Search Decatur Traffic Ticket Records

Traffic ticket records for Decatur are maintained by the Decatur Municipal Court for citations issued by Decatur Police Department officers. Located in the Tennessee Valley region, Decatur processes misdemeanors, traffic offenses, City Code violations, and parking tickets through its municipal court system. The court operates from two locations, with the main office at 402 Lee St NE and an annex at 300 Cain St NE behind the Courthouse parking lot. Minor traffic offenses can often be paid before the court date by checking the Schedule of Fines and Costs. State trooper and Morgan County Sheriff citations are processed through the Morgan County District Court, which operates under the 8th Judicial Circuit.

County Jurisdiction

Decatur is located in Morgan County. Traffic tickets issued by Alabama State Troopers or Morgan County Sheriff deputies are processed through the Morgan County District Court, not the Decatur Municipal Court. The Morgan County Courthouse is located at 302 Lee Street in Decatur. For state and county citations, contact the District Court at (256) 351-4790. The Decatur Municipal Court handles only tickets issued by Decatur city police officers within city limits.

Decatur Municipal Court

The Decatur Municipal Court handles all traffic tickets issued by the Decatur Police Department within city limits. The court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, traffic offenses, City Code violations, and parking tickets. The court operates from two locations to serve residents.

How to Search and Pay Traffic Tickets

Statewide Record Search

Decatur traffic court records can be searched through Alacourt Access, the statewide court record database. Most court forms are available at eforms.alacourt.gov.

• Alacourt Access: pa.alacourt.com
• Court Forms: eforms.alacourt.gov

Online Payment

Traffic tickets can be paid online through the AlaPay portal or the Alabama Traffic Service Center. You will need your ticket number or case number to search for your citation.

• AlaPay Portal: alapay.com
• Traffic Service Center: traffic.alacourt.gov

In-Person Payment

Payments can be made in person at the Municipal Court Annex located at 300 Cain St. NE, behind the Courthouse parking lot. The court accepts cash, money orders, certified checks, and credit or debit cards.

Paying Before Court Date

Some tickets you can just pay off. No court needed. Look at your ticket to see if it qualifies. The court has a list of what can be paid early. Speeding a few miles over usually works. Bigger stuff means you have to show up. Call the court if you're not sure which one applies to you.

Contesting a Ticket

If you wish to contest your traffic ticket, do not pay the fine. Appear in court on your scheduled date and inform the judge you wish to plead not guilty. A trial date will be scheduled. You may hire an attorney or represent yourself.

Defensive Driving School

Driving school is an option for some folks. Take a class instead of getting points. Keeps your insurance from going up. Not everyone qualifies. The court decides based on what you did and your record. Call and ask before you pay anything. Once you pay, you can't switch to driving school.

Fees and Fines

Online Payment Convenience Fees

Schedule of Fines and Costs

Decatur has a printed list of fine amounts. It shows what each ticket costs. It also tells you which ones can be paid early. Get a copy from the court or check their site. Call (256) 341-4676 if you want them to send one. Knowing your fine ahead of time helps you plan.

Common Traffic Fine Ranges

Traffic fines in Decatur vary based on the specific violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense. Court costs are added to all base fines. Standard moving violations typically range from $100 to $500 plus court costs. More serious violations carry higher penalties.

Consequences of Non-Payment

Failure to pay a traffic ticket or appear in court by your scheduled date results in an arrest warrant being issued. Your Alabama driver's license will be suspended until the matter is resolved. Additional failure to appear charges may be filed. The original fine amount will increase with added penalties and court costs.

Relevant Alabama Statutes

Traffic citations in Decatur are governed by Alabama state law and local city ordinances. The following statutes apply to traffic ticket processing and penalties.

Alabama Code Section 12-12-53: Uniform Traffic Ticket

This statute requires all law enforcement agencies in Alabama to use a standardized Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint form. The UTC number on your ticket is the primary tracking identifier for your case through the court system.

Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8: Penalties for Traffic Violations

This section establishes the general penalty structure for traffic violations in Alabama. Most traffic offenses are misdemeanors. First violations may result in fines up to $100 or jail time up to 10 days. Repeat violations carry increased penalties.

Legal Aid Resources

Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to Decatur and Tennessee Valley region residents who need help with traffic matters.

Legal Services Alabama

Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. They can assist with license reinstatement issues and provide referrals for traffic matters.

• Phone: 1-866-456-4995
• Website: legalservicesalabama.org

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service

The Alabama State Bar operates a lawyer referral service connecting residents with attorneys who handle traffic cases.

• Phone: 1-800-392-5660
• Website: alabar.org

Nearby Cities

The following major cities are located near Decatur in the Tennessee Valley region. Each operates its own municipal court for traffic tickets issued by local police.

Search Traffic Records

Use our search tool to find traffic ticket records and court case information for Decatur and Morgan County.