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Baldwin County Court Records

What Is Baldwin County Court Records

Baldwin County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, these documents are considered public writings and are generally accessible to citizens.

Court records differ from other public records such as:

  • Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
  • Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
  • Tax records
  • Business licenses

The 28th Judicial Circuit Court of Baldwin County maintains records for various courts within its jurisdiction, including:

  • Circuit Court (felony criminal cases, civil cases over $10,000)
  • District Court (misdemeanors, civil cases under $10,000)
  • Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
  • Juvenile Court (delinquency, dependency cases)
  • Small Claims Court (civil disputes under $6,000)
  • Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, traffic offenses)

These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts oversees the statewide court record system, providing guidelines for record maintenance and access.

Are Court Records Public In Baldwin County

Court records in Baldwin County are generally public pursuant to Alabama's Open Records Law, codified in Alabama Code § 36-12-40, which states 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." Additionally, the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, specifically Rule 33, governs public access to court records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

  • Most civil case files
  • Criminal case files (post-charging)
  • Judgments and orders
  • Docket sheets
  • Hearing schedules
  • Final dispositions

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed, including:

  • Juvenile proceedings (except by court order)
  • Adoption records
  • Mental health commitment proceedings
  • Records sealed by judicial order
  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Certain domestic relations cases involving minors
  • Cases involving confidential informants

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama (which includes Baldwin County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state laws. The Baldwin County Circuit Court maintains most public court records for the county and provides access in accordance with state law and court rules.

How To Find Court Records in Baldwin County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Baldwin County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Baldwin County court system currently provides multiple avenues for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

  1. Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
  2. Complete a records request form at the clerk's office
  3. Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information
  4. Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
  5. Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office
312 Courthouse Square, Suite 10
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-9561
Baldwin County Circuit Court

Online Access:

  1. Navigate to the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website
  2. Register for an account if accessing non-public documents
  3. Select Baldwin County from the jurisdiction menu
  4. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
  5. Pay applicable online access fees
  6. View or download available documents

Written Requests:

  1. Submit a detailed written request to the Circuit Clerk's office
  2. Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
  3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for response
  4. Include payment for estimated copy fees

For specialized records, contact the specific court division:

Baldwin County Probate Court
220 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-9561
Baldwin County Probate Court

Baldwin County District Court
312 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-0201
Baldwin County District Court

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-19-180, the clerk may charge reasonable fees for copies and certification of court records.

How To Look Up Court Records in Baldwin County Online?

Baldwin County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. The primary portal for electronic court record access is through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website, which maintains the statewide Alacourt system.

Alacourt Public Access System:

  1. Visit the Alacourt website
  2. Select "Public Access" from the main menu
  3. Create a user account (requires email verification)
  4. Purchase a subscription or pay per-search fees
  5. Select Baldwin County from the jurisdiction dropdown
  6. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, date range)
  7. View basic case information and docket entries
  8. Purchase and download available documents

Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal: For appellate cases involving Baldwin County matters:

  1. Navigate to the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal
  2. Search by case number, party name, or attorney
  3. Access docket information for free
  4. Register to purchase and view actual documents

Baldwin County Circuit Court Website:

  1. Visit the Baldwin County Circuit Court website
  2. Select "Case Search" from the navigation menu
  3. Enter case number or party information
  4. View basic case status and upcoming court dates

Municipal Court Records: Each municipality maintains separate systems for their court records. For example:

  • Gulf Shores Municipal Court: Contact directly at 251-968-1173
  • Fairhope Municipal Court: Contact directly at 251-928-2136
  • Foley Municipal Court: Contact directly at 251-943-4151

The online systems provide access to:

  • Case status information
  • Party information
  • Docket entries
  • Court dates and times
  • Case disposition
  • Judgment information
  • Some downloadable documents (fees may apply)

How To Search Baldwin County Court Records for Free?

Baldwin County residents and members of the public may access certain court records without payment, in accordance with Alabama's public records laws. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, citizens have the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free In-Person Inspection:

  1. Visit the Baldwin County Courthouse during regular business hours
  2. Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
  3. Provide case number or party names to locate records
  4. Examine documents on-site without charge
  5. Take notes as needed (photography may be restricted)

Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office
312 Courthouse Square, Suite 10
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-9561
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Baldwin County Circuit Court

Free Online Resources:

Public Access Terminals: Free computer terminals are available at the courthouse for searching basic case information:

  • Located in the main lobby of the Baldwin County Courthouse
  • Available during regular business hours
  • No fee for searching basic case information
  • Printing fees may apply ($1.00 per page)

Law Library Access: The Baldwin County Law Library provides free access to certain legal resources:

  • Located on the second floor of the Baldwin County Courthouse
  • Open to the public during regular business hours
  • Contains legal reference materials and some case information
  • Staff available to assist with basic research questions

While basic case information is available without charge, fees may apply for:

  • Document copies ($1.00 per page)
  • Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
  • Complete case files (variable fees based on volume)
  • Archived records retrieval ($5.00 search fee plus copy costs)

What's Included in a Baldwin County Court Record?

