Access Covington County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Covington County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office in Andalusia. The county makes up the entire 22nd Judicial Circuit, so it has its own dedicated court system. District court handles most traffic matters including speeding on Highway 29, Highway 84, and other roads throughout the county. Covington County sits in south-central Alabama near the Florida border. State trooper and sheriff's deputy citations go through county district court. Andalusia, Opp, and other city police tickets are handled in municipal court. The Circuit Clerk also serves as Passport Acceptance Agent and election official.
Covington County Quick Facts
Covington County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Covington County. The office sits on North Court Square in downtown Andalusia. Interesting thing here - the clerk also does passport applications and works on election boards. So the office stays busy with more than just court stuff. Staff can help with case lookups, document copies, and questions about fines or court dates.
| Address | 1K North Court Square Andalusia, AL 36420 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (334) 428-2571 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | covington.alacourt.gov |
Circuit Judges Charles A. Short and Grace M. Jeter serve the 22nd Judicial Circuit. District Judge Julie S. Moody handles district court matters including traffic cases.
How to Search Traffic Records
Online Search
Look up Covington County traffic records at pa.alacourt.com. Type in a name or case number. Name searches cost $9.99. Pick Covington County to get local results.
In-Person Requests
Visit the courthouse in Andalusia 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, Covington County Courthouse
1K North Court Square
Andalusia, AL 36420
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic fines in Covington County vary by offense. Basic speeding tickets run $190 to $300 with court costs. Stop sign and signal violations are similar. Reckless driving often exceeds $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 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
Covington County sits in south-central Alabama near the Florida border. State trooper and sheriff citations go to district court in Andalusia. City police tickets from Andalusia, Opp, or other municipalities go to municipal court.
The courthouse is on North Court Square. Arrive early on your court date. Go through security and find the courtroom. When your name is called, approach the bench. The judge reads the charge and asks for your plea.
Guilty or no contest results in immediate sentencing. Not guilty sets a trial date. Circuit Judges Charles A. Short and Grace M. Jeter oversee the 22nd Judicial Circuit. District Judge Julie S. Moody handles traffic cases in district court.
The Circuit Clerk also handles passport applications and serves on election boards, so the office stays busy. Plan ahead if you need to visit in person. Phone inquiries at (334) 428-2571 can answer many questions.
Driver License Points and Consequences
Traffic violations in Covington County add points to your Alabama driving record. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency tracks points statewide and handles suspensions.
Point values: speeding 2 points, running a stop sign or red light 2 points, reckless driving 6 points, DUI 6 points. Twelve points in 2 years triggers suspension. 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 driving record and adjust rates based on violations. Clean records keep premiums down.
Check your driving record through ALEA before your court date. Knowing your point total helps you decide how to handle the case. If you are near 12 points, fighting the ticket becomes more important.
Traffic School and Defensive Driving
Defensive driving courses can reduce points on your Alabama record. Complete an ALEA-approved course and remove up to 2 points. This option is available once every 5 years.
Covington 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 fines or dismiss the case.
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 area if you prefer that format.
Submit your completion certificate to ALEA for point reduction. The process takes a few weeks. Keep a copy for your records. Verify the points were removed by ordering a new driving record later.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Covington County follow Alabama state law. District courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic prosecutions under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51. Municipal courts in Andalusia and Opp 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 and means willful disregard for safety. 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.
Covington County is the sole county in the 22nd Judicial Circuit. Appeals from district court go to circuit court within 14 days. The appeal results in a new trial. Post an appeal bond and the case proceeds fresh.
Additional Resources
22nd Judicial Circuit
Covington County is the only county in the 22nd Judicial Circuit. Judges work just here - no rotating to other spots. Circuit court takes felonies and appeals. If you lost in the lower court and want another shot, circuit gives you a fresh trial.
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 Covington County
Covington County includes Andalusia, Opp, Florala, Red Level, Sanford, and River Falls. Municipal courts handle city police citations. County district court processes state trooper and sheriff tickets.