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Lauderdale County, Alabama State Court Records

In Lauderdale County, court records are official documents on legal trials within the county. These records encompass criminal trials, civil disputes, family law matters, probate proceedings, juvenile cases, and traffic violations. The Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk and the Clerk of the Probate Court are the primary custodians of court records. While the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's Office is responsible for criminal and civil records, the County's Probate Judge's Office maintains probate records.

Generally, court records are related to other public records. For example, Lauderdale County court records incorporate law enforcement arrest logs to document the prosecution of criminal offenses. Additionally, vital records are crucial in probate and estate matters within the Lauderdale County Probate Court.

Are Lauderdale County Court Records Public?

Yes, court records are public in Lauderdale County. According to Section 36-12-40 of the Alabama Code (Alabama Open Records Act), individuals have the right to inspect and copy public records (including Lauderdale County court records) unless statutes or court orders restrict public access. However, to maintain safety and comply with privacy laws, unauthorized persons cannot access Lauderdale County's case files and information that relate to:

  • Sensitive personal data, including Social Security numbers, financial account details, and names of minors
  • Juvenile cases
  • Mental health commitment records
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Sealed records
  • Victim and witness information.

What Information is Available in Lauderdale County Court Records?

In Lauderdale County, public court records contain information about civil and criminal trials. Depending on the case type, a typical Lauderdale County court record includes, but is not limited to:

  • Names of the parties involved
  • Case number and filing date
  • Court orders and judgments
  • Docket entries
  • Pleadings, petitions, and motions
  • Evidence and exhibits
  • Names of the presiding judge and the attorneys of record
  • Sentencing details
  • Fees, fines, and court costs.

Lauderdale County Court Records Search

There are several options available for accessing Lauderdale County court records. Access depends on the case type and the required document.

Online access

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides a centralized official portal where the public can access trial records across the state. Interested individuals can access Lauderdale County civil and criminal cases through the Alacourt Access Portal. This search tool allows users to look up case details by name or case number and costs $9.99 per search.

In-person access

For in-person access to Lauderdale County court records, visit the County's Circuit Clerk's Office or the Probate Court Records Department at:

The Lauderdale County Courthouse

200 South Court Street,

Florence,

AL 35630.

Mail and Phone Requests

Interested individuals can also send mail requests to the respective Lauderdale County Court Records Office at:

The Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's Office

P.O.Box 776,

Florence,

AL 35631.

The Lauderdale County Probate Court Records Department

P.O.Box 1059

Florence

AL 35631-1059.

Mail requests for Lauderdale County court records should include the full names of the parties, case number, the document sought, self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order to cover the applicable costs. Typically, delivery of copies of Lauderdale County court records may take between 1 and 3 weeks after payment. To inquire about Lauderdale County court records over the phone, call the County's Circuit Clerk's Office at (256) 760-5728 or the Probate Court Records Department at (256) 760-5800.

Fees for Court Records in Lauderdale County

In Lauderdale County, court records fees depend on the type of document required. While interested parties can view Lauderdale County court records for free through public access terminals, Alabama law mandates a nominal fee ($1.00) per page for copies printed by court staff. Record seekers can reduce this rate to $0.25 per page by using the public terminals to print their own copies. However, Lauderdale County courts do not maintain a single, uniform fee schedule. Individuals seeking copies of Lauderdale County court records should contact the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's Office or the county's Probate Court Records Division.

Lauderdale County Courthouse Locations

Lauderdale County has one main courthouse and several municipal Courts. While the municipal courts operate locally, the Lauderdale County Courthouse houses the 11th Judicial Circuit, District, Juvenile, and Probate Courts. Record seekers can visit the Lauderdale County Courthouse at:

200 South Court Street,

Florence,

AL 35630

Phone: (256) 760-5750.

There are three major municipal courts in Lauderdale County. These courts are located at the following addresses:

Florence Municipal Court

110 West College Street,

Florence,

AL 35630

Phone: (256) 760-6625.

Killen Municipal Court

319 J C Mauldin Highway,

Killen,

AL 35645

Phone: (256) 757-1246.

Rogersville Municipal Court

36 Wheelers Street,

Rogersville,

AL 35652

Phone: (256) 247-5446.

Criminal Records Access in Lauderdale County

Record seekers should distinguish between local court files and official statewide criminal histories. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) aggregates law enforcement arrest records and court dispositions from Lauderdale County and other state jurisdictions. Individuals can request their own criminal history report from ALEA upon submitting a completed SBI Form 46, fingerprints, a valid photo identification, and a processing fee. Additionally, employers can subscribe for $120.00 per year, with a $15.00 fee per check for Comprehensive Criminal Background Checks.

For Lauderdale County criminal records, interested parties should log in to the Alacourt Access Portal or use public access terminals at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. Alternatively, call the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's Office at (256) 760-5728 or visit the county's courthouse during office hours.

Lauderdale County Probate Records

Lauderdale County probate records are legal documents created and maintained by the Lauderdale County Probate Court. These include documents on wills, estate administration, guardianship, adoption, conservatorships, and other legal matters within the probate court's jurisdiction. According to the Alabama Public Records Act, Lauderdale County probate records are public, unless restricted by a statute or court order. Hence, Alabama law prohibits public access to adoption records, mental health commitment files, and details involving minors or vulnerable persons.

Lauderdale County Family Court Records

In Lauderdale County, family law cases are handled by the Domestic Relations Division of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court. Consequently, the resulting results, such as divorce, custody, and child support, are maintained by the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's Office. However, the judicial system restricts family court files to authorized persons to protect personal privacy.

General family law case information is accessible online through the Alacourt Access Portal. This pay-per-search portal requires a name or case number to access Lauderdale County family case dockets or to track a case status. Record seekers may also use public terminals at the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's Office. For certified copies of divorce decrees or custody orders, visit or mail a written request to the Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk's Office at:

Physical Address

200 South Court Street,

Florence,

AL 35630.

Mail Address

P.O.Box 776,

Florence,

AL 35631.

Fees are typically $5.00 per document for certification, plus $1.00 per page for copies. Individuals should note that access to certified copies of Lauderdale County family court records requires a valid government-issued photo ID and detailed information about the case.

Federal Court Records in Lauderdale County

United States federal courts maintain distinct case files from local county records. These official documents chronicle civil and criminal trials centered on federal laws, including interstate drug trafficking, maritime offenses, bankruptcy cases, immigration violations, and federal civil rights lawsuits. Lauderdale County falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

Online access to U.S. federal court records is through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). Individuals can use the search criteria to find orders and judgments, case filings, dockets, and download case documents. For in-person access to federal-level civil and criminal cases originating from the Northwest Alabama region, record seekers should contact the Florence Divisional Clerk's Office for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama at:

John McKinley Federal Building

210 North Seminary Street, Room 202,

Florence,

AL 35630.

Phone: (256) 760-8415.

Lauderdale County Court