Montgomery County Bench Warrants

Montgomery County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk keeps records for all four court divisions. Montgomery County is home to the state capital with over 226,000 residents. The 15th Judicial Circuit serves this busy county with Criminal, Civil, Domestic, and Juvenile divisions.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Montgomery 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.

In Montgomery County, the Circuit Clerk manages seven courts. The Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. There are also courts for domestic relations and juvenile matters. Municipal Court handles city violations. All can issue bench warrants.

Under Code of Alabama Section 15-10-60, a bench warrant commands law enforcement to arrest the named person. Felony bench warrants in Montgomery County never expire. Misdemeanor warrants may have time limits but courts often renew them.

Montgomery County Court Divisions

Montgomery County has four main court divisions. Each handles different types of cases. Knowing which division has your case helps you deal with your bench warrant.

Criminal Division: Handles felony charges, serious misdemeanors, and criminal appeals. Most bench warrants for failure to appear on criminal charges come from this division.

Civil Division: Handles lawsuits, contract disputes, and civil matters. Bench warrants here are rare but can happen for contempt of court.

Domestic Division: Handles divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence cases. Bench warrants are common here for missing hearings or not paying support.

Juvenile Division: Handles cases involving minors. Records are usually sealed, but bench warrants can still be issued for parents or guardians.

When you call the clerk about a bench warrant, they can tell you which division handles your case. You need this info to deal with the warrant properly.

Montgomery: State Capital

Montgomery is the capital of Alabama. All state government offices are here. Maxwell Air Force Base is a major employer. The city has rich civil rights history. Rosa Parks started the bus boycott here. Martin Luther King Jr. led the movement from Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.

Because it is the state capital, many people pass through Montgomery. State employees, military personnel, and visitors come from across Alabama. If you have a bench warrant anywhere in the state, Montgomery law enforcement can arrest you. They work closely with other agencies.

Montgomery County is the fourth most populous county in Alabama. The courts stay busy. The clerk office handles thousands of cases each year. If you have a bench warrant, deal with it. Do not wait for a traffic stop to find out it is still active.

Montgomery County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Montgomery County. This includes bench warrants, case files, and court orders. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies. The clerk manages records for all four divisions.

The courthouse is on South Lawrence Street in downtown Montgomery. Parking is available in nearby lots. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Call ahead if you have questions about fees or which division handles your case.

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. They execute bench warrants when they find the named person. You can search for inmates online or call to check warrant status.

The Sheriff works with Montgomery Police and other agencies. If you have a bench warrant, any law enforcement officer in the county can arrest you.

How to Search Montgomery County Bench Warrants

Montgomery County offers several ways to search for bench warrants. Here are your options.

Call the Magistrate: Call (334) 832-1349 for warrant questions. This is a good first call to check status.

Call the Sheriff: Call (334) 832-4980 to check for active warrants. Have the full name and date of birth ready.

Inmate Search: Check if someone is already in custody at mcso.mc-ala.org/pubquery/.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Call (334) 832-1260 to search court records. The clerk can check for bench warrants in any division.

Alacourt Access: Search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. The Just One Look service is also available for $9.99 per case.

Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk office at 251 South Lawrence Street. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search all divisions.

Montgomery County Court Fees

Montgomery County has specific fees for court services. Here is what to expect.

• Just One Look: $9.99 per case
• Alacourt circuit search: $29.99
• Document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
• Additional pages: $0.50 each
• Certified copies: $5.00 and up
• Sheriff phone check: Free

If your bench warrant is for unpaid fines or court costs, you will owe those amounts. The court may add fees for the warrant. Ask the clerk for a total before you appear.

How to Clear a Montgomery County Bench Warrant

A bench warrant will not go away on its own. You must take action. Montgomery County courts are busy. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.

The best option is to hire a lawyer. An attorney can file a motion to recall the warrant. They know the Montgomery County judges and four court divisions. A lawyer may help you avoid jail or get a lower bond.

You can turn yourself in without a lawyer. Go to the Montgomery County Jail or courthouse. Bring your ID. Tell staff you have a warrant and which division it is from. A judge will decide about bail.

If your warrant is for child support or domestic matters, deal with it quickly. The Domestic Division takes these cases seriously. Falling further behind makes it harder to catch up.

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 counts for a lot with judges.

Legal Help in Montgomery County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, help is available in Montgomery County.

Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for low-income residents. Montgomery office at 500 Bell Street. Call (334) 264-1471 or toll-free at (800) 844-3754.

Public Defender: If you qualify by income, the court will appoint a public defender. Ask about this when you first appear.

Montgomery County Bar Association: Lawyer referral service. Some attorneys offer low-cost first meetings.

Alabama State Court Resources

These state resources can help with Montgomery 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: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency headquarters is in Montgomery. Get your own record from ALEA Criminal Records for $25.

Cities in Montgomery County

Montgomery County includes the city of Montgomery and several smaller cities. The city of Montgomery has its own municipal court. County-level bench warrants are handled at the courthouse on Lawrence Street.

Montgomery is Alabama's fourth-largest city with about 195,000 residents. It is the state capital. Other cities in the county include Prattville (in Autauga County), Pike Road, and Millbrook.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Montgomery County. Make sure you know which county issued your warrant before trying to clear it.