Winston County Public Records / Winston County Arrest Records

Winston County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Winston County in 2026

WinstonRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Winston County, Alabama. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party sources include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, bond information, and associated criminal case filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Winston County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Winston County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining booking records and jail rosters for individuals arrested within the county. The Sheriff's Office, currently led by Sheriff Caleb Snoddy, maintains records that include arrestee name, booking date, charges, bond status, and custody status. Members of the public may contact the office directly to inquire about available online search tools or current inmate rosters. Records are updated as bookings occur, though online availability may reflect a processing delay.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Double Springs, which serves as the Winston County seat, maintains a municipal police department that handles arrests within city limits. Arrest information from city police may appear in local press releases or be accessible through public records requests submitted directly to the department. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from city-level agencies should contact the relevant department directly, as online arrest log portals are not uniformly available across all municipal agencies in Alabama.

Double Springs Police Department
100 Main Street
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5381

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Winston County Circuit Clerk serves as the court's official record keeper and business manager for all proceedings held in the District and Circuit Courts. Members of the public may search court case records by arrestee name to identify criminal cases associated with a specific arrest. Court case records reflect charges formally filed following an arrest and provide information on case status, scheduled hearings, and dispositions. The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains the Alacourt system, which provides online access to case information for registered users.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), through its Department of Public Safety, maintains statewide criminal history records. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through ALEA, which includes arrest and conviction data compiled from law enforcement agencies across Alabama. A fee applies to criminal history record requests submitted through ALEA. The state repository includes arrests from all jurisdictions within Alabama and is the most comprehensive source for statewide criminal history information.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
Winston County Sheriff's Office
35 4th Ave NW
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Sheriff Office - Winston County, AL

Members of the public visiting the Sheriff's Office in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, specific information about the arrest such as the arrestee's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Fees for copies of records are assessed at the time of the request.

Clerk of Court:
Winston County Circuit Clerk
Winston County Courthouse
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Winston County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk's office maintains criminal case files and may be inspected during regular business hours. Copy fees apply per page for documents obtained from the Clerk's office.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Winston County Sheriff's Office by mail. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the written request. Processing time for mailed requests varies and may take several business days to several weeks depending on the volume of requests received.

By Phone:

The Winston County Sheriff's Office may be reached by phone at (205) 489-5533. Staff can provide limited information by phone, including general custody status inquiries. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling. Detailed record requests are referred to in-person or written submission processes.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in active criminal proceedings provide defense counsel with access to arrest-related documentation through the prosecuting authority.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, city police, or state agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Winston County

Arrest records in Winston County are public records under Alabama law. Pursuant to § 36-12-40, Code of Alabama 1975, every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute. Arrest records generated by law enforcement agencies are considered public writings and are therefore accessible to members of the public absent a specific statutory exemption. The Alabama Open Records Law reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability.

Arrest records serve several recognized public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings. These interests are balanced against individual privacy rights through specific statutory exemptions.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Alabama law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not subject to public disclosure
Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The public's right to access government records is grounded in both the Alabama Open Records Law and First Amendment principles recognizing press and public access to government proceedings. Courts have recognized that transparency in the arrest process serves the public interest while acknowledging that due process considerations require distinguishing between an arrest and a conviction. An arrest record reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute a finding of guilt.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. The FCRA imposes obligations on consumer reporting agencies and employers regarding the use of criminal history information, including arrest records that did not result in conviction. Alabama does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant, and use of arrest records without conviction in adverse employment or housing decisions may give rise to legal liability under applicable federal and state law.

What's in Winston County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public-facing records

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or a state agency
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Alabama statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as felony or misdemeanor, including degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints, which are collected but not typically included in public-facing records
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status reflecting whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following formal charging
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate access rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including court records, law enforcement databases, and state repositories

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Winston County?

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Winston County are subject to fees established under Alabama law and local agency policy. The Alabama Open Records Law permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the search, retrieval, and reproduction of public records.

Record Type	Estimated Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 per page
Certified copy	$1.00–$5.00 per document
Electronic records	Varies by agency
Criminal history (ALEA)	$25.00 per request (state fee)
Inspection of records	No charge for inspection in most cases

Accepted payment methods vary by agency and may include cash, money order, or check made payable to the relevant office. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific agency prior to submitting a request. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests submitted by certain governmental entities, though waivers are not automatic and must be requested at the time of submission. Inspection of public records without obtaining copies is available at no charge under current Alabama law.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Winston County

Alabama law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under § 15-27-1 et seq., Code of Alabama 1975, individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria may petition the court for expungement of arrest records.

Expungement is available in Alabama for arrests that did not result in conviction, including cases where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, charges were not filed, or the individual successfully completed a diversion program. Certain felony convictions are not eligible for expungement under current Alabama law. Individuals convicted of violent offenses, sex offenses, or offenses involving a child are generally ineligible.

