Access Cleburne County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Cleburne County are kept by the Circuit Clerk's office in Heflin. The county shares the 7th Judicial Circuit with neighboring Calhoun County, so circuit judges serve both areas. District court handles most traffic matters including speeding on Interstate 20, which runs right through the county, and other common violations. Cleburne County sits on the Georgia border and sees a lot of through traffic on the interstate. State troopers patrol I-20 heavily. Citations from troopers or sheriff's deputies go through county district court. Heflin city police tickets go through municipal court. The courthouse was built in 1907 and is still in use today.
Cleburne County Quick Facts
Cleburne County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Cleburne County. Warren Sarrell runs the office. You can find it in Suite 202 of the courthouse on Vickery Street. The building dates back to 1907 but everything works just fine. Staff can help with record searches, copies, and case status questions.
| Circuit Clerk | Warren Sarrell |
|---|---|
| Address | 120 Vickery Street, Room 202 Heflin, AL 36264 |
| Phone | (256) 463-2651 |
| District Judge | (256) 463-5955 |
| District Attorney | (256) 231-1770 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | cleburne.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Traffic Records
Online Search
Look up Cleburne County traffic records at pa.alacourt.com. Search by name or case number. Name searches cost $9.99. Choose Cleburne County from the court list.
In-Person Requests
Visit the courthouse in Heflin during business hours. Bring whatever information you have - defendant name, date of birth, or case number. Staff can search records and make copies.
Mail Requests
Send written requests with defendant information and what you need. Include payment for copy fees. Mail to:
Circuit Clerk, Cleburne County Courthouse
120 Vickery Street, Room 202
Heflin, AL 36264
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic fines in Cleburne County vary by offense. Basic speeding tickets run $190 to $300. Interstate speeding on I-20 can be higher, especially at significant speeds over the limit. Stop sign violations are similar to local road speeding. 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 call 1-877-252-7294. In person, pay by cash, money order, or cashier's check. Credit card payments online include a convenience fee.
Court Procedures and What to Expect
Interstate 20 runs through Cleburne County near the Georgia border, bringing heavy traffic and state trooper activity. If you got a ticket on I-20, your case goes to district court in Heflin. The 1907 courthouse on Vickery Street handles court proceedings.
Arrive early on your court date. Go through security and find Suite 202 where the clerk's office is located. When court begins, listen for your name. Approach the bench when called. The judge reads the charge and asks for your plea.
Guilty or no contest means immediate sentencing. Not guilty sets a trial date. At trial, the state presents evidence through officer testimony. You can cross-examine and present your own evidence. The judge decides guilt and sentence if convicted.
The 7th Judicial Circuit includes Cleburne and Calhoun counties. The district judge can be reached at (256) 463-5955 for scheduling questions. The District Attorney's office at (256) 231-1770 handles prosecutions.
Driver License Points and Consequences
Traffic tickets in Cleburne County put points on your driving record. ALEA keeps track of all this statewide. I-20 speeding tickets work like any other speeding ticket - 2 points. But go way over the limit and it could be charged as reckless driving with 6 points instead.
Point values: speeding 2 points, running a red light 2 points, reckless driving 6 points, DUI 6 points. Going significantly over the limit on I-20 might be charged as reckless driving with 6 points instead of simple speeding.
Accumulate 12 points in 2 years and your license is suspended. First suspension 60 days, second 90 days, third 1 year. Points expire after 2 years but the conviction stays on your record longer. Insurance rates go up with violations.
Order your driving record from ALEA to see your current points. This helps you decide whether to fight or pay a ticket. If you are close to suspension, contesting the charge makes more sense.
Traffic School and Defensive Driving
Defensive driving courses can remove points from your Alabama record. Complete an ALEA-approved course and get up to 2 points removed. This option is available once every 5 years.
Cleburne County judges may allow traffic school as part of sentencing. First offenders with clean records have the best chances. Ask about this during your hearing. Completing the course might reduce your fine or lead to dismissal.
Online courses are popular because you can complete them at home. They cost $25 to $50 and take 4 to 6 hours. In-person classes are available at driving schools in the Anniston area if you prefer.
Submit your completion certificate to ALEA for point reduction. The process takes a few weeks. Keep a copy for your records and verify the reduction worked by ordering a new driving record.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Cleburne County follow Alabama state law. District courts have 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 is covered in Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. I-20 has a 70 mph speed limit. Going 25+ mph over can escalate to reckless driving. Reckless driving falls under Section 32-5A-190. DUI charges come from Section 32-5A-191 with 0.08% BAC limit.
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 district court go to circuit court within 14 days. The appeal results in a new trial. Post an appeal bond equal to your fine plus costs. Circuit court handles the case fresh without giving weight to the lower court decision.
Additional Resources
7th Judicial Circuit
Cleburne County is in the 7th Judicial Circuit with Calhoun County. The same judges work both spots. Circuit court hears felony cases. It also takes appeals. Lost in district court? You can appeal to circuit for a new trial.
Legal Assistance
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal help to those who qualify. Call 1-866-456-4995. The Alabama State Bar referral service can connect you with an attorney for serious traffic matters.
Cities in Cleburne County
Cleburne County includes Heflin, Fruithurst, and Ranburne. Municipal courts handle city police citations. County district court processes state trooper and sheriff tickets.