Courthouse

This guide explains how to navigate the Autauga County AL Courthouse—from court divisions and case types to jury duty, traffic citations, child support, juvenile matters, and civil filings. You’ll find plain-language explanations of what each office does, what to expect when you arrive, when you must appear, how court costs work, and how to prepare so your business at the courthouse moves smoothly.

Understand the Courthouse’s Role in Autauga County’s Justice System

The Autauga County AL Courthouse houses the local offices of Alabama’s trial courts for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Alabama’s Circuit Court is the state’s court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal prosecutions, higher-value civil cases, and family court matters, and hearing appeals from lower courts and certain boards. The District Court addresses misdemeanors, preliminary felony hearings, juvenile proceedings in this circuit, and civil disputes within its monetary limits. The elected Circuit Clerk serves as the courts’ official record keeper and business manager, maintaining case files, managing fines and fees, issuing notices and subpoenas, organizing juries, and, under Alabama law, serving as Absentee Election Manager for county, state, and federal elections. Explore the official overview on the Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office page for a succinct description of duties and services (Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office).

Pinpoint Which Court Handles Your Issue—and Why That Matters

Choosing the right court division ensures your filing is accepted and your case proceeds on time.

Circuit Court: Exercise Jurisdiction Over Major Civil and Criminal Matters

Alabama’s Circuit Courts hear:

Civil cases with an amount in controversy over $20,000, exclusive of interest and costs.

Felony criminal prosecutions.

Family court matters.

Concurrent civil jurisdiction with District Court over disputes exceeding $6,000 up to $20,000.

Appeals from District Court, Probate Court, municipal courts, and certain administrative or municipal boards.

Get the jurisdictional details and judge directory at the official Circuit Court page (Circuit Court).

District Court: Address Misdemeanors, Juvenile, and Lower-Value Civil Cases

Autauga County’s District Court generally:

Has original jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases.

Conducts preliminary hearings in felony matters and may receive felony guilty pleas in non-capital cases.

Shares civil jurisdiction with Circuit Court for amounts up to $20,000 and has exclusive jurisdiction where the amount does not exceed $6,000 (exclusive of interest and costs).

In the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, District Judges also preside over Juvenile Court actions.

For the District Judge’s docket links and a snapshot of authority, refer to the official District Court page (District Court).

Work with the Circuit Clerk’s Office Like a Pro

The Circuit Clerk is the public’s primary point of contact for filing and case management. Day-to-day responsibilities include:

Maintaining official court records and dockets.

Collecting, receipting, and disbursing court-ordered funds.

Issuing subpoenas and notices.

Scheduling and managing jury service.

Receiving pleadings across civil, criminal, domestic relations, child support, traffic, juvenile, and warrants divisions.

Because state law prohibits the clerk from providing legal advice, staff can explain procedures but cannot tell you which form to use or what to file. Some Alabama court forms are available through state resources, while attorney guidance is encouraged if you’re unsure what to file. See the courthouse role and clerk’s functions on the Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office page linked above, and you can also reference the county’s internal page for local orientation, hours, and navigation tips at Autauga County Circuit Clerk (internal) (Autauga County Circuit Clerk).

Calculate Court Costs Before You File—and Bring the Right Payment

Payment methods: The clerk accepts cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Filing fees are due at the time of filing. Surcharges may apply depending on service by the Sheriff’s Office or certified mail.

Circuit Civil Filing Fees (highlights)

Non-jury complaint up to $50,000: base filing fee.

Jury complaint over $50,000: base filing fee (higher than non-jury).

Petition for expungement, interpleader, counter-claims, cross-claims, and third-party actions carry set fees.

Additional charges can apply for additional plaintiffs/defendants, subpoenas, judgment motions, writs, and service by the Sheriff’s Office.

District Civil Filing Fees (highlights)

Statement of Claim (includes Unlawful Detainers and claims from $6,000.01 to $20,000.00) with fee variations based on service method (Autauga County Sheriff’s Office, other county sheriff, certified mail/process server).

Separate schedules for garnishments, executions, subpoenas, and appeals from District to Circuit Court (jury and non-jury).

Always consult the current local schedule to avoid under- or over-payment. Fee categories and examples are listed on the official Court Costs page (Court Costs).

Navigate District Civil: Evictions (Unlawful Detainers) and Related Procedures

If you’re a landlord or property manager, understanding Unlawful Detainer procedures helps you act within Alabama’s timelines:

Serve Proper Notice.
7-day notice for a yearly lease; 30-day notice for month-to-month, expired, or no written lease.
Delivery methods: hand-deliver, post on premises, or certified mail.
The state does not provide an initial notice form; you must prepare the notice yourself.

