Access Cherokee County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Cherokee County are kept by the Circuit Clerk's office in Centre. The county shares the 9th Judicial Circuit with DeKalb County, so circuit judges rotate between both locations. District court handles most traffic matters - speeding tickets on Highway 411, stop sign violations, and other common infractions. Cherokee County sits in northeast Alabama near the Georgia state line. If you got a ticket from a state trooper or sheriff's deputy while traveling through, your case goes through district court in Centre. City police tickets from Centre or Cedar Bluff go through municipal court. The clerk's office can help you find records for any county court case.
Cherokee County Quick Facts
Cherokee County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office manages all court records in Cherokee County. The courthouse is on Cedar Bluff Road in Centre, though some records indicate an address at 100 Main Street. Call ahead to confirm the exact location for your needs.
| Address | 260 Cedar Bluff Rd Centre, AL 35960 |
|---|---|
| Alternate Address | 100 Main Street, Room 203 Centre, AL 35960 |
| Phone | (256) 927-3637 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | cherokee.alacourt.gov |
Cherokee County falls under federal jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Federal traffic cases on federal property would go through federal court, not state court.
How to Search Traffic Records
Online Search
Look up Cherokee County traffic records at pa.alacourt.com. Type in a name or case number. Name searches cost $9.99. Pick Cherokee County to get local results.
In-Person Requests
Visit the courthouse in Centre during business hours. Bring whatever information you have about the case - name, date of birth, case number, or citation date. Staff can search records and provide copies of documents.
Mail Requests
Written requests should include defendant information and what documents you need. Include payment for fees. Mail to:
Circuit Clerk, Cherokee County Courthouse
260 Cedar Bluff Rd
Centre, AL 35960
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic fines in Cherokee County vary by offense and include court costs. Standard speeding tickets typically run $190 to $300. Stop sign and red light violations are similar. Reckless driving can exceed $500. DUI first offense starts around $600 plus costs for classes and license issues.
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 at ALAPay.com or call 1-877-252-7294. In person, pay by cash, money order, or cashier's check. Credit cards work online with a convenience fee.
Court Procedures and What to Expect
Cherokee County sits in northeast Alabama near the Georgia border. Highway 411 and other routes bring travelers through. If you got a ticket here, district court in Centre handles state trooper and sheriff citations. City police tickets go to municipal court. Check your ticket for the exact court location.
On your court date, arrive early. The courthouse may have multiple addresses listed online, so call ahead to confirm the current location. Go through security and find the right courtroom. When your name is called, approach the bench and the judge reads your charge.
You plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. Guilty and no contest lead to immediate sentencing. Not guilty sets a trial date. At trial, the officer testifies about the stop and you can question them. Present any evidence that helps your case - photos, witnesses, or documentation.
Fines are typically due the day of sentencing. If you cannot pay in full, request a payment plan. Failure to pay on schedule can result in additional penalties including warrants and license suspension.
Driver License Points and Consequences
Traffic convictions here put points on your Alabama driving record. ALEA tracks these points for all drivers statewide. Stack up too many and you lose your license. Each ticket adds to your total. It's a system designed to push out bad drivers from the road.
Point values: speeding 2 points, stop sign or red light violation 2 points, reckless driving 6 points, DUI 6 points. Twelve points in 2 years triggers suspension - 60 days first time, 90 days second time, 1 year third time.
Points expire 2 years after the violation date but the conviction stays on your record longer. Insurance companies review driving records and adjust rates based on violations. Multiple tickets in a short period can significantly raise your premiums.
Order a copy of your driving record from ALEA to check your current status. This costs a small fee and shows all violations and points. Knowing your record helps you make informed decisions about how to handle a new citation.
Traffic School and Defensive Driving
Alabama lets drivers take defensive driving courses to reduce points on their record. Complete an ALEA-approved course to remove up to 2 points. This option is available once every 5 years.
Cherokee County judges sometimes offer traffic school as part of sentencing. First offenders with minor violations have the best chance of getting this option. Ask about it during your hearing or when speaking with the prosecutor.
Online courses are the easiest option. They cost around $25 to $50 and take several hours. You can work through the material at your own pace. In-person classes are available at some driving schools if you prefer that format.
Keep your completion certificate after finishing the course. Submit it to ALEA for point reduction. The process takes a few weeks. Verify the points were removed by ordering a new driving record later.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Cherokee County follow Alabama state law. District courts have exclusive jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic prosecutions 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 laws appear in Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. Default limits are 30 mph urban, 45 mph unpaved roads, 55 mph highways, 70 mph interstates. Reckless driving is covered by Section 32-5A-190. DUI charges fall under Section 32-5A-191 with a 0.08% BAC limit and mandatory minimum penalties.
Court records are public under Section 36-12-40. You can inspect and copy records with some restrictions for sealed or juvenile cases.
Appeals from Cherokee County District Court go to Circuit Court. File within 14 days. The appeal results in a fresh trial. Post a bond equal to your fine plus costs. Circuit court handles the case without giving weight to the lower court decision.
Additional Resources
9th Judicial Circuit
Cherokee County shares the 9th Judicial Circuit with DeKalb County next door. The same judges work both spots. They rotate back and forth. Circuit court takes felony cases here. It also hears appeals from the lower courts when someone wants to try again after a loss.
Legal Assistance
Legal Services Alabama offers free legal help to qualifying individuals. Call 1-866-456-4995 for intake. The Alabama State Bar referral service can connect you with an attorney for serious matters.
Cities in Cherokee County
Cherokee County includes Centre, Cedar Bluff, Leesburg, Gaylesville, and Sand Rock. Municipal courts handle tickets from city police. State trooper and sheriff tickets go through county district court.