Search Cullman County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Cullman County are managed by the Circuit Clerk's office in downtown Cullman. The county makes up the entire 32nd Judicial Circuit, so it has its own dedicated court system. District court handles most traffic matters including speeding on Interstate 65 and other common violations. I-65 runs through Cullman County bringing heavy through traffic between Birmingham and Huntsville. State troopers patrol the interstate regularly. Citations from troopers or sheriff's deputies go through county district court. Cullman city police and other municipal tickets are handled in municipal court. Lisa P. McSwain serves as Circuit Clerk.
Cullman County Quick Facts
Cullman County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records in Cullman County. Lisa P. McSwain runs the office. It sits on the 3rd floor of the courthouse on Second Avenue SW in Suite 303. Staff can help with record searches, copy requests, and questions about your case status or fines. Being one of the bigger counties in north Alabama, the office handles a high volume of cases.
| Circuit Clerk | Lisa P. McSwain |
|---|---|
| Address | 500 Second Ave SW, Suite 303 Cullman, AL 35055 |
| Phone | (256) 775-4770 or (256) 775-4660 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | cullman.alacourt.gov |
Circuit Court handles all jury trials (both civil and criminal) as well as appeals from District and Municipal Courts. Traffic misdemeanors go through district court unless they involve felony charges.
How to Search Traffic Records
Online Search
Look up Cullman County traffic records at pa.alacourt.com. Type in a name or case number. Name searches cost $9.99. Pick Cullman County to get local results. The county also uses Just One Look for online records.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office in Room 303 on the 3rd floor 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, Cullman County Courthouse
500 Second Ave SW, Suite 303
Cullman, AL 35055
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic fines in Cullman County vary by offense. Basic speeding tickets run $190 to $300. Interstate speeding on I-65 may be higher, especially at significant speeds over the limit. Stop sign 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
Traffic tickets are payable via AlaPay online or by calling 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 65 runs through Cullman County between Birmingham and Huntsville, bringing heavy traffic and state trooper activity. If you got a ticket on I-65 or elsewhere from a trooper or deputy, district court handles your case. City police tickets go to municipal court.
The clerk's office is on the 3rd floor of the courthouse at 500 Second Ave SW in Suite 303. Arrive early on your court date. Go through security and find the correct courtroom. When your case is called, approach the bench.
The judge reads the charge and asks for your plea. Guilty or no contest leads to immediate sentencing. Not guilty sets a trial date. Lisa P. McSwain serves as Circuit Clerk and can help with case information at (256) 775-4770 or (256) 775-4660.
Cullman County also uses Just One Look for online records access. Circuit Court handles jury trials and appeals. Traffic misdemeanors go through district court unless they involve felony charges.
Driver License Points and Consequences
Traffic violations in Cullman County add points to your Alabama driving record. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains these records statewide. Interstate speeding tickets carry the same points as other speeding unless charged as reckless driving.
Point values: speeding 2 points, running a red light 2 points, reckless driving 6 points, DUI 6 points. High-speed I-65 tickets might be charged as reckless with 6 points if you were going significantly over the limit.
Hit 12 points in 2 years and your license is suspended. First time 60 days, second time 90 days, third time 1 year. Points expire after 2 years but the conviction stays on your record longer for insurance purposes.
Check your driving record through ALEA before court. Knowing your point total helps you decide whether to fight the ticket or pay the fine and accept the points.
Traffic School and Defensive Driving
Defensive driving courses offer point reduction in Alabama. Complete an ALEA-approved course and remove up to 2 points from your record. You can use this option once every 5 years.
Cullman 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 or when speaking with the prosecutor.
Online courses are convenient and affordable. They cost $25 to $50 and take several hours. Complete them on your own schedule. In-person classes are available at driving schools in the Cullman area.
After completing the course, submit your certificate to ALEA. Point reduction processes within a few weeks. Keep a copy for your records and verify the reduction by ordering a new driving record.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Cullman County follow Alabama state law. District courts have jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic prosecutions under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51. Municipal courts in Cullman and other cities 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-65 has a 70 mph limit. Going 25+ mph over can escalate to reckless driving charges. Reckless driving falls under Section 32-5A-190. DUI charges come from Section 32-5A-191 with 0.08% BAC limit and enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.
Court records are public under Section 36-12-40. You can inspect and copy records with some restrictions for sealed or juvenile cases.
Cullman County is the sole county in the 32nd Judicial Circuit. Appeals from district court go to circuit court within 14 days. The appeal gives you a fresh trial. Post a bond and the case proceeds in circuit court.
Additional Resources
32nd Judicial Circuit
Cullman County is the only county in the 32nd Judicial Circuit. That means judges work just here - no rotating to other counties. Circuit court takes felonies and appeals. If you lost in district court, circuit gives you a fresh trial where everything starts over.
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 Cullman County
Cullman County includes the city of Cullman plus smaller municipalities like Good Hope, Hanceville, Holly Pond, and Fairview. Municipal courts handle city police citations. County district court processes state trooper and sheriff tickets.