St. Clair County Bench Warrants
St. Clair County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not comply with a court order. The Circuit Clerk maintains records at two locations. St. Clair County is unique in Alabama because it has two county seats: Ashville and Pell City. The 30th Judicial Circuit serves this county. You must use the correct location based on where your case started.
St. Clair County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in St. Clair 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 existing case.
St. Clair County Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both can issue bench warrants. Once issued, the warrant goes into the statewide system. Any officer in Alabama can arrest you.
Under Code of Alabama § 15-10-60, a bench warrant directs 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.
St. Clair County spans a large area from the mountains in the north to the lakes in the south. Which courthouse handles your case depends on where you live or where the offense occurred. Know which one you need before you visit.
St. Clair County Has Two County Seats
St. Clair County has two courthouse locations. This is rare in Alabama. The northern part uses Ashville. The southern part uses Pell City. The geographic split between them is well defined.
If your case started in the northern part of the county, you deal with Ashville. If your case started in the southern part, you deal with Pell City. The two locations share records electronically, but you must appear at the correct one for your case.
Not sure which location? Call either clerk office with your case number. They can tell you which courthouse handles your case. Do not guess and show up at the wrong place.
St. Clair County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records at both locations. This includes bench warrants. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies. Call ahead to confirm which location handles your case.
| Ashville Courthouse |
100 6th Avenue, Suite 400 Ashville, AL 35953 Phone: (205) 594-2184 |
|---|---|
| Pell City Courthouse |
1815 Cogswell Avenue, Suite 217 Pell City, AL 35125 Phone: (205) 338-2511 |
| Circuit Clerk | Kathryn Burke |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Both clerk offices can check for warrants and provide case information. Both have free parking available. The Pell City location is larger and handles the more populated southern part of the county.
St. Clair 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 throughout the county.
| Main Office |
165 5th Avenue, Suite 101 Ashville, AL 35953 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 594-2140 |
The Sheriff serves the whole county. It does not matter which courthouse handles your case. The Sheriff's office can arrest you anywhere in St. Clair County. They can also tell you about active warrants over the phone.
How to Search St. Clair County Bench Warrants
You can search for bench warrants in St. Clair County several ways. The best method depends on your situation.
Call the Sheriff: The fastest free option. Call (205) 594-2140 and ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready. Staff can usually check quickly.
Call the Circuit Clerk: Call Ashville at (205) 594-2184 or Pell City at (205) 338-2511. Either office can check for warrants. They will tell you which location handles your specific case.
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 either courthouse with valid ID. Staff can search and print copies. Remember to go to the correct location for court appearances.
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 St. Clair County
If you have a bench warrant in St. Clair 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 way. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant and request a new court date. They can appear for you at the correct courthouse first.
You can turn yourself in. Go to the St. Clair County Jail or the correct 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 options.
If you owe fines, you may need to pay those too. Ask the clerk what you owe. Payment plans may be available.
St. Clair 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 at your location.
Alabama State Court Resources
St. Clair 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 St. Clair County
If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may help. These groups serve St. Clair County residents.
Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for those who qualify. Call (205) 328-3540 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 St. Clair County. Check where your offense occurred to know which county handles your case.