Winston County Bench Warrant Search

Winston County bench warrants are issued when someone fails to appear in court or does not comply with a court order. The Circuit Clerk in Double Springs maintains all court records. Winston County is part of the 25th Judicial Circuit. Known as the Free State of Winston for its Civil War history, the county still follows Alabama law today. The Circuit Clerk has a dedicated website for court information.

The Free State of Winston

Winston County is called the Free State of Winston. During the Civil War, this area opposed secession from the Union. Local residents held meetings and debated leaving Alabama. The legend says they talked about forming their own free state.

Today, Winston County is very much part of Alabama. The court system operates the same as other counties. Bench warrants are issued for failure to appear. The warrant process follows state law. The "free state" nickname is history, not current practice.

If you have a warrant in Winston County, you must deal with it like any other Alabama warrant. The court will not make exceptions based on the county's historic nickname.

What Is a Bench Warrant in Winston County?

A bench warrant is a court order for arrest. It comes from the judge's bench. When you miss a court date or break a court order, the judge can issue one. This differs from an arrest warrant. An arrest warrant is for a new crime. A bench warrant is for not following court rules.

Winston County Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic matters. Both can issue bench warrants. The county shares the 25th Judicial Circuit with Marion County.

Under Code of Alabama § 15-10-60, a bench warrant directs officers to arrest the person and bring them to court. Felony bench warrants never expire. They stay active until served or recalled. Misdemeanor warrants may last 180 days to one year.

Winston County is in the Bankhead National Forest area. Tourists and locals alike can get tickets and court cases. Miss your date and you get a warrant. The forest location does not protect you from the court system.

Winston County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk keeps all court records. This includes bench warrants. Staff can search for warrants and provide copies. The clerk has a dedicated website with court information.

The clerk office is in Double Springs. Street parking is available. The dedicated website has additional court information and resources.

Winston County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff keeps copies of active warrants. You can call to check if a warrant exists. The Sheriff's office serves warrants and makes arrests throughout the county.

The Sheriff serves all of Winston County including areas in the Bankhead National Forest. They can tell you about active warrants over the phone.

How to Search Winston County Bench Warrants

You can search for bench warrants in Winston County several ways. The dedicated clerk website has helpful information.

Call the Sheriff: The fastest free option. Call (205) 489-2115 and ask if a warrant exists. Have the full name and date of birth ready.

Call the Circuit Clerk: The clerk at (205) 489-5533 can check court records. They can tell you about warrants and case details.

Alacourt Access: Search court records at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99. This shows case details and bench warrants.

Visit in Person: Go to the Circuit Clerk at 11 Blake Drive in Double Springs. Bring valid ID. Staff can search and print copies.

ALEA Background Check: For a full criminal history, request a check from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. This costs $25.

How to Clear a Bench Warrant in Winston County

If you have a bench warrant in Winston County, you need to handle it. The warrant will not go away on its own. It stays active until you deal with it or police arrest you.

Hiring a lawyer is the safest way. A lawyer can file a motion to recall the warrant and request a new court date. They can appear for you before you turn in.

You can turn yourself in. Go to the Winston County Jail or courthouse during business hours. Bring your ID. Tell staff about the warrant. A judge will decide on bail.

Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, bench warrant records are public. Employers and landlords can check. An active warrant hurts your job and housing prospects.

If you owe fines, you may need to pay those too. Ask the clerk what you owe. Payment plans may be available.

Winston County Bench Warrant Fees

Fees apply when you search records or handle your case. The Sheriff's phone check is usually free.

• Alacourt name search: $9.99
• Alacourt document images: $5.00 for first 20 pages
• Copy fees: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 and up
• ALEA background check: $25.00
• Sheriff phone check: Free

Court costs and fines vary by case. Failure to appear adds extra fees. Ask the clerk for a full accounting.

Alabama State Court Resources

Winston County is part of Alabama's unified court system. These state resources can help you.

Alabama Administrative Office of Courts: The AOC runs the Alacourt system. Visit alacourt.gov for forms and info.

Alabama eForms: Get court forms at eforms.alacourt.gov.

AlaPay: Pay fines online at alapay.com. You need your case number.

ALEA: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency handles background checks. Call (334) 676-7700.

Legal Help in Winston County

If you cannot afford a lawyer, legal aid may help. These groups serve Winston County residents.

Legal Services Alabama: Free legal help for those who qualify. Call (205) 328-3540 or toll-free (866) 456-4995.

Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral: Get connected to a local lawyer. Call (800) 392-5660.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Winston County. Check where your offense occurred to know which county handles your case.