Mobile County, AL Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Mobile County Circuit and District Courts in downtown Mobile serve as the county's trial courts, handling felonies, misdemeanors, traffic cases, civil and small claims disputes, family matters, and juvenile cases for the 13th Judicial Circuit.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Mobile County Circuit Court and District Court (13th Judicial Circuit of Alabama) |
| Main Address | Mobile Government Plaza, 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36644 |
| Main Phone | (251) 574-8806 (Circuit Clerk) |
| Website | mobile.alacourt.gov |
| Presiding Judge | Michael A. Youngpeter, listed as Presiding Circuit Judge in the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts FY 2023 annual report |
| Judicial Officers | 11 active circuit judges and 5 district judges listed in the FY 2023 annual report (Circuit: Youngpeter, Brooks, Honeycutt, Naman, York, Sherman, Hambright, Pipes, Phillips-Crepeau, Windom, Davis; District: Cheriogotis, Zoghby, Moore, Jenson, Boykin); some seats have since changed through appointments |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Mobile) |
| Handles | Felonies, divorce and other domestic relations, juvenile matters, child support, and civil cases above $20,000 in Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, and civil cases up to $20,000 in District Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama), probate matters (Mobile County Probate Court), city ordinance cases (municipal courts), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Alacourt public access |
| Criminal Records Requests | Mobile County Circuit Clerk's Office, 205 Government Street, (251) 574-8806 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Alapay.com |
How to Search Mobile County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Mobile County court cases are kept by the Circuit Clerk's Office at Government Plaza.
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 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36644.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Circuit Clerk's Office for copies of files not online.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Mail
Send your request to Mobile County Circuit Clerk, 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36644.
Include the case number, party names, and your return address.
Call (251) 574-8806 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
Mobile County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
Mobile County's Circuit and District Courts together are estimated to have received ~76,699 new cases in FY 2025 and disposed of ~78,116, based on FY 2023 reports and the Alabama AOC's 2025 civil dashboard. Civil filings changed +10.0% and family law filings -5.4% from FY 2024.
~76,699
Total filings in FY 2025 (Circuit ~0, District ~76,699)
~78,116
Total dispositions in FY 2025 (Circuit ~0, District ~78,116)
~186
Filings per 1,000 residents (population 411,658)
~+2.1%
Change in total filings vs FY 2024 (~75,152)
| Metric | FY 2025 | FY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~76,699 | ~75,152 | ~+2.1% |
| Total Dispositions | ~78,116 | ~76,540 | ~+2.1% |
| Criminal Filings (includes traffic) | ~44,508 | ~44,508 | ~+0.0% |
| Civil Filings (includes small claims) | ~21,483 | ~19,535 | ~+10.0% |
| Family Law Filings (domestic relations and child support) | ~7,039 | ~7,439 | ~-5.4% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~3,670 | ~3,670 | ~+0.0% |
The civil docket drove the change, moving from ~19,535 to ~21,483 filings.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Mobile County?
Total filings in Mobile 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 | ~76,699 | ~78,116 | ~+2.1% |
| FY 2024 | ~75,152 | ~76,540 | ~+7.8% |
| FY 2022 | 69,694 | 70,981 | +9.0% |
| FY 2021 | 63,931 | 65,366 | +6.0% |
| FY 2020 | 60,324 | 52,361 | -10.7% |
Over the five years shown, filings moved +27.1% between FY 2021 and FY 2025, from 60,324 to ~76,699. The largest annual change was FY 2023. In FY 2025, civil filings changed +10.0% and family law filings -5.4%, while criminal and juvenile filings are held at their FY 2023 level.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mobile County?
Criminal cases are estimated to make up the largest share of Mobile County filings in FY 2025, at 58.0% of the ~76,699 filed.
| Case Type | Filings FY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~44,508 | ~58.0% | ~+0.0% |
| Traffic infractions | ~23,169 | ~30.2% | ~+0.0% |
| Felonies | ~3,506 | ~4.6% | ~+0.0% |
| Nontraffic misdemeanors and other criminal | ~17,833 | ~23.3% | ~+0.0% |
| Civil | ~21,483 | ~28.0% | ~+10.0% |
| Circuit civil | ~3,608 | ~4.7% | ~+10.0% |
| District civil | ~7,864 | ~10.3% | ~+10.0% |
| Small claims | ~10,010 | ~13.1% | ~+10.0% |
| Family law | ~7,039 | ~9.2% | ~-5.4% |
| Domestic relations | ~2,845 | ~3.7% | ~-5.4% |
| Child support | ~4,194 | ~5.5% | ~-5.4% |
| Juvenile | ~3,670 | ~4.8% | ~+0.0% |
Civil was the fastest-growing category at ~+10.0%, while domestic relations was the slowest at ~-5.4%.
How Does Mobile County Compare With Alabama Overall?
