Dallas County
Named after Alexander J. Dallas, who served as the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Dallas County, Alabama, was established in 1818. It is located in the west-central part of Alabama. The County spans approximately 993 square miles. Selma is its county seat. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county had an estimated population of 36,165 residents as of July 1, 2023. The judicial system consists of the Circuit Court, District Court, Probate Court, and Municipal Court.
Dallas County Circuit Court typically handles cases beyond the jurisdiction of all other courts in the county. It hears civil cases involving claims that exceed $10,000, as well as criminal cases. The court also listens to appeals from lower courts. Criminal cases such as preliminary hearings or guilt pleas in felony cases that do not include a death penalty are handled by the District Court. The District Court also hears cases of ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and civil cases involving claims below $10,000. The Probate Court has jurisdiction over cases such as estate administration, adoptions, wills, and guardianships. Operating in cities like Selma, the Municipal Court handles local ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and minor misdemeanors.
Under the Alabama Public Records Law, members of the public may access court records that are considered public. Certain records, such as juvenile and sensitive family matters, are, however, not available to the public. Publicly available court records in Dallas County include the following:
- Criminal records
- Civil case records
- Probate records
- Traffic violations
Dallas County public court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk. Public court records in the county are available online through the Alabama Just One Look online court records system. Fees may apply for certified copies or detailed searches. For in-person court record requests, interested persons may submit their requests to the Circuit Clerk's office at:
105 Lauderdale Street
Selma, AL 36701
Phone: (334) 874-2523
