Courthouse

Residents often only think about the Autauga County AL Courthouse when they get a jury summons, traffic ticket, or need to file a case. But understanding how the courthouse is organized, which office does what, and what to expect when you arrive can save you time, worry, and extra trips.

This guide walks you through the main courthouse services in Prattville—Circuit Court, District Court, the Circuit Clerk’s Office, jury duty, child support, juvenile matters, traffic tickets, and civil filings like evictions. It translates the official information into plain language while pointing you back to the official courthouse resources when you’re ready to take action. At the end, you’ll find a consolidated list of key courthouse departments with addresses and phone numbers so you know exactly whom to call.

Understand how the Autauga County Courthouse is set up

The Autauga County Courthouse is the center of the county’s judicial system. From one building, a number of courts and offices work together:

Circuit Court – the court of general jurisdiction for major civil cases, felony criminal cases, and many family matters.

District Court – handles misdemeanors, traffic, juvenile actions, and lower-dollar civil disputes.

Circuit Clerk’s Office – the business office of the courts that manages court records, payments, and filings.

Special divisions – juvenile court, child support, district civil, traffic court, and small claims.

The courthouse does not exist to give legal advice. Its staff can explain procedures, take payments, and schedule cases, but they cannot tell you what you should do legally. If you need strategic guidance or help choosing forms, you must speak with an attorney.

Whenever you are unsure which courtroom or office you need, you can start with the courthouse website and menu of services on the official Autauga County Courthouse site. From there, you can click into the specific court or office related to your situation.

Navigate courthouse services without getting lost

Work with the Circuit Clerk’s Office when you file, pay, or check a case

The Circuit Clerk is the courts’ “official record keeper” and business manager for both Circuit Court and District Court. The office is responsible for:

Maintaining court files and case dockets.

Receiving and recording court pleadings and motions.

Collecting and disbursing court fines, fees, and other payments.

Preparing and issuing subpoenas and other court notices.

Managing jury administration for jury trials.

Serving as Absentee Election Manager for county, state, and federal elections held in Autauga County.

Because this office handles paperwork and money for almost every division, many people’s first stop at the courthouse is the clerk’s counter. If you need to:

File a new civil case, criminal pleading, or motion.
Pay a court fine or fee.
Ask when a hearing is scheduled.
Confirm that the court received a document you mailed.

you’ll go through the Circuit Clerk’s Office.

One of the most important rules: the clerk’s staff cannot give legal advice. They can’t tell you which form to use, whether you should file, or what you should argue in court. The official Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office page explains the office’s duties and provides contact details for specific divisions such as civil, criminal, domestic relations, juvenile, and bookkeeping.

Use Circuit Court for major civil, family, and felony cases

Circuit Court is Alabama’s trial court of general jurisdiction, which means it hears the biggest and most serious cases in the county. In Autauga County, Circuit Court has:

Original jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy is more than $20,000.

Original jurisdiction over felony criminal cases.

Jurisdiction over many family court matters, such as certain divorce and domestic relations actions.

Concurrent jurisdiction with District Court for civil cases between $6,000 and $20,000.

Appellate jurisdiction over cases appealed from District Court, Probate Court, municipal courts within the county, and some administrative or municipal boards.

If your matter is a significant civil dispute, serious injury case, complex contract claim, or felony prosecution, it will usually be heard in Circuit Court. Circuit judges also preside over many jury trials each year.

To see which judge is handling what type of docket and to access judge-specific information, use the Circuit Court section of the courthouse website. There you’ll find presiding judges and links labeled “BIO / CONTACT” with additional details on how their dockets are organized.

Turn to District Court for misdemeanors, traffic, and lower-dollar civil disputes

District Court handles a large portion of day-to-day cases for the Autauga County AL Courthouse. It has:

Original jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanors.

Authority to hold preliminary hearings in felony cases and accept guilty pleas in some felony matters not punishable by death.

Concurrent civil jurisdiction with Circuit Court in disputes up to $20,000.

Exclusive jurisdiction over civil cases where the amount in controversy (excluding interest and costs) does not exceed $6,000.

Original jurisdiction over juvenile court actions in the 19th Judicial Circuit.

That means many traffic offenses, small civil disputes, and early stages of felony prosecutions are handled here. If your ticket or case paperwork tells you to appear in District Court, carefully follow that instruction—showing up in the wrong courtroom can delay your case.

You can learn more about the judge’s role and general jurisdiction on the District Court page.

