Circuit Clerk

This article explains the work of the Autauga County AL Circuit Clerk, the divisions the office manages, and the practical steps residents can take when interacting with the courts. You’ll learn what the Circuit Clerk’s Office handles, how cases move through different divisions, how jury service is managed, where to look for official court information, and how absentee election duties operate in Autauga County.

Understand the Role: Why the Autauga County AL Circuit Clerk Matters

The Circuit Clerk is the court system’s official record keeper and business manager for Autauga County’s District and Circuit Courts. The office receives and maintains filings, secures records, and manages the flow of money associated with cases. In Autauga County, the Circuit Clerk also administers jury management and serves as the Absentee Election Manager during county, state, and federal elections. These responsibilities are broad on purpose: the office is designed to be the administrative backbone of the local trial courts, ensuring that every case—civil, criminal, domestic relations, child support, juvenile, traffic, or small claims—is recorded, scheduled, noticed, and accounted for accurately and securely.

To understand the leadership and primary functions at a glance, review the official page for the Circuit Clerk, Debra Hill, which outlines the constitutional and administrative duties of the office and provides authoritative context for Autauga County’s court operations. See the Circuit Clerk, Debra Hill page for an overview of the position and its responsibilities.
Visit the Circuit Clerk, Debra Hill

Know the Mission: Safeguard Records, Move Cases, Manage Court Funds

The Circuit Clerk’s Office is responsible for receiving pleadings, filing and preserving the court’s records, preparing subpoenas and notices, and collecting and disbursing court funds. Day in and day out, staff in the Clerk’s Office:

Accept and docket new filings across multiple divisions.

Maintain case files and digital records in secure systems that protect the integrity of the court’s record.

Issue subpoenas and send notices so parties and witnesses know when and where to appear.

Collect fines, fees, court costs, and assessments, and post payments to the proper cases.

Track judgments, cost bills, and disbursements, ensuring accuracy and accountability for every dollar received.

Administer juror summonses and attendance, coordinate panels, and support trial logistics.

Coordinate with judges, court officers, and law enforcement to keep the court calendar moving efficiently.

Because the office’s duties touch every case type, it helps to think of the Circuit Clerk as the hub that routes filings and payments to the appropriate division and keeps each matter on schedule.

For general information about the office’s functions and structure, consult Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office, which centralizes official pages for each court division and public-service topic that the office supports.
Explore the Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office

Grasp the Court Structure: What the Circuit Court Handles and What the District Court Handles

Alabama’s trial-court system is organized so that Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction while District Courts handle limited-jurisdiction matters. When the amount in controversy is high or when felony charges are involved, the case belongs in Circuit Court; when smaller claims or certain misdemeanors are involved, District Court is often the starting point.

Circuit Court Jurisdiction and Case Flow

The Circuit Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Alabama. It has original jurisdiction over:

Civil cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $20,000 (exclusive of interest and costs).

Criminal prosecutions involving felony offenses.

Family court matters handled within the Circuit Court umbrella.

The Circuit Court also shares (concurrent) jurisdiction with the District Court for civil matters between $6,000 and $20,000 and exercises appellate jurisdiction over cases appealed from the District Court, Probate Court, municipal courts, and certain boards. For an authoritative summary of jurisdiction and for judge-specific docket information, see Circuit Court.
Review Circuit Court jurisdiction

District Court Responsibilities

The District Court manages limited-jurisdiction matters and is often the entry point for criminal misdemeanors and many traffic cases. It also handles certain civil disputes that fall below statutory thresholds. When a case needs to be appealed or escalated—because the amount in controversy increases or because the law requires Circuit Court review—the case moves up to the Circuit Court. To understand how these proceedings are organized locally, consult District Court.
See how District Court matters are handled

Navigate the Divisions the Circuit Clerk Administers

The Circuit Clerk’s Office divides its work into divisions so each category of case receives specialized attention. When you file a pleading, pay court costs, or seek information, your request is routed to the division that handles that case type.

