Madison County, AL Courts and Public Records
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- Judgments
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- Misdemeanors
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- Federal Dockets
The Madison County Circuit and District Courts in Huntsville are the county's trial courts, handling felonies, misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil and small claims disputes, domestic relations, child support, and juvenile cases for the 23rd Judicial Circuit.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Madison County Circuit Court and District Court (23rd Judicial Circuit of Alabama) |
| Main Address | Madison County Courthouse, 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801 |
| Main Phone | (256) 532-3390 (Circuit Clerk's Office) |
| Website | madison.alacourt.gov |
| Presiding Judge | Donna S. Pate, listed as Presiding Circuit Judge on the court website |
| Judicial Officers | 8 circuit judges and 4 district judges, as listed in the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts FY 2023 annual report; the 23rd Circuit covers Madison County only |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Huntsville) |
| Handles | Felonies and civil cases above $20,000 in Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, civil cases up to $20,000, child support, and juvenile matters in District Court; divorce and child custody in Circuit Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama), probate matters (Madison County Probate Court), city ordinance cases (municipal courts), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Alacourt public access |
| Criminal Records Requests | Madison County Circuit Clerk's Office, (256) 532-3390 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Yes, through Alapay.com |
How to Search Madison County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Madison County cases are kept by the Circuit Clerk's Office in Huntsville.
Online
Go to Alacourt public access to look up Alabama case dockets.
Search by name or case number, then open the case summary.
Check the portal for any fees before you search.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Circuit Clerk's Office for the division that handles your case type.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Mail
Send your request to Madison County Circuit Clerk, 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801.
Include the case number, party names, and your return address.
Call (256) 532-3390 first to confirm what the clerk needs.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit in person
Search by Name on AlabamaCourts.org
Go to AlabamaCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types at once without a case number.
Confirm results in the official court portal, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Madison County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
Madison County's Circuit and District Courts together are estimated to have received ~46,046 new cases in FY 2025 and disposed of ~45,863, based on FY 2023 reports and the Alabama AOC's 2025 civil dashboard. Civil filings changed +24.2% and family law filings +8.7% from 2024 in the dashboard.
~46,046
Total filings in FY 2025
~45,863
Total dispositions in FY 2025
~106
Filings per 1,000 residents (population 433,516)
~+7.1%
Change in total filings vs FY 2024 (~42,974)
| Metric | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~46,046 | ~42,974 | ~+7.1% |
| Total Dispositions | ~45,863 | ~42,803 | ~+7.1% |
| District Court Filings (traffic, criminal, small claims, civil, juvenile, child support) | ~28,484 | ~28,484 | ~+0.0% |
| Circuit Court Filings | ~13,305 | ~12,417 | ~+7.1% |
| Circuit Criminal Filings (felony and other) | ~6,989 | ~6,989 | ~+0.0% |
| Circuit Civil Filings | ~2,655 | ~2,137 | ~+24.2% |
| Circuit Domestic Relations Filings | ~3,478 | ~3,199 | ~+8.7% |
Civil filings moved +24.2% in the dashboard, which drives most of the estimated change.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Madison County?
Total filings in Madison County are estimated to be higher in FY 2025 than in FY 2023, with the two newest years estimated from the Alabama AOC's 2025 civil dashboard.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| FY 2025 | ~46,046 | ~45,863 | ~+7.1% |
| FY 2024 | ~42,974 | ~42,803 | ~+7.3% |
| FY 2023 | 40,059 | 39,900 | -1.6% |
| FY 2022 | 40,725 | 40,448 | +5.6% |
| FY 2021 | 38,582 | 38,043 | +1.1% |
Over the five years shown, filings moved +19.3% between FY 2021 and FY 2025, from 38,582 to ~46,046. In FY 2025, civil filings changed +24.2% and family law filings +8.7% in the dashboard, while criminal and juvenile filings are held at their FY 2023 level.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Madison County?
