About Choctaw County
Choctaw County is located in southwestern Alabama, bordered by the Tombigbee River to the east and the Mississippi state line to the west. Established on December 29, 1847, Choctaw County was named after the Choctaw Nation, whose members inhabited Choctaw County before their forced removal during the 1830s. Choctaw County Seat is Butler, situated in the central part of Choctaw County. Choctaw County includes approximately 914 square miles and has a population of around 12,500 residents, making it one of Alabama's more sparsely populated counties.
- Major landmarks include the Tombigbee River, which provides recreational opportunities and historical significance as a major transportation route, and Lake Jackson, a popular fishing and boating destination.
The scene features rolling pine forests, agricultural land, and river bottomlands. Choctaw County's economy historically relied on timber, agriculture (especially cattle and poultry), and manufacturing. Key county offices include Choctaw County Probate Office located at 117 South Mulberry Street in Butler, which handles various recording functions; Choctaw County Revenue Commissioner's Office at the same address for property tax matters; and Choctaw County Commission, which oversees county administration.
What makes Choctaw County unique is its blend of rural character, rich Native American heritage, significant timber resources, and close communities spread across towns including Butler, Pennington, Toxey, Gilbertown, Needham, Silas, and Lisman. Choctaw County's historic courthouse in Butler is the administrative center for most public records functions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Choctaw County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Choctaw County. It oversees the operations of Choctaw County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is committed to community safety and operates various programs to engage with residents, including neighborhood watch initiatives and crime prevention workshops. The sheriff's office also has specialized divisions such as investigations and patrol, which focus on different aspects of law enforcement.
Police Departments
In addition to Choctaw County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Choctaw County is supported by municipal police departments such as the Butler Police Department and the Gilbertown Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective city limits, handling local crime, and supporting the sheriff's office in larger investigations. Coordination between these departments ensures full coverage and response to incidents across Choctaw County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Choctaw County is primarily provided by Choctaw County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1000 Tom White Boulevard in Butler, Alabama 36904. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains responsibility for county-wide patrol, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of Choctaw County Jail.
- Processing fees may apply for copies.
- Mugshots and booking photographs are maintained by the Sheriff's Office as part of arrest records and are generally available upon request, though Choctaw County does not publish these online.
- Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Response times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity.
Inmates housed at Choctaw County Detention Facility can be located by contacting the jail directly at the Sheriff's Office phone number during business hours; Choctaw County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster, so family members and attorneys typically must call for current custody status and booking information. Municipal police departments operate in some of Choctaw County's incorporated towns, including the Butler Police Department and police services in smaller municipalities like Gilbertown and Lisman, though these are limited operations with the Sheriff's Office providing primary coverage. Under Alabama's public records law, specifically the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), arrest records are considered public information and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office in writing or in person at their headquarters.
The Sheriff's Office also maintains sex offender registry information in compliance with Alabama law, accessible through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's online registry. No tribal police jurisdiction exists in Choctaw County as there are no federally recognized reservations within Choctaw County boundaries.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Choctaw County includes various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The sheriff's office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which offers full reports on criminal history. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Choctaw County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Choctaw County are maintained by Choctaw County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and legal representatives can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. Under the Alabama Open Records Act, individuals have the right to access public records, including arrest records, unless restricted by law. The records typically contain the name of the arrested person, date of arrest, charges, and arresting agency.
Jail & Inmate Records
Choctaw County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Choctaw County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording the personal details of the arrested individuals. Inmate information can be accessed through the sheriff's office, which provides details on current detainees. Visitation rules at the detention center require scheduling in advance, with specific hours allocated for family and attorney visits.
- The bond process in Alabama allows for the posting of bail through cash or surety bonds, enabling the release of detainees pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Choctaw County are taken and retained by Choctaw County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photographs are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the sheriff's office. While some mugshots may be available online, others might require a formal request for access. Alabama does not have specific laws governing the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or they are acquitted.
Courts & Case Records
Choctaw County's judicial system includes Choctaw County Circuit Court, located at Choctaw County Courthouse, 117 South Mulberry Street, Butler, AL 36904, which handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, domestic relations including divorce and child custody, appeals from lower courts, and equity matters. The Circuit Court can be reached for Choctaw County District Court, at the same courthouse location (phone: 205-459-4113), has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal offenses, traffic violations, civil cases under $10,000, preliminary hearings for felonies, and small claims matters.