Baldwin County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include the following components:

Case Initiation Documents:

  • Complaints or petitions in civil cases
  • Indictments or information in criminal cases
  • Summonses and subpoenas
  • Service of process documentation
  • Initial appearance records

Pleadings and Motions:

  • Answers and responses
  • Counterclaims and cross-claims
  • Motions filed by parties
  • Briefs and memoranda
  • Affidavits and declarations

Court Orders and Decisions:

  • Preliminary orders
  • Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
  • Summary judgment orders
  • Final judgments and decrees
  • Post-judgment orders

Evidentiary Materials:

  • Exhibits admitted into evidence
  • Deposition transcripts filed with the court
  • Witness lists
  • Expert reports filed with the court
  • Documentary evidence

Hearing and Trial Records:

  • Court calendars and dockets
  • Hearing notices
  • Transcripts of proceedings
  • Jury selection records
  • Verdict forms

Financial Information:

  • Filing fee receipts
  • Cost bills
  • Restitution orders
  • Fine and fee assessments
  • Payment records

Case Management Documents:

  • Scheduling orders
  • Status conference reports
  • Case management plans
  • Continuance requests and orders
  • Certificate of service documents

In accordance with Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Financial account numbers
  • Names of minor children
  • Dates of birth
  • Home addresses in certain cases

How Long Does Baldwin County Keep Court Records?

Baldwin County maintains court records according to the retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-23, the State Records Commission establishes retention periods for various government records, including court documents.

Current Retention Periods:

Criminal Case Records:

  • Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
  • Non-capital felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
  • Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
  • Traffic cases: 10 years after final disposition
  • Youthful offender records: Sealed after completion of sentence

Civil Case Records:

  • Cases with permanent injunctions: Permanent retention
  • Standard civil cases: 25 years after final disposition
  • Small claims cases: 10 years after final disposition
  • Domestic relations cases: 75 years after final disposition
  • Protection from abuse cases: 25 years after expiration of order

Probate Records:

  • Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
  • Guardianships and conservatorships: 25 years after termination
  • Mental health commitment proceedings: 25 years after final order
  • Marriage licenses: Permanent retention
  • Adoption records: Permanent retention (sealed)

Court Administrative Records:

  • Docket books and indexes: Permanent retention
  • Court calendars: 3 years
  • Jury records: 10 years
  • Financial records: 7 years
  • Administrative orders: Permanent retention

After the retention period expires, records may be:

  • Transferred to the Alabama Department of Archives and History
  • Microfilmed or digitized for permanent storage
  • Destroyed according to approved disposition procedures

Historical court records (generally pre-1950) may be archived at:

Alabama Department of Archives and History
624 Washington Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36130
334-242-4435
Alabama Department of Archives and History

Researchers seeking older court records should contact both the Baldwin County Circuit Clerk's Office and the Alabama Department of Archives and History to determine the current location of specific historical records.

Types of Courts In Baldwin County

Baldwin County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Alabama's unified court system:

Baldwin County Circuit Court
312 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-9561
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Baldwin County Circuit Court

The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, domestic relations cases, and appeals from lower courts.

Baldwin County District Court
312 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-0201
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Baldwin County District Court

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

Baldwin County Probate Court
220 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-9561
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Baldwin County Probate Court

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

Baldwin County Juvenile Court
(Division of District Court)
312 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-580-2564
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Juvenile Court handles delinquency, dependency, and child in need of supervision cases.

Municipal Courts:

Gulf Shores Municipal Court
220 Clubhouse Drive
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
251-968-1173
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fairhope Municipal Court
161 North Section Street
Fairhope, AL 36532
251-928-2136
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Foley Municipal Court
200 East Section Avenue
Foley, AL 36535
251-943-4151
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations, traffic offenses, and misdemeanors committed within city limits.

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.

What Types of Cases Do Baldwin County Courts Hear?