Madison County's FY 2025 filings are estimated at ~46,046, split across the court divisions below.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Court (all case types) | ~32,741 | ~71.1% | ~+7.1% |
| Circuit Court (all case types) | ~13,305 | ~28.9% | ~+7.1% |
| Circuit criminal | ~6,989 | ~15.2% | ~+0.0% |
| Felonies | ~3,199 | ~6.9% | ~+0.0% |
| Other criminal | ~3,790 | ~8.2% | ~+0.0% |
| Circuit domestic relations | ~3,478 | ~7.6% | ~+8.7% |
| Original filings | ~2,722 | ~5.9% | ~+8.7% |
| Modifications | ~757 | ~1.6% | ~+8.7% |
| Circuit civil | ~2,655 | ~5.8% | ~+24.2% |
Civil and family law divisions are scaled from the dashboard's 2025 counts, and all other rows are held at FY 2023 levels.
How Does Madison County Compare With Alabama Overall?
Madison County is estimated to account for 5.75% of the ~800,306 cases filed in Alabama circuit and district courts in FY 2025. Its filings are estimated to change faster than statewide filings.
| Metric | Madison County | Alabama | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~46,046 | ~800,306 | ~5.75% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+7.1% | ~+3.2% | ~3.9 points higher |
| Filings per 1,000 residents | ~106 | ~154 | ~31% below state |
| Dispositions per 1,000 residents | ~106 | ~156 | ~32% below state |
| District Court share of filings | ~71.1% | ~79.6% | ~8.5 points lower |
| Circuit criminal share of Circuit Court filings | ~52.5% | ~45.9% | ~6.6 points higher |
| Circuit civil share of Circuit Court filings | ~19.9% | ~17.6% | ~2.3 points higher |
| Circuit domestic relations share of Circuit Court filings | ~26.1% | ~22.1% | ~4.0 points higher |
Madison County files fewer cases per resident than Alabama overall. Share rows are scaled from FY 2023 mixes.
Madison County Crime Statistics (2025)
These are the crimes reported to the FBI in 2025 by the 12 law enforcement agencies in Madison County, added together. For the agencies with both years on file, violent crimes fell 15.1% and property crimes fell 6.1% from 2024.
1,310
Violent crimes in Madison County, 2025
7,341
Property crimes in Madison County, 2025
302.2
Violent crime rate per 100K, Madison County, 2025
-7.6%
Change in total reported crimes vs 2024 (9,218 to 8,516)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 28 | 6.5 | ~33 | ~-15.2% |
| Rape | 141 | 32.5 | ~166 | ~-15.1% |
| Robbery | 113 | 26.1 | ~133 | ~-15.0% |
| Aggravated assault | 1,028 | 237.1 | ~1,211 | ~-15.1% |
| Violent crimes total | 1,310 | 302.2 | ~1,543 | ~-15.1% |
| Burglary | 834 | 192.4 | ~888 | ~-6.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 5,824 | 1,343.4 | ~6,204 | ~-6.1% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 683 | 157.5 | ~728 | ~-6.2% |
| Property crimes total | 7,341 | 1,693.4 | ~7,820 | ~-6.1% |
Madison County's violent crime rate of 302.2 per 100K is below the Alabama rate of 350.4, and its property crime rate of 1,693.4 is above the state's 1,479.4.
Madison County Courthouse Locations
Madison County has 1 Circuit and District Court location, the courthouse in downtown Huntsville. Check your notice or ticket for the courtroom and division before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison County Courthouse (Huntsville) | 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801 | (256) 532-3390 | Circuit Clerk's Office and the Circuit and District Courts for criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, domestic relations, child support, and juvenile cases |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Madison County?
