Shelby County, Alabama court records are available through several channels. ShelbyALCourt.us allows you to search public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, official court resources, including the Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office website, provide access to case materials. Records can also be viewed in person at the court clerk's office or through public terminals in the courthouse in Columbiana.
Shelby Court System & Jurisdictions
Shelby County is part of the 18th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. Several courts operate here, each handling specific categories of cases.
- Circuit Court — handles serious criminal cases (felonies), large civil claims (over $20,000), divorce, guardianship, and other family matters. This court is the primary court of general jurisdiction.
- District Court — deals with misdemeanors, civil claims up to $20,000, preliminary hearings in criminal cases, and traffic violations. Small Claims cases up to $6,000 also fall here.
- Probate Court — court for inheritance, wills, guardianship, and marriage licenses. The probate court judge is elected separately.
- Magistrates — magistrates are part of the judicial branch and issue arrest and search warrants, set bail, and handle some initial procedures in criminal cases.
Traffic fines can be checked and paid through the Alabama Traffic Service Center — you need to know the defendant's name or the UTC ticket number.
Shelby Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find out which hearings are scheduled for today, tomorrow, or this week, contact the Circuit Clerk's office. The schedule for Circuit Court and District Court sessions in Shelby County is published through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts system.
Practical steps:
- Call the Circuit Clerk's office at 205-669-3760 and provide the case number or party name.
- Visit the Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office website — announcements about upcoming sessions and schedule changes may be posted there.
- Check the schedule in person on bulletin boards or public terminals in the courthouse in Columbiana.
Appellate cases have a separate calendar — appellate court dockets are available through the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal.
How to Get a Copy of a Shelby Court Document
Copies of court documents come in two types: certified and uncertified. A certified copy has the court seal and clerk's signature — it is usually required by other courts, government agencies, or for official procedures. An uncertified copy is suitable for review.
How to obtain a copy:
- In person — visit the Circuit Clerk's office on the first floor of the courthouse. Provide the case number or full party name and approximate date.
- By mail — send a written request with case details and payment to the address below.
- Online — the e-filing system allows parties and attorneys to access materials. Public access to specific cases is available through the Alacourt "Just One Look" system.
For an expungement request, you need to separately obtain a criminal history from ACJIC and file the appropriate petition.
Shelby Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and document searches in Alabama courts are set according to state law. Below are the approximate rates for Shelby County — exact amounts should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Court record search (by name) | Confirm with the clerk's office |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified document copy | $1.00 for the first page + $0.50 for each additional page |
| Certification fee | Included in the cost of a certified copy |
| Case access through Alacourt "Just One Look" | Paid, rates on AOC website |
Payment is usually accepted in cash, money order, or cashier's check. Some services may accept credit cards — confirm when contacting. Personal checks are not always accepted.
For obtaining a criminal history through the ALEA Criminal Records Division, separate state-level fees apply. Current inmate checks are available for free through the Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search or through the Shelby County Sheriff's Office inmate listing.