About Winston County
Winston County is located in the northwestern portion of Alabama, including approximately 631 square miles of rolling hills, forests, and scenic scenes characteristic of the southern Appalachian region. Winston County Seat is Double Springs, which is the administrative center and houses Winston County Courthouse at 1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553. Established in 1850 and named after Alabama Governor John A.
- Natural landmarks include the Bankhead National Forest, which covers significant portions of Winston County and provides outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, and wildlife observation.
Winston, Winston County gained national attention for its unique Civil War history when many residents opposed Alabama's secession from the Union, leading to the legendary (though historically debated) declaration of the "Free State of Double Springs area." Winston County has a population of approximately 24,000 residents as of recent census estimates, with a largely rural character and strong agricultural heritage. Major communities include Double Springs, Winston County Seat, and Haleyville, the largest city in Winston County. Winston County Probate Office, located at the courthouse in Double Springs, maintains vital records and property documents.
Winston County Tax Assessor's office, also at the courthouse, handles property assessments and tax records. Winston County's economy historically centered on timber, agriculture, and small manufacturing, with forestry remaining a significant economic driver. Winston County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and the proud independent spirit of its residents, reflected in its Civil War-era history and ongoing community traditions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Winston County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Winston County. The office is tasked with patrolling these areas, managing Winston County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community outreach programs and operates specialized divisions such as narcotics and investigations to address specific law enforcement needs. The office is focused on the safety and security of all residents in Winston County.
Police Departments
In addition to Winston County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Winston County. These include the Haleyville Police Department and the Lynn Police Department, each responsible for law enforcement within their respective city limits. These agencies work in coordination with the Sheriff's Office to address major crimes and ensure public safety across Winston County. The collaboration between these departments allows for efficient resource sharing and joint operations when necessary.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Winston County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1500 Highway 195, Double Springs, AL 35553, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Winston County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains operational responsibility for patrol, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operation of Winston County Jail.
- The Double Springs Police Department provides law enforcement services within Winston County Seat.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to Winston County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Processing times and fees for copies vary by agency.
Inmates housed at Winston County Detention Center can be located through direct contact with the Sheriff's Office during business hours, as Winston County does not currently maintain a full online inmate roster system, though some third-party jail roster websites may provide limited booking information. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Haleyville Police Department, which serves the largest city in Winston County, and the Addison Police Department, which serves the town of Addison. Arrest records in Winston County are public records under Alabama Code Title 36, Chapter 12, Article 40, which establishes the Alabama Public Records Law.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Alabama and may be obtained through direct request to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest, though some information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or juvenile identities. The Sheriff's Office handles warrants, serves civil papers, and coordinates with Winston County Emergency Management Agency. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Winston County, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in Winston County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Winston County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are essential for conducting background checks. In Alabama, the Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for residents seeking full background checks. These records are crucial for employers, landlords, and individuals needing to verify someone's criminal history.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Winston County are maintained by Winston County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the charges filed and any subsequent legal actions. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Alabama Open Records Act, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.
Jail & Inmate Records
Winston County Jail, located in Double Springs, is the primary detention facility for Winston County. The booking process at the jail involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals who have been arrested. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled visiting hours and guidelines that must be followed.
- The bond and bail process in Alabama allows for the release of inmates pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail staff.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Winston County are taken and retained by Winston County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. While Alabama does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking to have their mugshots removed from online databases may need to contact the hosting website directly. Mugshots are often used with arrest records to provide a complete picture of an individual's legal history.
Courts & Case Records
Winston County Circuit Court, located at Winston County Courthouse, 1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553, handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $10,000, domestic relations matters including divorce, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Court can be reached for Winston County District Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $10,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- Alabama offers the Alacourt online system for case lookup, accessible at https://v2.alacourt.gov, which provides access to circuit and district court case information for a fee.
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Circuit Clerk's office with fees typically ranging from $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
Winston County Probate Court, located at the same courthouse address and reachable, handles estates, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health commitments, adoptions, name changes, vehicle titles, and marriage licenses. The Probate Judge also serves administrative functions for county government. Winston County Municipal Courts operate in Haleyville, Double Springs, and Addison, handling city ordinance violations and traffic matters within city limits.
Court records in Alabama are governed by Alabama Code Section 12-21-1 et seq, which establishes that court records are generally public unless sealed by court order or protected by specific statute. Case searches can be conducted in person at Winston County Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Users can search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
Winston County Circuit Clerk maintains civil and criminal court files, jury records, and court orders.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Winston County are maintained by Winston County Probate Office, which is the recording office for deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and other real property instruments. The Probate Office is located at 1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553, and can be reached for Recording fees vary based on document type and page count, with standard documents typically costing $15 for the first page and $3 for each additional page as established under Alabama Code Title 12-19-90.
- Citizens can request property ownership information, assessed values, and tax payment history from these offices.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Probate Office with proper identification and payment of copying fees.
Winston County Probate Office maintains grantor/grantee indexes and plat maps for subdivisions and surveys recorded in Winston County. While Winston County does not currently offer a full free online property records search system, some third-party services aggregate available data. Property tax information and assessments are managed by Winston County Revenue Commissioner's office, located at 1815 Highway 195, Double Springs, AL 35553, phone.
The Revenue Commissioner maintains property tax records, vehicle registrations, and mobile home titles. Winston County Tax Assessor's Office, reachable, handles property appraisals, homestead exemptions, and assessment appeals. Winston County maintains paper indexes dating back to Winston County's establishment, with some older records preserved on microfilm.
Winston County participates in the Alabama statewide property data system, though direct access varies by office. Research assistance is available during regular business hours.
Vital Records
Vital records for Winston County, Alabama are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are governed by Alabama Code Title 22, Chapter 9A, which establishes the Alabama Center for Health Statistics as the state repository for vital records. For births and deaths occurring in Winston County, certified copies can be requested from Winston County Health Department or directly from the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625.