Baldwin County's court system adjudicates a wide range of legal matters distributed among its various courts based on subject matter jurisdiction and case value:

Circuit Court Cases:

  • Felony criminal prosecutions
  • Civil lawsuits exceeding $10,000
  • Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
  • Property disputes
  • Appeals from District and Municipal courts
  • Equity matters
  • Complex litigation
  • Class action lawsuits
  • Real property cases with title disputes
  • Civil forfeitures

District Court Cases:

  • Misdemeanor criminal cases
  • Preliminary hearings in felony cases
  • Civil lawsuits up to $10,000
  • Small claims cases (up to $6,000)
  • Evictions and unlawful detainer actions
  • Traffic violations
  • Conservation law violations
  • Civil protection orders
  • Child support enforcement
  • Paternity determinations

Probate Court Cases:

  • Wills and estate administration
  • Guardianships and conservatorships
  • Adoptions
  • Mental health commitments
  • Name changes
  • Land condemnations
  • Marriage licenses
  • Business licenses
  • Recording of property deeds
  • Notary public commissions

Juvenile Court Cases:

  • Delinquency proceedings
  • Child dependency cases
  • Children in need of supervision
  • Termination of parental rights
  • Juvenile status offenses
  • Truancy matters
  • Underage drinking violations
  • Juvenile drug offenses
  • Child protection proceedings
  • Juvenile probation violations

Municipal Court Cases:

  • City ordinance violations
  • Traffic offenses within city limits
  • Public intoxication
  • Disorderly conduct
  • Noise violations
  • Animal control violations
  • Building code violations
  • Minor misdemeanors within city jurisdiction
  • Parking violations
  • Business license violations

Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by the Alabama Code § 12-11-30 for Circuit Courts and Alabama Code § 12-12-30 for District Courts. The 28th Judicial Circuit Court administers these cases according to state law and local rules of procedure.

How To Find a Court Docket In Baldwin County

Court dockets in Baldwin County provide schedules of court proceedings and case listings. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

  1. Visit the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website
  2. Select "Public Access" from the main menu
  3. Choose "Court Calendar" or "Docket Search"
  4. Select Baldwin County from the jurisdiction dropdown
  5. Enter the search date range
  6. View upcoming court proceedings by date, judge, or case type

Baldwin County Circuit Court Website:

  1. Navigate to the Baldwin County Circuit Court website
  2. Select "Court Calendar" from the navigation menu
  3. Choose the specific court division (Circuit, District, etc.)
  4. Select the desired date range
  5. View scheduled hearings, trials, and other proceedings

In-Person Docket Review: Current dockets are posted daily on bulletin boards at:

Baldwin County Courthouse
312 Courthouse Square
Bay Minette, AL 36507
251-937-9561
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Fairhope Satellite Courthouse
1100 Fairhope Avenue
Fairhope, AL 36532
251-928-3002
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Foley Satellite Courthouse
201 East Section Avenue
Foley, AL 36535
251-972-8562
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Telephone Docket Information: Limited docket information is available by calling the Circuit Clerk's office:

  • Circuit Court: 251-937-9561
  • District Court: 251-937-0201
  • Probate Court: 251-937-9561

Specialized Dockets:

  • Criminal docket calls: Typically held on Mondays
  • Civil motion dockets: Usually scheduled on Fridays
  • Domestic relations dockets: Scheduled throughout the week
  • Juvenile dockets: Closed to the public except for parties involved

For appellate cases involving Baldwin County matters, docket information is available through the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal, which provides case status updates and scheduled argument dates.

Which Courts in Baldwin County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Baldwin County, certain courts do not maintain official verbatim records of their proceedings, classifying them as "courts not of record" under Alabama law. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-14-1, a court of record is defined as one in which all proceedings are documented verbatim by a court reporter or recording device, creating an official transcript that can be used in appeals.

Courts Not of Record in Baldwin County:

Municipal Courts: All municipal courts in Baldwin County operate as courts not of record, including:

  • Gulf Shores Municipal Court
  • Fairhope Municipal Court
  • Foley Municipal Court
  • Daphne Municipal Court
  • Orange Beach Municipal Court
  • Bay Minette Municipal Court
  • Robertsdale Municipal Court

Small Claims Division: The Small Claims division of the District Court, handling civil matters under $6,000, functions as a court not of record with simplified procedures.

Key characteristics of courts not of record:

  • No official verbatim transcript of proceedings is created
  • More informal procedures are typically followed
  • Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial)
  • Judges may not always be required to be licensed attorneys
  • Proceedings are often faster and less formal

When a case is appealed from a court not of record, it receives a completely new trial in the Circuit Court, rather than a review of the lower court proceedings. This de novo appeal process is established by Alabama Code § 12-14-70 for municipal court appeals.

Courts of Record in Baldwin County:

  • Circuit Court
  • District Court (except Small Claims division)
  • Probate Court (for certain proceedings)
  • Juvenile Court

These courts maintain official records of all proceedings, which can be transcribed for appeal purposes. Appeals from courts of record are typically based on the official record and legal errors rather than receiving an entirely new trial.

Lookup Court Records in Baldwin County

28th Judicial Circuit Court

Baldwin County Circuit Court

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts

Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal

Alabama Secretary of State Public Records

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