Decatur Traffic Court Lookup

Traffic court records for Decatur are handled by Decatur Municipal Court, which has jurisdiction over traffic offenses, misdemeanors, city code violations, and parking violations occurring within city limits. The court operates out of two locations: the main office at 402 Lee Street NE and the Municipal Court Annex at 300 Cain Street NE where payments are processed. Judge Billy E. Cook Jr. presides over municipal court matters. Decatur is located in Morgan County along the Tennessee River and serves as the county seat. Traffic offenses in construction zones require a mandatory court appearance as of July 2021. Citations issued by Morgan County deputies or Alabama State Troopers in Decatur go through Morgan County District Court.

Decatur Municipal Court

Decatur Municipal Court hears traffic cases, misdemeanors, city code issues, and parking tickets in city limits. The court sees a lot of cases each year. Judge Billy E. Cook Jr. sits on the bench. Jessica Hayes is the Clerk. The court has two spots: the main office for admin stuff and the annex where you pay.

Mandatory Court Appearances

Since July 2021, tickets in work zones need a court visit. You can not just pay online or by mail for those. Some other cases also need you to show up. Check your ticket or call the court to find out if you must come in. If the fine is not on the posted list, you likely have to see the judge face to face. Do not assume you can mail it in and be done with it.

How to Pay Traffic Tickets

Online Payment

The court takes online payments for most tickets. You need your ticket number. Cards work. But paying online means you plead guilty. You can not fight it or ask for driving school after that.

In-Person Payment

Go to the Court Annex at 300 Cain Street NE. Hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. This is not the same spot as the main office. Call ahead to ask what they take for payment. In-person visits work best if you have questions about your case or want to know your choices before paying.

Mail Payment

Mail payment to:

Decatur Municipal Court
402 Lee Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601

Include a copy of your citation and payment by money order or cashier's check only. Personal checks are not accepted by mail. Allow enough time for delivery before your court date.

Non-Resident Defendants

Live far away? You might be able to plead guilty by mail if your ticket is on the fee list. Call (256) 341-4676 to check. If it is not on the list, call the Magistrate and ask what to do. They may still let you handle it by mail if you explain your situation. This saves you a long trip just to pay a fine and leave.

Statewide Online System

The Alabama Online Traffic Resolution system also allows searching and paying citations using your citation number and date of birth.

Fees and Fines

Traffic Violation Fines

Fines in Decatur change based on what you did. The court has a fee list for common cases. Here is what most folks pay:

Fines include court costs. Pay late and fees pile up. Miss court and it gets worse. Work zone tickets cost more. DUI and reckless driving fines go way higher, plus you could end up in jail.

Construction Zone Violations

Work zone tickets cost more and you must show up in court. You can not pay these online or by mail. Plan to see the judge on your court date. This rule started in 2021 and they take it seriously. If you skip, expect a warrant and more fines on top of what you already owe.

Legal Framework

Decatur Municipal Court runs under Code of Alabama Sections 12-14-1 through 12-14-70. These laws let the court hear city code and state traffic cases in Decatur.

Traffic tickets in Alabama are misdemeanors per Section 32-5A-8. The judge can fine you up to $500. Jail can hit six months. DUI and big crimes go much higher.

Appeals go to Morgan County Circuit Court. You have 14 days to file after conviction. Miss that and you are stuck with the ruling.

Traffic court records are public records under Section 36-12-40. You can request them from the court or access them through the Alabama court system online portal.

Morgan County Circuit Court

Got a ticket from a county deputy or state trooper in Decatur? That goes to Morgan County District Court. The city court does not take those. Big crimes also go to county court. Chris Priest is the Circuit Clerk.

View Morgan County Traffic Court

Legal Resources

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help if you do not make much. They walk you through traffic court and tell you what rights and choices you have.

• Intake Line: 1-866-456-4995

Morgan County Bar Association

The Morgan County Bar Association links you with local lawyers who take traffic cases. A paid lawyer can stand up for you in court and try to cut your charges or work out a deal. It costs money, but the results may save you in the long run.

Alabama State Bar

The Alabama State Bar provides resources for finding legal assistance throughout the state. Their lawyer referral service can match you with attorneys based on your needs and location.

Contact the Magistrate

Call (256) 341-4676 to ask about your ticket, how to pay, or if you must show up. Staff tell you steps and due dates. They can not give legal advice though.

Nearby Cities

Each city runs its own court. Decatur sits between Huntsville and Birmingham on I-65. Here are big Alabama cities nearby:

Other nearby cities with municipal courts include Hartselle, Athens, and Cullman. Citations issued in those cities must be handled through their respective municipal courts.

Morgan County

Decatur sits in Morgan County. It is also the county seat. The courthouse is downtown on Lee Street. If a county or state cop gave you a ticket:

View Morgan County Traffic Court