Search Mobile County Traffic Court Records
Traffic court records in Mobile County are maintained by Circuit Clerk Sharla Knox at the courthouse on Government Street. The county operates within the 13th Judicial Circuit and is the second most populous county in Alabama. Citations from state troopers and sheriff's deputies go through district court, while Mobile city police tickets are handled by municipal court. The clerk's office serves as the official custodian of all court records for both circuit and district courts. Mobile County sees a high volume of traffic cases due to Interstate 10, Interstate 65, and the busy port area. You can search records online through Alacourt or request copies in person.
Mobile County Quick Facts
Mobile County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office holds all court records for Mobile County. Sharla Knox runs the office right now. Records for both district and circuit courts are kept here. The clerk also handles absentee election duties for the county, but that's separate from the court records side. For traffic cases, staff can look up what you owe, check on case status, and make copies of documents. Mobile County is busy, so expect some wait time if you go in person. The office is on Government Street, Suite 913, in downtown Mobile.
| Circuit Clerk | Sharla Knox |
|---|---|
| Address | 205 Government Street, Suite 913 Mobile, AL 36644 |
| Phone (General) | (251) 574-8786 |
| Phone (Records) | (251) 574-8806 |
| Fax | (251) 574-8796 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | mobile.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Traffic Records in Mobile County
Online Search
Mobile 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 courthouse on Government Street during work hours. Bring a case number if you have it. A name and rough date work too. Staff can check case status, make copies, and show payment history. Mobile County is big and busy. Plan for a wait, especially at mid-week peak times.
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:
Sharla Knox, Circuit Clerk
Mobile County Courthouse
205 Government Street, Suite 913
Mobile, AL 36644
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic violation fines in Mobile 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. Mobile County's fines may be on the higher end given the urban nature of the area.
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 include a convenience fee.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Mobile 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 Mobile and other cities have jurisdiction over traffic offenses prosecuted under city ordinances per 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 establishes the right of Alabama citizens to inspect and copy public records held by courts and state agencies.
Additional Contacts
District Attorney's Office
The 13th Circuit DA takes on traffic cases in Mobile County. Got questions about a pending case or want to talk plea options? Reach out to their office. They handle the prosecution side, so they can tell you what the state is after. Just keep in mind they work for the state, not for you. If you need advice on fighting a ticket, hire a defense lawyer.
Legal Resources
Legal Services Alabama has an office in Mobile that provides free legal assistance to qualifying individuals. Contact their intake line at 1-866-456-4995 to see if you qualify for help with traffic court matters.
The Mobile Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service for residents seeking legal representation. The Alabama State Bar can also connect you with attorneys at (800) 392-5660.
Cities in Mobile County
Mobile County includes the city of Mobile, the third-largest city in Alabama. Traffic citations issued by city police are handled by that city's municipal court. Mobile is the only city in the county that meets the population threshold for a dedicated city page:
Other cities in Mobile County include Prichard, Saraland, Chickasaw, Citronelle, and Satsuma. These cities have municipal courts that handle local traffic citations but do not meet the population threshold for dedicated city pages.