Find Traffic Court Records in Montgomery County
Traffic court records in Montgomery County are maintained at the courthouse on South Lawrence Street in downtown Montgomery. The county operates within the 15th Judicial Circuit and handles a high volume of traffic cases as the state capital. District Criminal Court processes DUI tickets, misdemeanors, conservation tickets, Revenue Commission tickets, NWNI, and ABC violations. Citations from state troopers and sheriff's deputies go through district court, while Montgomery city police tickets are handled by municipal court. The county uses multiple court divisions to manage its caseload, including criminal, civil, domestic relations, and juvenile divisions.
Montgomery County Quick Facts
Montgomery County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk's office holds all court records for Montgomery County. That includes records from circuit, district, and juvenile courts. The office is split into divisions, each handling different case types. Traffic matters usually go through the criminal division. If you're not sure which division has your case, just ask at the front desk when you arrive. Staff can look up your case, tell you what you owe, and help you get copies of documents. As the state capital, this is a busy courthouse, so plan for some wait time if you go in person.
| Address | 251 S Lawrence St Montgomery, AL 36104 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 5616 Montgomery, AL 36103-5616 |
| Phone (Clerk) | (334) 832-1260 |
| Phone (Circuit Judge) | (334) 832-1331 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | montgomery.alacourt.gov |
Court Divisions
- Criminal Division (handles DUI and traffic cases)
- Civil Division
- Domestic Relations
- Juvenile Division
How to Search Traffic Records in Montgomery County
Online Search
Montgomery 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
Go to the courthouse on South Lawrence 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. It's a big, busy courthouse. Expect some wait time, especially mid-week.
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, Montgomery County Courthouse
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Traffic violation fines in Montgomery 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. As the state capital, Montgomery County courts tend to be strict on traffic violations.
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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 15th Circuit DA runs traffic cases in Montgomery County. Got a pending case? Want to talk plea options? Give them a call. They handle the state's side, so they know what kind of outcome they're pushing for. Just keep in mind they work for the state. If you need advice on fighting a charge, talk to a defense lawyer.
Legal Resources
Legal Services Alabama has an office in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County 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 Montgomery County
Montgomery County includes the city of Montgomery, Alabama's state capital and one of the largest cities in the state. Traffic citations issued by city police are handled by that city's municipal court. Montgomery is the only city in the county that meets the population threshold for a dedicated city page:
Other municipalities in Montgomery County include Prattville (partially in Autauga County) and Pike Road. These smaller communities are served by county courts or have their own municipal courts for local ordinance violations.