Mobile County is estimated to account for 9.58% of the ~800,306 cases filed in Alabama circuit and district courts in FY 2025. Its filings are estimated to change more slowly than statewide filings.
| Metric | Mobile County | Alabama | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~76,699 | ~800,306 | ~9.58% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+2.1% | ~+3.2% | ~1.1 points lower |
| Filings per 1,000 residents | ~186 | ~154 | ~21% above state |
| Dispositions per 1,000 residents | ~190 | ~156 | ~22% above state |
| Criminal share of filings (includes traffic) | ~58.0% | ~63.7% | ~5.6 points lower |
| Civil share of filings (includes small claims) | ~28.0% | ~25.5% | ~2.5 points higher |
| Family law share of filings | ~9.2% | ~7.0% | ~2.2 points higher |
Mobile County has a less criminal-heavy docket than the state as a whole. It files more cases per resident than Alabama overall.
Mobile County Crime Statistics (2025)
These are the crimes reported to the FBI in 2025 by the 15 law enforcement agencies in Mobile County, added together. For the agencies with both years on file, violent crimes fell 14.2% and property crimes fell 10.1% from 2024.
1,883
Violent crimes in Mobile County, 2025
5,306
Property crimes in Mobile County, 2025
457.4
Violent crime rate per 100K, Mobile County, 2025
-11.2%
Change in total reported crimes vs 2024 (7,947 to 7,055)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 47 | 11.4 | ~55 | ~-14.5% |
| Rape | 43 | 10.4 | ~50 | ~-14.0% |
| Robbery | 131 | 31.8 | ~153 | ~-14.4% |
| Aggravated assault | 1,662 | 403.7 | ~1,936 | ~-14.2% |
| Violent crimes total | 1,883 | 457.4 | ~2,194 | ~-14.2% |
| Burglary | 918 | 223.0 | ~1,021 | ~-10.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 3,641 | 884.5 | ~4,051 | ~-10.1% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 747 | 181.5 | ~831 | ~-10.1% |
| Property crimes total | 5,306 | 1,288.9 | ~5,903 | ~-10.1% |
Mobile County's violent crime rate of 457.4 per 100K is above the Alabama rate of 350.4, and its property crime rate of 1,288.9 is below the state's 1,479.4.
Mobile County Courthouse Locations
Mobile County has 1 Circuit and District Court location, Government Plaza in downtown Mobile. Check your notice or ticket for the division and courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Government Plaza (Mobile) | 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36644 | (251) 574-8806 | Circuit Clerk's Office for the Circuit and District Courts, in the judicial building of the complex that also houses county and city government offices |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Mobile County?
Mobile County's Circuit and District Courts share one location at Government Plaza, and the Circuit Clerk's Office handles filings for both. Federal cases are filed in the U.S. District Court, and city ordinance cases go to municipal courts.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court (state tickets) or municipal court (city tickets) | Tickets from state troopers or county deputies are generally handled by District Court; city police tickets go to the city's municipal court. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the District Court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | District judges hear misdemeanor cases; call the Circuit Clerk at (251) 574-8806. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | Circuit Court tries felonies, and District Court holds preliminary hearings. |
| 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; ask the Circuit Clerk about protection orders. |
| 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 of $6,000 or less. |
| Eviction | District Court | Eviction (unlawful detainer) cases are filed with the Circuit Clerk and heard in District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court, Domestic Relations | Divorce and related custody matters are filed with the Circuit Clerk. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court | The Alabama AOC reports Mobile County child support cases in the Circuit Court caseload. |
| Probate or estate | Mobile County Probate Court | The Probate Court is separate from the Circuit Clerk's Office. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile Court | The Alabama AOC reports Mobile County juvenile cases in the Circuit Court caseload. |
| Appeal | Circuit Court or an Alabama appellate court | Circuit Court hears appeals from District, Probate, and municipal courts. |
Are Mobile County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Mobile County court records are public. Alabama's court records privacy and confidentiality rules give the public the right to inspect and copy court records unless a law, rule, or court order says otherwise.
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 the rules list as 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 Mobile Government Plaza, 205 Government Street, Mobile, to view or request records. Call (251) 574-8806 to confirm which division holds your case.
Fees
The court's own site does not publish a copy fee schedule that this page can rely on. Ask the Circuit Clerk about fees for copies and certified records before you visit.
How to Search Mobile County Court Records Online
Use the official Alabama portals to search Mobile 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 Mobile County court website at mobile.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 (251) 574-8806 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 | Mobile County Probate Court | Estate and guardianship files | Not part of the Circuit Clerk portal; contact the Probate Court |
| Juvenile | Circuit Clerk's Office, (251) 574-8806 | Case information only through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are closed and are not in the public portal |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Mobile County
Mobile County traffic tickets issued by state agencies can be paid online, by phone, or through the Alabama Traffic Service Center, depending on the ticket.
- Online: Pay state-issued traffic tickets and some criminal fines at Alapay.com with your ticket number and your month and year of birth. A convenience fee applies.
- Phone: Pay with a card through the automated system at (877) 252-7294 using the same ticket information.