Compare Civil Divisions: Circuit Civil vs. District Civil

Circuit Civil manages higher-dollar civil disputes and many complex matters. When damages or claims exceed $20,000, new suits and post-judgment filings belong in Circuit Civil. Because Circuit Civil cases can involve extensive discovery, motion practice, and jury trials, the Clerk’s role in maintaining the record and preparing notices is especially important. File-stamped pleadings, accurate docket entries, and timely subpoenas keep complex cases moving.

District Civil focuses on lower-dollar disputes. Many landlord–tenant matters, consumer claims, and contract disputes fall here when the amount in controversy is within the statutory range. The Clerk ensures these cases are promptly docketed, notices are issued, and judgments are recorded. Understanding which civil division to file in will save time and avoid delays, so verify your case type and claim amount before submitting documents.

To see the scope of these civil tracks and how they connect to the court’s broader jurisdiction, use the Circuit Court pages, which outline the court’s authority and link to judicial dockets and division resources.
Learn more on Circuit Court pages

Criminal Filings and Warrants: How the Clerk Supports Prosecutions

Criminal cases touch several functions of the Clerk’s Office: filing charging documents, recording indictments, docketing hearings, issuing subpoenas, and maintaining the record through trial and post-judgment events. Felony prosecutions are tried in Circuit Court, while misdemeanors and many traffic-related offenses originate in District Court. The Clerk also supports the administration of warrants by maintaining related records and ensuring notices reach the proper parties.

For guidance that’s specific to traffic-related offenses (which frequently begin in District Court), see Traffic Court, where residents can find official procedural information that explains appearance requirements and case flow.
Visit Traffic Court guidance

Domestic Relations and Child Support: Court Records and Payments

The Domestic Relations division administers filings related to divorce, custody, support, and enforcement. The Clerk’s Office receives and records petitions, motions, and orders; calculates and collects required costs; and issues notices of hearings so that parties can prepare and appear. Child support filings and payment records are likewise maintained in the Clerk’s systems so that enforcement and modification requests can be processed efficiently.

If your case involves support-related filings or questions about how payments are recorded, consult Child Support, which provides official, division-specific information.
Read Child Support information

Juvenile Matters: Confidential Records with Specialized Handling

Juvenile cases are handled with heightened confidentiality and specialized procedures. The Clerk’s Office supports juvenile case management by maintaining sealed records, docketing hearings on a protected calendar, and issuing notices consistent with state confidentiality laws. Although the working rhythms feel familiar—filings, notices, payments—the privacy protections are significantly stronger. When you interact with this division, be prepared to verify your role and eligibility to receive information.

For an overview of how juvenile proceedings fit into Autauga County’s court structure, review the official juvenile resources available from the court’s site and related divisions (linked throughout the Clerk’s office pages). The Clerk’s team will ensure that all access to juvenile files follows governing rules.

Small Claims and Unlawful Detainers: Streamlined Civil Processes

Small Claims offers a simplified pathway for resolving lower-value disputes, and Unlawful Detainer actions provide a streamlined track for landlord–tenant possession issues. The Clerk’s Office supplies the forms and filing processes, receives the fees, calendars hearings, and records judgments so that litigants have a clear, efficient route to resolution. Because Small Claims and Unlawful Detainer proceedings move quickly, it’s important to follow instructions precisely and honor deadlines.

For official guidance and division resources, consult Small Claims.
Start with Small Claims resources

Notice of Garnishments: Administer Post-Judgment Collection

When a judgment creditor seeks to collect, garnishment procedures may be available. The Clerk’s Office records the filing, issues required notices, and routes payments consistent with orders and statutes. Proper paperwork and timelines are essential—errors can cause delays or require re-issuance. For authoritative, local process information, see Notice of Garnishments.
Review Notice of Garnishments

Prepare for Filings: Practical Tips That Keep Your Case on Track

Know your division before you file. Case type and amount in controversy determine where your filing belongs. A complaint for $5,500 will be routed differently from one seeking $55,000. If you’re filing in a criminal case, note whether it is a felony (Circuit Court) or a misdemeanor (District Court). For family matters, Domestic Relations is the proper track; for support enforcement and modifications, the Child Support division processes filings and payments.

