Search Sumter County Bench Warrants
Sumter County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not comply with a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Livingston maintains these records. Sumter County is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit. The University of West Alabama is located here. The county has deep Choctaw Nation history and sits along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
Sumter County Quick Facts
What Is a Bench Warrant in Sumter 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.
Sumter 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 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 never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may last 180 days to one year.
Sumter County's history includes the Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek in 1830, which opened Choctaw lands to settlement. Today, the county handles modern court matters while honoring this past. The university brings students who sometimes have court cases. The warrant process works the same for everyone.
University of West Alabama and Sumter County
The University of West Alabama is in Livingston. College students sometimes get in trouble. Traffic tickets, alcohol charges, and other matters can lead to court dates. Missing that date results in a bench warrant.
Students who leave after the semester may forget about pending cases. The warrant stays active. It shows up during background checks years later. If you were a UWA student with a case here, make sure it is resolved.
The clerk office can check for old cases. Call (205) 652-2291 with your name and date of birth. Do not let a college mistake follow you into your career.
Sumter 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.
| Circuit Clerk | Devon A. James |
|---|---|
| Address |
P.O. Box 936 Livingston, AL 35470 |
| Phone | (205) 652-2291 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
The clerk office is in the Sumter County courthouse in downtown Livingston. Street parking is free. The small staff handles all court records for the county.
Sumter 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.
| Address |
Sumter County Sheriff's Office Livingston, AL 35470 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 652-7984 |
Sumter County is rural. The Sheriff's office is small but tracks all warrants carefully. Call before turning in so you know what to expect.
How to Search Sumter County Bench Warrants
You can search for bench warrants in Sumter County using several methods. Pick what works best for you.
Call the Sheriff: The fastest free option. Call (205) 652-7984 and ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready.
Call the Circuit Clerk: The clerk at (205) 652-2291 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 in Livingston. 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 Sumter County
If you have a bench warrant in Sumter 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 may appear for you before you turn in.
You can turn yourself in. Go to the Sumter 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.
Sumter 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
Sumter 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 Sumter County
If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may help. These groups serve Sumter 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 Sumter County. Check where your offense occurred to know which county handles your case.