Find Traffic Court Records in Sumter County
Traffic court records in Sumter County go through the district court. This is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk in Livingston keeps all court files. This rural county sits in west Alabama near the Mississippi line. Traffic mainly comes from US 11 and state routes. Got a traffic case? Need to look up a citation? Visit the courthouse in Livingston or search Alacourt online. Staff handle case lookups, payment history, and copies of docs.
Sumter County Quick Facts
Sumter County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk keeps all traffic court files for Sumter County. Staff can help find case info. They check what you owe and make copies. The office is in the courthouse on Franklin Street in Livingston. It is the main building downtown so easy to spot. Staff there can usually help you out pretty quick if you walk in or call with questions about your case.
| Address | 115 Franklin Street Livingston, AL 35470 |
|---|---|
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 936 Livingston, AL 35470 |
| Circuit Judge | Gregory S. Griggers (205) 652-6169 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | sumter.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Traffic Records in Sumter County
Online Search
Sumter County traffic records can be searched through the Alacourt Public Access portal at pa.alacourt.com. Enter the defendant name or case number to find records. Access fees apply for using the online system. The Online Traffic Resolution system lets you look up tickets by citation number and pay fines.
In-Person Requests
Visit the Sumter County Courthouse during business hours to request traffic records. The courthouse is on Franklin Street in Livingston. Bring any information you have about the case. Staff can look up case status, show amounts owed, and make copies of documents.
Mail Requests
Written requests for records can be mailed to the Circuit Clerk. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, case number if known, and what documents you need. Send payment for copy fees to:
Circuit Clerk, Sumter County Courthouse
P.O. Box 936
Livingston, AL 35470
Phone Inquiries
Call the Sumter County court for basic case info. Staff can check if a case exists. They will tell you the status and balance owed. Need copies? Come in person or mail a request. Phone calls work well when you just need quick answers about whether you have an open case or want to know how much to pay off a ticket.
Fees and Costs
Traffic Court Fines
Fines in Sumter County vary by what you did. Basic speeding runs $150 to $300 with court costs. More serious stuff costs more. First DUI can hit $600 to $2,100 plus extra fees. The exact amount depends on how fast you were going and where you got caught. Some judges have room to adjust fines based on the facts. Points on your license can also drive up your insurance costs afterward.
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
Pay traffic fines online through ALAPay.com or by phone at 1-877-252-7294. At the courthouse, pay with cash, money order, or cashier's check. Personal checks may not be accepted. Credit and debit cards work for online and phone payments with a convenience fee.
Legal Framework
Traffic cases in Sumter County fall under Alabama state law. Under Code of Alabama Section 12-12-51, the district court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor traffic prosecutions. Municipal courts handle city ordinance violations per Sections 12-14-1 through 12-14-70.
Traffic violations are misdemeanors under Section 32-5A-8 unless specifically designated as felonies. Speed limits are in Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. Reckless driving is defined in Section 32-5A-190. DUI offenses fall under Section 32-5A-191.
Court records are public under Section 36-12-40, giving citizens the right to inspect and copy records held by the courts.
Sumter County is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit along with Greene and Marengo Counties. The District Attorney's office is located at the Marengo County Courthouse. District Attorney Racheal England handles prosecution for all three counties.
Additional Resources
District Attorney's Office
The 17th Circuit DA handles traffic cases here. The main office is in Marengo County. Got questions about a pending case? Give them a call. They deal with all the tickets that end up going to trial. The DA covers three counties in this circuit, so they move around quite a bit. If you plan to fight a charge, you may end up talking with this office before your court date.
Legal Aid
Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help if you qualify. They base it on income. Call 1-866-456-4995 to check. Not everyone qualifies but it is worth asking if you cannot afford a lawyer and have a serious traffic case on your hands.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
For driver's license questions, driving records, or point inquiries, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
Cities in Sumter County
Sumter County has a few small towns. Livingston is the county seat and home to the University of West Alabama. Traffic citations from city police go to that city's municipal court, while sheriff and state trooper tickets go to district court.
Towns in Sumter County include Livingston, York, and Cuba. These smaller communities may have their own municipal courts for local violations.