Tallapoosa County Bench Warrants

Tallapoosa 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. Tallapoosa County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit. The county seat is Dadeville, but Alexander City also has a courthouse. Lake Martin brings tourists year-round to this recreational area.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Tallapoosa 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.

Tallapoosa County Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both can issue bench warrants. The county operates two courthouse locations. Your case is assigned to one based on geography.

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.

Lake Martin is a major draw. The 44,000-acre lake brings boaters, swimmers, and vacationers. Tourists who get in trouble here face the same court process as residents. Miss your court date and a bench warrant follows.

Tallapoosa County Has Two Courthouse Locations

Tallapoosa County has courthouses in Dadeville and Alexander City. Dadeville is the official county seat. Alexander City is the larger city and has its own division.

If your case started in the Dadeville area, you deal with that courthouse. If your case started near Alexander City, you use that location. Call either office if you are not sure which one handles your case.

Both locations can check for warrants. But you must appear at the correct location for court dates. Going to the wrong one could result in another failure to appear.

Tallapoosa 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.

Both locations have parking available. The Dadeville courthouse is in the historic town square. Alexander City's location serves the more populated area of the county.

Tallapoosa County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to check if a warrant exists. The Sheriff serves the entire county regardless of which courthouse handles your case.

The Sheriff's office covers the whole county including Lake Martin. Boating citations and other lake-related cases end up in the court system. Miss your date and you get a warrant.

How to Search Tallapoosa County Bench Warrants

You can search for bench warrants in Tallapoosa County several ways. The best method depends on your situation.

Call the Sheriff: The fastest free option. Call (256) 825-4264 and ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready.

Call the Circuit Clerk: Dadeville at (256) 825-1098 or Alexander City at (256) 234-4631. Either office can check for warrants and tell you which location handles your case.

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 either courthouse location with 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.

How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Tallapoosa County

If you have a bench warrant in Tallapoosa 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. They can appear at the correct courthouse for you first.

You can turn yourself in. Go to the Tallapoosa 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 prospects.

If you had a case from a Lake Martin visit years ago, it may still be open. Call the clerk to check. Do not let an old case surprise you on a background check.

Tallapoosa 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

Tallapoosa 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 Tallapoosa County

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