Madison County District Court

Madison County District Court Judges

The Madison County District Court has four sitting judges. The official district judges list publishes each judge's room, address, and phone number. Local reporting in October 2025 said Madison County had nine circuit and five district judges at the time, with one position later changing on appointment.

The Madison County District Court judges page lists every district judge with rooms and phone numbers.

District Court Jurisdiction in Madison County

District Court is a limited-jurisdiction trial court. It handles a wide range of common case types that do not reach Circuit Court. The Madison Circuit Clerk filing-fee page reflects the District Court's broad reach by listing fees for civil claims, small claims, traffic, criminal misdemeanors, and preliminary felony proceedings.

• Misdemeanor criminal cases.
• Traffic citations and DUI cases when filed at the district level.
• Small claims cases under $1,500; $1,501 to $3,000; and $3,001 to $6,000.
• District civil cases from $6,001 to $20,000.
• Preliminary hearings for felony cases.
• Unlawful detainer and certain landlord-tenant matters.

District Court vs Circuit Court vs Municipal Court

Madison County hosts three main trial-court tracks: Circuit, District, and Municipal. Each handles different case types and different appeal paths. The municipal courts in Huntsville and Madison cover city code violations. Circuit Court handles felonies and larger civil cases. District Court fills the broad middle. The flow of a case often moves through more than one court.

Case flow: Municipal or District Court › Circuit Court › Court of Civil or Criminal Appeals › Supreme Court of Alabama

Small Claims and District Civil in Madison County

Small claims sit inside District Court. The Madison Circuit Clerk's filing-fee schedule breaks small claims into three tiers based on the amount in dispute. District civil cases between $6,001 and $20,000 file at a higher tier.

Misdemeanor and Traffic Cases

Most misdemeanor and traffic cases in Madison County start in District Court. Plea, sentencing, fines, and court costs are handled by the assigned district judge. Some traffic payments move through AlaPay. Cases tied to city limits may be heard in the Huntsville or Madison municipal court instead. The roster's Court field shows MUNI, DIST, or CIRC to flag which court handled the booking.

Repeat or aggravated misdemeanors can carry jail time. Traffic cases can affect a driver's license. A defense attorney can help compare plea options. The Court Administrator's office maintains an indigent-defense list and can assign counsel when a defendant cannot afford to hire one.

Preliminary Felony Hearings

District Court holds preliminary hearings on felony cases to decide whether enough probable cause exists to bind the case over to Circuit Court. The Madison County jail page notes that an arresting agency may need felony warrants confirmed through the Madison County Magistrate Office. That step can take up to 48 hours. Once received, the inmate gets a 72-hour hearing to be notified of charges and bond. That hearing applies to district-court cases.

If District Court finds probable cause, the case binds over to Circuit Court for grand jury action or further proceedings. If District Court finds no probable cause, the case may be dismissed or refiled. Defendants and victims should consult an attorney to understand how this stage shapes the rest of the case.

Bonds Handled Through District Court

Madison County misdemeanor and felony bonds go through the District Court Clerk's Office on the second floor of the courthouse, Room 200, at (256) 532-3373. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, excluding holidays. Huntsville municipal bonds go through the Huntsville Magistrate at (256) 427-7817 around the clock. Madison municipal bonds go through the City of Madison Magistrate at (256) 772-5617. The Sheriff does not process property bonds.

Appealing a Madison County District Court Decision

Decisions from Madison County District Court can be appealed to Circuit Court. Civil appeals are usually de novo, which means Circuit Court hears the case fresh. Criminal appeals follow procedural rules set out in the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure. Time limits are short, often 14 days for many appeal types. Speak with an attorney quickly after an adverse District Court ruling.

Circuit Judges Who Hear Madison County Appeals

Cases appealed from District Court land before Circuit Court. The Presiding Circuit Judge for the 23rd Judicial Circuit is Hon. Donna S. Pate. Other circuit judges include Hon. Alison S. Austin, Hon. Christian M. Comer, Hon. Ruth Ann Hall, Hon. Claude E. Hundley, Hon. D. Alan Mann, Hon. Donald N. Rizzardi Sr., Hon. Patrick M. Tuten, and Hon. Ron W. Smith. Governor Kay Ivey appointed Judge Smith in December 2025. Judge Tuten's 2022 appointment created the first new circuit judgeship in the 23rd Judicial Circuit since 2011.

Searching District Court Cases

District Court records appear inside AlaCourt. Use the same statewide portal at pa.alacourt.com. Filter by Madison County and by District Court when prompted. Required fees apply. For paper or microfilm files, file a Records Request with the Circuit Clerk and pay the matching search fee.

The 23rd Judicial Circuit reported 29,341 District Court filings in 2024. That volume keeps the four district judges busy, especially around traffic dockets and small claims days. Use the Court Administrator's number at (256) 532-3575 to confirm calendar shifts before traveling.

Courtroom and Office Contacts

For Circuit Clerk records request information, see Clerk of Court. For the live case docket, see court dockets. For the broader court record portal and fees, see court records.