Access Winston County Traffic Court Records

Traffic court records in Winston County go through the district court. This is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk in Double Springs keeps all court files. Winston County sits in northwest Alabama. Traffic moves on US 278 and state routes through the hilly land. Locals call it the "Free State of Winston" from Civil War days. But today it handles traffic cases like anywhere else. Need to look up a case? Check what you owe? Visit the courthouse or search Alacourt online.

Winston County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court files in Winston County. It is an elected job with a six-year term per the Alabama Constitution. The office maintains traffic records and handles doc requests. Staff can look up what you owe, tell you about court dates, and make copies of anything in your case file. If you have questions about a ticket, this is where to start.

Circuit Court Judges

Winston County shares the 25th Judicial Circuit with Marion County. Circuit judges include Lee Carter (P.O. Drawer C, Haleyville, (205) 489-2400) and Presiding Judge Daryl Burt ((205) 921-2200).

How to Search Traffic Records in Winston County

Online Search

Winston 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. The Online Traffic Resolution system lets you look up tickets by citation number and pay fines. Winston County also maintains a website at winstoncountycircuitclerk.us.

In-Person Requests

Visit the Winston County Courthouse in Double Springs during business hours. 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, Winston County Courthouse
Double Springs, AL 35553

Phone and Email Inquiries

Call (205) 489-5533 for basic case info. You can also email john.snoddy@alacourt.gov with questions. Staff check if a case exists. They tell you the status and balance owed. Email can be handy if you work during office hours and cannot call. Most questions get answered within a day or two by email.

Fees and Costs

Traffic Court Fines

Fines in Winston County vary by what you did. Basic speeding runs $150 to $300 with court costs. More serious stuff costs more. First DUI hits $600 to $2,100 plus extra fees. The exact amount depends on how fast you were going and where you got caught. The total adds up fast once they pile on state surcharges and all the court costs on top of the base fine.

Record Copy Fees

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 Winston County follow 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 fall under Sections 32-5A-170 through 32-5A-178. Reckless driving is in Section 32-5A-190. DUI offenses are covered in 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.

Winston County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit along with Marion County. Judges rotate between the two counties.

Additional Resources

District Attorney's Office

The 25th Circuit DA handles traffic cases here. Got questions about a pending case? Give them a call. The DA covers two counties in this circuit. If you plan to fight a charge, you may end up talking with this office before court to see if you can work out a deal on minor violations.

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 case that could affect your license or job.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

For driver's license questions, driving records, or point inquiries, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

Cities in Winston County

Winston County has several small towns. Double Springs is the county seat. Traffic citations from city police go to that city's municipal court, while sheriff and state trooper tickets go to district court.

Towns in Winston County include Double Springs, Haleyville, Addison, and Lynn. Haleyville is the largest city and has its own municipal court.

Nearby Counties