Clay County Traffic Court Records Search
Traffic court records in Clay County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office in Ashland. The county is part of the 40th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Coosa County. District court handles most traffic tickets - speeding on Highway 9, stop sign violations, and other common infractions. Clay County is one of Alabama's smaller rural counties, sitting in the east-central part of the state. State trooper and sheriff's deputy citations go through county district court. Ashland is the only incorporated municipality, so most traffic cases end up at the county level. Julie Poe serves as Circuit Clerk and can help you find records for any county court matter.
Clay County Quick Facts
Clay County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Clay County. Julie Poe runs the office. The courthouse sits right on Court Square in downtown Ashland. Being a small county, the office is pretty easy to deal with - not a lot of red tape or long lines like you might find in bigger places.
| Circuit Clerk | Julie Poe |
|---|---|
| Address | 25 Court Square Ashland, AL 36251 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 816 Ashland, AL 36251 |
| Phone | (256) 354-7926 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | clay.alacourt.gov |
Circuit Judge George C. Simpson presides over the 40th Judicial Circuit. District Judge James Malone handles district court matters including traffic cases. The District Attorney is Fred Thompson.
How to Search Traffic Records
Online Search
Look up Clay County traffic records at pa.alacourt.com. Type in a name or case number. Name searches cost $9.99. Pick Clay County to get local results.
In-Person Requests
Visit the courthouse in Ashland during business hours. Bring whatever information you have - defendant name, date of birth, or case number. Staff can search records and provide copies.
Mail Requests
Send written requests with defendant information and what you need. Include payment for fees. Mail to:
Circuit Clerk, Clay County Courthouse
P.O. Box 816
Ashland, AL 36251
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic fines in Clay County include court costs. Standard speeding tickets run $190 to $300 depending on how fast over the limit. Stop sign violations are similar. Reckless driving can exceed $500. DUI first offense starts around $600 plus costs for mandatory classes and license reinstatement.
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
Clay County is one of Alabama's smaller rural counties. Ashland is the only incorporated city, so most traffic cases go through county district court rather than municipal court. The courthouse on Court Square handles all court business.
On your court date, arrive early. The building is small so finding your way around is straightforward. When your case is called, approach the bench. The judge reads the charge and asks how you plead - guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Guilty or no contest pleas result in immediate sentencing. The judge considers the violation and your driving history when setting the fine. Not guilty pleas set a trial date. At trial, District Judge James Malone hears the evidence and decides the case.
Clay County shares the 40th Judicial Circuit with Coosa County. Circuit Judge George C. Simpson handles felony matters and appeals. Fred Thompson serves as District Attorney prosecuting traffic cases on behalf of the state.
Driver License Points and Consequences
Traffic convictions in Clay County add points to your Alabama driving record. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency tracks points statewide. Accumulating too many points leads to license suspension.
Point values: speeding 2 points, stop sign violation 2 points, reckless driving 6 points, DUI 6 points. Reach 12 points in 2 years and your license is suspended. First suspension is 60 days, second is 90 days, third is 1 year.
Points remain on your record for 2 years from the violation date. The conviction stays visible longer. Insurance companies check records and adjust premiums based on your driving history.
Order a driving record from ALEA to check your current status. This costs a small fee. Knowing where you stand helps you make decisions about how to handle new citations.
Traffic School and Defensive Driving
Alabama lets drivers take defensive driving courses to reduce points. Complete an ALEA-approved course and remove up to 2 points from your record. This option is available once every 5 years.
Clay County judges may offer traffic school as part of sentencing. First offenders with clean records have better chances. Ask about this option during your hearing. Completion might reduce fines or lead to case dismissal.
Online courses are convenient for rural areas like Clay County. They cost $25 to $50 and take 4 to 6 hours. Work through the material at your own pace. In-person classes are available in larger nearby cities.
Keep your completion certificate and submit it to ALEA. Point reduction happens within a few weeks. Verify the change by ordering a new driving record later.
Legal Framework
Traffic matters in Clay County follow Alabama state law. District courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic cases under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51. Municipal courts can 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. Reckless driving is Section 32-5A-190 requiring willful disregard for safety. DUI charges fall under Section 32-5A-191 with 0.08% BAC limit and mandatory penalties.
Court records are public under Section 36-12-40. You can inspect and copy records with some exceptions for sealed cases.
District court decisions can be appealed to circuit court within 14 days. The appeal gives you a new trial. Post an appeal bond and Circuit Judge Simpson handles the case fresh.
Additional Resources
40th Judicial Circuit
Clay County is in the 40th Judicial Circuit with Coosa County next door. Judge George C. Simpson works both spots. He hears felony cases and appeals. If you lose in district court and want to try again, circuit court gives you a fresh start.
Legal Assistance
Legal Services Alabama offers free legal help to qualifying individuals. Call 1-866-456-4995 for intake. The Alabama State Bar can refer you to an attorney for serious matters.
Cities in Clay County
Ashland is the only incorporated city in Clay County. Most traffic cases go through county district court rather than municipal court. Unincorporated communities include Lineville, Delta, and Millerville.