Find Monroe County Bench Warrants
Monroe County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Monroeville keeps all bench warrant records. Monroe County is part of the 35th Judicial Circuit. This county is known as the "Literary Capital of Alabama" and home to the famous To Kill a Mockingbird courthouse.
Monroe County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Monroe 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 Monroe County, Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Municipal Court in Monroeville 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 Monroe County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits, but courts often renew them. Your warrant did not go away just because time passed.
Monroe County's Famous Courthouse
Monroe County is known as the "Literary Capital of Alabama." Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird, was born and raised in Monroeville. Her childhood friend Truman Capote also lived here. The Old Monroe County Courthouse inspired the courtroom scenes in the novel and film.
The Old Courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added in 1973. Hollywood recreated the courtroom for the 1962 film starring Gregory Peck. Each year, the Mockingbird Players perform the story in the actual courthouse where Harper Lee grew up.
Today, Monroe County uses a newer courthouse for court business. But visitors still come to see the historic building. If you have a bench warrant in Monroe County, you deal with the working court system at the current courthouse. The famous old building is a museum.
Monroe County courts take their work seriously. The literary history does not change how they handle bench warrants. If you miss a court date, you will get a warrant. Clear it before it causes bigger problems.
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Monroe 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 at the current courthouse on Alabama Avenue.
| Circuit Clerk | Wesley Hines |
|---|---|
| Address |
65 North Alabama Avenue, Room 220 Monroeville, AL 36460 |
| Phone | (251) 743-2283 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
The courthouse is on North Alabama Avenue in downtown Monroeville. Parking is free nearby. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Call ahead if you have questions about fees or what to bring.
Monroe 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 works throughout Monroe County.
| Sheriff's Office |
Monroeville, AL 36460 Phone: (251) 575-2963 |
|---|
Monroe County is a large rural county by area. It covers over 1,000 square miles. The Sheriff handles all law enforcement outside city limits. If you have a bench warrant, the Sheriff or local police can arrest you anywhere in the county.
How to Search Monroe County Bench Warrants
Monroe 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 (251) 575-2963 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 (251) 743-2283 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 65 North Alabama Avenue in Monroeville. 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 Monroe 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 with judges.
Bench warrants show up on background checks. Employers and landlords can see them. An active warrant can cost you opportunities. Clear it now to protect your future.
Monroe County Bench Warrant Fees
Several fees apply when dealing with bench warrants in Monroe 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.
35th Judicial Circuit
Monroe County is part of the 35th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also includes Conecuh County. The same judges serve both counties and travel between courthouses on set schedules.
If your case is in Monroe County, you must appear at the Monroeville courthouse. Even if a judge also serves Conecuh County, your warrant stays with Monroe County. Do not go to the wrong courthouse.
The 35th 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 Monroe 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.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Monroe County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before trying to clear it.