Cherokee County

Cherokee County is located in northeastern Alabama, covering approximately 599 square miles of the Appalachian foothills region. Cherokee County seat is Centre, a historic town established in 1844 that is the administrative and judicial center. Cherokee County was created by the Alabama Legislature on January 9, 1836, from land ceded by the Cherokee Nation following the Treaty of New Echota. Cherokee County has a population of approximately 25,224 residents according to recent Census estimates. The scene features rolling hills, forests, and Little River Canyon National Preserve, one of the deepest canyons east of the Mississippi River and a major tourist attraction. Weiss Lake, often called the 'Crappie Capital of the World,' draws anglers from across Cherokee County and significantly contributes to the local economy. Cherokee County Courthouse, houses several key offices including Cherokee County Probate Office, Cherokee County Revenue Commissioner who serves as Tax Assessor and Collector, and Cherokee County Circuit Clerk. Cherokee County Judge of Probate oversees vital records, marriage licenses, and probate matters. Major communities include Centre, Cedar Bluff, Sand Rock, and Spring Garden. Cherokee County maintains a rural character while experiencing growth from residents seeking proximity to both Gadsden and the Georgia border. Agriculture, tourism, and light manufacturing form the economic backbone of Cherokee County. Cherokee County Commission, consisting of four commissioners and a chairman, governs Cherokee County from the courthouse complex in Centre.

The Historical landmarks like the Cherokee County Courthouse serves Cherokee County and is located at 270 Cedar Bluff Road in Centre. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the region. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Alabama online court portal.

Cherokee County Alabama Circuit Court is located in Centre, AL. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, probate, juvenile, and domestic relations matters.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Booking information, including mugshots and arrest records, must be requested in person or by phone.
• Requests should be made in writing to the specific agency that created the records.
• Mugshots are considered public record in Alabama and are available upon request, though Cherokee County does not publish them online routinely.
• Response times vary but agencies must respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe.

• Cherokee County does not currently offer online case search capabilities, so the public must visit the Circuit Clerk's office in person or submit written requests.
• Copy fees are $0.50 per page for most documents, with certified copies costing an additional $1.00 for the certification.
• Land records and marriage licenses filed with the Probate Court follow the same fee structure.
• The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts website (alacourt.gov) provides some statewide case information, but full Cherokee County records require direct contact with the clerk's offices.

• The public must visit the Probate Office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to conduct searches or request copies.
• Copy fees are typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional certification fee.
• This service is typically free for basic searches but may require fees for detailed reports or certified tax statements.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person or by mail with proper identification and payment.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and 7-10 business days for online orders, plus shipping time.
• Death certificates follow the same procedure and fee structure, available from the state office or through VitalChek.
• The fee for a marriage certificate is approximately $74.00 to $82.00 depending on Cherokee County.
• Cherokee County Health Department may maintain some historical vital records and can provide guidance on the proper requesting process for older documents.