Alabama Circuit Courts: Jurisdiction, Criminal Cases, Civil Cases, and Appeals

Reviewed by Elliott Owen Lipinsky • September 2026

Alabama circuit courts are the state’s trial courts of general jurisdiction. They hear felony prosecutions, substantial civil disputes, domestic-relations matters, and appeals from many district and municipal court judgments. If a case carries serious consequences in Selma, Dallas County, or elsewhere in Alabama’s Black Belt, there is a strong chance that an important stage will occur in circuit court.

This guide explains what circuit courts do, how criminal and civil cases commonly move, what a trial de novo means, and how to prepare for a court date. It is general information, not advice for a particular case.

Quick answer: what does an Alabama circuit court handle?

• Felony criminal prosecutions and related offenses assigned by law.

• Civil actions within the court’s statutory jurisdiction.

• Divorce, custody, and other domestic-relations matters.

• Jury and nonjury trials.

• Appeals from many district-court and municipal-court judgments.

• Motions, discovery disputes, hearings, trials, sentencing, and post-judgment matters.

The controlling jurisdiction statute is Alabama Code § 12-11-30. Court structure and official resources are available from the Alabama Judicial System.

How is Alabama’s circuit-court system organized?

Every Alabama county has access to a circuit court, but judicial circuits may include one county or several counties. The circuit number does not change the statewide rules; it identifies the group of counties and judges serving that area. Local administrative practices and docket schedules can still differ, so the order or notice issued in a specific case controls.

Selma is the county seat of Dallas County. The Law Offices of Elliott Owen Lipinsky is based near the Dallas County Courthouse and also serves clients in Wilcox, Perry, Lowndes, Bullock, Montgomery, Pike, Elmore, and surrounding counties.

What criminal cases go to circuit court?

Circuit courts have original jurisdiction over felony prosecutions and certain related misdemeanor or ordinance offenses. A felony case may begin with arrest, bond proceedings, and a preliminary stage in district court, then move to circuit court after indictment or another legally authorized charging process. The path depends on the charge and procedure used.

Common stages of a circuit-court criminal case

1. Charging and indictment. The grand jury determines whether probable cause supports an indictment; it does not decide guilt.

2. Arraignment. The charge is formally addressed and a plea is entered.

3. Discovery and investigation. The parties exchange or obtain evidence under applicable rules and court orders.

4. Motions. The defense may litigate searches, statements, identification, discovery, admissibility, or other issues supported by the facts.

5. Negotiation or trial preparation. A client evaluates available options with counsel; no case should be reduced to a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

6. Trial, plea, or other disposition. If tried, the State bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

7. Sentencing and post-judgment deadlines. Applicable steps depend on the outcome and issues preserved.

For a deeper overview, visit the firm’s Alabama criminal-defense guide and grand-jury guide.

What civil cases are heard in circuit court?

Circuit courts hear civil actions assigned to them by statute, including serious personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation. Civil jurisdiction can turn on the nature of the case, the relief requested, and the amount in controversy. Because statutory dollar thresholds can change, anyone deciding where to file should consult the current code and rules rather than rely on an old internet chart.

Common stages of a civil case

1. A complaint is filed and served.

2. The defendant answers or files another responsive motion.

3. The parties exchange written discovery, records, testimony, and expert material when appropriate.

4. The court addresses motions and may set scheduling, pretrial, mediation, or settlement proceedings.

5. The matter resolves through agreement, dismissal, summary judgment, trial, or another authorized disposition.

6. Post-trial motions and appellate deadlines may follow.

Personal-injury clients can begin with the firm’s Alabama personal-injury hub.

What is a trial de novo after an appeal?

Many appeals from Alabama district or municipal court go to circuit court for a trial de novo. “De novo” generally means a new trial rather than the type of record review used by an appellate court. The notice, bond, filing, and timing requirements can be strict. A person considering an appeal should not assume that an ordinary postmark, phone call, or later explanation will preserve the right.

What should you bring to circuit court?

• The court notice, case number, and every order you received.

• Photo identification and any documents your lawyer or the court instructed you to bring.

• A written list of questions for counsel.

• Updated contact information and a calendar for future dates.

• Enough time for security, parking, and locating the correct courtroom.

Do not bring weapons or prohibited items. Dress respectfully, silence electronics, and follow the judge’s and courthouse staff’s instructions. If represented, discuss witnesses, documents, and courtroom strategy with counsel before the hearing rather than in the hallway.

What can the circuit clerk do?

The circuit clerk maintains filings, records, fees, and scheduling information. Clerk staff can often identify forms or explain administrative steps, but they cannot give legal advice or tell a person how to win a case. The judge—not the clerk—decides contested legal questions.

A local lawyer’s perspective

Elliott Owen Lipinsky has practiced in Alabama courts since 2013 and has worked on both sides of criminal cases as a former prosecutor and defense lawyer. In practice, the biggest avoidable problems are often simple: a missed date, an ignored order, an unpreserved video, a careless public statement, or a deadline assumed rather than verified. Good preparation begins with the actual charge, pleading, order, evidence, and court involved.

Frequently asked questions

Does every felony case go to circuit court?

Circuit courts have original jurisdiction over felony prosecutions, although preliminary events may occur in district court and limited exceptions or concurrent authority may apply. The case paperwork should be reviewed to identify the current court and next step.

Can a circuit-court case have a jury?

Many felony and civil cases can be tried to a jury when the right exists and is properly invoked. Other matters are decided by a judge. Waiver, demand, and timing rules depend on the type of case.

Can a district- or municipal-court judgment be appealed?

Many can be appealed to circuit court, often for a trial de novo, but the deadline and procedural requirements are strict and case-specific.

How do I find my court date?

Use the notice or order in the case and confirm with the appropriate circuit clerk. Online information can lag or be incomplete; the entered order and clerk’s records are more reliable.

Talk with an Alabama trial lawyer

If you face a criminal charge or serious injury matter in an Alabama circuit court, call the Law Offices of Elliott Owen Lipinsky at (334) 230-7986 or request a free case review. The firm is based in Selma and serves West Alabama’s Black Belt and the River Region.

Primary sources: Alabama Code § 12-11-30 and the Alabama Judicial System. Laws and procedures can change. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship; representation begins only after the firm accepts the matter in writing.