Search Colbert County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Colbert County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office in Tuscumbia. The county makes up the entire 31st Judicial Circuit, so it has its own dedicated court system. District court handles most traffic matters - speeding on Highway 72, stop sign violations, and other infractions. Colbert County sits in the northwest corner of Alabama, part of the Shoals area along with neighboring Lauderdale County. State trooper and sheriff's deputy citations go through county district court. Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia city police tickets are handled in municipal court. The courthouse maintains records of civil, criminal, domestic, and probate cases.
Colbert County Quick Facts
Colbert County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk handles all court records in Colbert County. The office is in the courthouse on North Main Street in Tuscumbia. Non-subscribers to online services may need to visit in person or request documents via mail or phone.
| Address | 201 North Main Street Tuscumbia, AL 35674 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 381-3643 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | colbert.alacourt.gov |
The courthouse maintains records of civil, criminal, domestic, and probate cases in addition to traffic matters handled in district court.
How to Search Traffic Records
Online Search
Look up Colbert County traffic records at pa.alacourt.com. Type in a name or case number. Name searches cost $9.99. Pick Colbert County to get local results.
In-Person Requests
Visit the courthouse in Tuscumbia during business hours. Bring whatever information you have - defendant name, date of birth, or case number. Staff can search records and provide copies of documents.
Mail Requests
Send written requests with defendant information and what you need. Include payment for fees. Mail to:
Circuit Clerk, Colbert County Courthouse
201 North Main Street
Tuscumbia, AL 35674
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic fines in Colbert County include court costs on top of the base fine. Standard speeding tickets typically run $190 to $300. Stop sign and signal violations are similar. Reckless driving can exceed $500. DUI first offense starts around $600 plus mandatory class costs and license reinstatement fees.
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 have a convenience fee.
Court Procedures and What to Expect
Colbert County is part of the Shoals area in northwest Alabama. Highway 72 brings considerable traffic through. State trooper and sheriff citations go to district court in Tuscumbia. City police tickets from Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, or Tuscumbia go to municipal court.
On your court date, arrive early to the courthouse on North Main Street. Go through security and find the correct courtroom. When your case is called, approach the bench. The judge reads the charge and asks how you plead.
Guilty or no contest results in immediate sentencing. Not guilty sets a trial date. At trial, the officer testifies and you can present your defense. The judge weighs the evidence and decides the case. If convicted, the judge sets your fine and any other penalties.
Colbert County is the only county in the 31st Judicial Circuit, so the court system is dedicated to local matters. Circuit court handles felonies and appeals. District court handles traffic misdemeanors.
Driver License Points and Consequences
Traffic tickets in Colbert County add points to your driving record. ALEA tracks all of this statewide. They also handle license suspensions when drivers pile up too many points. Every ticket moves you closer to that line.
Point values: speeding 2 points, stop sign or red light violation 2 points, reckless driving 6 points, DUI 6 points. Accumulate 12 points in 2 years and your license is suspended. First time 60 days, second time 90 days, third time 1 year.
Points expire 2 years after the violation date but the conviction remains on your record longer. Insurance companies check your record and adjust premiums based on violations. Multiple tickets raise rates significantly.
Check your driving record through ALEA before court. Knowing your point total helps you decide whether to fight the ticket. If you are close to 12 points, contesting even minor violations becomes worthwhile.
Traffic School and Defensive Driving
Alabama allows point reduction through defensive driving courses. Complete an ALEA-approved course and remove up to 2 points from your record. This option is available once every 5 years.
Colbert County judges may offer traffic school as part of sentencing. First offenders with clean records have the best chances. Ask about this option during your hearing. Completion might reduce fines or lead to dismissal.
Online courses work well for most people. They cost $25 to $50 and take several hours. Work through the material at your own pace. In-person classes are available at driving schools in the Shoals area.
Submit your completion certificate to ALEA for point reduction. The process takes a few weeks. Keep a copy for your records. Verify the reduction by ordering a new driving record later.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Colbert County follow Alabama state law. District courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic prosecutions under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51. Municipal courts in Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia 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. Limits are 30 mph urban, 45 mph unpaved roads, 55 mph highways. Reckless driving falls under Section 32-5A-190. DUI charges come from Section 32-5A-191 with 0.08% BAC limit and mandatory minimum penalties for repeat offenders.
Court records are public under Section 36-12-40. You can inspect and copy records with some restrictions for sealed cases.
Appeals from district court go to circuit court within 14 days of judgment. The appeal results in a new trial. Post an appeal bond and the case proceeds fresh in circuit court.
Additional Resources
31st Judicial Circuit
Colbert County is the only county in the 31st Judicial Circuit. That means the judges work just here - no rotating to other counties. The court system focuses on local matters. Circuit court takes felony cases and appeals when someone loses at the lower level and wants to try again.
Legal Assistance
Legal Services Alabama provides 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 Colbert County
Colbert County includes Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Leighton. These cities are part of the Shoals metropolitan area. Municipal courts handle city police citations. County district court processes state trooper and sheriff tickets.