Court records in Autauga County, Alabama can be searched through several channels. AutaugaCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official state court portals, the Autauga County Circuit Clerk's Office, and public terminals located inside the courthouse in Prattville. The method you use will depend on the type of record, the court that handled the case, and whether you need a certified copy.
Autauga Court System & Jurisdictions
Autauga County is part of Alabama's 19th Judicial Circuit. All courts operate out of the Autauga County Courthouse in Prattville. Understanding which court handled a case is essential before searching for docket information.
Circuit Court
The Autauga County Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20,000
- Domestic relations matters — divorce, custody, child support, adoption
- Appeals from District Court and Municipal Court
District Court
The Autauga County District Court has original jurisdiction over:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases involving $20,000 or less
- Small claims (civil disputes of $6,000 or less)
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Landlord-tenant disputes and unlawful detainer actions
- Domestic violence protection orders
Traffic Court
Traffic violations issued in Autauga County are handled through the District Court. Autauga County participates in Alabama's Online Traffic Resolution (OTR) system, which allows defendants to resolve certain traffic tickets online using a UTC ticket number.
Municipal Court
The Prattville Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances, including municipal traffic offenses and code enforcement matters within city limits. Municipal court records are maintained separately from the county court system.
Probate Court
The Autauga County Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, involuntary commitments, and marriage licenses. The Probate Judge also serves as chair of the county commission. Probate records are maintained at the courthouse.
Autauga Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding scheduled hearings in Autauga County depends on the court and case type.
- Circuit and District Court calendars: The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides on-demand access to state trial court records, including docket and scheduling information. You can search by party name or case number.
- Jury trial schedules: The 19th Judicial Circuit schedules at least seventeen weeks of jury trials per year. Current jury reporting information is posted on the Autauga County jury information page.
- Traffic court dates: If you received a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC), your court date is printed on the ticket. You can also check the Alabama Traffic Service Center using your ticket number.
- Municipal court dates: Contact the Prattville Municipal Court directly for hearing schedules on city ordinance violations.
If you cannot find your court date online, call the Circuit Clerk's Office at the courthouse. You will need your case number or full legal name to look up scheduling details.
How to Get a Copy of a Autauga Court Document
The Autauga County Circuit Clerk's Office is the custodian of Circuit Court and District Court records. You can request copies in person, by mail, or through Alabama's statewide court records system.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature. They are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They are generally sufficient for personal reference.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the Circuit Clerk's Office at the Autauga County Courthouse. Bring the case number or party name to help staff locate the file. Public terminals may also be available for self-service lookups.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the case number and/or party names, the specific document needed, and a return address. Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to the Circuit Clerk).
- Online: The Alacourt.com system provides on-demand access to Alabama state trial court records. Registration and per-search fees apply.
Restricted Records
Certain records are not publicly accessible, including:
- Sealed or expunged cases
- Juvenile proceedings
- Adoption records
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records subject to a court-ordered protective order
If you are unsure whether a record is available, ask the clerk before submitting a request.
Autauga Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Alabama are established by statute (primarily Ala. Code § 12-19-90 et seq.) and may be updated periodically. The table below reflects commonly assessed fees. Confirm current amounts with the Circuit Clerk's Office before submitting payment.
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $1.00 |
| Court record search (name-based) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Alacourt.com online record access | Per-search fee set by AOC |
| Appeal record preparation | Varies by case complexity |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted at the clerk's window. Ask about debit/credit card acceptance, as policies may vary.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to "Circuit Clerk, Autauga County."
- Online (traffic cases): Autauga County traffic fines can be paid through the Alabama Traffic Service Center or the Alapay system referenced on the Autauga County traffic court page.
For criminal background checks at the state level, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's Criminal Records unit maintains fingerprint-based criminal history files and charges a separate fee for those searches. That process is independent of the county clerk's office.