Submit complete, legible documents. The Clerk’s staff must scan and index what you provide. If a document is unclear, missing a signature, or mis-captioned, it can delay docketing or require re-filing. Be sure case numbers, party names, and document titles are correct.

Follow official fee schedules and payment instructions. The Clerk collects court costs, fines, and other assessments and must post these to the proper cases. When you pay, include the case number and the name as it appears on the case so the payment can be applied without delay. When in doubt, use the court’s official pages for Court Costs to understand local requirements.
Check Court Costs guidance

Expect subpoenas and notices. After a filing, the Clerk often issues subpoenas or hearing notices. Read them carefully—appearance dates, locations, and any instructions on exhibits or pre-hearing filings will be stated plainly. If your address changes, promptly file an updated address in your case to ensure you continue receiving notices.

Respect record integrity. The Clerk’s Office maintains records across all divisions with strict security. If you need copies, follow the court’s procedures for requesting certified or non-certified copies. For sealed or juvenile files, additional requirements apply.

Use Jury Information: Respond to Summonses and Arrive Prepared

Jury management is a core statutory duty of the Circuit Clerk. If you receive a juror summons, you’ll find reporting instructions and scheduling information that explain when to appear and how the week will proceed. The Clerk’s Office manages the juror roll, handles attendance, and supports judges during voir dire and trial.

Autauga County residents should consult the official Jury Information page for reporting instructions, excusal standards permitted by law, and other local requirements to ensure a smooth experience.
Follow Jury Information instructions

Understand Traffic Court: What to Expect and Where to Look

Traffic cases often start in District Court and are calendared efficiently to move large dockets. The Clerk’s Office records citations after they are filed with the court, schedules hearings when required, and records dispositions and assessments. Some traffic matters can be resolved without a contested hearing, while others require a court appearance; in every scenario, official court notices govern.

For local rules, procedures, and scheduling expectations, refer to Traffic Court, which provides official guidance suitable for Autauga County residents.
Use Traffic Court procedures

Manage Domestic Relations and Child Support: File, Track, and Comply

Domestic Relations filings—divorce, custody, protection-from-abuse orders, and post-judgment modifications—move through processes that rely on complete, accurate paperwork. The Clerk’s Office will open the case, assess and collect costs, and issue notices of hearings. When court orders involve support, the Child Support division records payments and disbursements so that each transaction is traceable and properly credited.

Residents who need division-specific guidance should start with the court’s official Child Support page for support-related matters and rely on the Domestic Relations content provided through the Clerk’s Office pages linked throughout.
Find Child Support details

Track Money Matters: Court Costs, Payments, and Bookkeeping

Money moves through the court system in several ways—filing fees, fines, restitution, and post-judgment collections. The Clerk’s Office is the court’s financial manager for these transactions. Its bookkeeping function ensures:

Accurate logging of payments received at the counter or through approved channels.
Prompt posting of funds to the correct case numbers.
Disbursement according to orders, statutory formulas, and accounting rules.
Reconciliation and audit trails to maintain public trust and legal compliance.

When you pay, include the exact case number and party name. If you need information about amounts due or how costs are assessed, consult Court Costs from the court’s official site.
Review Court Costs and payment basics

File Small Claims and Unlawful Detainers: Keep It Simple and Organized

Small Claims is designed for straightforward disputes that can be resolved quickly. The Clerk’s Office supplies forms and explains filing routes so that residents can set their cases in motion without unnecessary complexity. Unlawful Detainer actions, often filed by landlords to regain possession, follow an expedited schedule; timely service and attendance are essential.

