Winston County Felony Records Search

Winston County felony records contain arrests, criminal charges, and court outcomes for serious crimes. The Circuit Clerk in Double Springs maintains all felony case files. These records are public under Alabama law. Winston County is in northwest Alabama, known as the Free State of Winston for its history. This page covers how to find felony records in Winston County.

Winston County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk handles all felony court records in Winston County. This office manages filings, stores documents, and provides copies. The office is at the Winston County Courthouse in Double Springs. Staff are available during business hours to help with record searches.

Winston County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit along with Marion County. The Circuit Court hears all felony cases. When someone faces serious charges in Winston County, the case goes to this court. The clerk assigns a number and tracks all filings. Every motion and ruling becomes part of the public record in Winston County.

How to Search Winston County Felony Records

Searching felony records in Winston County can be done two ways. Online is fast and works from anywhere. In-person visits give full file access. Both options work for public records.

Use Alacourt ACCESS for online searches. Select Winston County and enter a name. Results show all matching cases. Each search costs $9.99. You see charges, dates, and outcomes. Document images cost extra. The site is available 24/7 for Winston County searches.

To search in person, go to the courthouse in Double Springs. The Circuit Clerk's office is inside. Staff search by name or case number. You can view files and request copies. Bring your ID. Copy fees apply. Call ahead for old records from Winston County.

What you need for a search:

• Full name of the defendant
• Date of birth if available
• Year the case was filed
• Case number if known

Winston County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office makes arrests and operates the county jail. Deputies respond to felony crimes. They book suspects into jail and set charges. The sheriff maintains arrest records with booking dates and bond amounts.

For jail information, call the sheriff. Staff can tell you about current inmates. Bond amounts are available by phone. Winston County does not have a public online jail roster. You must call for inmate info. Court records move to the Circuit Clerk after formal charges are filed in Winston County.

Online Access for Winston County

Winston County court records are on the Alacourt system. This state portal covers all 67 Alabama counties. Criminal cases, including felonies, are searchable. The system charges fees but is open to everyone.

The Alabama Department of Corrections has free inmate searches. It shows people in state prison now. If someone from Winston County is serving time, you can find them here. Enter a name or AIS number. Results display facility and sentence details. County jail inmates are not included.

ALEA has the official criminal history database. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency keeps records for all state arrests. This is not public. You can get your own record for $25 with fingerprints. For court records, use Alacourt for Winston County.

What Winston County Felony Records Show

Felony records from Winston County have complete case information. Each file documents the criminal case from arrest to resolution. The format is standard across Alabama courts.

A Winston County felony record shows:

• Defendant's name and date of birth
• Arrest date and arresting agency
• Charges with felony class
• All court hearing dates
• Motions and rulings
• Plea or trial verdict
• Sentence if convicted
• Bond information

Under Code of Alabama Section 13A-5-6, felony sentences vary by class. Class A brings 10 years to life. Class B is 2 to 20 years. Class C means up to 10 years. Class D caps at 5 years. Winston County records show the class for each charge, which tells you the potential sentence.

Winston County Felony Laws

Court records are public in Winston County. Under Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40, everyone can inspect public records. Felony case files at the Circuit Clerk are covered. You can view or copy them. No reason is needed.

Some records are restricted. Juvenile cases are sealed by law. Cases a judge ordered sealed are not available. Expunged records do not show. But adult felony cases in Winston County are open to the public.

Misusing records has penalties. Under Code of Alabama Section 41-9-601, getting records through fraud is a felony. Fines range from $5,000 to $10,000. Prison can reach five years. Only use Winston County records for lawful purposes.

Expungement in Winston County

Some felony records can be sealed in Winston County. The process is called expungement. State law defines who qualifies. Not every case can be expunged. If you meet the criteria, you can petition the court.

Under Code of Alabama Section 15-27, dismissed charges may qualify. Acquittals can be erased. If you got a pardon with civil rights restored, some convictions may be eligible. Violent felonies have strict limits and often cannot be sealed.

To file for expungement in Winston County, submit a petition to Circuit Court. The clerk handles the filing. A judge reviews and decides. If approved, records are sealed from public searches. Visit ALEA expungement info for forms and guidance.

Contact Information

Reach Winston County offices using the contacts below. Call to confirm hours and what you need for your search.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Winston County. Check where the crime occurred to find the correct records. Each county has its own court files.