Etowah County Public Records /Etowah County Court Records

Etowah County Court Records

What Is Etowah County Court Records

Court records in Etowah County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records are maintained by the Etowah County Circuit Clerk's Office, which serves as the official record keeper for the courts. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, these records are considered public documents subject to inspection by citizens.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
Judgments and orders issued by judges
Transcripts of court proceedings
Exhibits entered into evidence
Sentencing records in criminal cases
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
Probate matters including wills and estate administration

It is important to distinguish court records from other public records maintained by different county departments. While property records are maintained by the Etowah County Probate Office and vital records (birth/death certificates) by the Alabama Department of Public Health, court records specifically document judicial proceedings.

The following courts maintain records in Etowah County:

Circuit Court (general jurisdiction for civil and criminal cases)
District Court (limited jurisdiction for misdemeanors, small claims)
Probate Court (wills, estates, mental health commitments)
Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations)
Juvenile Court (cases involving minors)

The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama serves Etowah County and maintains records for civil, criminal, domestic relations, and other legal matters processed through its jurisdiction.

Are Court Records Public In Etowah County

Court records in Etowah County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Alabama's Open Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," codified in Alabama Code § 36-12-40. This statute establishes that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and hearing schedules
Property records and tax liens
Probate records including wills and estate matters

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Juvenile court records (protected under Alabama Code § 12-15-133)
Records sealed by court order
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Certain domestic relations matters involving child custody
Grand jury proceedings

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts has established rules governing public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns. These rules are outlined in the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, which provide guidance on record access procedures.

Federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama (which includes Etowah County) are governed by federal access policies rather than state law, though most are similarly available through the federal PACER system.

How To Find Court Records in Etowah County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Etowah County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both physical and digital systems for record retrieval.

To obtain court records in person:

Visit the Etowah County Circuit Clerk's Office located in the Judicial Building.

Etowah County Circuit Clerk's Office
801 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-5355
Etowah County Circuit Clerk

Complete a records request form, available at the clerk's counter or downloadable from the court's website.
Provide case-specific information such as:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of filing
- Type of case (civil, criminal, domestic, etc.)
Pay applicable fees for document searches and copies. The current fee schedule is:
- Record search: $5.00 per name
- Copies: $0.50 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees

To request records by mail:

Submit a written request to the Circuit Clerk's Office at the address above.
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
Allow 7-10 business days for processing.

For expedited service, the Public Records Request portal on the county website provides electronic submission options. Users must create an account and may pay fees online using credit/debit cards.

How To Look Up Court Records in Etowah County Online?

Etowah County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems offer varying levels of information depending on the type of case and user authorization.

The primary online resource is Alacourt.com, Alabama's statewide court records database. This system provides:

Case status information
Party names and attorney information
Docket entries showing case activity
Scheduled hearing dates
Case disposition and judgment information

To access Alacourt:

Create a user account at alacourt.gov
Select "Etowah County" from the jurisdiction menu
Enter search criteria (name, case number, etc.)
Pay applicable search fees ($9.99 per name search for public users)

For criminal case information, the Etowah County Circuit Criminal Division maintains a separate portal with:

Criminal case status
Hearing dates
Bond information
Sentencing details

The Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal provides access to appellate cases originating from Etowah County. This system includes:

Appeal status
Brief submission dates
Appellate court opinions
Case disposition

For specialized records:

Probate records: Available through the Etowah County Probate Judge's Office website
Municipal court records: Accessible through individual city court websites
Federal cases: Searchable via PACER (fees apply)

Users should note that while basic case information is viewable online, complete case files with all documents may require in-person requests or additional fees for document delivery.

How To Search Etowah County Court Records for Free?

Alabama law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which states that citizens have the right to "inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state." While obtaining copies typically involves fees, several no-cost options exist for viewing Etowah County court records.

Free in-person access is available at:

Etowah County Circuit Clerk's Office
801 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-5355
Etowah County Circuit Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The clerk's office maintains public access terminals where visitors may search and view basic case information at no charge. Staff assistance for locating records is provided without fee, though document printing incurs standard copy charges.