File the Statement of Claim.
If the tenant does not move after notice and service, file an Unlawful Detainer Statement of Claim with the clerk.
Include the required fee, copy of the notice, and lease agreement (or a written statement outlining an oral agreement if no written lease exists).

Answer and Trial Setting.
After service, the tenant has seven business days to file an answer.
If an answer is filed, the judge reviews and sets a trial.
If no answer is filed within seven business days, the landlord may file for default judgment (with fee). Personal service of the initial claim is required to obtain a money judgment on default.

Appeal and Writ of Possession.
Tenants have seven consecutive days after a judgment to appeal to Circuit Court.
If no appeal is filed and possession hasn’t been surrendered, the landlord may request a writ of possession (with fee). The judge’s order goes to the Sheriff’s Office for final action.

Collecting Money Judgments.
Fourteen days after a money judgment, you may request a garnishment (with fee), providing current addresses and garnishee information.

These steps and timing rules are set out in the court’s District Civil guidance. To review procedural notes and forms references, see District Civil (procedural summary available under District Civil on the official site) and confirm any filing fees on the Court Costs page linked above.

Prepare for Traffic Court: Avoid Missed Appearances and Extra Costs

If you received an Autauga County traffic citation with a court date before the District Court, read the back of your ticket and the court’s instructions closely:

If your offense type allows it and you have no more than one prior traffic conviction in the last twelve months, you may enter a guilty plea and pay the listed fine and costs before your court date—without a court appearance.

If you intend to plead Not Guilty or want a trial, you must appear on the date shown on your ticket to request a trial setting.

Failure to pay or appear may result in a warrant, license suspension by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, increased fines, and bond forfeiture.

The court outlines how insurance, driver’s license, tag, equipment, and similar compliance issues can affect outcomes. For example, showing proof of compliance by your court date can lead to dismissal (often with costs) or reduced penalties, depending on timing and the specific violation.

Find official expectations, cost schedule examples, and appearance rules on the Traffic Court page (Traffic Court).

Tip: Bring all supporting documents (proof of insurance, registration, repairs, or updated license) to your first appearance to minimize repeat trips and delays.

Serve as a Juror with Confidence: What Happens and How Long It Takes

Jury trials are a cornerstone of the justice system. If you have been summoned in Autauga County:

Register promptly online after receiving a summons, then follow your reporting instructions.

On your reporting day, you’ll check in (the courthouse typically opens early for this) and turn in your completed summons.

Terms are usually one week, and you may not serve every day. After the first day, you’ll receive a panel number and a juror phone line to call after hours for next-day instructions.

You are paid a daily expense allowance and mileage; you can waive payment by affidavit if you choose.

Full-time employees are generally entitled to usual wages during jury service under Alabama law.

The Autauga County page also explains juror responsibilities (punctuality, attention to testimony, avoiding outside research, not discussing the case) and the sequence of a trial (opening statements through verdict). Review the full guidance on the county’s official Jury Information page (Jury Information).

What to Expect on Arrival—and What Not to Bring

Courthouse security rules protect all participants. Prohibited items include:

Lighters, matches, and other flame-starting devices.

Knives, sharp or pointed items (including knitting needles).

Fingernail files three inches or longer; scissors of any type.

Pepper spray, mace, tasers, and firearms of any type.

Cell phones or recording devices (local rules apply; when in doubt, leave them in your vehicle).

Dress comfortably and modestly to reflect the seriousness of court proceedings. Because temperatures can fluctuate in an older building, consider bringing a light jacket.

Manage Domestic Relations and Child Support Through the Right Office

Title IV-D of the Social Security Act and Alabama statutes authorize the Department of Human Resources (DHR) to provide child support services for parents seeking to establish paternity and obtain or enforce support orders. In the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, the District Attorney’s Child Support Unit acts as legal counsel for Autauga, Elmore, and Chilton County DHR offices on these cases—representing the State of Alabama, not either individual parent.

Services include:

Filing actions to adjudicate paternity.
Establishing support orders.
Enforcing support through income withholding.
Pursuing contempt for failure to comply with court orders.

Accessing services: Parents apply through DHR. The DHR referral triggers the District Attorney Child Support Unit’s involvement in court. Matters of custody and visitation are not handled by this unit under its contract. The unit is located in the Autauga County Courthouse, with proceedings coordinated through the clerk and appropriate divisions.

Use Juvenile Court Services for Delinquency, Dependency, and CHINS

The Juvenile Court Office accepts and processes petitions regarding:

Delinquency (alleged violations, misdemeanors, or felonies by a child).

