Search Butler County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Butler County are managed by the Circuit Clerk's office in Greenville. The county is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit along with Crenshaw and Lowndes counties. District court handles most traffic matters - speeding on Interstate 65 which runs through the county, stop sign violations, and other moving infractions. I-65 brings significant traffic through Butler County, so state troopers write plenty of tickets here. Citations from troopers or sheriff's deputies go through county court. Greenville city police tickets are handled in municipal court. The clerk's office on Court Square keeps records for all county court cases.
Butler County Quick Facts
Butler County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office keeps all court records in Butler County. It sits in the courthouse on Court Square in downtown Greenville. Need to look up a traffic case? They can help. Want copies of court papers? Done. Not sure what you owe? Just ask. The staff deals with these requests all day long. Stop by during work hours or call ahead with questions.
| Address | 700 Court Square Greenville, AL 36037 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 382-3521 |
| Fax | (334) 382-7488 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | butler.alacourt.gov |
Note: Butler County, Alabama is different from the city of Butler, Alabama. The city of Butler is located in Choctaw County, which is a different jurisdiction entirely.
How to Search Traffic Records
Online Search
Look up Butler County traffic records at pa.alacourt.com. Type in a name or case number. Name searches cost $9.99. Pick Butler County to get local results.
In-Person Requests
Visit the courthouse in Greenville during business hours. Bring whatever information you have - the defendant's name, date of birth, or case number. The staff can search records and provide copies of documents.
Mail Requests
Send written requests with the defendant's information and what you need. Include payment for fees. Mail to:
Circuit Clerk, Butler County Courthouse
700 Court Square
Greenville, AL 36037
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic fines in Butler County depend on the offense and include court costs. Basic speeding tickets run $190 to $300. Interstate speeding tickets can be higher, especially if you were going well over the limit. Reckless driving fines often exceed $500. DUI first offense starts around $600 plus mandatory classes.
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 traffic fines online at ALAPay.com or call 1-877-252-7294. At the courthouse, pay with cash, money order, or cashier's check. Credit cards work online with a convenience fee.
Court Procedures and What to Expect
When you receive a traffic ticket in Butler County, the citation includes your court date and location. Interstate 65 runs through the county, so many tickets come from state troopers patrolling the highway. Those cases go to district court in Greenville. City police tickets may go to municipal court instead.
On your court date, arrive early. The courthouse on Court Square can get busy. Go through security and find the right courtroom. When your case is called, approach the bench. The judge reads the charge and asks how you plead - guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
A guilty or no contest plea results in immediate sentencing. The judge considers your driving history, the severity of the violation, and any mitigating circumstances. First-time offenders typically get lower fines. Repeat offenders or those with serious violations face stiffer penalties.
If you plead not guilty, the court schedules a trial. At trial, the state presents evidence - usually testimony from the citing officer. You can cross-examine witnesses and present your own defense. The judge decides based on the evidence whether the state proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Driver License Points and Consequences
Alabama tracks traffic violations through a point system maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Convictions in Butler County add points to your statewide driving record. Too many points leads to license suspension.
Point values: speeding is 2 points, running a stop sign or red light is 2 points, reckless driving is 6 points, DUI is 6 points. Interstate speeding does not carry extra points, but going significantly over the limit can result in reckless driving charges which do carry more points.
If you accumulate 12 points within 2 years, your license gets suspended. First suspension is 60 days, second is 90 days, third is 1 year. Points drop off your record 2 years after the violation date, but the underlying conviction remains visible longer.
Check your driving record through ALEA before your court date. Knowing your point total helps you decide whether to fight the ticket or plead guilty. If you are close to suspension, fighting even minor tickets becomes more important.
Traffic School and Defensive Driving
Taking a defensive driving course in Alabama can help reduce points on your driving record. Completing an ALEA-approved course removes up to 2 points. You can use this once every 5 years.
Butler County judges sometimes offer traffic school as part of sentencing, especially for first-time offenders. Completing the course may result in reduced fines or dismissal. Ask the judge or prosecutor if this is available for your case.
Online courses are the easiest option. They cost around $25 to $50 and take 4 to 6 hours. You can complete them on your own schedule over several days if needed. In-person courses are available through some driving schools and community colleges.
After completing the course, keep your certificate. Submit it to ALEA to get points removed from your record. The reduction appears on your driving record within a few weeks after processing.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Butler County follow Alabama law. District courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic offenses under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51. Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations per Sections 12-14-1 through 12-14-70.
Traffic violations are misdemeanors under Section 32-5A-8. Speeding is covered in Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. Interstate speed limits on I-65 are 70 mph unless posted otherwise. Speeding fines increase with speed over the limit. Reckless driving falls under Section 32-5A-190. DUI charges are addressed in Section 32-5A-191 with a 0.08% BAC legal limit.
Court records are public under Section 36-12-40. You can inspect and copy records with some restrictions for sealed cases.
District court judgments can be appealed to circuit court within 14 days. The appeal results in a new trial. You must post a bond equal to your fine plus costs. Circuit court handles the case fresh without deference to the lower court decision.
Additional Resources
2nd Judicial Circuit
Butler County is part of the 2nd Judicial Circuit. Crenshaw and Lowndes counties are in there too. Judges rotate between all three spots. Circuit court takes felonies. It also hears appeals when folks lose at the lower level and want a second shot. The appeal gives you a fresh trial with no weight given to what happened before.
Legal Assistance
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to those who qualify. Call 1-866-456-4995. For serious traffic charges, use the Alabama State Bar referral service to find an attorney.
Cities in Butler County
Butler County includes Greenville, Georgiana, and McKenzie. City police citations go through municipal court. State trooper and sheriff tickets are handled in county district court.