Winston County Court Records Search

Court records in Winston County are maintained at the Circuit Clerk's office in Double Springs. The county operates within the 25th Judicial Circuit, which it shares with Marion County, and processes civil, criminal, and family law cases through the Alabama Unified Judicial System.

Winston County Circuit Clerk

The Winston County Circuit Clerk handles record-keeping for all cases in Circuit Court and District Court. The office is located on Opposite Street in Double Springs, a small town that serves as the county seat. Staff accept new filings, maintain active case files, process court orders, and provide copies of documents to the public upon request. The clerk also collects court costs, fines, and other payments ordered by the court.

The 25th Judicial Circuit consists of Winston County and Marion County. Judges assigned to this circuit rotate between the two courthouses. Court sessions in Winston County are scheduled on specific days of the week, so if you have a court date or need to attend a hearing, confirm the schedule with the clerk's office. This two-county arrangement is typical for rural areas of Alabama where caseloads don't require full-time judges in each location.

District Court

Winston County District Court handles the majority of cases filed each year. This court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal charges, traffic violations, civil lawsuits under $20,000, small claims up to $6,000, and landlord-tenant matters. District Court also conducts preliminary hearings for felony cases before they move to Circuit Court. Records from both courts are maintained by the same clerk's office.

How to Access Court Records

You can obtain Winston County court records through online searches, in-person visits, or mail requests. Each method has advantages depending on what you need and how quickly you need it.

Online Through Alacourt Access

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts operates a statewide database called Alacourt Access at pa.alacourt.com. This system contains court records from Winston County and all other Alabama counties. You can search by entering a person's name or a case number if you have one. Search results display party names, case type, filing date, current status, and disposition. Criminal cases show charges and outcomes. A basic search costs $9.99. Detailed case reports are available for $19.99 (District Court) or $29.99 (Circuit Court).

In-Person at the Courthouse

The Winston County Courthouse is at 41 Opposite Street in Double Springs. Walk-in visitors can search court records during regular business hours. The clerk's office has staff who can help you locate cases and pull files for review. Public access computer terminals may be available for self-service searches. Bring valid identification and any case information you have. The clerk can make copies of documents for you upon payment of the applicable fee.

Double Springs is located in the hilly terrain of northwest Alabama, accessible from Highway 195. The courthouse is the main government building in town. Parking is available on the street. The building may have security at the entrance. Arrive before 4:00 PM if you need copies so staff have time to process your request before closing.

Written Requests by Mail

To request court records by mail, write a letter to the Winston County Circuit Clerk. Include the full legal names of all parties, the approximate date the case was filed, the type of case (criminal, civil, divorce, etc.), and the case number if known. Specify whether you need certified copies or plain copies. Enclose payment by check or money order made payable to Winston County Circuit Clerk.

Mailing Address:
Winston County Circuit Clerk
41 Opposite St
Double Springs, AL 35553

Processing typically takes one to three weeks. If the clerk needs more information or additional payment, they will contact you. Records stored in archives may take longer to retrieve.

Types of Court Records Available

Winston County maintains records for all cases that pass through the local courts. The documents in each file depend on what kind of case it was.

Criminal Case Records

Criminal files include arrest warrants, criminal complaints or indictments, bond documents, plea forms, motions filed by attorneys, hearing transcripts, jury verdicts, and sentencing orders. Probation conditions and violation proceedings may also be in the file. Felony cases in Circuit Court tend to have larger files than misdemeanor cases in District Court. Criminal record searches are used for background checks, but the official criminal history from ALEA is the authoritative source for complete records.

Civil Case Records

Civil litigation generates complaints or petitions, answers, discovery documents, depositions, motions, court orders, and final judgments. Winston County courts handle contract disputes, property line disagreements, personal injury claims, and debt collection cases. Civil judgments become public records and can be recorded as liens against real property in the county. The thickness of a civil file depends on how contested the case was.

Domestic Relations Records

Family law files contain divorce petitions, answers, property settlements, parenting plans, child custody orders, child support calculations, and any modifications filed over time. Domestic violence cases generate temporary and permanent protective orders. These records are often needed for remarriage, insurance claims, custody disputes, and proof of marital status. Some information about minor children may have restricted access.

Traffic and Municipal Records

Traffic cases form a substantial portion of District Court activity. Records document the violation charged, court dates, how the defendant pled, fines imposed, and payment status. DUI and serious moving violations have more detailed records including test results and license suspension orders. Convictions for moving violations are reported to ALEA and appear on driving records.

Court Records Fees

Winston County court record fees are set by state law and local court rules. Here are the standard fees.

The clerk's office accepts cash, personal checks, and money orders. Call ahead to verify whether credit and debit cards are accepted. Online searches through Alacourt require a payment card. All fees must be paid when you request the records.

Winston County Court Resources

Online Resources

• Alacourt Access: pa.alacourt.com - Statewide court record search
• Circuit Clerk: winston.alacourt.gov - Official Winston County court info
• Court Forms: eforms.alacourt.gov - Download forms
• E-Filing: efile.alacourt.gov - Electronic filing portal

Legal Aid Services

Winston County residents who cannot afford an attorney may qualify for free legal assistance through Legal Services Alabama at 866-456-4995. This organization helps with civil legal matters including family law, housing issues, and consumer problems. The Alabama State Bar lawyer referral service at 1-800-392-5660 can connect you with local attorneys. AlabamaLegalHelp.org provides free legal information online.

Nearby Counties

Winston County shares the 25th Judicial Circuit with Marion County. These neighboring counties may have records relevant to your search, especially if parties lived or worked across county lines.

Start Your Search

Use the search form below to look up court records in Winston County and other Alabama counties.