Cherokee County Court Records

Cherokee County court records cover civil and criminal filings across the county's circuit, appellate, district, municipal, and juvenile courts. These records consist of various documents that together provide an overview of court proceedings. The clerk of the court oversees the management of these records.

Alabama court records generally contain transcripts, dockets, pleadings, evidence, and recordings (audio and video), among other documentation.

Are Court Records Public in Cherokee County?

Yes. Alabama Rule of Court 104 asserts that interested individuals may inspect or photocopy court records within the state, including those of Cherokee County. The sole exception is when a record is sealed by law or court order.

Records unavailable to the public under Rule 201 include:

• Documents for review committees as per Ala. Code 1975, § 6-5-333
• Child delinquency court notices and confidential information provided by educators under Ala. Code 1975, § 12-15-217
• Trade secrets outlined in Ala. Code 1975, §§ 8-27-2, 22-30-18, and 27-22-25
• Audio recordings of 911 calls under Ala. Code 1975, § 11-98-12
• Communications between providers and recipients in professional corporations, as stated in Ala. Code 1975, § 10A-4-3.04
• Reports from adult probation officers to municipal courts per Ala. Code 1975, § 12-14-13

Cherokee County Court Records Search

Typically, the first step in searching for court records is to visit the Office of the Clerk, as the court clerk serves as the official custodian of these records. However, alternative avenues are also available. Requesters can utilize the online database offered by the judiciary. For those without internet access, inquiries can be made via mail, or individuals can visit the courthouse where the case was filed.

Additionally, there are non-governmental options. Members of the public may explore third-party websites that offer access to court records.

Cherokee County Courts

The Cherokee Circuit Court manages various civil and criminal cases within the county. In contrast, the District Civil Division addresses civil cases at the district level, such as evictions and unlawful detainers. Similarly, both the probate and municipal courts possess limited jurisdiction regarding the issues they oversee. The locations for each of these courts are provided below:

Circuit Courts
Cherokee County Circuit Court
Cherokee County Courthouse
100 Main Street
Room 203
Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3637

District Courts
Cherokee County District Court
Cherokee County Courthouse
100 Main Street
Room 203
Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3637

Probate Courts
Cherokee County Probate Court
260 Cedar Bluff Road
Room 101
Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3668
Fax: (256) 927-9218

Municipal Courts
Centre Municipal Court
999 West Main Street
Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-2419
Fax: (256) 927-5219

Cherokee County Criminal and Civil Records

The courts in Cherokee manage both civil and criminal records. Fortunately, these records are classified as Cherokee County public records, allowing individuals to request access. However, restrictions on access, as outlined in court rules, remain in effect.

For civil or criminal records from the courts where cases were adjudicated:

Members of the public may visit the court to request specific records, requiring only identifiable information to facilitate retrieval. Alternatively, individuals can complete a request form and submit it via mail. Requests can pertain to either Cherokee County criminal or civil records.

Regarding criminal records from law enforcement:

Criminal records, including Cherokee County arrest records and court proceedings, are available through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. While record owners and specifically authorized individuals can access comprehensive details, the general public is limited to obtaining restricted information. Inquirers may contact the Sheriff's office for Cherokee arrest records and inquire at the court for related proceedings that resulted in a conviction.

It is important to note that while searches for arrest records may be conducted without charge, obtaining copies of Cherokee criminal records will incur a fee.

Cherokee County Marriage Records

Cherokee County Marriage Records fall under the category of Vital Records in Cherokee County. These records are considered public and can be accessed by anyone who submits a request. Inquirers would need to know the following:

Information needed:

• Full names of both spouses before marriage
• Date of marriage
• County in which the marriage license was issued
• Name and signature of the requester
• Mailing address for sending the certificate
• Contact phone number

Custodian: Cherokee County marriage certificates issued before August 1936 can be obtained from the probate court, while those issued after this date are held by the county's Health Department.

Ordering Methods: Requests can be made in person or via mail through a government agency. Alternatively, orders can be placed online through a private contractor. Individuals submitting requests by mail must include a completed request form.

For In-Person Requests:

Cherokee County Health Department
833 Cedar Bluff Road
Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3132

For Mail Requests:

Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625

Fees: The cost is $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy.

Cherokee County Divorce Records

Cherokee divorce documents are categorized as public records, even though they are considered vital records. One can acquire divorce records from 1950 to the present through the Alabama Center for Health Statistics. In contrast, records before that period can only be accessed via the circuit court.

The procedure for acquiring a Cherokee divorce document as with all vital records is uniform with the same related fees.

Cherokee County Birth Records

Cherokee County birth records are accessible to the public only after 125 years, as stipulated by Ala. Code § 22-9A-21. Prior to this period, access is restricted to the individual named in the record, their immediate family members, and legal representatives who are at least 18 years old.

Applicants seeking Cherokee County birth certificates must provide the following information: the individual's birth date, name, sex, birthplace (county or city), whether born in a hospital or at home, parents' names (prior to their first marriage), the name and signature of the requester, the relationship to the individual named on the certificate, as well as a return mailing address and a contact number.

Cherokee County birth records are utilized for research and statistical analysis. Birth certificates dating back to 1908 can be obtained from the agency.

Cherokee County Death Records

According to Ala. Code § 22-9A-21, Cherokee death records remain sealed for 25 years from the date of death. Those who require a death certificate can apply by submitting the required form to the vital records office, ordering in person, or completing the process online.

The necessary information and associated fees are identical to those required for obtaining a birth certificate.

Cherokee County Probate Court Records

Residents of Cherokee County have three options to obtain probate records: they can access probate records through the online database provided by the court, mail their request or visit the office to make an in-person inquiry.

The office is located at:

260 Cedar Bluff Road
Suite 101
Centre, AL 35960
Phone: (256) 927-3668
Fax: (256) 927-9218

While probate cases in Cherokee are typically informal, some complex situations may necessitate formal proceedings for resolution.

The Probate Court manages the administration of deceased estates, grants marriage licenses, appoints guardians and conservators, and deals with involuntary commitments.

Cherokee County Property Records

Property records are accessible through the online Property Search tool provided by the Revenue Commissioner's office. Users can search by owner's name, parcel number, address, or other criteria. Additionally, individuals may submit a request by mail or contact the office directly. The office can be found at:

Revenue Commissioner's Office
Cherokee County Administrative Building
260 Cedar Bluff Road
Suite 102
Centre, AL 35960

Moreover, the public can obtain property records from the probate court as well. Interested individuals can inquire directly with the court to obtain the necessary information.

Cherokee County Court Records Online

Cherokee court records can be accessed online through various third-party websites. Sites like Alabamacourtrecords.us offer a wealth of resources for individuals seeking specific court records. Although these platforms provide convenient access to a wide range of information, the accuracy of the data may not be guaranteed. Therefore, they should not be exclusively relied upon, particularly when the records in question are intended for official use.