Pickens County Bench Warrant Search
Pickens County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not comply with a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Carrollton maintains these records. Pickens County is part of the 24th Judicial Circuit. The historic courthouse here is famous for the Face in the Window legend from 1878. Today, the court handles routine bench warrants like any other county.
Pickens County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Pickens County?
A bench warrant is a court order for your arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When you miss a court date or break a court order, the judge can issue one. This is not the same as an arrest warrant for a new crime. A bench warrant is for failing to follow the court's rules.
In Pickens County, both Circuit Court and District Court issue bench warrants. Circuit Court handles felonies. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic cases. Once issued, the warrant goes into the statewide system. Any officer in Alabama can see it and arrest you.
Under Code of Alabama § 15-10-60, a bench warrant directs law enforcement to arrest the person and bring them to court. Felony bench warrants in Pickens County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may last 180 days to one year, but courts often renew them.
The Face in the Window legend adds mystery to this courthouse. But bench warrants are not mysterious at all. They are simple court orders that stay active until dealt with. Do not ignore one.
The Face in the Window Legend
The Pickens County Courthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is famous for the Face in the Window. In 1878, Henry Wells was accused of burning down the old courthouse. Legend says lightning struck while he stood at a window, etching his face into the glass.
The face is still visible today. Visitors come from all over to see it. The courthouse building also handles serious court business. Bench warrants are issued here just like any other county. The historic setting does not change how the law works.
If you have a warrant in Pickens County, you must deal with it at this same courthouse. The clerk office handles all records. The building may be old, but the court system is modern.
Pickens County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records. This includes bench warrants. You can search for warrants and get copies of court documents here. Call before you visit to ask what you need.
| Circuit Clerk | Keith "Booty" Cox |
|---|---|
| Address |
20 Phoenix Avenue Carrollton, AL 35447 |
| Phone | (205) 367-2050 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
The clerk office is in the historic courthouse in downtown Carrollton. Street parking is available. The staff can check for warrants and provide case information.
Pickens County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to check if a warrant exists. The Sheriff's office executes warrants and makes arrests. Many people call before turning in to know what to expect.
| Address |
Pickens County Sheriff's Office Carrollton, AL 35447 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 367-2217 |
Pickens County is rural. The Sheriff handles all law enforcement in unincorporated areas. Even a small county tracks its warrants carefully. Do not assume a warrant disappeared because time passed.
How to Search Pickens County Bench Warrants
You can search for bench warrants in Pickens County using several methods. Pick the one that works best for your situation.
Call the Sheriff: The fastest free option. Call (205) 367-2217 and ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready. Staff can usually check quickly.
Call the Circuit Clerk: The clerk at (205) 367-2050 can search court records. They can tell you about warrants and case details. Some searches may need an in-person visit.
Alacourt Access: Search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. This shows case details and any bench warrants issued.
Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk office at 20 Phoenix Avenue in Carrollton. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search and print copies. See the Face in the Window while you are there.
ALEA Background Check: For a full criminal history, request a check from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This costs $25 and needs fingerprints. Mail requests to ALEA, P.O. Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511.
How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Pickens County
If you have a bench warrant in Pickens County, you need to handle it. The warrant will not go away on its own. It stays active until you deal with it or get arrested.
Hiring a lawyer is the safest choice. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant. They may get a new court date set. Sometimes the lawyer can appear for you first. This may help you get a lower bond or avoid jail.
You can turn yourself in without a lawyer. Go to the Pickens County Jail or courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell them about the warrant. You will see a judge who decides on bail.
Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Employers and landlords can check. An active warrant can hurt your job and housing. Clear it before it causes more problems.
If you owe fines, you may need to pay those too. Ask the clerk what you owe. Payment plans may be available if you cannot pay all at once.
Pickens County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply when you search records or handle your case. The Sheriff's phone check is usually free. Other services have costs.
- Alacourt name search: $9.99
- Alacourt document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
- Copy fees: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 and up
- ALEA background check: $25.00
- Sheriff phone check: Free
Court costs and fines depend on your case. Failure to appear often adds extra fees. Get a full accounting from the clerk before you appear.
Alabama State Court Resources
Pickens County is part of Alabama's unified court system. These state resources can help you.
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts: The AOC runs the Alacourt system. Visit alacourt.gov for forms and info.
Alabama eForms: Get court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov. This includes record request forms and motions.
AlaPay: Pay fines online at alapay.com. You need your case number.
ALEA: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency handles background checks. Call (334) 676-7700 or visit alea.gov.
Legal Help in Pickens County
If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may help. These groups serve low-income residents.
Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for those who qualify. Call (334) 832-4570 or toll-free (866) 456-4995.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral: Get connected to a local lawyer. Call (800) 392-5660. The first meeting may cost less.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Pickens County. Check which county handles your case based on where the offense occurred.