Albany County Traffic Court Records
Albany County traffic court records are handled through the Albany City Court Traffic Part and various town and village courts across the county. The Third Judicial District oversees all court operations here, with the main traffic court based inside Albany City Hall. Drivers who get tickets in Albany County will deal with one of several local courts depending on where the stop took place. The county seat is Albany, which also serves as the state capital. This guide covers how to find, search, and respond to traffic cases in the county, including court locations, payment options, and what to expect at a hearing.
Albany County Traffic Court Records
Albany City Traffic Court Records
The Albany City Traffic Court is the main court handling moving violations in the city of Albany. It sits in the basement level of Albany City Hall at 24 Eagle Street. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and it closes on all state holidays. If you need to reach them by phone, call 518-453-4630. You can also fax documents to 518-453-8699 or send an email to albanycitytraffic@nycourts.gov. The Honorable William G. Kelly and Honorable Marisa Franchini serve as judges for the Traffic Part. Anthony Mancino is the Chief Clerk who runs the day-to-day work of the court.
The Albany City Court Traffic Part page on the New York State Courts website has full details on court procedures and contact information.
This screenshot shows the official Albany City Court Traffic Part page with hours, location, and judge information listed.
When you visit the court, you must pass through a magnetometer as part of security screening. The building is ADA accessible, and staff can set up specific things upon request for those with disabilities. Metered parking is on the streets around City Hall, and there is parking set aside for people with disabilities on the side of the building. You can also get there by CDTA bus lines that stop near the courthouse.
Paying Traffic Court Records Fines
You have a few ways to pay fines in Albany County. The court accepts cash, money orders, and certified checks. Personal checks are not accepted. Credit card payments come with a fee. If you plead guilty by mail, the court will send you a fine letter with the amount and due date. Make sure your mailing address is up to date with the court so you get this notice on time.
In-person payments go through the court clerk's window at Albany City Hall. The clerk's office is open during regular court hours. Some courts in the county also offer online payment through web-based systems linked from their websites. Check with the specific court that has your case to see if online payment is an option for your ticket. The Albany County Judicial Center at 6 Lodge Street also handles certain court matters, though traffic cases for the city go through City Hall.
Albany Traffic Court Records
The Albany County Court is at the Albany County Judicial Center, 6 Lodge Street, Room 113, Albany, NY 12207. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The phone number is 518-285-8777. This court handles felony trials and shares authority with local courts for misdemeanor cases. It also hears appeals from city, town, and village courts in the Third and Fourth Departments. If you lose your traffic case at a local court and want to appeal, the County Court is where that process takes place.
The County Court has limited authority to hear civil cases that involve money awards of $25,000 or less. Handicap parking is at both the front entrance on Eagle Street and the back entrance on Lodge Street. The courthouse is easy to find from I-787 South -- exit at Clinton Avenue, turn left onto South Pearl Street, then right onto State Street, go two blocks, and enter from Eagle Street.
How to Respond to a Ticket
When you get a traffic ticket in Albany County, you have 15 days to enter a plea. You can plead guilty or not guilty. A guilty plea means you accept the charge and pay the fine. A not guilty plea means you want a hearing. You can enter your plea by mail, in person, or sometimes online.
For a guilty plea by mail, check the guilty box on the ticket, fill in your information, sign it, and send it to the address on the ticket with your payment. For a not guilty plea, check that box instead, sign the ticket, and mail it back within 15 days. The court will then send you a letter with a hearing date and location. At the hearing, the burden is on the prosecution to prove the charge. You may bring witnesses or present evidence. You can also have a lawyer represent you. The Albany County website has links to court resources and local services. The NYS DMV Traffic Violations Bureau page covers the statewide rules on how points, fines, and suspensions work.
Points and Penalties
New York uses a point system for traffic violations. Points range from 3 to 11 depending on the offense. Speeding 1 to 10 mph over the limit is 3 points. Going more than 40 mph over the limit puts 11 points on your record. If you get 11 or more points in 18 months, your license can be suspended. Three speeding or misdemeanor convictions in 18 months can also lead to suspension.
Failing to answer a ticket is one of the most common reasons for suspension. Don't ignore a traffic ticket. Even if you plan to fight it, you need to enter a plea on time. The NYS Driver Point System page explains how points add up and what happens at each level. A defensive driving course can knock up to 4 points off your record.
Cities in Albany County
Albany County includes the city of Albany and the town of Colonie, both of which have their own pages on this site. Each has courts that handle traffic matters for their area.
Other towns in the county have their own justice courts. The town where you got the ticket determines which court has your case.
Nearby Counties
Albany County borders several other counties in the Capital Region. If your ticket was issued near a county line, it may be handled by a court in one of these neighboring areas.