what to bring or fees.

Macon 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. Many people call before turning themselves in to know what to expect.

The Macon County Sheriff's office handles all law enforcement outside city limits. They work with Tuskegee Police for city matters. If you have a bench warrant, any law enforcement officer in the county can arrest you.

How to Search Macon County Bench Warrants

Macon County does not have an online warrant search. You need to call or visit in person. Here are your options for searching bench warrants.

Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 724-0669 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) 724-2614 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. 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 101 Rosa Parks Plaza in Tuskegee. 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 Macon 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. Police can arrest you during traffic stops 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 Macon 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 Macon County Jail or courthouse. Bring your ID. Tell staff you have a warrant. A judge will decide about bail. You may post bond right away or may need to wait in jail.

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. Judges look more kindly on people who show up and try.

Bench warrants show up on background checks. Employers and landlords can see them. If you are a Tuskegee student, an active warrant can affect your future career. Deal with it now.

Macon County Bench Warrant Fees

Several fees apply when dealing with bench warrants in Macon 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. The court may add fees for the warrant itself. Ask the clerk for a total before you appear so you know what to expect.

5th Judicial Circuit

Macon County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Chambers, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties. The same judges serve all four counties and travel between courthouses on set schedules.

If your case is in Macon County, you must appear at the Tuskegee courthouse. Even if a judge also serves other counties, your warrant stays with Macon County. Do not go to the wrong courthouse or you could miss your date.

The 5th 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 Macon 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. Montgomery office at (334) 264-1471.

Nearby Counties

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