Chambers County Traffic Court Records Search
Traffic court records in Chambers County are managed by the Circuit Clerk's office in LaFayette. The county is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit, which includes Chambers, Macon, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties. District court handles traffic tickets from state troopers and sheriff's deputies - things like speeding on Highway 431 or Interstate 85, running stop signs, and other violations. The clerk's office is the official record keeper for all court matters including district criminal and traffic cases from the Sheriff's Department and cities of Valley, Lanett, and LaFayette. If city police wrote your ticket, it goes through municipal court.
Chambers County Quick Facts
Chambers County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office handles all court records in Chambers County. Lisa M. Burdette serves as Circuit Clerk. The office maintains records for circuit civil, circuit criminal, domestic relations, juvenile, district civil, small claims, district criminal, and traffic cases.
| Circuit Clerk | Lisa M. Burdette |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Lafayette Street South, Suite B-114 Lafayette, AL 36862 |
| Phone | (334) 864-2487 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | chambers.alacourt.gov |
The office processes traffic cases from the Sheriff's Department as well as from the cities of Valley, Lanett, and LaFayette. Each municipality also has its own municipal court for city ordinance violations.
How to Search Traffic Records
Online Search
Look up Chambers County traffic records at pa.alacourt.com. Type in a name or case number. Name searches cost $9.99. Pick Chambers County to get local results.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office in Suite B-114 during business hours. Bring the defendant's name, date of birth, or case number if you have it. Staff can search records and provide copies.
Mail Requests
Send a written request with defendant information and what documents you need. Include payment for fees. Mail to:
Circuit Clerk, Chambers County Courthouse
2 Lafayette Street South, Suite B-114
Lafayette, AL 36862
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic fines in Chambers County include court costs. Basic speeding tickets run $190 to $300 depending on how fast over the limit. Interstate 85 speeding tickets may be higher. Stop sign and red light violations are similar. Reckless driving often exceeds $500. DUI first offense starts around $600 plus mandatory costs.
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 by phone at 1-877-252-7294. At the courthouse, pay with cash, money order, or cashier's check. Credit card payments online have a convenience fee.
Court Procedures and What to Expect
Chambers County has Interstate 85 running through it, so the area sees plenty of traffic tickets. State trooper citations go to district court in LaFayette. City police tickets from Valley, Lanett, or LaFayette go to municipal court. Your ticket tells you exactly where to appear.
Show up early on your court date. The courthouse in Suite B-114 handles the clerk functions. When court convenes, listen for your name. Approach the bench when called. The judge reads the charge and asks how you plead - guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
If you plead guilty or no contest, the judge sentences you immediately. Fines must usually be paid that day or you can request a payment plan. If you plead not guilty, you get a trial date. At trial, the state presents evidence and you can cross-examine and offer your defense.
For serious charges like DUI or reckless driving, consider hiring an attorney. The 5th Judicial Circuit has a public defender office for those who qualify financially. Private attorneys are also available for traffic matters.
Driver License Points and Consequences
Traffic tickets in Chambers County add points to your driving record. ALEA keeps track of all this statewide. Get too many points and you lose your license. Insurance companies see your record too - they use it to set your rates. More points means higher premiums.
Point values: speeding 2 points, running a red light or stop sign 2 points, reckless driving 6 points, DUI 6 points. Interstate 85 speeding carries standard speeding points unless charged as reckless driving for excessive speed.
Accumulate 12 points in 2 years and your license is suspended. First suspension is 60 days, second is 90 days, third is 1 year. Points expire 2 years after the violation date. Insurance companies can see your violations for 3 to 5 years.
To check your current point total, order a driving record from ALEA. This helps you know where you stand before deciding how to handle a new ticket. If you are close to suspension, fighting even minor violations makes sense.
Traffic School and Defensive Driving
Defensive driving courses offer a way to reduce points on your Alabama driving record. Complete an ALEA-approved course and remove up to 2 points. You can do this once every 5 years.
Chambers County judges may allow traffic school as part of sentencing. This works best for first offenders with minor violations. Ask about this option during your hearing. The prosecutor might agree to dismissal if you complete the course.
Online courses are convenient and affordable. Expect to pay $25 to $50 and spend 4 to 6 hours on the material. In-person classes are available at some driving schools in the area. Either format produces a valid certificate for point reduction.
Submit your completion certificate to ALEA to remove points from your record. Keep a copy for yourself. The process takes a few weeks and you can verify it worked by ordering a new driving record.
Legal Framework
Traffic violations in Chambers County follow Alabama law. District courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic cases under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51. Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations per Sections 12-14-1 through 12-14-70.
Traffic offenses are misdemeanors under Section 32-5A-8. Speeding is covered in Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. Interstate 85 has a 70 mph speed limit. Going significantly over the limit can escalate a simple speeding ticket to reckless driving. Reckless driving falls under Section 32-5A-190. DUI is addressed in Section 32-5A-191 with a 0.08% BAC limit and enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.
Court records are public under Section 36-12-40. Citizens can inspect and copy court records with some exceptions for sealed and juvenile cases.
District court decisions can be appealed to circuit court within 14 days. The appeal gives you a fresh trial. Post an appeal bond and the case proceeds in circuit court. Consider hiring an attorney for the appeal process.
Additional Resources
5th Judicial Circuit
Chambers County sits in the 5th Judicial Circuit. Macon, Randolph, and Tallapoosa counties share the same circuit. Judges rotate between all four. They hear felonies and appeals. If you lose in district court and want another shot, circuit court gives you a fresh trial where the state has to prove its case all over again.
Legal Assistance
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to those who qualify. Call 1-866-456-4995. For serious charges, the Alabama State Bar can refer you to an attorney.
Cities in Chambers County
Chambers County includes LaFayette, Valley, Lanett, and Five Points. Each city's municipal court handles tickets from local police. County district court processes citations from state troopers and sheriff's deputies.