Find Randolph County Bench Warrants

Randolph County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Wedowee maintains these records. Randolph County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit. This rural county near the Georgia border has an anonymous tip hotline for reporting wanted persons. Lake Wedowee brings visitors year-round.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Randolph County?

A bench warrant is a court order for 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 differs from an arrest warrant. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. A bench warrant is for not following court rules in an open case.

Randolph County Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both courts can issue bench warrants. Once issued, the warrant goes into the statewide system. Any Alabama officer can see it and make an arrest.

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

Randolph County has a tip hotline for reporting people with warrants. If you know someone who is wanted, call 1-877-247-4099. The line is anonymous. You do not have to give your name.

Randolph County Anonymous Tip Hotline

Randolph County Sheriff's office runs an anonymous tip line. You can report information about wanted persons without giving your name. This helps law enforcement find people with active warrants.

Tip Hotline: 1-877-247-4099

The line is toll-free. You do not need to identify yourself. If you have a warrant and want to turn in, this is not the number to call. For turning in, call the Sheriff direct at (256) 357-4545 or go to the jail.

This hotline shows that Randolph County takes warrant enforcement seriously. People with active warrants should address them before someone else reports them.

Randolph County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records. This includes bench warrants. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies of court documents. Call ahead to ask what you need to bring.

The clerk office is in the county courthouse in downtown Wedowee. Street parking is free. The staff handles warrant searches and can tell you about pending cases.

Randolph County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to check if a warrant exists. The Sheriff's office serves warrants and makes arrests. Call before turning in so you know what to expect.

Randolph County shares the 5th Judicial Circuit with other counties. But each county tracks its own warrants. If your case started in Randolph County, you must deal with it here.

How to Search Randolph County Bench Warrants

You can search for bench warrants in Randolph County using several methods. Pick what works best for you.

Call the Sheriff: The fastest free option. Call (256) 357-4545 and ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready. Staff can check quickly.

Call the Circuit Clerk: The clerk at (256) 357-4551 can search court records. They can tell you about warrants and case details. Some searches may require an in-person visit.

Alacourt Access: Search court records 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 at One Main Street in Wedowee. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search and print copies for you.

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

How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Randolph County

If you have a bench warrant in Randolph County, you need to handle 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 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 with bail.

You can turn yourself in. Go to the Randolph County Jail or courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell them about the warrant. A judge will decide on bail.

Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Employers and landlords can check. An active warrant hurts your job and housing prospects. Clear it now.

Remember the tip hotline. Someone may report you if you have an active warrant. Better to turn in on your own terms than get picked up at a traffic stop or during a call to your home.

Randolph 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 adds extra fees. Ask the clerk for a full accounting.

Alabama State Court Resources

Randolph 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.

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.

Legal Help in Randolph County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may help. These groups serve Randolph 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 Randolph County. Check where your offense occurred to know which county handles your case.