Find Traffic Ticket Records in Washington County
Traffic ticket records for Washington County are maintained at the Circuit Clerk's office in Chatom, the county seat. This rural county in southwest Alabama is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit, sharing that circuit with Clarke and Choctaw counties. Highway 43 and Highway 56 are the major routes through the county, with state troopers regularly patrolling these roads. Washington County has a small population but covers a large geographic area with extensive rural roads. All traffic citations issued by state, county, and local law enforcement within the county are processed through the district court division overseen by the Circuit Clerk.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Circuit Clerk
The Washington County Circuit Clerk holds all court records. Traffic files are there too. The office has tickets, court dates, payments, and case results on file. Need to look up a case? They can help. Want to pay a fine? Go there. Need copies of court papers? Ask the staff. Find them at the courthouse in downtown Chatom.
| Address | 45 Court Street Chatom, AL 36518 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 847-2208 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
How to Search Traffic Records
Washington County traffic records can be searched through multiple channels. Alabama's statewide Alacourt Access system at pa.alacourt.com provides online case searches at no charge. You can search by name or case number to find basic information about district court traffic cases including charges, court dates, and dispositions.
For in-person searches, visit the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours. Provide as much identifying information as you can, including the name of the person whose records you need and any details about the citation. The clerk can search records while you wait and produce copies for the applicable fees.
Mail requests should be addressed to the Circuit Clerk at 45 Court Street, Chatom, AL 36518. Include the subject's full legal name, date of birth if known, approximate date of the citation, and your return address. Enclose payment for search and copy fees by check or money order payable to the Washington County Circuit Clerk. Processing typically takes one to two weeks.
Handling Traffic Citations
Got a ticket in Washington County? Look at it closely. It has your court date. It tells you what to do next. Many small tickets let you just pay. No court visit needed. Check the ticket to see your options.
Online payment through AlaPay at alapay.com is available for many traffic fines. You will need your citation number to access the system. Credit and debit cards are accepted, with a convenience fee for electronic transactions. This is often the fastest way to handle a payable violation.
You can also pay by mail or in person. Cash, money orders, and cashier's checks are typically accepted at the courthouse. Mail payments should be sent to the Circuit Clerk's office with your citation stub or reference number included. Allow enough time for mail to arrive before your court date.
Some tickets force you to go to court. DUI is one. Reckless driving too. Got a bad license? Same deal. Caused a wreck with injuries? You must face a judge. Don't skip the date. Miss it and a warrant goes out. More fines stack up too.
Record Fees
Washington County uses the standard Alabama fee schedule for court record searches and document copies. These fees apply to all record requests whether made in person or by mail.
| 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 |
If you need records for official purposes such as license reinstatement or insurance documentation, request certified copies. The certification fee applies to each document certified. Regular copies are fine for personal reference purposes.
Alabama Traffic Statutes
Traffic violations in Washington County are governed by Alabama state laws. Understanding these statutes can help you navigate the traffic court process effectively.
Alabama Code Section 12-12-53 establishes the Uniform Traffic Ticket and Complaint as the standard form used by all law enforcement in Alabama. This ensures that traffic citations contain consistent information regardless of which agency issues the ticket. The form includes the alleged violation, court date, and instructions for the recipient.
Alabama Code Section 32-5A-8 addresses penalties for traffic offenses. This statute and related provisions in Title 32 set forth the fine ranges and other consequences for various violations. Specific penalties depend on the offense type and the defendant's driving history.
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 protects public access to government records. Under this Open Records law, traffic court files are generally available for public inspection. Case outcomes, payment records, and other case information can be obtained by the public.
Washington County Courthouse on Court Street in Chatom, home to the Circuit Clerk's office where traffic records are maintained.
Cities and Towns in Washington County
Washington County contains several small communities. Chatom serves as the county seat. Other municipalities include Millry, McIntosh, and Wagarville. Due to the rural nature of the county, most traffic enforcement occurs on state and county roads rather than within municipal limits. Traffic citations on these roads are processed through the county court system.
No cities in Washington County meet the population threshold for individual pages on this site. For all traffic court matters in Washington County, contact the Circuit Clerk's office in Chatom.
Nearby Counties
Traffic records from neighboring counties can be obtained through their respective Circuit Clerk offices.