Access Madison Traffic Ticket Records
Traffic ticket records for Madison are maintained by the Madison Municipal Court for citations issued by Madison Police Department officers. As a fast-growing suburb of Huntsville, Madison has seen increased traffic volume and enforcement activity in recent years. The Municipal Court holds trials on Thursdays and arraignments on Fridays, providing structured case processing for defendants. Residents can access case information through the city website or contact the court directly. State trooper and Madison County Sheriff citations are processed through the Madison County District Court, which operates under the 23rd Judicial Circuit. The Madison Municipal Court handles most misdemeanor crimes and traffic offenses occurring within city limits.
Madison Quick Facts
County Jurisdiction
Madison (City) is located in Madison County. Note that Madison County and the City of Madison are separate jurisdictions with the same name. Traffic tickets issued by Alabama State Troopers or Madison County Sheriff deputies are processed through the Madison County District Court, not the Madison Municipal Court. The Madison County Courthouse is located at 100 Northside Square in Huntsville. For state and county citations, contact the District Court at (256) 532-3390. The Madison Municipal Court handles only tickets issued by Madison city police officers within city limits.
Madison Municipal Court
The Madison Municipal Court handles all traffic tickets issued by the Madison Police Department within city limits. The court processes most misdemeanor crimes and traffic offenses including speeding, red light violations, stop sign violations, improper lane changes, driving without a valid license, and other traffic violations. City ordinance violations are also processed here.
| Trials | Thursdays |
|---|---|
| Arraignments | Fridays |
| Website | madisonal.gov/184/Municipal-Court |
| Alternative Website | madisonthecity.com/government/court |
Court Schedule
Trials are on Thursdays. Arraignments are on Fridays. Check your ticket for the exact date. Get there early. Parking fills up fast. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your time slot. If you're late, the judge may not wait for you.
How to Search and Pay Traffic Tickets
Statewide Record Search
Madison traffic court records can be searched through Alacourt Access, the statewide court record database. The system allows searches by defendant name or case number.
- Alacourt Access: pa.alacourt.com
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 Madison Municipal Court during regular business hours. The court accepts cash, money orders, certified checks, and credit or debit cards. Arrive early as parking is limited at the courthouse.
Court Process
The Madison Municipal Court follows a structured process for traffic cases:
- Arraignment first (Fridays) where you enter your plea
- If not guilty, a trial date is scheduled (Thursdays)
- Case resolved by trial, guilty plea, or dismissal
- 14 days to file appeal to Madison County Circuit Court
Contesting a Ticket
If you wish to contest your traffic ticket, do not pay the fine. Appear at your scheduled arraignment on Friday and enter a not guilty plea. A trial date will be scheduled for a Thursday. You may hire an attorney or represent yourself.
Court-Appointed Attorneys
Can't afford a lawyer? You might get one appointed. The judge decides who qualifies. It's case by case. Tell the court at your arraignment if you need one. For small traffic tickets, you may not need a lawyer at all. But for DUI or serious stuff, having legal help makes a difference.
Fees and Fines
Online Payment Convenience Fees
| Payment Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| AlaPay (credit or debit card) | 4% |
| Cash (in person) | None |
| Money order or certified check | None |
Maximum Penalties
The Madison Municipal Court can impose the following maximum sentences:
| Offense Type | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Standard traffic violations | 180 days jail, $500 fine |
| DUI (first offense) | 1 year jail, $2,100 fine |
| DUI (third offense) | Up to $10,100 fine |
Consequences of Non-Payment
Failure to pay a traffic ticket or appear in court results in an arrest warrant. Your driver's license will be suspended until the case is resolved. A failure to appear charge will be added. The original fine will increase with additional penalties.
Relevant Alabama Statutes
Traffic citations in Madison 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.
Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8: Penalties for Traffic Violations
This section establishes the general penalty structure for traffic violations. 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.
Alabama Code Section 32-5A-191: DUI Penalties
Driving under the influence charges carry enhanced penalties including mandatory jail time, substantial fines, license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements. DUI penalties increase significantly for repeat offenses.
Appeals Process
Lost your case? You can appeal. File within 14 days. The appeal goes to Madison County Circuit Court. Put it in writing. Pay the fees. If you miss the deadline, you're stuck with the outcome. Most people don't appeal traffic cases, but you have the option if you think the judge got it wrong.
Legal Aid Resources
Several organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to Madison area residents who need help with traffic matters.
Legal Services Alabama - Huntsville Office
Legal Services Alabama provides free civil legal help to low-income residents. Madison shares resources with the nearby Huntsville office.
- 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 Madison in the Huntsville metropolitan area. 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 Madison and Madison County.