Court records in Coffee County, Alabama can be searched through several channels. CoffeeCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through the Coffee County Circuit Court website, the statewide Alacourt.gov portal, the Circuit Clerk's office in person, or public terminals located at the courthouse. Each option offers different levels of detail depending on the case type and record availability.
Coffee County Court System & Jurisdictions
Coffee County is part of Alabama's 12th Judicial Circuit. The county has two court seats — one in Elba (the county seat) and one in Enterprise — and several courts handle different categories of cases.
- Circuit Court — Handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $20,000, domestic relations cases (divorce, custody, child support), and appeals from District Court. The Circuit Clerk, Amy L. Reeves, maintains records for this court.
- District Court — Covers misdemeanor criminal cases, civil disputes of $20,000 or less, small claims (up to $6,000), preliminary hearings in felony cases, and traffic violations.
- Probate Court — Manages wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, name changes, and involuntary commitments. The Probate Judge also handles marriage license issuance in Coffee County.
- Municipal Courts — The cities of Enterprise, Elba, Kinston, and New Brockton each operate municipal courts that process local ordinance violations and minor traffic offenses within their jurisdictions.
If you are unsure which court holds the docket you need, start by identifying the case type. Criminal felonies and domestic relations matters will be in Circuit Court, while most traffic tickets and misdemeanors are in District Court.
Coffee County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding upcoming hearing dates in Coffee County requires checking a few resources depending on the court involved.
- Alacourt.gov "Just One Look" — The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts offers on-demand access to state trial court records, including scheduled hearing dates, through its "Just One Look" service. You can search one case at a time using a party name or case number.
- Coffee County Circuit Court website — The official county court site posts general information about court schedules and jury service. If you have received a jury summons, check this site for reporting instructions.
- Contact the Clerk's office directly — For same-day or next-day calendar inquiries, calling the Circuit Clerk's office is often the fastest approach. Staff can confirm whether a specific case is on the docket for a given date.
Court calendars can change due to continuances, judicial reassignments, or emergencies. Always verify a hearing date before making travel plans.
How to Get a Copy of a Coffee County Court Document
You can obtain court documents from Coffee County through three main channels:
Online
Use the Alacourt.gov "Just One Look" portal to search trial court records statewide, including Coffee County. The service provides on-demand access to case information one case at a time. Some documents may be viewable or available for purchase online. For appellate records, the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal provides docket access, though document purchases require registration.
In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Coffee County Courthouse. Bring the case number or full party name to help staff locate the file. You can request either certified or uncertified copies at the counter.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of the specific document needed
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fee
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. uncertified: Certified copies bear the clerk's official seal and signature, making them acceptable for legal proceedings, background checks, and filings with other agencies. Uncertified copies are suitable for personal reference but generally not accepted by courts or government offices.
Certain records are restricted from public access, including sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, adoption files, and records subject to court-ordered confidentiality. The clerk's office can advise whether a specific record is available.
Coffee County Court Records Fees & Payment
Alabama law sets standard fees for court record services. The following table reflects commonly assessed charges at the Circuit Clerk's office. Contact the clerk to confirm current amounts before submitting payment.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Case record search (per name) | $5.00 |
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification / seal | $5.00 |
| Divorce certificate (via ADPH) | $15.00 |
| Criminal background check (via ALEA) | Varies |
Payment methods: The clerk's office typically accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask about credit or debit card acceptance, as policies can vary. For mail requests, do not send cash — use a check or money order payable to the Coffee County Circuit Clerk.
For divorce certificates, the Alabama Department of Public Health charges $15.00 per search, which includes one certified copy. Statewide criminal background checks are processed through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and carry a separate fee schedule.