Pickens County Traffic Ticket Records
Traffic ticket records for Pickens County are on file at the Circuit Clerk's office in Carrollton, the county seat. This western Alabama county is part of the 24th Judicial Circuit along with Fayette and Lamar counties. State troopers patrolling Highway 86 and other major routes issue citations that are processed through the county court system. County deputies and municipal officers also write tickets that end up in these records. The Circuit Clerk maintains all traffic court case files including the original citations, plea records, payment histories, and final dispositions for both paid and unpaid tickets.
Pickens County Quick Facts
Pickens County Circuit Clerk
The Pickens County Circuit Clerk stores all court records. Traffic cases from district court go here too. Need info on a pending case? Past convictions? What you owe? They can tell you. Staff help you find records, pay fines, and get certified copies for insurance or to get your license back.
| Address | 1 Court Square Carrollton, AL 35447 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 367-2020 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Searching for Traffic Records
Pickens County traffic records can be accessed through several channels. The Alabama court system operates Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com, which provides online case searches by name or case number. This statewide database includes district court traffic cases from Pickens County. Basic case information is free to view, though downloading full documents may require payment.
Want to go in person? Visit the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse on the town square in Carrollton. Bring your ID. Know the name and rough dates you need. Staff can search while you wait.
Mail requests should be sent to the Circuit Clerk at the address listed above. Include all relevant details such as full legal name, date of birth, citation number if known, and the approximate date of the violation. Enclose payment for search and copy fees. Allow one to two weeks for processing.
Traffic Court Process in Pickens County
When a law enforcement officer in Pickens County issues a traffic citation, the ticket will show a court date or instructions for how to respond. Most minor violations allow you to pay the fine without appearing in court. More serious charges like DUI, reckless driving, or driving on a suspended license require a mandatory court appearance before a judge.
The Uniform Traffic Ticket used in Alabama is standardized under Alabama Code Section 12-12-53. This ensures that regardless of which agency issued your ticket, the form and process remain consistent. The ticket serves as both the charging document and your summons to appear or respond by a certain date.
Want to fight your ticket? Show up on your court date. Or call the clerk to get a new date. At the hearing, plead not guilty and ask for a trial. Or plead guilty and hope for a lighter sentence. First-time offenders might get traffic school, which keeps points off your record.
Fees for Record Searches and Copies
Pickens County charges standard fees for traffic record searches and document copies as established by Alabama law. These fees help cover the administrative cost of maintaining records and processing requests.
| Computerized Record Search | $10.00 |
|---|---|
| Paper Record Search | $20.00 |
| Copies (1-20 pages) | $5.00 |
| Copies (21+ pages) | $0.50 per page |
| Certification | $5.00 |
Accepted payment methods typically include cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Personal checks may be accepted for record requests but not always for fine payments. Contact the office to verify current payment policies.
Relevant Alabama Traffic Statutes
Alabama traffic laws are found primarily in Title 32 of the Alabama Code. Several specific statutes are particularly relevant when dealing with traffic ticket records and court procedures.
Alabama Code Section 12-12-53 governs the Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint form. This statute mandates a standardized citation form be used across all jurisdictions in Alabama. The form must include specific information about the alleged violation, identify the citing officer and agency, and provide instructions for the recipient on how to respond to the charge.
Traffic violation penalties are addressed in Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8. This statute sets forth the framework for fines, court costs, and other penalties that may be imposed for traffic offenses. Penalties vary based on the severity of the offense, prior driving record, and other factors the court may consider.
The public's right to access court records is protected under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40. This Open Records Act provision ensures that traffic court records, like other public records, are available for inspection and copying. Certain sensitive information may be redacted, but the basic facts of a traffic case including charges, pleas, and dispositions are public information.
Pickens County Courthouse located on Court Square in Carrollton. The Circuit Clerk's office on the first floor maintains all traffic ticket records.
Cities and Towns in Pickens County
Pickens County includes several small towns and communities. Carrollton is the county seat and largest municipality. Other incorporated areas include Reform, Gordo, and Aliceville. Each town may have its own municipal court for minor traffic offenses within city limits, but county and state violations are processed through the Circuit Clerk's office.
None of the municipalities in Pickens County have populations large enough for dedicated pages on this site. For traffic matters in any Pickens County community, the Circuit Clerk's office in Carrollton is your primary resource for county court records.
Nearby Counties
Traffic ticket records for neighboring counties can be accessed through their respective Circuit Clerk offices. Click below for information on nearby jurisdictions.