Limestone County Public Records /Limestone County Court Records

Limestone County Court Records

What Is Limestone County Court Records

Court records in Limestone County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records are maintained by the Limestone County Circuit Clerk, who serves as the official record keeper for all court proceedings in the District and Circuit Courts.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets listing chronological case events
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing and disposition records
Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
Probate matters including wills and estate administration

These judicial records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40, known as the Public Records Law, court records are considered public documents subject to inspection by citizens.

The Limestone County court system, part of Alabama's 39th Judicial Circuit, maintains records from several courts:

Circuit Court (felony criminal cases, civil cases over $10,000)
District Court (misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, civil cases under $10,000)
Juvenile Court (delinquency, dependency cases)
Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations)

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides oversight for record-keeping standards across all state courts, ensuring consistency in how records are maintained and accessed throughout the judicial system.

Are Court Records Public In Limestone County

Court records in Limestone County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under Alabama's Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 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."

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (complaints, answers, motions, judgments)
Criminal case files after formal charging
Court dockets and calendars
Final judgments and orders
Marriage and divorce records
Probate records including wills and estate inventories

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order or statute, including:

Juvenile court proceedings (except by court order)
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Certain domestic relations matters involving child custody
Grand jury proceedings
Cases sealed by judicial order
Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration

Access to court records in Limestone County is governed by both state law and the policies established by the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. The Alabama Supreme Court has also issued administrative orders regarding public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns.

It is important to note that while federal court records for cases heard in federal courts are accessible through the PACER system, Limestone County court records are maintained by state and local courts under Alabama's jurisdiction and access protocols.

How To Find Court Records in Limestone County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Limestone County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the Limestone County Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours.
Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information.
Present valid photo identification.
Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 for record search plus $0.50 per page for copies).

Online Access:

Access the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website.
Navigate to the "Just One Look" portal for on-demand access to trial court records.
Create an account if required.
Search by case number, party name, or filing date.
Pay any applicable online access fees.

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the Circuit Clerk's office including:
- Case information (names, approximate dates, case types)
- Specific documents requested
- Contact information
- Payment for applicable fees
Mail requests to:

Limestone County Circuit Clerk's Office
200 W Washington St, Suite 301
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-6406
Limestone County Circuit Clerk

For appellate court records involving Limestone County cases, the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal provides access to Supreme Court and Court of Civil Appeals documents.

Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 32, certain records may require additional verification or court orders to access. Certified copies of court documents are available for an additional fee and must be requested specifically.

How To Look Up Court Records in Limestone County Online?

Limestone County court records can be accessed through several online portals, each providing different levels of information and document access. The primary online resources currently available include:

Alabama's Statewide "Just One Look" System:

Visit the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website
Select the "Just One Look" portal
Register for an account (requires email address)
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
Pay applicable fees to view or download documents
Records available include civil, criminal, domestic relations, and small claims cases

Limestone County Circuit Clerk's Website:

Navigate to the Limestone County Circuit Court website
Select "Court Records" from the navigation menu
Follow prompts to access the county-specific search interface
Basic case information is viewable without charge
Document access may require fees or in-person requests

Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal:

Access the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal
Search for Limestone County cases appealed to higher courts
View docket information for free
Register as a user to purchase and view documents
Available to attorneys licensed in Alabama and registered public users

AlaCourt Plus (For Attorneys and Legal Professionals):

Register through the Alabama State Bar
Access comprehensive case information and documents
Utilize advanced search features
Pay subscription and document fees as applicable

Each online system contains different record types and has varying search capabilities. The "Just One Look" system provides the most comprehensive access to trial court records, while specialized systems like the Appellate Courts Portal focus on specific court levels. Under current Alabama court administration policies, some sensitive documents may be viewable only in person at the courthouse.

How To Search Limestone County Court Records for Free?

Alabama law provides for public inspection of court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-19-270, the public has the right to inspect court records without charge, though reasonable fees may be assessed for searches, copies, and certifications.