Free online resources include:

Etowah County Court Case Status Search - Provides limited case information including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Next scheduled court dates
- Case type and status
Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal - Offers free docket searches for appellate cases.
Alabama Administrative Office of Courts E-Forms - Provides access to standardized court forms at no cost.
Municipal court websites - Some city courts within Etowah County offer free online case lookup services.

For criminal records, the Etowah County Sheriff's Office maintains a free inmate lookup system showing current detention status and charges.

Researchers should note that while basic record searches may be free, comprehensive document access often requires payment of statutory fees for copies or certified documents.

What's Included in a Etowah County Court Record?

Court records in Etowah County contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, court records must include specific elements to maintain a complete and accurate account of proceedings.

Civil case files typically contain:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Responsive pleadings (answers, counterclaims)
Motions and supporting memoranda
Court orders and rulings
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
Final judgment or disposition
Post-judgment motions and orders
Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal case records include:

Charging documents (indictments, information)
Arrest warrants and returns
Bond documentation
Plea agreements
Pretrial motions and orders
Trial exhibits and witness lists
Verdict forms
Sentencing orders
Probation/parole documentation
Restitution records

Domestic relations files contain:

Divorce petitions
Child custody agreements
Child support calculations and orders
Property division settlements
Protection from abuse orders
Modification petitions

Probate records include:

Wills and codicils
Letters testamentary or of administration
Inventory of estate assets
Claims against estates
Guardian/conservator appointments
Annual accountings
Final settlements

Each court record also contains a case docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. This docket is maintained by the Circuit Clerk's Office and provides a summary overview of the case history.

How Long Does Etowah County Keep Court Records?

Etowah County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the Administrative Office of Courts. These schedules, authorized under Alabama Code § 41-13-23, specify minimum retention periods for various document types.

The standard retention periods for major record categories are:

Circuit Court Records:

Felony case files: Permanent retention for capital cases; 75 years for other felonies
Civil case files: 20 years after case closure
Domestic relations cases: 25 years after final decree
Child support cases: Until the youngest child reaches age 19, plus 3 years
Adoption records: Permanent retention
Docket books and indexes: Permanent retention

District Court Records:

Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
Traffic cases: 5 years after final disposition
Small claims cases: 6 years after judgment
Civil cases: 10 years after final disposition
Preliminary hearings: 6 years

Probate Court Records:

Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
Mental health commitment proceedings: 20 years
Marriage licenses: Permanent retention
Guardianship/conservatorship: 10 years after termination

Juvenile Court Records:

Delinquency cases: Until subject reaches age 23
Dependency cases: 5 years after child reaches majority
Child support cases: Until youngest child reaches age 19, plus 3 years

The Alabama Records Disposition Authority provides the complete schedule of retention requirements. After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be transferred to the Alabama Department of Archives and History for historical preservation or destroyed according to approved procedures.

Certain records of historical or genealogical significance, particularly those from the 19th and early 20th centuries, have been digitized and preserved permanently through cooperation between the Etowah County Circuit Clerk's Office and the Alabama Department of Archives and History.

Types of Courts In Etowah County

Etowah County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels. Each court handles specific types of cases as prescribed by Alabama law.

Etowah County Circuit Court - 16th Judicial Circuit
801 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-5355
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Etowah County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, and domestic relations cases. It is divided into specialized divisions including criminal, civil, and domestic relations.

Etowah County District Court
801 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-5355
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Etowah County District Court

The District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic cases, small claims (under $6,000), civil cases under $10,000, preliminary hearings in felony cases, and juvenile matters.

Etowah County Probate Court
800 Forrest Avenue, Suite 202
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-5334
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Etowah County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, mental health commitments, land records, and marriage licenses.

Gadsden Municipal Court
90 Broad Street
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-4500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Gadsden Municipal Court

The Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances, traffic offenses within city limits, and misdemeanors committed within the city.

Attalla Municipal Court
612 North 4th Street
Attalla, AL 35954
(256) 538-7837
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Attalla Municipal Court

Rainbow City Municipal Court
3700 Rainbow Drive
Rainbow City, AL 35906
(256) 413-1230
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Rainbow City Municipal Court

The court hierarchy in Alabama proceeds from Municipal/Magistrate Courts to Circuit/District Courts, then to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals, and finally to the Alabama Supreme Court as the court of last resort for state matters.