Learn what to expect from jury duty at the courthouse

If you receive a jury summons connected to the Autauga County Courthouse, you play a direct role in the county’s justice system. Jury service is a constitutional part of the judicial branch, and the courts in the 19th Judicial Circuit schedule multiple weeks of jury trials throughout the year.

Key points from the official jury information:

Register promptly – Jurors are instructed to register online when they receive a summons.

Where to report – Summoned jurors report to Courtroom 1 in the Autauga County Courthouse on their assigned day.

Check-in process – Arrive early enough for check-in and to turn in your completed summons.

Term of service – Jury service is typically scheduled for about one week, though you may not serve every day.

Daily call-in – After the first day, jurors are given a card with a phone number to call each evening. A recorded message from the Circuit Clerk tells you whether your panel must return the next day.

Juror pay – Jurors receive a daily expense allowance and mileage reimbursement, and they are given a certificate of service to show employers.

The law requires that jurors:

Be U.S. citizens over age 19.
Be residents of Autauga County for at least 12 months.
Read, speak, and understand English.
Be physically and mentally capable of service.
Not have disqualifying criminal convictions affecting civil rights such as voting.

Jurors must listen carefully to testimony, avoid researching the case, and not discuss it with anyone until deliberations begin. If someone tries to talk to you about the case, you must report it to the judge.

To review the full expectations, including clothing suggestions, employer rules, and what happens during a trial from opening statements through verdict, consult the courthouse’s jury information page before you report.

Understand how child support cases are handled at the courthouse

Child support enforcement in Autauga County is a partnership between:

The Department of Human Resources (DHR), authorized under Title IV-D of the Social Security Act and Alabama law.

The District Attorney’s Child Support Unit, which acts as legal counsel for DHR in court.

The Child Support Unit handles:

Establishing paternity through court actions.
Obtaining initial child support orders.
Enforcing child support by income withholding and other methods.
Filing “in contempt” actions when a parent does not follow a court order.

These services are available regardless of financial need and can be used even if the non-custodial parent lives in another state. The unit represents the State of Alabama, not either parent individually, and does not handle custody or visitation disputes.

The Child Support Unit is located in the Autauga County Courthouse itself. Applications for services begin with DHR, which then refers qualifying cases to the district attorney’s child support staff.

Get familiar with Juvenile Court and juvenile probation services

Juvenile matters have a dedicated structure within the courthouse. The Juvenile Court consists of:

A judge who presides over juvenile cases.
A judicial assistant.
Several juvenile probation officers.
A juvenile court clerk working under the authority of the Circuit Clerk.

The Juvenile Court processes three main types of petitions:

Delinquency – alleging a child committed a law violation, misdemeanor, or felony.

Dependency – alleging a child has been abused or neglected, has no suitable caretaker, or otherwise needs protection of the state.

Child in Need of Supervision (CHINS) – involving habitual truancy, running away, or repeated disobedience of lawful parental rules.

Truancy is a major focus. Children between 6 and 17 must be in school or in an approved home-school program. When absences reach a certain level, the court and local boards of education use Early Warning Truancy sessions to explain consequences for both students and parents, which can include fines, jail exposure, and contempt findings if school attendance issues are not corrected.

The Juvenile Court also works with a local Children’s Policy Council to coordinate services for youths and families. The official Juvenile Court page provides an overview of juvenile petitions, truancy enforcement, and the roles of juvenile staff.

Manage court costs, filing fees, and civil procedures

Review court costs before you file a civil case

Filing a civil case at the Autauga County AL Courthouse almost always involves a filing fee. The amount depends on:

Whether you are filing in Circuit Civil or District Civil.

The dollar amount of your claim.

Whether the case involves a jury demand.

How many parties must be served and how they are served (sheriff, certified mail, or process server).

Whether you later request garnishments, writs of possession, or other post-judgment actions.

The official court costs schedule lists:

Base filing fees for different types of civil complaints.
Extra fees for additional plaintiffs or defendants.
Costs for subpoenas, default judgments, garnishments, writs, and other motions.
Sheriff’s service fees for parties served by law enforcement.

Because these fees are detailed and subject to change, it is best to check the latest schedule in advance on the Court Costs page rather than rely on word of mouth. Payment is typically required by cash, cashier’s check, or money order at the time of filing.

Understand District Civil, small claims, and eviction procedures

District Civil Court handles civil claims up to $20,000, including unlawful detainer actions (evictions). While every case is unique and the clerk cannot give legal advice, the courthouse has published a general step-by-step description of the eviction process:

Give proper notice
Landlord must give a written notice before filing.
Usually at least seven days’ notice for a yearly lease.
Around thirty days’ notice for month-to-month tenancies, expired leases, or no written lease.
The notice can be hand-delivered, posted on the premises, or sent by certified mail.

