Bullock County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Bullock County are handled through the Circuit Clerk's office in Union Springs. The county shares the 3rd Judicial Circuit with neighboring Barbour County, so the same clerk serves both locations. District court processes most traffic matters including speeding tickets, stop sign violations, and other moving infractions. If you got a citation from a state trooper on Highway 29 or Highway 82, or from a sheriff's deputy anywhere in the county, that case goes through district court here. Union Springs is the only county seat, so all court business happens at the one courthouse location.
Bullock County Quick Facts
Bullock County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office manages all court records in Bullock County. Rashawn Harris serves as clerk for both Bullock and Barbour counties since they share the 3rd Judicial Circuit. The courthouse in Union Springs handles all court filings and record requests.
| Circuit Clerk | Rashawn Harris |
|---|---|
| Address | 217 Prairie Street North Union Springs, AL 36089 |
| Phone | (334) 738-2280 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | bullock.alacourt.gov |
The Bullock County Courthouse has been the only courthouse in the county since Union Springs was selected as the county seat in 1867. Circuit judges rotate between Bullock and Barbour counties to hear cases.
How to Search Traffic Records
Online Search
Look up Bullock County traffic records at pa.alacourt.com. Type in a name or case number. Name searches cost $9.99. Pick Bullock County to see local results.
In-Person Requests
Visit the courthouse in Union Springs during regular hours. Bring whatever information you have - defendant name, date of birth, case number, or the date of the ticket. The clerk's office can look up records and make copies.
Mail Requests
Send a written request with the defendant's information and what you need. Include payment for copy fees. Mail to:
Circuit Clerk, Bullock County Courthouse
217 Prairie Street North
Union Springs, AL 36089
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic fines in Bullock County include court costs on top of the base fine. Speeding tickets typically run $190 to $300 total. Stop sign and red light violations are similar. Reckless driving fines often exceed $500. DUI first offense starts around $600 and increases with additional penalties.
Record Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Case copies (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Additional pages (over 20) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 |
| Alacourt name search | $9.99 |
Payment Options
Pay fines online through ALAPay.com or by phone at 1-877-252-7294. At the courthouse, pay with cash, money order, or cashier's check. Credit card payments online include a convenience fee.
Court Procedures and What to Expect
Your Bullock County traffic ticket shows when and where to appear in court. District court in Union Springs handles most traffic cases. If you received a citation from a city police officer, you may go to municipal court instead. Either way, the date on your ticket is mandatory unless you pay the fine beforehand and waive your court appearance.
At your arraignment, the judge explains the charge and asks for your plea. You can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. A guilty or no contest plea means you accept responsibility and the judge sentences you right then. A not guilty plea sets the stage for a trial where the state must prove you committed the violation.
Trials in traffic court are usually quick and informal. The officer who issued your ticket testifies about what happened. You can question the officer and present your own version of events. Witnesses, photos, or other evidence can help your case. The judge weighs the evidence and decides.
If found guilty, the judge imposes a fine and possibly other conditions like traffic school or probation. Payment is typically due immediately or you can request a payment plan. Failure to pay leads to additional penalties including possible license suspension and warrants.
Driver License Points and Consequences
Alabama tracks tickets with points. Get caught and convicted? Points hit your record. The state agency ALEA keeps tabs on all of it. Every driver in Alabama is in their system. Points from a Bullock County ticket show up the same as points from anywhere else in the state.
Speeding convictions add 2 points to your record. Running a stop sign or red light is 2 points. Reckless driving is 6 points. DUI is 6 points. Accumulate 12 points in 2 years and you lose your license. First suspension lasts 60 days, second is 90 days, third is 1 year.
Points stay on your record for 2 years from the violation date. The conviction itself remains visible longer. Insurance companies check driving records and raise premiums for drivers with violations. A clean record helps keep insurance costs down.
You can request a copy of your driving record from ALEA to see your current points and any violations. This costs a small fee. Knowing your record helps you make decisions about how to handle a new ticket - if you are close to 12 points, you may want to fight the charge more aggressively.
Traffic School and Defensive Driving
Alabama allows drivers to take a defensive driving course to remove points from their record. You can remove up to 2 points this way. The course must be approved by ALEA and you can only use this option once every 5 years.
Judges in Bullock County may offer traffic school as part of sentencing. This is common for first offenders with minor violations. Completing the course might result in lower fines or case dismissal. If the judge does not mention it, ask if it is an option for your situation.
Online defensive driving courses are convenient and affordable. They typically cost $25 to $50 and take several hours. You learn about traffic laws, safe driving practices, and the consequences of violations. In-person courses are also available through driving schools.
Keep your completion certificate after finishing the course. Submit it to ALEA for point reduction. The process takes a few weeks. You can verify the points were removed by ordering a new driving record later.
Legal Framework
Traffic matters in Bullock County follow Alabama state law. District courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic cases under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51. Municipal courts can prosecute city ordinance violations per Sections 12-14-1 through 12-14-70.
Traffic offenses are misdemeanors under Section 32-5A-8. Speeding violations appear in Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. Speed limits in Alabama are 30 mph in urban areas, 45 mph on unpaved roads, 55 mph on most highways, and 70 mph on interstates unless posted otherwise. Reckless driving is covered by Section 32-5A-190 and means operating a vehicle with willful disregard for safety. DUI offenses fall under Section 32-5A-191 with a legal limit of 0.08% blood alcohol content.
Court records are public under Section 36-12-40. Alabama residents can inspect and copy court records with some exceptions. Sealed records and juvenile cases have additional protections.
You can appeal a district court conviction to circuit court. File within 14 days of the judgment. The appeal results in a new trial, not just a review. Post an appeal bond equal to your fine plus court costs. Many people find the appeal process easier with an attorney.
Additional Resources
3rd Judicial Circuit
Bullock County sits in the 3rd Judicial Circuit with Barbour County next door. The same judges work both spots. They rotate back and forth. Circuit court takes felony cases here. It also hears appeals when someone loses in district or municipal court and wants to try again.
Legal Assistance
Legal Services Alabama offers free legal help to qualifying individuals. Call 1-866-456-4995 for intake. For serious charges, contact the Alabama State Bar for attorney referrals.
Cities in Bullock County
Bullock County includes Union Springs and Midway. Municipal court handles tickets from city police. County district court processes citations from state troopers and sheriff's deputies.