Free access options for Limestone County court records include:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the Limestone County Courthouse during regular business hours
Request to view specific case files at the public access terminals
No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
Self-service research is permitted in the public viewing area

Limestone County Circuit Clerk's Office
200 W Washington St, Suite 301
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-6406
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Limestone County Circuit Clerk

Limited Online Access:

Basic case information is viewable without charge on the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website
Case status, party names, and upcoming court dates are typically available at no cost
Docket listings showing case events are often accessible without fees
The Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal provides free access to docket information

Public Law Library Access:

The Limestone County Law Library provides public access terminals
Library staff can assist with basic navigation of court record systems
Reference materials explaining court procedures are available

Athens-Limestone Public Library
603 S Jefferson St
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 232-1233
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

While basic record inspection is available at no cost, comprehensive searches, document copies, and certified records will incur fees as established by state law and local court rules. Additionally, access to certain confidential or sealed records may be restricted regardless of payment.

What's Included in a Limestone County Court Record?

Limestone 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 service of process documentation
Initial appearance records
Filing date and assigned judge information

Party Information:

Names and contact information for all parties
Attorney information when represented
Service addresses
Witness lists when filed with the court

Procedural Documents:

Motions and responses
Court orders and rulings
Hearing notices and continuances
Subpoenas issued
Discovery documents filed with the court
Pretrial conference memoranda

Disposition Documents:

Judgments and decrees
Settlement agreements filed with the court
Jury verdicts
Dismissal orders
Default judgments
Sentencing orders in criminal cases

Financial Information:

Filing fees paid
Court costs assessed
Restitution orders
Fine payments
Bond information

Post-Judgment Documents:

Appeals notices
Execution documents
Satisfaction of judgment filings
Probation reports filed with the court
Post-conviction relief petitions

Exhibits and Evidence:

Trial exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts when prepared
Affidavits and declarations
Expert witness reports filed with the court

In accordance with the Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public view, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers. Additionally, some documents may be sealed by court order or restricted by statute, particularly in juvenile, adoption, or mental health proceedings.

How Long Does Limestone County Keep Court Records?

Limestone County adheres to the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History and the Alabama Supreme Court. Retention periods vary based on case type, disposition, and historical significance. The following retention periods are currently in effect:

Criminal Cases:

Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
Non-capital felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor cases: 25 years after final disposition
Traffic cases (non-DUI): 10 years after final disposition
DUI cases: 25 years after final disposition

Civil Cases:

Cases with permanent injunctions: Permanent retention
Real property cases: Permanent retention
General civil litigation: 25 years after final disposition
Small claims cases: 10 years after final disposition
Domestic relations cases: 75 years after final disposition

Probate Records:

Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
Guardianships and conservatorships: 25 years after termination
Mental health commitment proceedings: 25 years after final disposition

Juvenile Records:

Delinquency cases: Until subject reaches age 25, then eligible for destruction
Dependency cases: 25 years after final disposition
Status offense cases: 10 years after final disposition

Pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-23, the State Records Commission establishes official retention schedules for all government records, including court documents. The Limestone County Circuit Clerk coordinates with the Alabama Department of Archives and History to transfer records of historical significance for permanent preservation.

Digital records are maintained according to the same retention schedules as paper records. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed following proper procedures outlined in state regulations, though many historically significant records are preserved indefinitely.

Types of Courts In Limestone County

Limestone County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority. The following courts currently operate within the county:

Limestone County Circuit Court
200 W Washington St
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-6406
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Limestone 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. It is part of Alabama's 39th Judicial Circuit.

Limestone County District Court
200 W Washington St
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-6420
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Limestone County District Court

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

Limestone County Probate Court
100 S Clinton St
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-6427
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Limestone County Probate Court

The Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, mental health commitments, land records, and marriage licenses. It is not part of the unified judicial system but is a constitutional court.

Athens Municipal Court
951 Hobbs St E
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-8733
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Athens Municipal Court

The Municipal Court handles violations of city ordinances, traffic citations issued within city limits, and certain misdemeanors occurring within the Athens city limits.

Appellate Courts (Located in Montgomery)
Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals and Alabama Court of Civil Appeals
300 Dexter Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
(334) 229-0649
Alabama Appellate Courts

These courts hear appeals from Limestone County cases but are located in Montgomery.

The court hierarchy progresses from Municipal and District Courts to Circuit Court, then to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or Court of Criminal Appeals, and finally to the Alabama Supreme Court. Each level has specific jurisdictional limits and authority as defined by Alabama law.

