Lauderdale County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Lauderdale County are maintained by the Circuit Clerk at the Judicial Building in Florence. The county operates within the 11th Judicial Circuit and processes traffic cases through the district court system. Citations from state troopers and sheriff's deputies are handled at the county level, while tickets issued by Florence, Sheffield, or Muscle Shoals police go through those cities' municipal courts. You can search for records online through the statewide Alacourt portal or visit the clerk's office in person. Metered parking is available on the streets around the Judicial Building, so bring some change if you plan to stop by.
Lauderdale County Quick Facts
Lauderdale County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office holds all court records for Lauderdale County. Traffic case files from district court are part of that. The staff there can help you track down case info, get copies of the documents you need, and check on fine payment status. If you owe money on a ticket, they can tell you exactly how much and what options you have for paying it off. They won't give you legal advice, but for the practical stuff like finding records and making payments, this is where you go.
| Address | 200 S Court Street PO Box 776 Florence, AL 35631 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (256) 760-5728 |
| Fax | (256) 760-5727 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Website | lauderdale.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Traffic Records in Lauderdale County
Online Search
Lauderdale County traffic records can be searched through the statewide Alacourt Public Access portal at pa.alacourt.com. Search by defendant name or case number. Access fees apply: $9.99 for a name search, $19.99 to $29.99 for case monitoring subscriptions. The Online Traffic Resolution system allows searching by citation number and date of birth to pay tickets online.
In-Person Requests
Head to the Judicial Building during work hours. Bring a case number if you have it. A name and rough date will work too. Staff can look up case status, make copies, and show you payment history. There's a public access computer if you want to search on your own. One thing to know: parking around the building has meters, so bring some coins or be ready to pay.
Mail Requests
Written requests can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number if known, and specify what documents are needed. Enclose payment for copy fees. Mail requests to:
Circuit Clerk, Lauderdale County Judicial Building
PO Box 776
Florence, AL 35631
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic violation fines in Lauderdale County vary based on the offense. Standard speeding tickets typically range from $190 to $300 including court costs. More serious violations carry higher penalties. DUI offenses result in fines from $600 to $2,100 for first offenses plus additional costs. Reckless driving and other moving violations fall somewhere in between.
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 at most locations. Credit and debit cards are accepted for online and phone payments with a convenience fee.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Lauderdale County are governed by Alabama state law. Under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51, district courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic prosecutions. Municipal courts in Florence, Sheffield, Muscle Shoals, and Tuscumbia have jurisdiction over 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 are covered under Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. Reckless driving is defined in Section 32-5A-190, and DUI offenses fall under Section 32-5A-191.
Traffic court records are public records under Section 36-12-40, which gives Alabama citizens the right to inspect and copy public records held by courts and state agencies. Certain juvenile records and sealed cases have restrictions on access.
Additional Contacts
District Attorney's Office
The 11th Circuit DA takes care of traffic prosecutions in Lauderdale County. If you have questions about a pending case or want to talk about a plea, reach out to their office. They deal with the state's side of things, so they can tell you what kind of fine or penalty they're looking for. Just keep in mind they're not on your side. For advice that helps you, talk to a defense lawyer.
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. Several law firms in the Shoals area handle traffic court cases regularly.
Cities in Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County is home to the Shoals area, which includes several municipalities. Traffic citations issued by city police are handled by that city's municipal court. The largest cities include Florence (the county seat), Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. None of these cities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page, but each has an active municipal court that handles local traffic citations and ordinance violations.