- Choctaw County does not currently offer full online court case searches; court record searches must be conducted in person at the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse or by written request.
- The Circuit Clerk charges fees for certified copies (typically $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee) and research time for extensive searches.
- For official court documents, requests should be made through the Circuit Clerk's Office, and processing typically takes 1-3 business days for straightforward requests.
Choctaw County Probate Court, also located at 117 South Mulberry Street (phone: 205-459-2417), handles probate of wills and estates, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, adoptions, name changes, and marriage licenses. Municipal courts in Butler and other incorporated towns handle local ordinance violations and traffic citations within their jurisdictions. Under Alabama Code § 12-21-4 and the Alabama Court Records Access Policy, most court records are public unless specifically sealed by court order or exempted by statute (such as certain juvenile records, adoption files, and sealed grand jury materials).
Attorneys and parties to cases can review case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding court holidays.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Choctaw County are maintained by Choctaw County Probate Judge's Office, which serves the recorder function in Alabama's county system, located at 117 South Mulberry Street, Butler, AL 36904, phone. The Probate Office maintains full records of real property transactions including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens (mechanics liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, subdivision plat maps, and UCC financing statements.
- Currently, Choctaw County does not offer a full online property deed search portal; researchers must visit the Probate Office in person or submit written requests by mail.
- Recording fees vary by document type but typically range from $11 to $27 for standard deeds and mortgages.
- Certified copies are available for an additional fee of approximately $5.00 plus $1.00 per page.
- A basic property tax information search may be available by contacting the Revenue Commissioner directly, though full online GIS or parcel viewer systems are not currently implemented in Choctaw County.
- For property research, visiting the courthouse in person typically provides the most efficient access to complete historical chains of title and current tax information.
These records date back to Choctaw County's establishment in 1847, with indexes available for searching by grantor, grantee, and legal description. Property tax records and assessments are handled by Choctaw County Revenue Commissioner's Office, also located at 117 South Mulberry Street, phone. The Revenue Commissioner maintains current and delinquent tax rolls, property valuations, ownership information, and tax payment history.
Choctaw County Tax Assessor's Office (part of the Revenue Commissioner function) conducts property appraisals and maintains assessment records including property characteristics, square footage, and assessed values.
Vital Records
Vital records for Choctaw County, Alabama, are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Choctaw County can be requested from Choctaw County Health Department, located at 401 Tom White Boulevard, Butler, AL 36904, phone, for records from recent years. However, Alabama centralized vital records management with the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, which maintains the full statewide registry.
- Birth certificates (for births occurring in Alabama) cost $15.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates cost the same ($15.00 for the first copy, $6.00 for additional).
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks by mail, faster for in-person requests in Montgomery.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at Alabama.gov, with additional service fees and expedited shipping options.
- Requestors must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest (family member, legal representative, or person with court order).
Certified copies can be ordered from the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625, or in person at their office at The RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Marriage licenses are issued by Choctaw County Probate Court, 117 South Mulberry Street, Butler, AL 36904, phone.
As of January 1, 2019, Alabama transitioned to a simplified marriage certificate system eliminating traditional ceremony requirements and witnesses. Marriage certificates cost approximately $82.00 and are issued immediately upon both parties appearing with valid identification. Divorce records (decrees) are maintained by the Circuit Clerk of Choctaw County at the same courthouse address.
Under Alabama Code § 22-9A-1 through § 22-9A-20, vital records are confidential with access restricted to authorized individuals, and proper identification is required for all requests.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Choctaw County are maintained through county, municipal, and state agencies depending on the business type and registration requirements. Choctaw County Probate Court, 117 South Mulberry Street, Butler, AL 36904, phone, handles the filing of Doing Business As (DBA) names, also known as trade names or fictitious names, for businesses operating in Choctaw County under a name different from the owner's legal name. DBA registration fees are typically around $25-$35 and must be renewed periodically.
- This searchable database allows the public to verify business registration status, registered agents, formation dates, and current standing at no charge.
- Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government entity, provides business support and information; contact information can be found through local municipal offices.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business structures, the Alabama Secretary of State maintains the official business entity database accessible online at https://www.sos.alabama.gov through the Business Services Division. The Secretary of State's office is located at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104, phone. Sales tax permits and licenses are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue and can be researched through their Business Privilege Tax Division.
Professional licenses (contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, etc.) are regulated by various Alabama state boards and commissions specific to each profession. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits in unincorporated Choctaw County are handled by Choctaw County Commission and Choctaw County's building inspection department, which can be contacted through Choctaw County courthouse. Municipalities including Butler issue their own business licenses and permits within corporate limits.