- Alabama Traffic Service Center: See traffic.alacourt.gov for payment and ticket information.
- Circuit Clerk's Office: Call (251) 574-8806 or visit 205 Government Street, Mobile, to ask how to pay court-ordered fines and whether a payment schedule is available.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, and city police tickets are handled by the city's municipal court; the City of Mobile directs payment for cases from October 6, 2025 onward to Alapay.com. Do not pay online if you plan to ask for defensive driving school, because paying is treated as a guilty plea.
Mobile County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Mobile County court records?
Use Alacourt public access to look up dockets by name or case number, or visit the Circuit Clerk at 205 Government Street, Mobile.
Are Mobile County court records public?
Yes, most are, under Alabama's court records privacy and confidentiality 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 (251) 574-8806 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 (251) 574-8806.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay state-issued tickets online at Alapay.com or by phone at (877) 252-7294, and ask the court named on your ticket about city tickets.
How many cases are filed in Mobile County each year?
Mobile County recorded 69,694 filings in FY 2022, up 9.0% from 63,931 in FY 2021.
What is the most common type of case?
Criminal cases including traffic, at 44,508 filings or 63.9% of the FY 2022 total, with traffic alone at 23,169.
Is crime in Mobile County rising or falling?
Reported crimes rose 11.7% in 2017 to 21,380 from 19,142 in 2016, with violent crimes up from 2,434 to 2,557, according to ALEA.
Courts in the County
13th Judicial Circuit, Mobile County, AlabamaMore Info
| Address: | 205 Government Street | Suite 913, Mobile, AL, 36644 |
| Phone Number: | 251-574-1450 |
| Fax: | 251-574-8796 |
| Website: | http://13jc.alacourt.gov/courts.html |
Mobile County Probate CourtMore Info
| Address: | 151 Government Street, Mobile, AL, 36602 |
| Phone Number: | 251-574-6001 |
| Fax: | 251-574-6005 |
| Website: | https://probate.mobilecountyal.gov/ |
Mobile Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL, 36602 |
| Phone Number: | 251-208-7055 |
| Website: | https://www.cityofmobile.org/departments/municipal-courts/ |
Prichard Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 216 East Prichard Avenue, Prichard, AL, 36610 |
| Phone Number: | 251-452-7800 |
| Website: | https://www.thecityofprichard.org/municipal-court |
Saraland Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 937 Highway 43 South, Saraland, AL, 36571 |
| Phone Number: | 251-675-5393 |
| Website: | https://saraland.org/municipal-court/ |
Useful Links
- Mobile County | Court System Information - Detailed information about the court system in Mobile County, links to local courts, and general guidance.
- Alabama Judicial System - Official site for Alabama's judicial system, providing access to court records, legal resources, and case information.
- Accessing Alabama Court Records - Instructions on how to access Alabama state court records and additional information about court services.
- Mobile Bar Association: Resources for the Public - Offers resources for legal assistance and guidance on finding legal representation in Mobile County, Alabama.
- Mobile County Sheriff's Office - Public records and information related to local law enforcement, including arrest records and sheriff's office services.
- Mobile County Courthouse Information - Specifics about court locations within Mobile County and details on the services provided at each courthouse.
- Alabama State Bar: Legal Resources - Valuable resources for attorneys and the general public, including legal education and lawyer referral services.
- National Association of Secretaries of State: Alabama Information - Comprehensive links and references about state services and public records in Alabama, provided by NASS.
- United States Courts - Federal court information, including records, court locators, and access to federal court forms and services.
- PublicAccess to Court Records - Offers quick access to court records across the United States, including Mobile County, Alabama.
- Alabama Department of Archives and History - A treasure trove of historical and public records, offering research resources and archival documents from Alabama.
- Mobile County Revenue Commission - Information about property taxes, assessments, and records; a useful portal for property-related inquiries in Mobile.
- PACER: Public Access to Court Electronic Records - Provides federal court records and circuit, district, and bankruptcy court records online for registered users.
- Brennan Center for Justice: State Court Resources - Extensive research and analysis on state courts, including reforms, innovations, and resources for court users.
- League of Women Voters of Alabama - Non-partisan organization providing educational resources about the legal system and court advocacy in Alabama.
- Mobile County Records Management - Manages county records and archives, offering a repository for land transaction records and public access.
- National Association for Court Management - An organization dedicated to improving court management practices and resources for court administrators nationwide.
- Mobile County Specialty Courts - Information about specialty courts focusing on specific case types, such as drug and family court services.
- Alabama Legal Help - A free resource offering legal assistance, documents, and guidance for low-income individuals in Alabama.
- National Institute of Justice: Courts Topics - Comprehensive research and publications about courts, offering insights into justice administration and innovation.
Table of Contents
- Mobile County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Mobile County Court Records
- Mobile County Court Statistics (FY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Mobile County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Mobile County?
- How Does Mobile County Compare With Alabama Overall?
- Mobile County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Mobile County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Mobile County?
- Are Mobile County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Mobile County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Mobile County
- Mobile County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links