Because these cases proceed rapidly, use the official resources on Small Claims to confirm filing requirements, service instructions, and hearing expectations.
Access Small Claims instructions

Administer Post-Judgment Steps: Use Garnishments Properly

After a judgment, a creditor may pursue collection tools such as garnishment. The Clerk’s Office records the Notice of Garnishment, issues required documents, and routes funds as ordered. Deadlines and service rules are strict; missed steps can reset the process. For local procedures and forms, rely on Notice of Garnishments from the court’s official site.
Read Notice of Garnishments procedures

Rely on Official Leadership and Calendars: Who Presides in Circuit Court

Autauga County’s Circuit Court includes a presiding judge and multiple circuit judges who maintain published dockets. The Clerk’s Office supports these courts by publishing dockets and notices and by coordinating jurors and trial logistics. Case-specific docket instructions—such as trial dates, pretrial deadlines, and motion calendars—are available through official judicial pages and the Circuit Court site.
See Circuit Court judges and docket information

Vote by Absentee When You Qualify: How the Circuit Clerk Fulfills Election Duties

By law, the Circuit Clerk in Autauga County serves as the Absentee Election Manager during county, state, and federal elections. That responsibility includes receiving absentee ballot applications, verifying eligibility, and administering absentee-voting procedures according to Alabama statutes and statewide instructions. Residents who need county-specific absentee information can use the Alabama Secretary of State’s official county page for Autauga to see absentee procedures, deadlines, and eligibility criteria within the statewide framework.
Access official absentee election information for Autauga County

Stay Organized When You Visit: Practical Court-Day Checklist

Bring your case details. Have the case number, party names, and the title of your filing or order handy.

Arrive early and check the docket. Court calendars move quickly; being on time ensures you’re present when called.

Follow security and courtroom rules. Expect standard courthouse screening and courtroom decorum requirements.

Keep originals and copies separate. Provide the Clerk with the number of copies required for filing and service; keep a conformed copy for your records.

Watch your address on file. Notices go to the address the court has recorded; update it promptly if it changes.

Use official pages for procedures. When you have a question about process or fees, rely on the Clerk’s Office and division pages linked above; they reflect local rules and the court’s current practices.

Use the Right Division: How to Direct Your Request

Each division of the Clerk’s Office handles distinct case types with specialized procedures, forms, and schedules. If you’re unsure which division to contact for filings or payments, consult the official division pages above for authoritative guidance and rely on the directory below to route in-person inquiries to the correct counter or window. This minimizes wait time and helps staff assist you efficiently.

Circuit Clerk–Related Departments, Addresses (Room Locations), and Phone Numbers

Autauga County Circuit Clerk’s Office (General) — Room (not specified) — (334) 358-6801

Circuit Criminal Division — Room 117 — (334) 358-6807

District Criminal / Traffic Division — Room 117 — (334) 358-6802

Domestic Relations / Child Support Division — Room 108 — (334) 358-6809

Circuit Civil / District Civil Division — Room 114 — (334) 358-6806

Small Claims / Unlawful Detainers / Evictions — Room 114 — (334) 358-6805

Juvenile Division — Room 107 — (334) 358-6803

Payments — Room 116 — (334) 358-6804

Bookkeeping — Room 116 — (334) 358-6810

Absentee Election Manager (Absentee Voting) — Room (not specified) — (334) 358-6808

Autauga County Circuit Clerk FAQs

Where can I find the Clerk’s official information and division-specific guidance?

Use the centralized hub at the Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office for authoritative pages covering civil, criminal, domestic relations, child support, juvenile, traffic, small claims, warrants, garnishments, and more. It’s the starting point for procedures, forms, and division routing so filings and payments reach the correct desk.

Which court handles my case, and how can I verify jurisdiction and judge dockets?

Autauga’s Circuit Court handles felony prosecutions, family court matters, and civil cases over $20,000, and shares jurisdiction with District Court for civil cases between $6,000 and $20,000; it also hears appeals from District, Probate, and municipal courts. For judge-specific trial dockets and an overview of jurisdiction, see “Circuit Court”.

How do I check jury reporting requirements and excusal standards?

Jury management is administered by the Clerk. Official reporting instructions, week-of updates, and eligibility or excusal standards are posted on the county’s jury page. Review what to bring, where to report, and how scheduling works at “Jury Information”.

Where do I confirm filing fees, court costs, and payment procedures?

Court costs, fines, and assessments are collected and posted to cases by the Clerk’s Office. Before filing or paying, consult the county’s fee guidance and payment rules to avoid delays or misapplied funds.