What Types of Cases Do Limestone County Courts Hear?

Limestone County's various courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court having specific jurisdictional authority as established by Alabama law. The following case types are currently heard in Limestone County courts:

Circuit Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions
Civil lawsuits with claims exceeding $10,000
Domestic relations matters (divorce, child custody, support)
Property disputes and real estate litigation
Appeals from District and Municipal courts
Equity matters
Class action lawsuits
Complex commercial litigation
Tort claims and personal injury cases
Employment disputes

District Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal cases
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Civil lawsuits with claims up to $10,000
Small claims cases (up to $6,000)
Traffic violations (non-municipal)
Unlawful detainer and eviction proceedings
Juvenile matters (delinquency, dependency, CHINS)
Protection from abuse petitions
Paternity and child support establishment
Worthless check prosecutions

Probate Court Cases:

Wills and estate administration
Guardianships and conservatorships
Mental health commitment proceedings
Name changes
Land condemnations
Marriage licenses
Adoption records
Business licenses
Recording of property deeds and mortgages

Municipal Court Cases:

City ordinance violations
Traffic citations issued within city limits
Parking violations
Public intoxication
Disorderly conduct
Noise violations
Animal control violations
Certain misdemeanors occurring within city limits

Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by the Alabama Code § 12-11-30 for Circuit Courts and Alabama Code § 12-12-31 for District Courts. The Limestone County court system processes thousands of cases annually across these various courts, with the Circuit and District Courts handling the majority of litigation matters.

How To Find a Court Docket In Limestone County

Court dockets in Limestone County provide chronological listings of scheduled cases and proceedings. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website
Select the "Just One Look" portal for trial court records
Create an account or log in if already registered
Search by date, judge, or case type to view docket listings
Review upcoming court calendars and scheduled hearings

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the Limestone County Circuit Clerk's office during business hours
Request to view the daily or weekly court docket
Docket sheets are typically posted outside each courtroom
Check the public bulletin boards in the courthouse for hearing schedules

Limestone County Circuit Clerk's Office
200 W Washington St, Suite 301
Athens, AL 35611
(256) 233-6406
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Limestone County Circuit Clerk

Telephone Inquiry:

Contact the Circuit Clerk's office at (256) 233-6406
Provide the case number or party names
Request information about upcoming hearings or proceedings
Note that detailed case information may require in-person or online access

Appellate Court Dockets:

Access the Alabama Appellate Courts Public Portal
Search for Limestone County cases on appeal
View scheduled oral arguments and decision release dates
Monitor case status and procedural developments

Docket information is updated regularly but may change due to continuances, settlements, or other procedural developments. Pursuant to Alabama Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 33, courts must maintain accurate docket records accessible to the public. For the most current information, checking the online system or contacting the clerk's office directly is recommended, particularly for time-sensitive matters.

Which Courts in Limestone County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Alabama judicial system, courts are classified as either "courts of record" or "courts not of record" based on whether they maintain comprehensive transcripts and documentation of proceedings. This distinction affects appeal procedures and record-keeping requirements.

Courts Not of Record in Limestone County:

Municipal Courts:

Athens Municipal Court
Ardmore Municipal Court
Elkmont Municipal Court
Other incorporated town municipal courts within Limestone County

Municipal courts are established under Alabama Code § 12-14-1 and are not required to maintain verbatim records of all proceedings. While these courts keep case files and docket information, they typically do not produce complete transcripts unless specifically requested for appeal purposes.

Small Claims Division: While technically part of the District Court, the Small Claims division operates under simplified procedures with relaxed rules of evidence and documentation as established in Alabama Code § 12-12-31.

Characteristics of Courts Not of Record:

Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in Circuit Court
Proceedings may not be recorded by court reporters
Formal transcripts are not automatically generated
Simplified procedural rules often apply
Judges may not be required to be attorneys

Courts of Record in Limestone County:

Circuit Court
District Court (except Small Claims division)
Juvenile Court (technically a division of District Court)
Probate Court (for certain proceedings)

These courts maintain comprehensive records including transcripts, exhibits, and detailed documentation of all proceedings. Appeals from courts of record typically involve review of the existing record rather than a completely new trial.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for parties considering appeals, as the process and standard of review differ substantially between the two court types.