Access Lamar County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Lamar County are processed through the district court system and kept by the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse in Vernon. The county is part of the 24th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Fayette and Pickens counties. Citations issued by state troopers or sheriff's deputies get handled through the district court, while tickets from city police in Vernon or Sulligent go to municipal court. You can search for case info online through the Alacourt system or stop by the clerk's office during regular hours. The courthouse is moving to a new location at 205 Butler Circle SW, so it's worth calling ahead to confirm where to go if you need to visit in person.
Lamar County Quick Facts
Lamar County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records for Lamar County. That covers traffic cases from district court too. Mary Ann Jones is the clerk right now. Her office can help you look up case info, get copies of papers you need, and check how much you owe on fines. If you're not sure where to start with a traffic matter, this is the place to ask. The staff won't give legal advice, but they can point you in the right direction and pull up whatever records are on file for your case.
| Circuit Clerk | Mary Ann Jones |
|---|---|
| Address | 330 1st Street NE Vernon, AL 35592 |
| New Location | 205 Butler Circle SW Vernon, AL 35592 |
| Phone | (205) 695-7193 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | lamar.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Traffic Records in Lamar County
Online Search
Lamar County traffic records can be searched through the statewide Alacourt Public Access portal at pa.alacourt.com. You can look up cases by defendant name or case number. The system charges access fees: $9.99 for a name search, and $19.99 to $29.99 for case monitoring subscriptions. The Online Traffic Resolution system lets you search by citation number and date of birth if you want to pay a ticket online.
In-Person Requests
Stop by the courthouse during work hours to ask for traffic court records. Bring what you have. A case number is best. A name and rough date work too. Staff can tell you case status, make copies, and pull up payment history. There's a public computer you can use to look things up yourself if you want.
Mail Requests
You can mail written requests to the Circuit Clerk's office. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number if you have it, and specify what documents you need. Send payment for copy fees along with your request. Mail to:
Circuit Clerk, Lamar County Courthouse
330 1st Street NE
Vernon, AL 35592
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic violation fines in Lamar County vary based on the offense. Speeding tickets typically run from $190 to $300 including court costs. More serious violations carry higher penalties. DUI offenses can result in fines from $600 to $2,100 for a first offense, plus additional costs and potential license suspension.
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 fines can be paid online through ALAPay.com or by phone at 1-877-252-7294. In-person payments are accepted at the courthouse by cash, money order, or cashier's check. Personal checks are not accepted. Credit and debit cards work for online and phone payments but come with a convenience fee.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Lamar County follow Alabama state law. Under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51, district courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic prosecutions. Municipal courts handle traffic offenses prosecuted under city ordinances pursuant to Sections 12-14-1 through 12-14-70.
Traffic violations are classified as misdemeanors under Section 32-5A-8 unless specifically designated as felonies. Speed limit violations fall under Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. Reckless driving is defined in Section 32-5A-190, and DUI offenses are covered under Section 32-5A-191.
Traffic court records are public records under Section 36-12-40, which establishes the right of Alabama citizens to inspect and copy public records held by courts and state agencies. Some juvenile records and sealed cases are exceptions to public access.
Additional Contacts
District Attorney's Office
The 24th Judicial Circuit DA takes on traffic cases for Lamar County. Got questions about a pending case? Want to talk plea options? Give them a call. They handle the prosecution side, so they know what the state is after in terms of fines or jail time. Just remember, they work for the state and not for you, so don't expect them to tell you how to beat a ticket. That's what a defense lawyer is for.
| Circuit Judge | Sam Junkin |
|---|---|
| Circuit | 24th Judicial Circuit (Lamar, Fayette, Pickens) |
Legal Resources
Legal Services Alabama provides free legal assistance to qualifying individuals in northwest Alabama. Contact their intake line at 1-866-456-4995 to see if you qualify for help with traffic court matters.
The Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with local attorneys who handle traffic cases. Call (800) 392-5660 for a referral.
Cities in Lamar County
Lamar County has several small municipalities. Traffic citations issued by city police are handled by that city's municipal court. The main towns include Vernon (the county seat), Sulligent, Kennedy, and Millport. None of these cities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page, but each has a municipal court that handles local traffic citations issued within city limits.