Marshall County Bench Warrant Search
Marshall County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk keeps records at two courthouse locations: Guntersville and Albertville. Marshall County has over 96,000 residents and is located on Lake Guntersville in north Alabama. Make sure you go to the right courthouse for your case.
Marshall County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Marshall 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. The judge issues it because you did not do what the court told you.
In Marshall County, Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Municipal Courts in Guntersville, Albertville, Arab, and Boaz handle city violations. All can issue bench warrants. Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, these warrants direct law enforcement to arrest the named person.
Felony bench warrants in Marshall 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.
Marshall County's Two Courthouses
Marshall County has TWO courthouse locations. This is different from most Alabama counties. Knowing which courthouse handles your case is important. If you go to the wrong one, you could miss your court date and get another warrant.
The main courthouse is in Guntersville. This is the county seat. Most county offices are here. The second courthouse is in downtown Albertville. Some cases are handled there instead.
When you call about a bench warrant, ask which courthouse your case is at. The Circuit Clerk staff can tell you. If you are not sure, call before you drive to either location. Save yourself a wasted trip.
Marshall County also has four tag office locations spread across the county. But court matters and bench warrants are only handled at the two main courthouses in Guntersville and Albertville.
Marshall County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Marshall County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. Staff can search for warrants and give you copies. Contact the right location for your case.
| Guntersville Courthouse |
424 Blount Avenue Guntersville, AL 35976 Phone: (256) 571-7785 |
|---|---|
| Albertville Courthouse |
Downtown Albertville Albertville, AL 35950 Phone: (256) 878-4521 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Both courthouses have free parking. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Call ahead if you are not sure which location handles your case. Staff can search both locations if needed.
Marshall 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 works throughout the county, regardless of which courthouse your case is at.
| Sheriff's Office |
Guntersville, AL 35976 Phone: (256) 582-2034 |
|---|---|
| Website | marshallso.org |
Marshall County is on Lake Guntersville. The area attracts many visitors for fishing and recreation. If you have a bench warrant from Marshall County, it can be served anywhere you are found in Alabama. Deputies can also arrest you if you return for a visit.
How to Search Marshall County Bench Warrants
Marshall County does not have a public online warrant search. You need to call or visit in person. Here are your options for searching bench warrants.
Call the Sheriff: Call (256) 582-2034 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 Guntersville at (256) 571-7785 or Albertville at (256) 878-4521 to search court records. The clerk can check for bench warrants in any case and tell you which courthouse handles it.
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 either courthouse. Bring a valid ID. Call first to make sure you go to the right location. 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.
How to Clear a Marshall 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 Marshall 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 Marshall County Jail or either 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.
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 with judges.
Bench warrants show up on background checks. Employers and landlords can see them. If you live in or visit the Lake Guntersville area, an active warrant is a risk. Clear it now.
Marshall County Bench Warrant Fees
Several fees apply when dealing with bench warrants in Marshall 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.
Alabama State Court Resources
These state resources can help with Marshall 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. Huntsville office at (256) 536-9645.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Marshall County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before trying to clear it.