Search Marion County Bench Warrants
Marion County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Hamilton keeps all bench warrant records. Marion County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit. The courthouse closes for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM daily, so plan your visit around this schedule.
Marion County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Marion 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 can issue 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 Marion County, Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Municipal Courts in Hamilton and other towns 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 Marion 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.
Marion County Office Hours
The Marion County Courthouse closes for lunch every day from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This is important to know if you plan to visit in person. Do not arrive at noon expecting to get help.
Regular office hours are:
- Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Closed for lunch: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
- Afternoon: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
If you need to handle a bench warrant, arrive in the morning or after 1:00 PM. Phone lines may also be busy during the lunch break. Plan ahead so you do not waste a trip.
Marion County does not have public transportation. You will need a car to get to the courthouse in Hamilton. Free visitor parking is available behind the courthouse building.
Marion County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Marion County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. Staff can search for warrants and give you copies of documents. Remember the lunch closure when planning your visit.
| Address |
132 Military Street South Hamilton, AL 35570 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 921-7451 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM CLOSED 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch |
The courthouse is on Military Street South in downtown Hamilton. Free parking is behind the building. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Call ahead if you have questions about fees or what to bring.
Marion 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.
| Sheriff's Office |
Hamilton, AL 35570 Phone: (205) 921-7455 |
|---|
Marion County is in northwest Alabama. The Sheriff handles all law enforcement outside city limits. They work with Hamilton Police and other local agencies. If you have a bench warrant, any law enforcement officer can arrest you.
How to Search Marion County Bench Warrants
Marion 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 (205) 921-7455 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 (205) 921-7451 to search court records. The clerk can check for bench warrants in any case. Avoid calling during the lunch break from 12 to 1 PM.
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 132 Military Street South in Hamilton. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and give you copies. Remember they close for lunch.
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 Marion 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 Marion 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 Marion 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. An active warrant can cost you a job or apartment. Clear it now to protect your future.
Marion County Bench Warrant Fees
Several fees apply when dealing with bench warrants in Marion 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.
25th Judicial Circuit
Marion County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Winston County. The same judges serve both counties and travel between courthouses on set schedules.
If your case is in Marion County, you must appear at the Hamilton courthouse. Even if a judge also serves Winston County, your warrant stays with Marion County. Do not go to the wrong courthouse.
The 25th 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 Marion 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. Birmingham office at (205) 328-3540.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Marion County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before trying to clear it.