Mobile County Bench Warrants
Mobile County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records. Mobile County has an online warrant search tool at mobileso.com. This is one of the few Alabama counties with free online warrant lookup. Mobile is Alabama's port city with over 420,000 residents in the county.
Mobile County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Mobile 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. The judge issues it because you did not do what the court told you.
In Mobile County, Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Municipal Court in Mobile handles city violations. All can issue bench warrants. Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, these warrants command law enforcement to arrest the named person.
Felony bench warrants in Mobile 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.
Mobile County Online Warrant Search
Mobile County is one of the few Alabama counties with a free online warrant search. The Sheriff's office provides this tool. You can search for active warrants without calling or visiting in person.
Warrant Search URL: mobileso.com/warrant-search/
This search shows active warrants in the Sheriff's system. Enter a name to see results. The search is free and available 24/7. Keep in mind that new warrants may not appear right away. The database gets updated on a schedule.
The Sheriff's office also has an MCSO Mugshots app. This mobile app lets you search for warrants on your phone. It is available for download on major app stores.
Mobile County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Mobile County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. For official court records and copies, contact the clerk office. The online Sheriff search is for checking active warrants only.
| Circuit Clerk | Sharla Knox |
|---|---|
| Address |
205 Government Street, Suite 913 Mobile, AL 36644 |
| Phone | (251) 574-8786 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
The Mobile County Courthouse is on Government Street in downtown Mobile. Parking is available in nearby lots and decks. Bring a valid ID when you visit.
Mobile County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants and operates the online search tool. They execute bench warrants when they find the named person. You can search online or call to verify warrant status.
| Sheriff | Paul Burch |
|---|---|
| Address |
510 South Royal Street Mobile, AL 36603 |
| Phone | (251) 574-2423 |
| Online Warrant Search | mobileso.com/warrant-search/ |
Mobile County is a large county. The Metro Jail has capacity for about 1,500 inmates. The Sheriff works with Mobile Police, Prichard Police, and other agencies on warrant service.
How to Search Mobile County Bench Warrants
Mobile County offers several ways to search for bench warrants, including a free online tool. Here are all your options.
Online Warrant Search: Go to mobileso.com/warrant-search/. This is free and available 24/7. Enter a name to search for active warrants.
Municipal Records Search: For city of Mobile warrants, search at municipalrecordsearch.com/mobileal.
Call the Sheriff: Call (251) 574-2423 to check for active warrants by phone. Have the full name and date of birth ready.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (251) 574-8786 to search court records. The clerk can provide details about cases and bench warrants.
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 205 Government Street. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search records and provide copies.
How to Clear a Mobile 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. With the online search, others can easily see if you have a warrant. Clear it now.
The best option is to hire a lawyer. An attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant. They know the Mobile 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 Mobile County Metro Jail or courthouse. Bring your ID. Tell staff you have a warrant. A judge will decide about bail.
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 with judges.
Mobile is a port city. Many employers do background checks. An active bench warrant will show up. It can cost you a job at the shipyards, Airbus, or other major employers. Clear your warrant before it causes bigger problems.
Mobile County Bench Warrant Fees
Several fees apply when dealing with bench warrants in Mobile County. The online search is free. Other services have costs.
- Online warrant search: Free
- 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.
Mobile County and the Gulf Coast
Mobile County is on the Gulf of Mexico. It includes part of Alabama's coastline. The Port of Mobile is one of the busiest in the nation. Major employers include Austal USA shipbuilding and Airbus manufacturing.
America's original Mardi Gras is in Mobile. It started here in 1703, before New Orleans existed. Thousands visit for the parades each year. If you have a bench warrant and plan to visit for Mardi Gras, be careful. Police are active during the festival.
Mobile is also home to the federal Southern District of Alabama court. Federal bench warrants are different from state warrants. This page covers Mobile County state bench warrants. For federal matters, contact the U.S. Marshals Service.
Alabama State Court Resources
These state resources can help with Mobile 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. Mobile office at (251) 433-6560.
Cities in Mobile County
Mobile County includes the city of Mobile and several smaller cities. Each has its own municipal court. County-level bench warrants are handled at the Mobile County Courthouse.
The city of Mobile has over 201,000 residents. It is Alabama's second-largest city. Other cities in the county include Prichard, Saraland, and Chickasaw.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Mobile County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before trying to clear it.