Occupational taxes and local business licenses vary by county, and businesses should contact the specific town hall where they operate for requirements.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Choctaw County, Alabama, are administered by Choctaw County Board of Registrars and Choctaw County Probate Judge, who is the chief election official. The Board of Registrars office is located at Choctaw County Courthouse, 117 South Mulberry Street, Butler, AL 36904, and can be contacted for Voter registration in Alabama requires U.S. Citizenship, Alabama residency, age 18 or older by election day, and no disqualifying felony convictions (unless rights have been restored). Prospective voters must register at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
Online voter registration is available through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at https://www.alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration/voterRegistration.action, where eligible citizens can complete registration if they possess a valid Alabama driver's license or non-driver ID. Paper registration forms are also available at the Registrars office, public libraries, and various government offices. Voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by using the Alabama Secretary of State's voter information lookup at https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/VoterView.
Choctaw County operates multiple polling locations across Choctaw County's districts, with specific precinct assignments based on residential address. Public election records in Alabama include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under Alabama Code § 17-4-30), campaign finance disclosure reports filed by candidates and political action committees (accessible through the Alabama Secretary of State's Electronic Fair Campaign Practices Act reporting system), candidate qualification filings, and precinct-level election results. Choctaw County, like much of rural Alabama, typically shows voter turnout ranging from 45% to 65% in presidential election years and 25% to 40% in midterm elections, with the 2024 general election likely falling within historical patterns.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House races for Alabama's congressional districts, potential U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle, Alabama state legislature seats, county offices, and possibly statewide constitutional amendments.
Absentee voting in Alabama is available for voters who meet specific criteria including age 65 or older, expected absence from Choctaw County on election day, illness or physical disability, employment duties on election day, election workers, students, and those in jail awaiting trial. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Choctaw County Absentee Election Manager (Probate Judge's office) in writing, and applications are available at alabamavotes.gov. The application deadline is typically five days before the election.
Alabama does not offer universal no-excuse absentee voting. Election transparency in Choctaw County is governed by Alabama's open records laws, with election results posted by precinct after certification, and interested citizens may request copies of poll lists, absentee ballot applications (with some personal information redacted), and other election administration records through the Probate Judge's office, subject to reasonable copying fees.
Economy & Demographics
Choctaw County's economy is characterized by its rural nature, with primary sectors including timber and forest products, agriculture, manufacturing, and government services. Choctaw County sits within Alabama's extensive timber-producing region, and forestry-related activities—including logging, sawmills, and pulpwood production—represent significant employment and economic activity. Major landowners include timber companies and investment firms managing pine plantations for commercial harvest.
- The median household income in Choctaw County is approximately $38,000-$42,000, well below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and limited high-wage employment opportunities.
- The proximity to larger markets in Meridian, Mississippi, and Mobile, Alabama, provides some economic connections, though geographic isolation limits daily commuter employment options.
Agriculture remains important, with cattle ranching, poultry operations, and row crops (soybeans, corn) contributing to the economic base. Manufacturing facilities in Choctaw County include wood products plants and small-scale industrial operations. Government employment—including county government, school systems, and public services—represents a substantial portion of jobs.
Retail and service businesses are concentrated in Butler and smaller towns, serving local populations with limited commercial infrastructure. Choctaw County has faced economic challenges including population decline, out-migration of younger residents seeking employment elsewhere, and limited broadband internet infrastructure that constrains business development. Unemployment rates typically run slightly higher than state averages, fluctuating between 4% and 7% depending on economic conditions.
Economic development efforts focus on attracting light manufacturing, supporting existing timber and agricultural businesses, improving infrastructure, and promoting outdoor recreation related to the Tombigbee River and regional lakes. Healthcare services, provided by facilities including the Choctaw General Hospital in Butler, represent another important employment sector. No major corporate headquarters or large-scale employers operate in Choctaw County, resulting in an economy of small businesses and dispersed employment.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: In-Person Required | Property: Limited: In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person/Mail/State Website | Business: Yes: State Online (DBA at courthouse) | Elections: Yes: State Online Tools | Overall Score: 4/10 — Choctaw County maintains traditional in-person and phone-based access for most local records with limited online portals; state-level systems provide some digital access.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Choctaw County
Explore public records for 10 cities and communities in Choctaw County, Alabama.