Steps to Petition for Expungement in Winston County:

Confirm eligibility based on the disposition of the case and the nature of the charges
Obtain a certified copy of the court disposition from the Winston County Circuit Clerk
Complete the petition for expungement form, available through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts
File the petition in the Winston County Circuit Court and pay the applicable filing fee, currently set at $300.00 for most expungement petitions under Alabama law
Serve the petition on the arresting agency and the district attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing if the petition is contested
If granted, the court order is forwarded to the relevant agencies for record destruction or sealing

Winston County Circuit Clerk
Winston County Courthouse
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Winston County Circuit Clerk

Winston County District Attorney's Office
Winston County Courthouse
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533

Following a granted expungement, the Winston County Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency are required to update their records accordingly. Third-party commercial databases are not subject to the expungement order and may retain records independently of the court's directive. Individuals who have obtained an expungement and discover that a third-party website continues to display the record may submit a removal request directly to the website operator.

What Happens After Arrest in Winston County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Winston County, the arrested individual is transported to the Winston County Jail, which is operated by the Winston County Sheriff's Office. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody of the arresting officer during transport.

Winston County Jail
35 4th Ave NW
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Sheriff Office - Winston County, AL

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the arrested individual undergoes a standardized intake process that typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history check conducted
Outstanding warrants check performed
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and brief mental health screening completed
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Alabama law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate for an initial appearance within 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.

Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Alabama law. The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.

No Bond: The court may order that no bond be set in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Release on bond may be subject to conditions including regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives personal property, a written notice of the court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody at the Winston County Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is provided information regarding commissary accounts, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who are determined to be indigent are entitled to appointed counsel. The Winston County Public Defender's Office provides representation to eligible defendants in criminal proceedings.

Winston County Public Defender's Office
Winston County Courthouse
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Alabama State Bar provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Winston County Jail for confidential consultations.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Winston County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on the complexity of the case.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, which includes police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to discuss case resolution and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies. A dismissed case may be eligible for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant may accept a negotiated plea to agreed-upon charges with a recommended sentence, waiving the right to trial.
Trial: The defendant may proceed to a jury trial or bench trial. If found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.

Sentencing (if convicted):

The court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination of these options. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 72 hours under Alabama law
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to counsel
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Winston County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
35 4th Ave NW
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Sheriff Office - Winston County, AL

Winston County Circuit Clerk
Winston County Courthouse
Double Springs, AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533
Winston County Circuit Clerk

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 S Ripley St
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 676-6000
Department of Public Safety - Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Refrain from discussing the case with anyone other than retained or appointed counsel
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of bond or release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Winston County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Winston County is governed by Alabama law and the records retention schedules established by the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Under current Alabama law, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, which vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the underlying case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency state repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Accessible on background checks indefinitely under federal law

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court
Reported on background checks subject to applicable FCRA limitations

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a period determined by the applicable retention schedule, which may be several years
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
State repository records may remain unless the individual obtains an expungement order

Acquittals:

Court records are retained and may be permanent
Local law enforcement records are subject to the applicable retention schedule
Eligible for expungement under Alabama law

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods
May be eligible for expungement under § 15-27-1 et seq. of the Code of Alabama

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense

Digital Records:

Records management systems and computer-aided dispatch records may be retained for extended periods or permanently
Court electronic records are retained permanently in most cases
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial operators are not subject to law enforcement retention schedules

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records, but enforcement against non-compliant third-party websites requires separate legal action

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Alabama records retention schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies
Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case
Contact: (205) 489-5533

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period specified in the applicable retention schedule
Electronic court records are retained permanently in most cases

State Repository:

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrests from all jurisdictions in Alabama
Retention policy follows state law and federal requirements for criminal history record systems

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records that are accessible to law enforcement nationwide
Federal retention is permanent for most criminal history records
These records are used in employment background checks, firearms purchase screenings, and law enforcement inquiries

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the individual obtains an expungement. Dismissed charges are not reported on standard employment background checks by compliant consumer reporting agencies.

Expungement: Following a court-ordered expungement, local law enforcement and the state repository are required to update or destroy records as directed. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement. Removal from third-party commercial databases requires separate action by the individual.

No Charges Filed: Booking records are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires. Individuals may request immediate removal in some circumstances.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are accessible through online tools and the Sheriff's Office. Older arrests may require an in-person request and may involve retrieval from archives or records storage, with a possible retrieval fee and longer processing time. Very old arrests may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form subject to the applicable destruction schedule.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Alabama does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a specified period, though federal and state employment discrimination laws impose separate limitations on the use of criminal history information in hiring decisions.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Winston County Sheriff's Records Division at (205) 489-5533 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive records.