Access Gilchrist County Traffic Records

Gilchrist County traffic court records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts in Trenton. This is one of the smaller counties in Florida with roughly 18,000 residents. The Gilchrist County Clerk processes traffic citations from local roads, US-19/98, and state routes that pass through the county. You can search for traffic court records by contacting the clerk directly, using the clerk's website, or through statewide online tools. Every citation issued in Gilchrist County ends up at this one clerk office, whether it is a civil infraction or a criminal traffic charge.

Gilchrist County Clerk of Courts

The Gilchrist County Clerk of Courts keeps all traffic court records for the county. The office is in Trenton, the county seat. Staff process citations, take fine payments, set court dates, and store case files. Every traffic ticket from anywhere in Gilchrist County passes through this office.

Gilchrist County is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Levy, and Union Counties. Traffic cases are heard by county court judges in Trenton. The Gilchrist County Clerk website has information on court services and traffic case processing. Since Gilchrist County is next to Alachua County and the Gainesville area, some residents deal with traffic cases in both counties. Under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, all traffic court records in Gilchrist County are public and can be requested by anyone.

Note: Gilchrist County is a small office, so response times for mail requests may take longer than in larger counties.

Search Gilchrist County Traffic Court Records

You have a few options for finding traffic court records in Gilchrist County. The clerk's website offers access to court records and case information. You can search by name or case number to find details about a traffic citation filed in Gilchrist County.

The clerk's homepage shown above is the starting point for looking up traffic cases in Gilchrist County. From here you can access court records, find contact information, and learn about the different services the office provides. The statewide portal at payflclerk.com also works for Gilchrist County. Enter your citation number to find the amount owed and pay online. This portal covers all 67 Florida counties and accepts major credit and debit cards.

Calling the clerk at 352-463-3170 is another solid option. Staff can look up any traffic case by name or citation number over the phone. They can tell you the fine amount, case status, and whether a court date has been scheduled. For copies of Gilchrist County traffic court documents, visit the office in person at the courthouse in Trenton. Certified copies are available for a small fee.

Gilchrist County Traffic Citation Options

After getting a traffic ticket in Gilchrist County, you must respond within 30 days. This rule applies statewide under Chapter 316, Florida Statutes. You choose one of three options and let the Gilchrist County Clerk know before the deadline.

Option one is to pay the full fine. This is a guilty plea, and points will be placed on your driving record with the Florida DHSMV. Option two is to pay the fine and elect traffic school. Points are not added to your license if you complete the school. You can use this option five times in your life and once per 12-month period. Option three is to plead not guilty and request a hearing. The Gilchrist County court will set a date. Court sessions in smaller counties may happen less often, so your hearing might be a few weeks out.

Certain violations always require a court appearance. Under Section 318.18, Florida Statutes, reckless driving and accidents with serious injuries are among those that need a judge to decide the outcome. Ask the Gilchrist County Clerk if your citation falls into this group. If it does, you must appear in court no matter what.

• Pay fine: guilty plea, points on your driving record
• Elect traffic school: no points, adjudication withheld
• Request hearing: not guilty plea, court date set
• Compliance: show proof for certain equipment or license violations

Traffic Fine Amounts in Gilchrist County

Fines for traffic tickets in Gilchrist County follow the same state schedule used across Florida. The type of violation determines the base fine. Speeding fines increase with the number of miles per hour over the posted limit. Other moving violations have set amounts. Non-moving violations like expired tags generally cost less. The Gilchrist County Clerk can give you the exact fine for any citation on file.

Late fees are added if you miss the 30-day deadline. After 90 days without payment, the Gilchrist County Clerk can turn the fine over to a collection agency. Under Section 28.246, Florida Statutes, collection agencies can add up to 40 percent to the amount owed. That is a big jump on top of whatever the original fine was. Paying your Gilchrist County traffic citation within the first 30 days is always cheaper than waiting.

Public Access to Gilchrist County Records

Traffic court records in Gilchrist County are public records. Florida's public records law under Chapter 119 makes all government records open to anyone. You can ask to see or copy traffic tickets, court orders, and case files from the Gilchrist County Clerk. No special reason is needed. The Florida Clerks of Court Operations Corporation works with all 67 clerks to support public access to court records.

Some information is redacted from public view. Social security numbers, bank account numbers, and details about minors are kept confidential per state law and the Florida Supreme Court's Administrative Order AOSC 15-18. For adult traffic defendants, case details and documents should generally be available to the public through the Gilchrist County Clerk. The FLHSMV locations page can help you find nearby offices if you need to deal with license issues tied to a Gilchrist County traffic case.

Note: Sealed or expunged cases will not show up in any public search of Gilchrist County traffic court records.

Cities in Gilchrist County

Gilchrist County has a few small towns. Trenton is the county seat. Other communities include Bell and Fanning Springs. None of these cities meet the population threshold for a separate page on this site. All traffic citations from anywhere in Gilchrist County are processed by the clerk office in Trenton. Residents who commute to Gainesville in neighboring Alachua County may end up with traffic cases in both counties.

Nearby Counties

Gilchrist County is surrounded by five other counties. If your citation was issued near a county border, check the ticket to see which county clerk handles it.