Dependency (allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, failure to provide medical care, truancy due to parental action/inaction, or other circumstances showing a child needs state care).

Child in Need of Supervision (CHINS) (habitual truancy, persistent disobedience of lawful parental demands, running away, or status offenses).

Juvenile operations include truancy prevention and enforcement under Alabama’s compulsory attendance laws. The office works with local boards of education to conduct Early Warning Truancy sessions that emphasize attendance requirements and outline court-ordered consequences for chronic absenteeism.

For direct assistance, your first stop is the Juvenile Probation Office (Room 102) or the Juvenile Clerk’s Office (Room 103) at the courthouse. The Juvenile Court staff directory and roles are available on the county’s juvenile page; for broader court context, the District Court page above notes juvenile jurisdiction in this circuit.

File, Pay, and Appear the Right Way: Practical Steps for a Smooth Visit

Before You Go

Confirm your division (Circuit vs. District; Criminal vs. Civil; Domestic Relations; Small Claims; Juvenile).

Assemble documents: IDs, pleadings, copies of notices, proof of service, and, when applicable, insurance cards, registration, repair receipts, or other compliance proof.

Bring proper payment (cash, cashier’s check, or money order) for filing fees and service costs; consult the official Court Costs page for fee categories (linked above).

Leave prohibited items behind to avoid delays at security screening.

When You Arrive

Allow time for security screening and find your division by room number.

If you’re summoned for jury service, report to the designated courtroom and follow clerk instructions during check-in.

For filings, go directly to the Circuit Clerk’s Office window that matches your case type (civil, criminal, domestic relations/child support, small claims/unlawful detainers, juvenile, payments, bookkeeping).

If You Have a Traffic Ticket

Decide whether your offense is payable without appearance. If so—and you’re eligible—you may enter a guilty plea and pay before your date to avoid a court trip.

If you want a trial or need to contest the citation, appear on your assigned date to request it.

Ask about driving school eligibility at the appropriate time; such programs, when allowed, occur only at the judge’s discretion.

If You’re a Landlord Filing an Eviction

Serve the correct notice (7-day or 30-day) by an approved method and keep proof.

File the Statement of Claim with all attachments and fees.

Track the 7-business-day answer period and be ready to request default or proceed to trial based on the tenant’s response.

Observe the 7-day appeal window before asking for a writ of possession.

After a money judgment, wait 14 days to request garnishment with current employer or garnishee details.

Learn Who the Judges Are and How Dockets Work

Autauga County’s Circuit Court bench includes multiple judges, and the District Court is presided over by the District Judge for this circuit. The Circuit Court page provides each judge’s BIO/CONTACT and docket access; check there for trial schedules and courtroom procedures that may differ slightly by judge. Start with the official Circuit Court page above for judge listings and docket links.

Respect the Boundaries: What the Clerk Can and Cannot Do

Clerk’s staff members are committed to helpful customer service, but they cannot:

Tell you which form to choose.
Provide legal advice about what you should do or how to present your case.
Represent you or speak for you in court.

They can:

Explain procedures, deadlines, and filing requirements.
Accept your pleadings/payments, issue receipts, and schedule matters.
Provide public case information where permitted.

If you’re uncertain about legal strategy or form selection, consider consulting a licensed attorney. For state-level informational resources and some forms, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains online materials.

Use Official Online Resources Wisely (and Avoid Third-Party Pitfalls)

When resolving court business, rely on official websites and portals referenced by the courthouse. The county’s site consolidates local guidance for Autauga residents at the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit – Autauga County hub (Nineteenth Judicial Circuit – Autauga County). For topic-specific guidance on this local site, use the targeted pages linked throughout this article:

Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office (duties, public notes, and office structure)

Circuit Court (jurisdiction, judges)

District Court (jurisdiction, juvenile role in this circuit)

Jury Information (registration, service, responsibilities, prohibited items, trial sequence)

Traffic Court (when you must appear, what you can pay, compliance tips)

District Civil (evictions/unlawful detainers, procedural steps)

Court Costs (filing-fee categories and examples)

For local orientation to county services related to your courthouse business (for example, confirming clerk-related contacts and timing), the county’s internal page Autauga County Circuit Clerk can help you start on the right foot (Autauga County Circuit Clerk).

Civil Filings: Circuit vs. District—Choose the Correct Track

Circuit Civil for claims over $20,000.

District Civil for claims up to $20,000, and exclusive jurisdiction when $6,000 or less.

Small Claims and Unlawful Detainers follow streamlined District procedures, with short answer windows and potential default processes.