Madison County's Circuit and District Courts sit in the Madison County Courthouse in Huntsville, and the Circuit Clerk's Office handles filings for both. Federal cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court, Traffic | See the court's traffic court page for how to pay or resolve your ticket before the court date. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | The county courts do not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court, Criminal | District judges hear misdemeanors and preliminary hearings in felony cases. |
| Felony | Circuit Court, Criminal | Circuit Court tries felonies after the case is bound over from District Court. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | Misdemeanor DUI goes to District Court and felony DUI goes to Circuit Court, so check the charge on your paperwork. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | Criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route, and protection orders are requested through the Circuit Clerk's Office. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | Circuit Court hears claims above $20,000 and District Court hears claims up to $20,000. |
| Small claims | District Court, Small Claims | Small claims cover disputes up to $6,000 and are filed with the Circuit Clerk's Office. |
| Eviction | District Court | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed in District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court, Domestic Relations | Circuit Court hears divorce cases, with filings handled by the Circuit Clerk's Office. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court or District Court | Custody is decided in Circuit Court, and child support cases appear in District Court filings. |
| Probate or estate | Madison County Probate Court | The Probate Court is separate from the Circuit Clerk's Office. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court (District Court) | Juvenile cases are heard in District Court and the proceedings are closed to the public. |
| Appeal | Circuit Court or an Alabama appellate court | Circuit Court hears appeals from District, Probate, and municipal courts. |
Are Madison County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Madison County court records are public. Alabama law and court rules give the public a general right to inspect and copy court records unless a law, rule, or court order restricts access.
Public records
Most case files in the Circuit and District Courts are open, including dockets, filings, and orders in criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, and domestic relations cases.
Restricted or confidential records
Sealed records and records that a law or rule makes confidential are not available without a court order. Juvenile proceedings are closed under Alabama law, and grand jury records, youthful offender records, and presentence reports are also protected.
Online access
Alacourt public access lets you look up case dockets for Alabama circuit and district courts. Online results show docket information, not every document, and restricted or closed cases are not shown. Traffic and criminal fines can be paid at Alapay.com.
In-person access
Visit the Circuit Clerk's Office at the Madison County Courthouse, 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, to view or request records. Call (256) 532-3390 to confirm which division holds your case.
Fees
This page does not list copy or certification fees. Ask the Circuit Clerk's Office at (256) 532-3390 for the current fee schedule.
How to Search Madison County Court Records Online
Use the official Alabama portals to search Madison County cases by case type, and ask the Circuit Clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, or juvenile.
- Open Alacourt public access for circuit and district court dockets, or the Madison County court website at madison.alacourt.gov.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the docket for case status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Circuit Clerk at (256) 532-3390 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Alacourt public access | Docket entries, parties, and case status | Full documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | Alacourt public access; pay at Alapay.com | Case status and docket entries | Payment is separate from record search |
| Civil | Alacourt public access | Docket entries and parties | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | Alacourt public access | Docket entries and parties | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Alacourt public access | Docket entries for domestic relations cases | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Madison County Probate Court | Estate and guardianship files | Not part of the Circuit Clerk portal; contact the Probate Court |
| Juvenile | Circuit Clerk's Office, (256) 532-3390 | Case information only through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are closed and are not in the public portal |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Madison County
Madison County traffic tickets can be paid online, by phone, or through the court, depending on the ticket.
- Online: Pay traffic tickets at Alapay.com using your ticket number.
- Phone: Pay with a credit or debit card through the automated line at (877) 252-7294, before your court date.
- Court instructions: Review the traffic court page on the Madison County court website for options specific to your ticket.
- In person or by mail: Contact the Circuit Clerk's Office at (256) 532-3390 or 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL 35801, and confirm accepted payment types before you go or mail anything.
- Alabama Traffic Service Center: Visit traffic.alacourt.gov or call (866) 954-9399 with questions about your ticket.
Do not pay a ticket if you plan to request defensive driving school. Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the county courts.
Madison County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Madison County court records?
Use Alacourt public access to look up dockets by name or case number, or visit the Circuit Clerk at 100 North Side Square, Huntsville.
Are Madison County court records public?
Yes, most are, under Alabama law and court rules, but sealed and juvenile records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name in Alacourt public access or call the Circuit Clerk at (256) 532-3390 with the defendant's name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket or notice, look up the case docket online, or call the Circuit Clerk at (256) 532-3390.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online at Alapay.com or call (877) 252-7294 with a card before your court date.
