FAQs • Alabaster, AL • CivicEngage

What are the procedures to have a warrant issued?: File a report with the police department. Call the Magistrate’s Office at 205-664-6835 to set up an appointment to have your report screened. Upon arrival, you will file a deposition with a magistrate. If there is probable cause, a warrant or summons will be issued. Some important points to remember: It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to file a warrant. There is no charge for a warrant. Once a warrant is issued it cannot be dropped or cancelled!

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Municipal Court

1. What forms of payment are accepted when paying a fine in person?: The magistrates can accept cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, credit/debit cards. Please call 205-664-6835 for more information.

2. Can someone other than the offender pay the ticket?: No! The person who received the ticket will need to make a plea of guilty in front of a magistrate. The only exception is if you have already pled guilty before the judge and are returning to pay the fine. Please call 205-664-6835 for more information.

3. Where are the locations available to pay a fine or ticket?: Please pay your fine or ticket at the Court Magistrate’s Office:
1953 Municipal Way
Alabaster, AL 35007

You may also use Postal Mail / FedEx / UPS or other document service, send your ticket and a Cashier’s Check or Money Order to:
Alabaster Municipal Court
1953 Municipal Way
Suite 100
Alabaster, AL 35007

Note: In order to properly credit your ticket, the fine must be received at least 24 hours prior to your court date.

Payment may be made in person in the Municipal Complex building. Our normal business hours are Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Please bring your ticket or citation.

4. What happens if a fine is not paid by the court date?: Any citations not paid by the court date are turned over to the Municipal Court Judge who issues a bench warrant and a suspension for the violator’s driving license. Please call 205-664-6835 for more information.

5. How can I plea other than guilty to a citation?: You must come to court on your court date and plea not guilty before the judge. The State of Alabama does not have a No Contest Law and will not accept pleas of No Contest. All fines paid by mail or in person to a Magistrate without going before a Judge are pled as guilty. Please visit our answer page for
more information.

6. What are the procedures to have a warrant issued?: File a report with the police department. Call the Magistrate’s Office at 205-664-6835 to set up an appointment to have your report screened. Upon arrival, you will file a deposition with a magistrate. If there is probable cause, a warrant or summons will be issued. Some important points to remember: It takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to file a warrant. There is no charge for a warrant. Once a warrant is issued it cannot be dropped or cancelled!