Winston County Arrest Records

Winston County arrest records are official documents detailing the instances in which law enforcement officers take individuals into custody for offenses within the county. These documents outline the reasons for specific arrests and the conditions for releasing the arrestees.

§ 15-10-3 of the Alabama Code grants law enforcement the authority to arrest individuals if they witness criminal acts or have probable cause to believe that they are committing or have committed an arrestable offense. Winston County arrest records are accessible as standalone documents or as part of criminal case files through Winston County court records.

After processing, local law enforcement agencies in Winston County detain arrestees at the Winston County Jail. This facility is the primary detention center for the county and also houses individuals serving short-term sentences or awaiting trial or transfer to other facilities.

Are Arrest Records Public in Winston County?

Yes, arrest records are public in Winston County. Code of Alabama § 36-12-40 stipulates that, except where Alabama laws prohibit public access, citizens have the right to inspect and copy government records (including Winston County arrest records). However, while Alabama grants access to Winston County arrest records, there are certain limitations for privacy and security reasons. For instance, under the Alabama Open Records Act, the public cannot access Winston County arrest records relating to:

• Ongoing criminal investigations
• Juveniles
• Sealed or expunged records
• Internal law enforcement documents
• Domestic violence
• Protective orders
• Medical, mental, and substance abuse information.

Notwithstanding their public restriction, Winston County exempted arrest records are accessible to the subjects of the documents, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and courts, attorneys with legitimate legal interests, probation or parole officers, and government agencies (through legal statute or judicial orders).

11 Blake Drive,
Double Springs,
AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-2115

Winston County Arrest Statistics

According to the FBI arrest data from January 2021 to January 2025, there were 346 arrests in Winston County, comprising 263 males and 105 females. The statistics indicate 54 arrests for simple assault, 30 for drug-related offenses, and 26 for DUI violations. Furthermore, 15 arrests were for larcenies and 13 for aggravated assault. The remaining 232 arrests are for other crimes.

Find Winston County Arrest Records

Winston County arrest records are accessible through the Winston County Sheriff's Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency background checks (with the owner's consent or through court order), and as part of criminal court records through the Winston County Circuit Clerk's Office or online through the Alabama Courts Just One Look Portal.

For mail-in or walk-in requests for Winston County arrest records, mail or visit the Winston County Sheriff's Office at:

11 Blake Drive,
Double Springs,
AL 35553.

Alternatively, access Winston County post-trial arrest records through the Winston County Circuit Clerk's Office during office hours at:

11 Blake Drive,
Double Springs,
AL 35553
Phone: (205) 489-5533

The Winston County Sheriff's Office does not provide online access to inmate records. However, authorized individuals may access Winston County arrest records as part of criminal background checks through the Alabama Background Check System (ABC). Additionally, inquirers may sign up for the Alabama Courts Just One Look portal and access Winston County criminal case-related arrest records.

Winston County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Although Winston County arrest and criminal records are connected, they hold distinct information, serve different purposes, and carry varying legal implications. The table below highlights these key differences.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

A Winston County arrest may stay indefinitely on a record unless the court seals or removes it. Title 15, Chapter 27, Section 1 through 34 of the Code of Alabama (Alabama Expungement Act) grants individuals within the state the right to petition the courts to seal or expunge their arrest records if:

• The arrest results in a dismissal, an acquittal, or no charges
• The arrest is for some juvenile offenses
• The record is for a first-time non-violent offense
• The applicant serves a sentence for the offense
• The individual observes the applicable waiting period for the crime
• The owner of the arrest record does not commit any additional crime during the waiting period.

Winston County Arrest Warrants

Winston County arrest warrants are official court documents that give law enforcement permission to arrest individuals. Judges or magistrates of the Circuit, District, and Municipal Courts issue these documents when law enforcement officials provide evidence of a criminal offense or when someone fails to obey court orders, violates parole or probation, or attempts to evade trial for an offense.

A typical arrest warrant contains, but is not limited to, the following information:

• Full name, known aliases, and physical description of the wanted individual
• Date of issuance
• Charges against the subject and sections of the Alabama Code supposedly violated
• Case number
• Name and title of the issuing judge
• Court jurisdiction
• Directive to law enforcement on how to execute the warrant
• The judge or magistrate's signature and court seal.

Do Winston County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants do not expire in Winston County. In Winston County, once a judge or magistrate issues a warrant, it remains active until law enforcement takes the wanted person into custody, the court revokes or recalls it, or the subject dies. Notwithstanding, factors such as false information, clerical errors, lack of probable cause, improper issuance process, and unreasonable delay in execution may affect the validity of a Winston County arrest warrant. Furthermore, a statute of limitations on the underlying crime may limit the time frame for obtaining an arrest warrant in Winston County.

Expunge Winston County Arrest Records

According to the Alabama Expungement Act, a Winston County arrest warrant may qualify for sealing or expunction if:

• The arrest results in dismissal, acquittal, or nolle prosequi
• The arrest record results from a first-time non-violent misdemeanor or violation
• The owner of the arrest record observes a 3-year waiting period with no further convictions
• The arrest record is for a juvenile crime
• The owner serves a sentence for the crime.

Individuals seeking to seal or expunge their arrest records in Winston County should follow the process below:

• Confirm eligibility for sealing the arrest record and obtain the mandatory criminal history record from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
• Download and complete a Petition for Expungement of Records Form
• Attach supporting documents (including disposition documents, proof of program completion, and other documents that may aid the petition)

• File a petition at the Winston County Circuit Court at:

  11 Blake Drive,
  Double Springs,
  AL 35553

• Pay all applicable fees.

• Serve notice of the petition to the arresting agency and the Winston County District Attorney's Office at:

  P.O. Box 1596
  Hamilton,
  AL 35570-1596
  Phone: (205) 921-7403
  Fax: (205) 921-4443

• Attend the hearing for the petition (if necessary)
• Wait for the court's decision. If the court approves the petition, the relevant agencies may expunge the arrest record and update their databases.