What Types of Cases Do Etowah County Courts Hear?

Each court within Etowah County's judicial system has jurisdiction over specific case types as established by Alabama law. The distribution of cases ensures matters are heard by courts with appropriate authority and expertise.

The Circuit Court hears:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $10,000
Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
Appeals from District and Municipal courts
Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
Class actions and complex litigation
Real property disputes
Equity matters

The District Court adjudicates:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Traffic violations
Civil disputes with claims up to $10,000
Small claims cases (up to $6,000)
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Juvenile matters (delinquency, dependency, child support)
Protection from abuse petitions
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Involuntary commitments (initial proceedings)

The Probate Court handles:

Wills and estate administration
Guardianships and conservatorships
Mental health commitments
Land records and property transfers
Marriage licenses
Name changes
Adoption records
Condemnation proceedings

Municipal Courts process:

City ordinance violations
Traffic offenses occurring within city limits
Misdemeanors committed within city boundaries
Preliminary hearings for felonies committed in the municipality
City code enforcement matters

Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established in the Alabama Code § 12-11-30 for Circuit Courts and Alabama Code § 12-12-30 for District Courts. These statutes define the subject matter jurisdiction of each court level within the state's unified judicial system.

The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama serving Etowah County currently has four circuit judges and two district judges who preside over these various case types.

How To Find a Court Docket In Etowah County

Court dockets in Etowah County provide a chronological listing of scheduled court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and other judicial events. These schedules are available through multiple channels to facilitate public access.

To access court dockets in person:

Visit the Etowah County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours.
- Public terminals are available for searching current dockets
- Staff can assist with locating specific case information
- Daily printed dockets are typically posted near courtroom entrances
Check courtroom bulletin boards, which display the current day's proceedings.

To access dockets online:

Visit the Alacourt.gov website
- Create or log into your account
- Select "Calendar Search" from the menu options
- Choose "Etowah County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Select the desired court division (Circuit Criminal, Circuit Civil, etc.)
- Enter the date range for which you need docket information
- Review the resulting calendar of scheduled proceedings
For criminal cases specifically, the Etowah County Circuit Criminal Division maintains docket information on its website.
For appellate cases, the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal provides docket access for cases on appeal.

To receive docket notifications:

Register for the Alabama Judicial System's e-notification service
- Available for attorneys and registered parties
- Provides email alerts for upcoming hearings
- Requires case number and registration information
Contact the Circuit Clerk's office to verify hearing dates:

Etowah County Circuit Clerk's Office
801 Forrest Avenue
Gadsden, AL 35901
(256) 549-5355
Etowah County Circuit Clerk

Docket information is updated regularly but may change due to continuances or schedule adjustments. It is advisable to verify hearing dates shortly before the scheduled appearance.

Which Courts in Etowah County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Alabama's judicial system, a distinction exists between "courts of record" and "courts not of record." This classification, established under Alabama Code § 12-1-4, determines whether proceedings are officially transcribed and preserved for potential appellate review.

Courts not of record in Etowah County include:

Municipal Courts

Gadsden Municipal Court
Attalla Municipal Court
Rainbow City Municipal Court
Southside Municipal Court
Glencoe Municipal Court
Hokes Bluff Municipal Court

These municipal courts are classified as courts not of record because:

Proceedings are not typically transcribed by court reporters
No official verbatim record of testimony is maintained
Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in Circuit Court
Judges are not required to be attorneys in some municipalities

Small Claims Division of District Court While part of the District Court, the Small Claims division functions as a court not of record when handling cases under $6,000. These proceedings:

Follow simplified rules of procedure
Do not require formal transcription
Allow parties to represent themselves without attorneys
Permit appeals to Circuit Court for de novo proceedings

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant because:

Appeals from courts not of record result in entirely new trials in Circuit Court
No deference is given to the lower court's findings of fact or conclusions of law
The Circuit Court must consider all evidence anew rather than reviewing for errors

All other courts in Etowah County, including Circuit Court, District Court (regular division), and Probate Court, are courts of record. Their proceedings are recorded, transcribed when necessary, and preserved as part of the official court record. Appeals from these courts to higher courts are based on the record established during the original proceedings.