Search Tuscaloosa County Bench Warrants
Tuscaloosa County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not comply with a court order. The Circuit Clerk maintains all court records. Tuscaloosa County is part of the 6th Judicial Circuit. The University of Alabama makes this a major college town. The Sheriff's office has an online warrant search at tcsoal.org/warrants, making this one of the few counties with free public warrant access.
Tuscaloosa County Quick Facts
Tuscaloosa County Has Online Warrant Search
Tuscaloosa County is one of the few Alabama counties with free online warrant access. The Sheriff's office maintains a searchable warrant database. You can check for active warrants without calling or visiting in person.
Online Warrant Search: tcsoal.org/warrants
The database shows active warrants. You can search by name. It includes bench warrants for failure to appear and other warrant types. The information is updated regularly. This is the fastest way to check for a Tuscaloosa County warrant.
Tuscaloosa County maintains over 15,000 outstanding warrants. With that many active warrants, using the online tool is easier than calling. But you can still call the Sheriff or Circuit Clerk if you prefer.
What Is a Bench Warrant in Tuscaloosa 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.
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both can issue bench warrants. The City of Tuscaloosa Municipal Court also issues bench warrants for city violations.
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.
The University of Alabama brings 38,000 students. Football weekends bring 100,000 more visitors. Lots of people means lots of court cases. Many people miss court dates. The warrant list keeps growing. Check the online database if you think you might have one.
Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records. This includes bench warrants. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies. The courthouse is in downtown Tuscaloosa.
| Circuit Clerk | Magaria H. Bobo |
|---|---|
| Address |
714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 214 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 |
| Phone | (205) 464-8259 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
The clerk office is in the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse on Greensboro Avenue. Parking is available in nearby lots. On football weekends, plan for traffic and limited parking.
Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. The Warrants Division handles bench warrant inquiries. You can use the online search or call to check. Many people call before turning in.
| Warrants Division |
Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Phone: (205) 464-8672 |
|---|---|
| Online Search | tcsoal.org/warrants |
| Main Number | (205) 752-0616 |
The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff maintains one of the largest warrant databases in the state. The online search tool is available 24/7. Phone inquiries are handled during business hours.
How to Search Tuscaloosa County Bench Warrants
Tuscaloosa County offers more search options than most Alabama counties. The online database makes it easy to check.
Online Sheriff Search: Go to tcsoal.org/warrants. Search by name. Results show active warrants. This is free and available anytime.
Call the Warrants Division: Call (205) 464-8672 and ask about a specific person. Have the full name and date of birth ready.
Call the Circuit Clerk: The clerk at (205) 464-8259 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 including bench warrants.
Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk at 714 Greensboro Avenue. Bring 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 Tuscaloosa County
If you have a bench warrant in Tuscaloosa 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 before you turn in. This may help with bail.
You can turn yourself in. Go to the Tuscaloosa 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. The online database proves that. Anyone can search. Employers and landlords will find it. Clear the warrant before it causes problems.
Former UA students should check for old cases. Traffic tickets and alcohol violations can turn into warrants if you left without resolving them. The warrant is still there years later.
Tuscaloosa County Bench Warrant Fees
Fees apply when you handle your case. The online warrant search and phone checks are free.
- Online warrant search: Free
- Sheriff phone check: Free
- 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
Court costs and fines vary by case. Failure to appear adds extra fees. Ask the clerk for a full accounting.
Alabama State Court Resources
Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa County
If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may help. These groups serve Tuscaloosa County residents.
Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for those who qualify. Call (205) 758-7503 or toll-free (866) 456-4995.
Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral: Get connected to a local lawyer. Call (800) 392-5660.
UA School of Law Clinic: The University of Alabama law school offers some legal help through clinical programs. Contact the law school for availability.
Cities in Tuscaloosa County
Tuscaloosa County has several cities and towns. All file cases at the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court.
Other cities in Tuscaloosa County include Northport, which has its own municipal court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Tuscaloosa County. Check where your offense occurred to know which county handles your case.