Russell County, Alabama court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office and are accessible through official court portals, the clerk's office, and online tools. RussellCourt.us will help you find public information about court records in this county. Additionally, you can use the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts portal, the county court's record request page, or visit the Judicial Annex in Phenix City in person.
Russell Court System Overview
Russell County is part of the 26th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. This judicial circuit exclusively serves Russell County. The Circuit Court handles serious criminal and civil cases, while the District Court deals with less severe crimes, traffic violations, and civil claims with lower amounts in controversy.
Circuit Clerk Jody Sellers serves as the official record keeper and business manager for all court proceedings in the District Court and Circuit Court. Magistrates are part of the judicial branch and independently make decisions regarding the issuance of arrest warrants.
Courts Serving Russell
Residents of Russell County are served by several courts at the state and federal levels.
| Court | Address / Contact |
|---|---|
| Russell County Circuit Court (26th Judicial Circuit) | 501 14th Street, Phenix City, AL 36867 |
| Russell County District Court | 501 14th Street, Phenix City, AL 36867 |
| Russell County Probate Court | Russell County Courthouse, Phenix City, AL |
| U.S. District Court, Middle District of Alabama | Frank M. Johnson Jr. Federal Building |
| Phenix City Municipal Court | 1111 Broad Street, Phenix City, AL 36867 |
What Types of Cases Russell Courts Hear
Russell County courts hear a wide range of cases. Here are the main categories:
- Felonies and misdemeanors
- Traffic violations, including DUI
- Civil claims — from small claims to large disputes
- Family law: divorce, custody, child support, paternity
- Probate matters, guardianship, conservatorship
- Juvenile cases and child protection
- Adoption
Each category is discussed in more detail below.
District Court Cases in Russell
The District Court of Russell County handles criminal cases involving misdemeanors, conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases, and hears civil claims up to $20,000. After a preliminary hearing, felony cases are transferred to the Circuit Court. Appeals from the District Court are also directed to the Circuit Court.
The Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles serious criminal cases after they are bound over, civil claims over $20,000, and family law cases, including divorce and custody. Cases are distributed among judges according to the internal rules of the 26th Judicial Circuit.
Magistrate Court Cases in Russell
Magistrates in Russell County work within the District Court and perform important functions at the initial stages of criminal proceedings. They issue arrest and search warrants, conduct initial hearings, and set bail.
The District Court also hears:
- Small claims — up to $6,000 according to Alabama law
- Civil cases up to $20,000
- Traffic violations
- DUI cases — from initial hearing to sentencing
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
If the amount of a civil claim exceeds the jurisdictional limit of the District Court, the case should be filed in the Circuit Court.
Family Law, Probate, and Juvenile Matters in Russell
Family Law. Divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and protective order cases are heard by the Circuit Court. A copy of a divorce decree costs $20.00 — requests can be mailed with a money order and a self-addressed envelope. A certified copy of a divorce certificate can also be obtained through the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Probate Matters. The Russell County Probate Court handles estate matters, guardianship, conservatorship, and the issuance of marriage licenses. This court also functions as a licensing office and public records office.
Juvenile Matters. Cases under the Juvenile Justice Act and Child Protective Act are handled within the county court system. Juvenile case records are confidential under Alabama law.
How Cases Move Through the Russell Court System
- Case Initiation — filing a criminal complaint, civil claim, or petition. Criminal cases often begin with the issuance of a warrant by a magistrate.
- Judge Assignment — the case is assigned according to the internal schedule of the 26th Judicial Circuit.
- Initial Hearings — in criminal cases, this is an arraignment; in civil cases, a scheduling conference.
- Pre-Trial Phase — motions, discovery, plea negotiations in criminal cases.
- Trial or Resolution — jury or judge verdict, settlement, plea agreement, or default judgment.
- Post-Trial Phase — sentencing, filing an appeal to the Alabama appellate courts, enforcement of the judgment.
Court Administration, Local Rules, and Public Access in Russell
The administration of the courts in the 26th Judicial Circuit is conducted under the leadership of the county's administrative judge. Circuit Clerk Jody Sellers is responsible for record-keeping, maintaining records, and visitor services. Contact information for all county offices can be found on the court's website.
Public Access. Most court records are considered public; however, the Circuit Clerk's office cannot confirm information over the phone. A public access computer is located in the lobby of the Judicial Annex at 501 14th Street, Phenix City, AL, where case information and document images can be viewed.
Attending Hearings. Court hearings are generally open to the public. For schedule confirmation or remote participation options, contact the court clerk's office directly at (334) 298-7979.
Court Records and Related Court Resources in Russell
- State Court Record Search — the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts provides access to trial court records through the Alacourt system.
- Document Copy Requests — through the Russell County Circuit Court's record request page or in person at the public access computer.
- Appellate Cases — the Alabama appellate courts public portal allows viewing of case dockets; registered users can purchase documents.
- Inmate Search — the Alabama Department of Corrections database contains information only about individuals currently serving sentences.
- Parole Information — the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles provides information on supervision and rehabilitation.
- Background Check — the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency offers criminal record checks for employers and individuals.
- Wanted Persons Search — the ALEA wanted persons search allows checking if an individual is wanted within the state.
- Phenix City Police Records — the Phenix City Police Department records division handles requests for police reports.
- Property Tax Records — the Russell County Revenue Commissioner processes property tax payments and provides access to related records.
- Sheriff's Office — the Russell County contact page contains phone numbers for the sheriff, jail, and other services.