About Dallas County

Dallas County is located in the heart of the Alabama Black Belt region, a swath of fertile, dark-soil prairie land that stretches across the central part of the state. Covering approximately 980 square miles, the county is characterized by gently rolling farmland, dense hardwood forests, and the winding Alabama River, which has shaped both the geography and the history of the region for centuries. The landscape transitions from rich agricultural bottomlands near the river to pine-covered uplands, giving Dallas County a varied and distinctive natural character that sets it apart from much of the surrounding region. With a population of approximately 38,462 residents, Dallas County is a community with deep historical roots and a close-knit identity. The county seat, Selma, is one of the most historically significant cities in the American South and indeed in the entire United States, famously associated with the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The Edmund Pettus Bridge, crossing the Alabama River in Selma, remains a powerful national landmark and draws visitors from across the country and around the world. This history continues to shape the cultural and civic identity of Dallas County residents today. The economy of Dallas County reflects the broader challenges facing the Alabama Black Belt, with agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and government services forming the backbone of local employment. Catfish farming, row crops, and timber production contribute to the rural economy, while Selma serves as a regional hub for retail, healthcare, and public services. The county has worked to attract new industry and investment, with manufacturing facilities and distribution operations providing important employment opportunities. Like many rural Southern counties, Dallas County faces ongoing challenges related to economic development, infrastructure investment, and workforce retention, but its communities maintain a strong sense of resilience and local pride that continues to define life along the Alabama River.

Practice Areas in Dallas County

Criminal Law
Criminal Law
Charges, arrests, bail and criminal trials.
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DUI
DUI
DUI charges, licence suspension and reinstatement.
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Family Law
Family Law
Divorce, custody, property and support.
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Immigration Law
Immigration
Visas, green cards, deportation and citizenship.
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Traffic Law
Traffic Law
Traffic violations, licence matters and offences.
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Employment Law
Employment Law
Wrongful termination, discrimination, disputes.
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Courts in Dallas County

Dallas County is served by several state courts that handle the full range of civil and criminal matters arising in the county. The Dallas County Circuit Court, located at the Dallas County Courthouse at 105 Lauderdale Street in Selma, is the court of general jurisdiction and handles felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, and probate proceedings. The Dallas County District Court, also operating out of the Selma courthouse, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims matters, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. The Dallas County Probate Court manages estates, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health proceedings. Municipal courts operate within the City of Selma and other incorporated municipalities to address ordinance violations and traffic infractions occurring within city limits.

Federal vs State Jurisdiction in Dallas County

In Dallas County, the vast majority of legal matters — including most criminal prosecutions, family law cases, traffic violations, and civil disputes between residents — are handled by Alabama state courts operating under state law. However, certain cases fall under the jurisdiction of the federal court system, specifically the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, which has its primary courthouse in Mobile. Federal jurisdiction applies to cases involving federal laws or constitutional rights, disputes between citizens of different states where the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, bankruptcy proceedings, immigration matters, and civil rights claims brought under federal statutes. Residents of Dallas County who have been charged with a federal offense or who are pursuing a federal civil rights claim must navigate the federal court system in Mobile rather than the local Selma courthouse, which can add complexity and travel demands to an already challenging legal process.

Common Legal Situations in Dallas County

Dallas County residents encounter a broad range of legal situations that reflect the county's rural character, economic landscape, and historical context. Traffic and DUI matters are among the most frequently handled issues in local courts, particularly given the county's network of rural highways and its reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. Family law matters — including divorce, child custody disputes, child support enforcement, and domestic violence protective orders — represent a significant portion of civil court activity, as they do across much of rural Alabama. Property disputes involving land boundaries, timber rights, and estate matters are common given the county's agricultural heritage, and probate issues frequently arise as older generations pass on land that has been held in families for decades. Employment disputes, including wage and hour claims and discrimination matters, reflect the challenges workers face in a county with limited economic diversification. Criminal defense cases ranging from drug offenses to property crimes are also regularly before local courts, and civil rights matters have a particular resonance in a community so deeply connected to the history of the Civil Rights Movement.

Why Go To Court for Dallas County Legal Matters

Go To Court Lawyers is a strong choice for Dallas County residents who need reliable, accessible legal representation without the uncertainty that so often accompanies hiring an attorney. The firm offers a 24/7 free legal hotline, meaning that residents can get answers to their legal questions at any time of day or night, whether they are facing a sudden arrest, a family crisis, or an urgent civil matter. With fixed-fee services coming soon, Dallas County clients will benefit from transparent, predictable pricing that eliminates the anxiety of open-ended legal bills. The Go To Court team brings broad experience across criminal, civil, family, and traffic law, ensuring that residents of Selma and throughout Dallas County have access to skilled legal support tailored to the realities of their community.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I receive a traffic ticket in Dallas County?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Dallas County, you generally have the option to pay the fine, which is treated as a guilty plea, or to contest the charge in Dallas County District Court or the relevant municipal court. Contesting a ticket can be worthwhile, particularly if a conviction could add points to your license, affect your insurance rates, or result in a license suspension. Speaking with a local attorney before deciding how to proceed can help you understand the potential consequences and your best options.

How does child custody work in Dallas County, Alabama?

Child custody matters in Dallas County are handled by the Dallas County Circuit Court, which applies Alabama law and the guiding principle of the best interests of the child when making custody determinations. Courts consider factors such as each parent's relationship with the child, the stability of each home environment, the child's school and community ties, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. Parents are encouraged to reach a mutually agreeable parenting plan, but if they cannot, a judge will make the final determination after reviewing evidence and, in some cases, hearing from the child.

Can I expunge a criminal record in Dallas County?

Alabama law does allow for the expungement of certain criminal records, and Dallas County residents may be eligible if their charges were dismissed, they were acquitted, or they completed a diversion program. Recent changes to Alabama's expungement law have expanded eligibility to include some nonviolent felony convictions under specific conditions. The process involves filing a petition with the Circuit Court, and working with an attorney can help ensure that your petition is properly prepared and that you understand whether your specific record qualifies.

What are my rights if I am arrested in Selma or Dallas County?

If you are arrested in Dallas County, you have the constitutional right to remain silent and the right to have an attorney present during any questioning, and you should clearly invoke both rights as soon as possible. You have the right to be informed of the charges against you and to appear before a judge in a timely manner for a bond hearing. It is important not to make statements to law enforcement without legal counsel present, as anything you say can be used against you in court.

How do I start the divorce process in Dallas County?

To begin a divorce in Dallas County, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Alabama for at least six months, and the divorce petition is filed with the Dallas County Circuit Court in Selma. Alabama allows for both contested and uncontested divorces, with uncontested cases typically resolving more quickly and at lower cost when both parties agree on property division, custody, and support. An attorney can help you prepare the necessary paperwork, negotiate a fair settlement, and represent your interests in court if the divorce becomes contested.

Neighbouring Counties

Dallas County is bordered by Perry County to the north, Chilton County to the northeast, Autauga County to the east, Lowndes County to the southeast, Wilcox County to the southwest, and Marengo County to the west.