Cherokee County Traffic Ticket Records Search

Traffic ticket records in Cherokee County are at the clerk's office in Centre. The county shares the 9th Judicial Circuit with DeKalb County. Cherokee sits in the northeast corner of Alabama, right on the Georgia line. Weiss Lake brings in visitors. Some of them get tickets while passing through. The clerk keeps all the traffic records. Speeding, moving violations, equipment problems - all of it. These are public records. You can get them at the courthouse or look online.

Cherokee County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk's office maintains all court records for Cherokee County including traffic cases. Staff can assist with record searches, process fine payments, and provide copies of court documents. The office is located in the Cherokee County Courthouse in Centre.

Finding Traffic Ticket Records

Cherokee County offers several methods for accessing traffic court records. Each option serves different needs depending on your timeline and what you need.

Online Through Alacourt

The Alabama Unified Judicial System provides online access to court records through Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. You can search Cherokee County traffic records by defendant name or case number. Registration is required and a small fee applies for viewing each case.

Visiting the Courthouse

The Circuit Clerk's office welcomes in-person visits during regular business hours. This is often the best option if you need certified copies or want assistance with a search. Bring valid photo identification and any details you have about the case.

Mail Requests

Send written requests for records to the Circuit Clerk's office. Include the defendant's full name, approximate date of the citation, and any known case numbers. Enclose payment for the applicable search fee.

Record Search and Copy Fees

Cherokee County charges standard Alabama fees for record searches and copies. Payment is due at the time of request.

Paying Traffic Tickets

Traffic fines in Cherokee County can be paid at the Circuit Clerk's office. Accepted payment methods include cash, money orders, and certified checks. Personal checks are typically not accepted. You can also pay online through the AlaPay system if your citation qualifies.

Pay the fine and you're pleading guilty. Simple as that. It goes on your driving record. Your insurance could cost more after. Want to contest it? Then don't pay. Show up in court instead.

Court Appearances

Want to fight it? Show up on your court date. Tell the judge your side. The judge decides what happens. Sometimes you can get a smaller charge. Or a lower fine. It depends on your situation.

Alabama Traffic Ticket Laws

Traffic citations in Cherokee County follow Alabama state law. Several key statutes govern how tickets are issued and processed.

Uniform Traffic Ticket

Alabama Code Section 12-12-53 establishes the Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint form used statewide. All law enforcement agencies must use this standardized form, which ensures consistent information on every citation.

Penalty Framework

Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8 sets the penalties for traffic violations. Standard speeding tickets typically carry fines between $100 and $300 plus court costs. More serious violations have higher penalties.

Public Records Access

Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, most court records are public records. Traffic ticket records can be accessed by anyone who pays the required fees. Some records may be sealed by court order.

Cities in Cherokee County

Cherokee County includes Centre (the county seat), Cedar Bluff, Gaylesville, Leesburg, and Sand Rock. Municipal courts handle traffic tickets issued by local police departments. State trooper and county sheriff citations go through the District Court at the county courthouse.

Nearby Counties

Cherokee County is located in northeast Alabama along the Georgia border, with Weiss Lake as a prominent feature.