Russell County Bench Warrant Search
Russell County bench warrants are issued when someone misses a court date or fails to follow a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Phenix City maintains all court records. Russell County is part of the 26th Judicial Circuit. This county sits on the Georgia border directly across from Columbus. Important: Russell County observes Eastern Time, unlike most of Alabama.
Russell County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Russell County?
A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When you miss court 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.
Russell County Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both can issue bench warrants. Phenix City Municipal Court also issues bench warrants for city violations. Each warrant goes into the statewide system.
Under Code of Alabama § 15-10-60, a bench warrant commands officers to arrest the person and bring them to court. Felony bench warrants never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may last 180 days to one year.
Russell County has a colorful past. Phenix City was once called the wickedest city in America. The Dixie Mafia operated openly here in the 1940s and 1950s. General Patton threatened to destroy the town. The Attorney General was assassinated in 1954. Martial law was declared and 740 people were indicted. Today, the county is much calmer. But the court still issues bench warrants regularly.
Russell County Observes Eastern Time
Russell County is one of the few Alabama counties that uses Eastern Time. Most of Alabama uses Central Time. But Russell County is right on the Georgia border. Columbus, Georgia is directly across the river. The county uses Eastern Time to match its neighbor.
This matters for court dates. If your court date says 9:00 AM, that is 9:00 AM Eastern Time. If you are coming from most of Alabama, you are an hour behind. Plan accordingly. Show up late and you may get a bench warrant for failure to appear.
When you call the clerk or Sheriff, the hours listed are Eastern Time. Keep this in mind when planning calls from other parts of Alabama.
Russell County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records. This includes bench warrants. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies. Call ahead to check what you need to bring.
| Circuit Clerk | Jody Sellers |
|---|---|
| Address |
501 14th Street Phenix City, AL 36867 |
| Phone | (334) 298-0516 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Eastern Time) |
The clerk office is in the Phenix City Judicial Center. Parking is available on site. Remember the office runs on Eastern Time.
Russell 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 to know what to expect.
| Sheriff | Heath D. Taylor |
|---|---|
| Address |
305 Prentiss Drive Phenix City, AL 36868 |
| Phone | (334) 298-6535 |
The Russell County Sheriff's office handles warrant enforcement across the county. They work closely with Columbus, Georgia police on cross-border matters. A warrant here can lead to an arrest across the state line.
How to Search Russell County Bench Warrants
You can search for bench warrants in Russell County using several methods. The best choice depends on your needs.
Call the Sheriff: The fastest free option. Call (334) 298-6535 and ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready. Remember Eastern Time for calling hours.
Call the Circuit Clerk: The clerk at (334) 298-0516 can check court records. They can tell you about warrants and case details.
Alacourt Access: Search court records at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. This shows case details and bench warrants.
Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk at 501 14th Street in Phenix City. Bring a valid ID. Staff can search and print copies.
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 Russell County
If you have a bench warrant in Russell County, you must address it. The warrant will not go away on its own. It stays active until you handle 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 first. This can help with bail.
You can turn yourself in. Go to the Russell County Jail or courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell staff 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.
If you live in Georgia but have a Russell County warrant, you still need to deal with it. The warrant is Alabama only. But if you cross into Russell County, you can be arrested.
Russell 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. Ask the clerk for a full accounting.
Alabama State Court Resources
Russell 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 Russell County
If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may help. These groups serve Russell 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 Russell County. Check where your offense occurred to know which county handles your case.