- The state vital records office can be reached for Birth certificates typically cost $15 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, while death certificates cost $15 each.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com with additional processing fees.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant (for birth records), family members, legal representatives, and parties with court orders.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if records are available, while mail requests take 2-4 weeks.
- The filing fee is approximately $76 in Winston County.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as defined by Alabama law. Marriage licenses are issued by Winston County Probate Court at 1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553, phone. As of January 1, 2019, Alabama replaced traditional marriage licenses with a recording system where couples submit a completed marriage certificate form and affidavit to the Probate Court without a ceremony requirement.
Divorce records are maintained by Winston County Circuit Clerk's office and are accessible as court records. Genealogical researchers should note that Alabama vital records are restricted for 125 years for births and 25 years for deaths under state confidentiality provisions.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Winston County involves multiple jurisdictions and agencies. Local business licenses and occupational taxes are administered by individual municipalities within Winston County, with businesses in Double Springs contacting Double Springs Town Hall, businesses in Haleyville contacting Haleyville City Hall, and businesses in other incorporated areas contacting their respective city offices. Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As or DBA filings) are filed with Winston County Probate Court at 1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553, phone.
- The filing fee for a trade name is approximately $10 and the registration is valid indefinitely unless withdrawn.
Formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and registered limited liability partnerships, is handled by the Alabama Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The state maintains a searchable online database at https://www.sos.alabama.gov/business-records/business-entity-search where citizens can look up registered business entities, view filing history, and access entity documents. Business entity filings can be submitted online through the Secretary of State's website.
Sales tax permits are issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue and can be applied for at https://www.revenue.alabama.gov. Professional and occupational licenses for regulated professions such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state licensing boards. Building permits and zoning approvals in unincorporated Winston County are handled by Winston County Building Inspector and Planning & Zoning Department, which can be contacted through Winston County Commission for Winston County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides business resources and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs and can be contacted for business climate information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Winston County, Alabama are administered by Winston County Absentee Election Manager and Board of Registrars, located at Winston County Courthouse, 1 Court Square, Double Springs, AL 35553. The election office can be reached for voter registration information and election inquiries. Voter registration in Winston County is available through multiple channels: in person at the Board of Registrars office, by mail using a downloadable application, or online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at https://www.alabamavotes.gov.
- Alabama law requires voters to register at least 15 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status, find their polling place, and view sample ballots through the Alabama Voter Portal at https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov.
- Winston County voter turnout in the November 2024 general election was approximately 55-60% of registered voters, consistent with rural Alabama county patterns in presidential election years.
Winston County operates multiple voting precincts across Winston County, with polling places typically located in community centers, fire stations, and municipal buildings. Voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct on Election Day, which is determined by residential address. Election records that are public under Alabama law include the official voter registration list (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Alabama Secretary of State, candidate qualifying documents filed with the probate office for local races, and certified election results by precinct.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate races depending on term cycles, Alabama state constitutional offices including Governor (if a gubernatorial election year), state legislative seats, and local county offices depending on term expirations.
Absentee voting in Alabama is available for voters who meet specific criteria including being away from Winston County on Election Day, illness or physical disability, working a required shift, being a caregiver, or being over 65 years old. Absentee ballot applications can be obtained from Winston County Absentee Election Manager or downloaded from the Secretary of State's website. Completed applications must be submitted according to statutory deadlines, typically at least one week before the election for regular absentee ballots.
Emergency absentee provisions exist for medical emergencies within five days of an election. Alabama law (Code of Alabama Section 36-12-40) provides that election records including poll lists, ballot counting records, and precinct results are public records subject to inspection, though actual voted ballots are sealed and confidential. Winston County posts unofficial election results on election night, with official certified results available after the canvass period.
Winston County Probate Judge is the ex officio chair of Winston County board of registrars and oversees election administration alongside appointed board members.
Economy & Demographics
Winston County's economy is characterized by a mix of traditional industries and emerging sectors, with forestry, timber products, and wood manufacturing forming the backbone of the local economic base. Winston County's extensive forest coverage, including large portions of the William B. Bankhead National Forest, supports logging operations, sawmills, and wood processing facilities that provide significant employment. Agriculture remains important with cattle ranching, poultry production, and row crop farming contributing to the rural economy.
- Retail trade concentrated in Haleyville and Double Springs provides consumer services and employment.
Manufacturing has a notable presence with several industrial facilities producing automotive components, metal products, and building materials. Major employers include local school systems (Winston County Schools and city school systems), healthcare providers including Lakeland Community Hospital in Haleyville, and county and municipal government agencies. The median household income in Winston County is estimated at approximately $42,000 to $45,000, which is below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural character and economic challenges facing Winston County.
The unemployment rate in Winston County typically ranges from 3% to 5%, generally tracking with state trends but sometimes elevated due to the rural economic base and limited industrial diversity. Tourism and outdoor recreation represent growing economic sectors, with visitors drawn to Bankhead National Forest for hiking, camping, hunting, and scenic drives. The Sipsey Wilderness within the national forest attracts backpackers and nature enthusiasts.
Economic development efforts focus on broadband expansion, workforce development, industrial recruitment, and supporting small businesses. Winston County Industrial Development Authority works to attract new industries and support existing businesses. While Winston County faces challenges including population decline, limited infrastructure in some areas, and distance from major metropolitan markets, community leaders emphasize quality of life, natural resources, and available industrial sites as competitive advantages.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Alacourt) | Property: Limited: In-Person/Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or State Portal | Business: Yes: Online (State System) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10 — Winston County provides access to most public records, though many require in-person visits or phone contact. State systems fill gaps in local online access.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Winston County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Winston County, Alabama.