Criminal Matters: Felonies vs. Misdemeanors

Felonies are prosecuted in Circuit Court; District handles preliminary hearings and may receive certain felony pleas.

Misdemeanors originate in District Court, with trial and sentencing handled there unless appealed.

Family and Domestic Relations

Family court matters (under Circuit Court) include domestic relations, with child support enforcement coordinated through DHR and the District Attorney’s Child Support Unit as counsel for the State.

Juvenile Proceedings

Delinquency, dependency, and CHINS petitions originate through Juvenile Court, with filings and help available from the Juvenile Probation Office and the Juvenile Clerk at the courthouse.

Jury Service and Trial Weeks

The circuit typically schedules numerous trial weeks each year, and jurors are assigned by panels. After day one, you’ll call in nightly for instructions. Payment for service and mileage is processed at the end of the term (earlier only in special circumstances).

Make the Most of Your Courthouse Visit

Arrive early to clear security and locate the correct room number.

Bring originals and copies of your documents; clerks may keep certain items and return others.

Check docket times and read your summons or notice carefully.

Confirm costs and preferred payment methods (cash, cashier’s check, money order) and know when Sheriff’s service fees apply.

Respect courtroom decorum: silence electronic devices (or leave them outside), dress appropriately, and follow bailiff instructions.

Autauga Circuit Clerk’s Office
Circuit Court
District Court
Jury Information
Traffic Court
District Civil
Court Costs
Autauga County Circuit Clerk

Courthouse Departments, Addresses, and Phone Numbers

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

Circuit Clerk’s Office – Circuit Criminal (Room 117) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6807

Circuit Clerk’s Office – District Criminal / Traffic (Room 117) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6802

Circuit Clerk’s Office – Domestic Relations / Child Support (Room 108) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6809

Circuit Clerk’s Office – Circuit / District Civil (Room 114) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6806

Circuit Clerk’s Office – Small Claims / Unlawful Detainers (Room 114) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6805

Circuit Clerk’s Office – Juvenile (Room 107) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6803

Circuit Clerk’s Office – Payments (Room 116) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6804

Circuit Clerk’s Office – Bookkeeping (Room 116) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6810

District Court Judge – Office (Room 110) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6820

Circuit Court Judge – Office (Room 206) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6840

District Attorney’s Office (Room 106) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 365-5715

Juvenile Probation Office (Room 102) — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6860

Jury Management – Juror Information Line — 134 North Court Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • (334) 358-6811

Absentee Election Manager — 165 W. Fifth Street, Prattville, AL 36067 • P.O. Box 681864, Prattville, AL 36068 • (334) 358-6718

Autauga County Courthouse FAQs

Which cases are heard in which court, and why does it matter for filings?

Autauga County is in Alabama’s 19th Judicial Circuit. Major civil disputes (over $20,000), felony prosecutions, family matters, and appeals from lower courts are handled in the Circuit Court. For a judge list and jurisdiction summary, see Circuit Court. Misdemeanors, preliminary felony hearings, juvenile matters in this circuit, and lower-value civil disputes fall under the District Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction for civil claims up to $6,000 and concurrent jurisdiction up to $20,000; details are outlined under District Court.

How do I meet juror requirements after a summons?

After receiving a summons, promptly register online through the state portal linked on Jury Information. Plan to report to the courthouse early on your designated day for check-in and orientation. Jury terms typically span one week, though you may not be required daily. Expect panel assignments with after-hours call-in instructions for next-day reporting. Jurors receive an expense allowance and mileage, issued at the end of the term, and employers of full-time employees must allow usual wages during service.

What are the key steps and deadlines for local eviction (unlawful detainer) cases?

Landlords must deliver a written notice before filing: 7 days for a yearly lease, 30 days for month-to-month/expired/no lease. Accepted delivery methods include hand-delivery, posting on the premises, or certified mail. If the tenant does not vacate, file a Statement of Claim with required fees and attachments. After service, the tenant has 7 business days to answer; absent an answer, a default may be requested. Appeals are due within 7 consecutive days of judgment; writs of possession may be requested after that period. See District Civil for the local procedure outline and forms references.

How are traffic citations handled if my ticket lists a court date?

The court date printed on a ticket is not a trial date. To plead not guilty and request a trial, appear on the listed date. Many listed offenses can be resolved without a court appearance by entering a guilty plea and paying before the date, provided eligibility requirements are met. Failure to pay or appear can trigger a warrant, license suspension by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, increased fines, and bond forfeiture. Full instructions and payable-offense charts are provided under Traffic Court.