How many cases are filed in Madison County each year?
Madison County recorded 40,059 filings in FY 2023, down 1.6% from 40,725 in FY 2022.
What is the most common type of case?
District Court cases, at 28,484 filings or 71.1% of the FY 2023 total, with traffic making up about 30% of them.
Is crime in Madison County rising or falling?
Reported crimes fell 2.8% in 2017 to 14,797 from 15,228 in 2016, with violent crimes nearly flat at 2,352 versus 2,364, according to ALEA.
Courts in the County
Madison County - 23rd Judicial CircuitMore Info
| Address: | 100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL, 35801 |
| Phone Number: | 256-532-3380 |
| Fax: | 256-532-3768 |
| Website: | http://www.madisoncountycircuitclerk.org/ |
Madison County Probate CourtMore Info
| Address: | 100 North Side Square, Room 101, Huntsville, AL, 35801 |
| Phone Number: | 256-532-3330 |
| Website: | https://www.madisoncountyal.gov/departments/probate-judge |
Huntsville Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 815 Wheeler Avenue, Huntsville, AL, 35801 |
| Phone Number: | 256-427-7810 |
| Website: | https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/government/municipal-courts/ |
Madison Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 100 Hughes Rd., Madison, AL, 35758 |
| Phone Number: | 256-772-5617 |
| Fax: | 256-464-9596 |
| Website: | https://www.madisonal.gov/184/Municipal-Court |
Useful Links
- Middle District of Alabama | United States District Court - Provides information on federal court operations in Madison County, including case filings, forms, and procedural guidelines.
- Alabama Judicial System - Official portal for Alabama's unified judicial system, offering case information, docket entry, and other court-related services.
- Alabama Unified Judicial System - Comprehensive resource for accessing court forms, fee schedules, and information about state court divisions and services.
- Madison County, Alabama: Court System - Local county resource providing links to the circuit, district, and probate courts, including jury duty information.
- Alabama Public Records - Online platform to search court records, available to legal professionals and the public for accessing public court documents.
- Alabama eForms & eFiling - Provides access to electronic forms and details about eFiling applications for various legal proceedings in the Alabama courts.
- Legal Services Alabama - Non-profit organization offering legal assistance resources for low-income individuals facing civil legal issues in Madison County.
- Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center - Provides access to criminal court information, including offender tracking systems and crime statistics pertinent to Madison County.
- The University of Alabama School of Law - Offers resources including legal clinics, pro bono programs, and research publications related to Alabama's legal landscape.
- Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice - Organization focused on advocacy, providing policy and legal resources aimed at systemic improvements in Alabama's justice system.
- CodeRED Alert System for Madison County - Sign-up portal for Madison County's emergency notification system, which may include alerts relevant to court-related emergencies.
- Madison County Record - Local news publication providing updates on court cases, legal developments, and government news affecting Madison County.
- Madison, AL - Court Department - Official page for the City of Madison providing court contact information, hours of operation, and payment options for citations.
- Access to Justice Alabama - Project dedicated to improving free civil legal services for disadvantaged communities throughout Alabama, including Madison County.
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund - Prominent civil rights organization offering legal resources and information on legal proceedings in issues of injustice in Alabama.
- ACLU of Alabama - Provides information on civil liberties cases and advocacy efforts affecting rights and legal processes throughout Alabama.
- Madison Municipal Court - Provides information on municipal court operations, including details on sessions, ticket payment, and court procedures.
- Office of the Alabama Attorney General - Official website with resources on consumer protection, criminal justice issues, and state legal opinions applicable to Madison County.
- Madison County, Tennessee - County Courts - Source of information for court records and services which could reflect on regional cooperation or broader legal context issues.
- Alabama State Board of Missions - Provides links to family support resources and legal assistance networks which could assist in court-related familial issues.
Table of Contents
- Madison County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Madison County Court Records
- Madison County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Madison County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Madison County?
- How Does Madison County Compare With Alabama Overall?
- Madison County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Madison County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Madison County?
- Are Madison County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Madison County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Madison County
- Madison County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links