Baldwin County Traffic Ticket Records
Traffic ticket records in Baldwin County go through the 28th Judicial Circuit. The main office is in Bay Minette. This is Alabama's biggest county by land, so they have extra courthouses in Fairhope and Foley. Makes it easier for folks near the coast. The clerk's office keeps all traffic records. You can get them online or in person. Lots of tourists come through here, especially in summer. That means lots of tickets get written.
Baldwin County Quick Facts
Baldwin County Circuit Clerk
The Baldwin County Circuit Clerk, Honorable Brenda Ganey, oversees all court record keeping for the county. The main office is in Bay Minette, but residents in south Baldwin County can use the satellite locations in Fairhope and Foley for convenience. The Circuit Clerk's office processes traffic ticket payments, maintains case files, and provides copies of court documents to the public.
| Main Office Address | 312 Courthouse Sq, Suite 10, Bay Minette, AL 36507 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 937-9561 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | baldwin.alacourt.gov |
Satellite Courthouse Locations
| Fairhope Office | 1100 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532 Phone: (251) 928-3002 |
|---|---|
| Foley Office | 201 East Section Avenue, Foley, AL 36535 Phone: (251) 943-5061 |
How to Search Traffic Ticket Records
Baldwin County provides multiple options for searching traffic ticket records. The Alacourt Access system at pa.alacourt.com offers online search capabilities for a fee. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. For records not available online, contact the Circuit Clerk's office or visit one of the three courthouse locations.
Understanding Your Citation
Got a ticket in Baldwin County? Look at the bottom. There's a due date there. By that date, you pick one of two paths. Pay the fine and plead guilty. Or plead not guilty and ask for court. Miss that date? You could face extra fees. They might add a failure to appear charge too.
Online Record Access
The Baldwin County court system uses Alacourt Access for public record searches. This statewide database allows you to look up case information including traffic tickets. You will need to register for an account and pay per case viewed. The system shows case details, court dates, and dispositions.
Record Search and Copy Fees
Baldwin County follows the statewide fee schedule for court record searches and copies. These fees apply whether you request records in Bay Minette or at one of the satellite locations. Payment methods include cash, money order, and certified check. Personal checks are generally not accepted.
| Computerized Record Search | $10.00 |
|---|---|
| Paper Record Search | $20.00 |
| Copies (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Copies (21+ pages) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification Fee | $5.00 per document |
Paying Traffic Tickets
Baldwin County accepts traffic ticket payments through several methods. You can pay online using the AlaPay system with a credit or debit card. In-person payments can be made at any of the three courthouse locations using cash, money order, or certified check. Some violations allow you to pay by mail by sending a money order to the appropriate courthouse location.
When you pay a ticket, that's a guilty plea. Plain and simple. Want to fight it? Don't pay. Ask for a court date instead. The court sets a hearing. You show up and make your case to a judge.
Alabama Traffic Ticket Laws
Traffic citations in Baldwin County follow Alabama state law. Several code sections govern how tickets are issued, processed, and stored in public records.
Uniform Traffic Ticket
Alabama Code Section 12-12-53 requires all law enforcement agencies to use the Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint form. This standardized form ensures consistent information across all traffic citations statewide. Officers must complete all required fields including the specific violation, location, and date.
Traffic Penalties
Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8 sets forth the penalty structure for traffic violations. Fines depend on the type of violation, with speeding tickets typically costing between $100 and $300 plus court costs. Points may be added to your driving record, and serious violations can result in license suspension.
Public Records Access
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 establishes that most court records are open to public inspection. Traffic ticket records fall under this category and can be requested by anyone willing to pay the applicable fees. Some exceptions apply for juvenile cases and sealed records.
Cities in Baldwin County
Baldwin County contains numerous cities and towns along the Gulf Coast and inland areas. Major municipalities include Bay Minette, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Daphne, and Spanish Fort. Each city may have its own municipal court that handles city ordinance violations and some traffic offenses.
Traffic tickets issued by city police are typically processed through municipal court, while state trooper and sheriff citations go through the District Court. Check your citation to determine which court has jurisdiction over your case. The location of the violation also affects which courthouse you may need to visit.
Nearby Counties
Baldwin County borders Mobile County to the west and several Florida counties to the east. If you received a citation near a county line, verify the issuing jurisdiction.