Find Court Docket in Winston County
Court docket records in Winston County track all cases in civil, criminal, family, and traffic matters filed in the 25th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk keeps these records at the courthouse in Double Springs. Winston County shares the 25th Judicial Circuit with Marion County. The docket shows the full history of each case from start to end, with motions, hearings, orders, and rulings. You can look up court records on the state Alacourt ACCESS site or go to the Circuit Clerk's office in person. Winston County has about 23,000 people.
Winston County Quick Facts
Winston County Circuit Clerk
The Circuit Clerk holds all court records in Winston County. This office takes new case filings, keeps old records, and gives copies to the public. The clerk also runs jury lists, takes in court fees and fines, and issues certified copies. Staff can help you find records if you have case numbers or names.
| Address | 13 Court Ave Double Springs, AL 35553 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (205) 489-5533 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | winston.alacourt.gov |
How to Search Court Dockets
Online Search
The main way to search Winston County court dockets is through Alacourt ACCESS. This state site has records from all 67 Alabama counties. You can search by name or case number. You pay per search, and fees show before you pay. Civil, criminal, family, and traffic records are all in the system.
In-Person Search
Going to the Circuit Clerk's office lets you search court dockets with no online fees. The courthouse is at 13 Court Ave in Double Springs. Bring ID and any info you have about the case. Staff can point you to the right records. You can view case files and docket sheets for free. Fees only kick in when you ask for copies.
Written Requests
You can mail requests for court records. Put in the party names, rough filing dates if you know them, case type, and your contact info. You often need to pay fees up front. Send requests to the Circuit Clerk at 13 Court Ave, Double Springs, AL 35553. It takes two to four weeks on average.
Fees for Court Record Services
The Circuit Clerk charges fees for copies and some record services. These fees help pay for keeping records and giving the public access.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee |
| Record search (in-person) | No charge to view records |
| Written search request | $5.00 to $10.00 depending on complexity |
Online searches through Alacourt ACCESS have their own fees set by the state. Those fees show before you finish each search on the site.
Types of Court Docket Records
Civil Case Dockets
Civil dockets track lawsuits between people or firms. These include contract fights, injury claims, land disputes, debt cases, and evictions. Circuit Court takes cases over $10,000. District Court handles smaller suits and small claims under $3,000. Each docket entry logs filings, motions, hearings, and orders as they happen.
Criminal Case Dockets
Criminal dockets track cases where the state charges someone with a crime. Circuit Court handles felonies. District Court handles misdemeanors. Docket entries show first court dates, hearings, motions, trial steps, verdicts, and sentencing. Traffic tickets are also in the docket system.
Domestic Relations Dockets
Domestic relations dockets cover family law cases in Circuit Court. These include divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, and protective orders. Adoption records are at the Probate Court and are usually sealed from public view.
Appeals
Circuit Court also hears appeals from District Court and city courts in Winston County. Appeal dockets show the lower court case, why the appeal was filed, briefs, and the decision.
Legal Framework for Record Access
Alabama law allows public access to court records with some limits for private info. Knowing these rules helps you see what you can get.
Public Records Law
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives state residents the right to look at and copy public records. This includes court records kept by the Circuit Clerk. A 2024 change asks for proof you live in Alabama. A driver license or voter card works.
Court Record Privacy Rules
The Alabama Rules of Court-Record Privacy and Confidentiality cover what info must stay hidden in court records. These rules took effect January 1, 2025. They list 96 types of private info like Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, birth dates of minors, names of minor crime victims, and addresses of domestic violence victims.
Sealed Records
Courts can seal records when they find clear proof that info involves trade secrets, national security, risk of harm, or private family matters. Juvenile records are private under Alabama Code Section 12-15-133.
Expungement
Some criminal records may qualify for expungement under Alabama Code Section 15-27-1. Dropped charges, not guilty verdicts, some misdemeanors after a wait time, and some non-violent felonies may qualify. Expunged records are taken out of public view.
Court Structure in Winston County
Winston County is in the 25th Judicial Circuit with Marion County. Circuit judges can hear cases in both counties, but most Winston County work happens in Double Springs.
Circuit Court
Circuit Court is the main trial court. It handles felonies, civil cases over $10,000, family law like divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. Circuit judges in the 25th Circuit serve both Winston and Marion counties.
District Court
District Court handles misdemeanors, first felony hearings, civil cases under $10,000, small claims under $3,000, and traffic cases. The Circuit Clerk keeps District Court records too.
Probate Court
The Probate Judge handles estates, wills, guardianships, mental health cases, adoptions, and marriage licenses. Probate Court also keeps property records like deeds and mortgages. These are separate from Circuit Clerk dockets.
Municipal Courts
Cities in Winston County may run municipal courts for city code violations and traffic tickets in city limits. The city keeps those records, not the Circuit Clerk.
Additional Resources
Legal Assistance
If you need legal help in Winston County, a few resources are out there. Legal Services Alabama gives free legal help to low-income folks who qualify. The Alabama State Bar runs a lawyer referral line at 1-800-354-6154.
Related Record Sources
Other offices keep public records in Winston County outside court dockets. Probate Court has property records, marriage licenses, and estate files. The Tax Assessor has property tax records. The Sheriff's Office has arrest records and inmate info. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency runs state-level criminal background checks.
Federal Court
Federal cases are handled apart from state courts. Winston County is in the Northern District of Alabama. You can find federal court records through the PACER system.
Search Court Records
Use the tool below to find court docket info from Winston County and all of Alabama.
Cities and Towns in Winston County
Winston County has several towns. Court records for folks in these cities are kept at the county level by the Circuit Clerk. City courts may handle code violations on their own.
Big towns include Double Springs (the county seat), Haleyville, Addison, and Lynn. None are big enough for their own city page. Haleyville is the biggest, with about 4,000 people. For court docket info on anyone in Winston County, use the county court system or go to the Circuit Clerk's office in Double Springs.
Nearby Counties
If you need court records in nearby areas, these counties border Winston County.