Lawrence County Traffic Court Records
Lawrence County traffic court records cover all traffic citations, moving violations, and infraction cases filed in Bedford through the Circuit Court and two Superior Courts. This page explains how to search those records online, how to reach the Lawrence County Clerk's Office, and what to expect if your case goes to a hearing in Lawrence County.
Lawrence County Traffic Court Quick Facts
Search Lawrence County Traffic Records Online
The fastest way to find Lawrence County traffic court records is through the statewide MyCase portal. This free tool lets anyone search by name, case number, or Uniform Traffic Ticket number. Results show the charge, court dates, case status, and any fine or judgment that was entered. You do not need an account to search, and there is no fee to look up a case.
MyCase pulls from the Odyssey case management system that Lawrence County courts use. All three courts in Lawrence County, the Circuit Court under Judge John T. Plummer III and both Superior Courts under Judge Andrea McCord and Judge Nathan W. Nikirk, file their records into this system. That means one search on MyCase covers the whole county. Most cases filed in recent years appear there within a day or two of the filing date.
The Lawrence County Clerk's official page is a good starting point for anything that falls outside a basic case search. The clerk's page links to court schedules and other local services. For questions about a specific record that does not appear in MyCase, calling the Clerk's Office directly at 812-275-7543 is the best next step.
Note: Records from before the Odyssey system was put in place may only exist as paper files at the Courthouse in Bedford.
Lawrence County Clerk of Courts - Contact and Hours
Clerk Tona Bates runs the Lawrence County Clerk's Office. The main office is at 916 15th Street, Bedford, IN 47421. The mailing address is PO Box 196, Bedford, IN 47421. The direct phone number is 812-275-7543 and the fax is 812-275-2041.
When you call, the Clerk's staff can confirm whether a payment was received, look up an upcoming court date, or tell you which court your case is assigned to. If your question is about a specific judge or courtroom, they can transfer you or give you the right contact number. Staff there handle a wide range of case types every day, so having your case number or ticket number ready will help move things along faster.
The Indiana Courts local page for Lawrence County gives an overview of the three courts and their assigned judges. It also lists contact numbers for each courtroom if you need to reach a specific court directly rather than through the Clerk's Office.
Paying a Traffic Ticket in Lawrence County
Lawrence County accepts several payment types for traffic fines. In person at the Clerk's Office, you can pay by cash, money order, or cashier's check. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in person, though a service fee is added for card transactions. The office is at 916 15th Street in Bedford.
Mail-in payments should go to PO Box 196, Bedford, IN 47421. Use a money order or cashier's check made out to the Lawrence County Clerk. Write your case number on the payment instrument so your account gets credited correctly. Do not mail cash. If you want written confirmation of your payment, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Online payment may also be available for some case types through the Indiana Courts ePay system. Check both the MyCase portal and the ePay link to see which option applies to your case. For infractions processed under Indiana Code 34-28-5, paying before your court date usually means you do not have to appear in person.
Lawrence County has a published fine schedule for common infractions. Standard infractions run $136.50. Speeding 1 to 24 mph over the limit is also $136.50. Going 25 to 29 mph over is $145.50, and 30 or more mph over is $160.50. Seat belt violations are $25.00. These are the base amounts and may not include all court costs.
Note: Paying an infraction fine is treated as an admission that the violation occurred. If you want to contest the ticket, do not pay it before your hearing date.
Traffic Infractions and How Lawrence County Courts Handle Them
Most traffic citations issued in Lawrence County are filed as infractions. Under Indiana Code Title 9, which covers motor vehicles and traffic rules, an infraction is a civil matter rather than a criminal charge. That means no jail time is at stake for a basic speeding ticket or a seatbelt violation. The case goes through a civil process: the officer files the ticket with the court, the court sends a notice, and the driver either pays or appears to contest.
If you choose to appear and deny the infraction, the court sets a hearing date. Both sides present their case. The judge decides whether the violation is proven. If found liable, a judgment is entered for the fine amount. Under the infraction statute at IC 34-28-5, the judgment can include court costs on top of the base fine. After judgment, the clerk's office can transmit the result to the Indiana BMV, which may affect your driving record.
More serious traffic offenses, such as operating while intoxicated or driving with a suspended license, are charged as misdemeanors or felonies. Those cases move through the criminal docket rather than the infraction process. The same three courts in Lawrence County handle criminal traffic cases, but the procedure and the potential penalties are very different. If your ticket lists a misdemeanor or felony charge, consult an attorney before you respond.
Lawrence County Traffic Court Records - Images
The screenshot below comes from the Indiana MyCase portal, which is the primary tool for searching Lawrence County traffic court records online.
MyCase lets you search all three Lawrence County courts at once and shows charge details, court dates, and case dispositions for free.
The image below is from the Indiana Courts local page for Lawrence County, which lists all active courts and judges serving the county.
The judicial branch page confirms court assignments and provides direct phone numbers for each Lawrence County courtroom.
Legal Help and Driver Record Resources
If you are dealing with a suspended license or need help responding to a traffic case in Lawrence County, the Indiana Legal Help site has plain-language guides on traffic infractions and court procedures. The Indiana Courts Self-Service Center offers forms and step-by-step guidance for people handling their own cases. Both are free to use and do not require an attorney.
Your driving record is separate from the court case file. The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles maintains that record. A conviction or judgment on a traffic case in Lawrence County can add points to your BMV record and affect insurance rates. You can order a copy of your driving record directly from the BMV to see what is currently listed.
Nearby Counties - Traffic Court Records
Traffic cases are filed in the county where the violation happened. If your ticket was issued in a county next to Lawrence, use the links below to find the right court records.