Pike County Bench Warrant Lookup

Pike County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or violates a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Troy maintains all court records including warrants. Pike County is part of the 12th Judicial Circuit. Troy University makes this a college town with a mix of students and permanent residents. The Circuit Clerk has over 30 years of experience handling these records.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Pike County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When you fail to appear in court or do not follow a court order, the judge can issue one. A bench warrant differs from an arrest warrant. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. A bench warrant is for not following court rules.

Pike County Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both courts can issue bench warrants. Troy Municipal Court also issues bench warrants for city violations. Each warrant goes into the statewide system where any Alabama officer can see it.

Under Code of Alabama § 15-10-60, a bench warrant commands officers to arrest the person and bring them before the court. Felony bench warrants in Pike County never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may be valid for 180 days to one year.

With Troy University nearby, Pike County sees cases involving students and local residents alike. The court treats everyone the same. Miss your court date, and you may get a bench warrant. The process does not change based on who you are.

Pike County and Troy University

Troy University brings thousands of students to Pike County. Some students get in trouble with the law. Traffic tickets, alcohol violations, and other charges can lead to court dates. Missing that court date results in a bench warrant.

Students who leave town for summer or transfer schools sometimes forget about pending cases. The warrant stays active. It can show up years later during a background check for a job or apartment. If you had a case in Pike County, make sure it is resolved.

The Circuit Clerk office handles all records. They can tell you if you have an open case or warrant. Call (334) 566-5113 to check. Do not let a college mistake follow you for years.

Pike County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records. This includes bench warrants. Staff can search for warrants and give you copies. The current Circuit Clerk has over 30 years of experience and has served as President of the Alabama Circuit Clerks Association twice.

The clerk office is in Troy near the town square. Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The experienced staff handles warrant searches daily.

Pike County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to ask if a warrant exists. The Sheriff's office serves warrants and makes arrests. Many people call ahead before turning in.

Pike County is not large. The Sheriff's office knows the area well. They can tell you about any active warrants and what to expect if you turn in.

How to Search Pike County Bench Warrants

You can search for bench warrants in Pike County using several methods. The best choice depends on your needs.

Call the Sheriff: The quickest free option. Call (334) 566-4347 and ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready.

Call the Circuit Clerk: The clerk at (334) 566-5113 can check court records. They can tell you about warrants and case details. The experienced staff handles these requests daily.

Alacourt Access: Search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. This shows case details including any bench warrants.

Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk at 1318 N. Three Notch Street in Troy. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search and print copies for you.

ALEA Background Check: For a complete criminal history, get a background check from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This costs $25 and requires fingerprints.

How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Pike County

If you have a bench warrant in Pike County, you must address it. The warrant will not go away on its own. It stays active until you deal with it or police arrest you.

Hiring a lawyer is the safest way. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant and request a new court date. They may appear for you before you turn in. This can help with bail and keep you out of jail.

You can also turn yourself in. Go to the Pike County Jail or courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell staff about the warrant. You will see a judge who decides whether to set bail or hold you.

Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Anyone can check them. Employers, landlords, and schools may find out. Clear the warrant before it causes more problems.

If you owe fines or costs, you may need to pay those too. Ask the clerk what you owe. Payment plans are sometimes available.

Pike 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 vary by case. Failure to appear adds extra fees. Get a full accounting before your court date.

Alabama State Court Resources

Pike County is part of Alabama's unified court system. State resources can help you handle your case.

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts: The AOC runs the Alacourt system. Visit alacourt.gov for court forms and information.

Alabama eForms: Get court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov.

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 Pike County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may help. These groups serve Pike County 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.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Pike County. Check where your offense occurred to know which county handles your case.