Marengo County Bench Warrants
Marengo County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Linden keeps all bench warrant records. Marengo County is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit. This rural county in the Alabama Black Belt includes the city of Demopolis and has about 18,000 residents.
Marengo County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Marengo County?
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 Marengo County, Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Municipal Courts in Linden and Demopolis 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 Marengo 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 old warrant disappeared.
About Marengo County
Marengo County was named after the Battle of Marengo, a victory by Napoleon. The county was established in 1818. It is located in the Alabama Black Belt region, known for its rich dark soil and rural character.
The county seat is Linden. Demopolis is the largest city in the county. Both have municipal courts. But county-level bench warrants must be cleared at the courthouse in Linden.
An interesting piece of history: "Rooster Hall" Presbyterian Church served as the courthouse from 1869 to 1871 after the Civil War. The county has rebuilt since then, but records from old cases may still exist in county archives.
Note: The county's E-911 service warns residents not to call 911 for court matters. Use the regular phone numbers below for warrant questions.
Marengo County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Marengo County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies of documents. Call ahead since this is a small rural office.
| Address |
101 E Coats Avenue Linden, AL 36748 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 295-2224 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
The courthouse is on Coats Avenue in downtown Linden. Parking is free. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Call ahead if you have questions about what to bring or fees.
Marengo 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 Linden.
| Sheriff's Office |
Linden, AL 36748 Phone: (334) 295-4208 |
|---|
Marengo County is a large rural county by area. The Sheriff handles all law enforcement outside city limits. They work with police in Linden, Demopolis, and smaller towns. If you have a bench warrant, any law enforcement officer can arrest you.
How to Search Marengo County Bench Warrants
Marengo County does not have an online warrant search tool. You need to call or visit in person to check for bench warrants. Here are your options.
Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 295-4208 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) 295-2224 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 E Coats Avenue in Linden. 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 Marengo 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 Marengo 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 Marengo 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. Showing up and making an effort counts for a lot.
Bench warrants show up on background checks. Employers and landlords can see them. An active warrant can cost you opportunities. Deal with it now.
Marengo County Bench Warrant Fees
Several fees apply when dealing with bench warrants in Marengo 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.
17th Judicial Circuit
Marengo County is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Greene and Sumter counties. The same judges serve all three counties and travel between courthouses on set schedules.
If your case is in Marengo County, you must appear at the Linden courthouse. Even if a judge also serves Greene or Sumter, your warrant stays with Marengo County. Do not go to the wrong courthouse.
The 17th 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 Marengo 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. Call (334) 264-1471 or toll-free at (800) 844-3754.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Marengo County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before trying to clear it.