File an Unlawful Detainer Statement of Claim
If the tenant does not move out after receiving notice, the landlord files an unlawful detainer Statement of Claim in the clerk’s office.
The landlord must pay the appropriate filing fee and provide a copy of the notice and lease.
If there is no written lease, a written statement explaining the oral agreement is required.

Allow time for the tenant’s answer
Once served, the tenant generally has seven business days to file an answer.
If an answer is filed, the case goes to the judge for review and a trial date is set.

Seek default judgment if no answer is filed
If the tenant does not answer within the allowed time, the landlord may file an application for default judgment with an additional fee.
For a money judgment in default, the tenant must be personally served (not just posted or mailed).
A landlord may first seek a judgment for possession only and pursue money later.

Writ of possession if no appeal is filed
After judgment, the tenant has a limited time to appeal to Circuit Court.
If no appeal is filed and the tenant remains in the property, the landlord can request a writ of possession (again, with a fee).
The judge issues an order that goes to the sheriff, who then enforces the removal if needed.

Post-judgment collection
A garnishment process can follow a money judgment after a waiting period, provided the landlord has current address and employer information for the tenant.

The courthouse also provides references to standard forms such as Statement of Claim for eviction, Application for Default Judgment, Process of Garnishment, and Writ of Restitution or Possession. The District Civil page is the best starting point for landlords and tenants to understand procedure, but for legal strategy or advice on defenses, you will need a lawyer.

Take care of traffic tickets and related criminal matters

Traffic tickets and certain criminal cases tied to traffic offenses are handled through Traffic Court, which is part of the District Court system at the Autauga County Courthouse.

Here’s how the process typically works, according to the court’s published information:

Your traffic ticket will list a court date.

That date is not automatically a trial date. If you want to plead not guilty and have a trial, you must appear on the court date and request a trial.

Some minor traffic offenses may be paid without appearing in court, as long as:
The offense is on the court’s payment chart, and
You have not been convicted of two or more traffic offenses in the previous 12 months.

If you choose to plead guilty and pay without going to court:

You sign the guilty plea on the back of your ticket.

You send it with a cashier’s check or money order for the amount of fine and costs, as directed in the court’s instructions, or you pay through approved online or phone payment services described by the court.

If you do not pay or appear in court:

A warrant may be issued for your arrest.
Your driver’s license may be suspended by the state enforcement agency.
Fines and costs can increase, and any posting of bond may be forfeited.

The court also has special rules for no-insurance tickets and similar violations (like no driver’s license in possession, expired tag, or equipment issues). Often:

If you provide valid proof that coverage or compliance existed at the time of the ticket, the case can be dismissed.

If you obtain coverage or fix the problem after the ticket, proof may reduce penalties.

There are deadlines for presenting proof; after a certain number of months the ticket must simply be paid.

For a detailed list of which offenses can be paid without appearing and the exact fines and costs associated with each, consult the official Traffic Court page before your court date.

Prepare for a smooth visit to the courthouse

Know courthouse hours and basic logistics

The Autauga County Courthouse is open on weekdays with a morning session and an afternoon session, with a midday closure. Plan extra time around opening and closing windows so that you can get through security, find your courtroom, and speak with the proper office before lines build up.

If you are reporting for jury duty or a scheduled hearing:

Bring your summons or court paperwork.

Arrive early enough for parking, security screening, and check-in.

Expect some waiting time; courts often pause hearings to handle legal issues, settlement talks, or scheduling.

Follow courthouse security rules and dress expectations

For safety, the courthouse prohibits a number of items from being brought inside, including:

Lighters and matches, or anything that can start a fire.
Knives, sharp or pointed items, and long fingernail files.
Scissors of any kind.
Pepper spray, mace, tasers, and firearms.
Cell phones and recording devices (subject to local rules that may change).

The sheriff’s office and courthouse security enforce these rules. If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, leave it in your vehicle rather than risk delay at the entrance.

As for clothing:

Wear modest, comfortable clothing that reflects the seriousness of court proceedings.

Because temperatures can vary inside an older courthouse, bring a light jacket or sweater even in warm weather.

Be ready if you are selected as a juror

If you serve as a juror, you will:

Take an oath to try all issues honestly and render verdicts based on the evidence.
Be questioned during jury selection (voir dire) to determine whether you can be impartial.
Hear opening statements, witness testimony, and closing arguments.
Receive detailed instructions on the law from the judge before deliberating.

Jurors must not:

Research the case online or in the news.
Talk about the case with relatives, friends, or court participants before deliberations.
Conduct independent investigations or visit the scene on their own.

If you are sequestered (kept together overnight away from the public), the court will arrange meals and lodging and ensure you have a chance to call family about practical needs.

After trial, you are free—but not required—to discuss the case with attorneys or the public. If questions become intrusive or uncomfortable, you can contact the court.

Use judicial directory information to reach the right office

The judiciary directory for the Autauga County AL Courthouse provides phone contacts and room locations within the courthouse for key offices such as:

The District Attorney’s Office.
Juvenile Probation.
The District Court Judge.
Circuit Court Judges and their judicial assistants.
The Circuit Clerk, jury information contact, and absentee voting office.

The directory also notes that passport services are not handled at the Autauga County Courthouse at this time, and that employment applications for court positions go through the Administrative Office of Courts.

When you call, keep in mind:

Staff can explain procedures and schedules.

They cannot give you personalized legal advice or tell you what you should file or argue.

If you need a particular department, have your case number (if you have one) and any letters from the court nearby when you call so staff can locate your file quickly.

The Judiciary Directory page is the official reference if you’re unsure which office to contact about a specific type of question, such as scheduling a hearing, clarifying jury instructions, or checking on a juvenile case.

Key Autauga County Courthouse departments, addresses, and phone numbers

Autauga County Courthouse
134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6800

Autauga County Circuit Clerk’s Office – General
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6800

Circuit Criminal Division (Circuit Clerk)
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6807

District Criminal and Traffic Division (District Criminal / Traffic)
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6802

Domestic Relations and Child Support Division
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6809

Circuit Civil and District Civil Division
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6806

Small Claims and Evictions Division
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6805

Juvenile Division (Clerk’s Office)
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6803

Payments and Bookkeeping (Court Payments)
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Payments Phone: (334) 358-6804
Bookkeeping Phone: (334) 358-6810

District Attorney’s Office – Autauga County
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 365-5715

Juvenile Probation Office
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6860

District Court Judge’s Office
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6820

Circuit Court Judge’s Office – Joy Booth
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6840

Absentee Voting Office
165 W. Fifth Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Mailing: P.O. Box 681864, Prattville, AL 36068
Phone: (334) 358-6718

Jury Information Line
Autauga County Courthouse, 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067
Phone: (334) 358-6811

Autauga County Courthouse FAQs

Which court in Autauga County will handle my type of case?

At the courthouse in Prattville, larger civil lawsuits and felony criminal cases are handled in Circuit Court, including many family-law matters when the dispute amount is above a set dollar threshold. District Court handles misdemeanors, preliminary hearings in felony cases, juvenile matters in the circuit, and civil disputes up to a specific monetary limit. You can review the current jurisdiction breakdown on the Autauga County courts website.

Where can I review filing procedures and court forms before I go?

The local courts site explains how cases move through the Circuit Clerk’s Office and the different divisions (civil, criminal, domestic, child support, traffic, juvenile, and warrants). It also points you to statewide forms hosted by the Alabama court system. For step-by-step procedural information and form links, start with the Autauga County courts website and the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts.

What should I know before reporting for jury service?

If you receive a summons tied to the Autauga County courthouse, you’re expected to register promptly through the state’s secure juror portal and then report to the courtroom listed on your paperwork. Jury terms are generally set for about a week, with daily reporting instructions given by recorded phone message. Details on qualifications, pay, parking, and day-to-day expectations are explained on the jury pages linked from the online juror registration portal.

How are child support matters handled through this courthouse?

Child support actions connected to Autauga County move through a partnership between the Department of Human Resources and the District Attorney’s Child Support Unit, which is located in the courthouse. That unit brings court actions to establish paternity, obtain support orders, enforce income withholding, and pursue contempt when orders are not followed. These attorneys represent the State of Alabama, not either parent personally. For an overview of services, visit the child support information page.

How do I deal with a traffic ticket or traffic-related case?

Traffic citations issued in Autauga County are processed through District Court. Your ticket lists a court date; if you want a trial, you must appear on that date and request one. For many common violations, you may choose to plead guilty and pay without appearing, but failing to pay or appear can lead to a warrant and license suspension. Payment options, eligible offenses, and cost charts are explained on the Autauga County Traffic Court page.