>Washington County Warrant Search Online

Washington County, Alabama Warrant Records

Are Warrants Public Record in Washington County, Alabama?

Warrant records are public documents in Washington County, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including the judiciary and law enforcement, shall be accessible to the public with certain exceptions for confidential or sensitive information. The law specifically states that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute."

In Washington County, warrant records are maintained by the Washington County Circuit Court and the Washington County Sheriff's Office. These records document judicial authorizations for law enforcement actions such as arrests, searches, or seizures. The public accessibility of these records serves multiple governmental interests, including:

Promoting transparency in judicial proceedings
Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
Providing citizens with information about potential legal actions that may affect them
Supporting the constitutional right to due process

Members of the public seeking warrant information may access these records through established procedures at the Washington County Courthouse, located at 45 Court Street, Chatom, AL 36518. The Washington County Circuit Court maintains these records as part of its official duties within Alabama's First Judicial Circuit.

What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Washington County?

Warrant records in Washington County contain specific information as prescribed by Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1 and applicable statutes. Standard components of warrant documentation include:

Case number and filing date
Full legal name and identifying information of the subject
Nature of the alleged offense, including relevant Alabama Code sections
Date and time of issuance
Name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate
Bond amount, if applicable
Return of service information documenting execution or attempted execution
Expiration date, if applicable

For arrest warrants, records typically include the specific criminal charges and statutory references to the Alabama Criminal Code. Search warrants contain detailed descriptions of locations to be searched and items subject to seizure, as required by the Fourth Amendment and Alabama law.

The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts establishes standardized formats for warrant documentation throughout the state's unified judicial system, ensuring consistency in record-keeping across all 67 counties, including Washington County.

How to Check For Warrants in Washington County For Free

Washington County residents may verify warrant status through several no-cost methods established pursuant to Alabama's open records provisions. The following official channels provide free access to warrant information:

Washington County Circuit Clerk's Office
45 Court Street
Chatom, AL 36518
Phone: (251) 847-2239
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Washington County Circuit Court

Individuals may visit the clerk's office during regular business hours to request a search of public records. Photo identification is required, and searches may be conducted using the public access terminals available on-site. The clerk's staff can provide guidance on navigating the record system but cannot provide legal advice regarding warrant status.

Washington County Sheriff's Office
45 Court Street
Chatom, AL 36518
Phone: (251) 847-2222
Hours: 24 hours daily (administrative office: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday)

The Sheriff's Office maintains records of active warrants issued within the county jurisdiction. In-person inquiries regarding warrant status may be made at the administrative office during regular business hours. Pursuant to departmental policy, individuals inquiring about their own warrant status should be prepared to provide identification.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency also maintains certain records that may be accessed through official channels, though specific warrant information is typically managed at the county level.

Washington County Sheriff Warrants

The Washington County Sheriff's Office executes warrants issued by judicial authorities within the county pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-10-1, which authorizes sheriffs and their deputies to execute arrest warrants throughout their jurisdictions. Sheriff warrants in Washington County fall into several categories:

Arrest Warrants - Authorizing the apprehension of individuals charged with criminal offenses
Bench Warrants - Issued when individuals fail to appear for scheduled court proceedings
Search Warrants - Permitting the examination of specified locations for evidence
Civil Warrants - Related to non-criminal matters such as property seizures or evictions

The execution of warrants follows strict procedural requirements established by the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure and relevant case law. Deputies must identify themselves, state their purpose, and present the warrant upon request unless exigent circumstances exist.

The Sheriff's Office maintains a dedicated warrants division responsible for processing and executing outstanding warrants. This unit coordinates with other law enforcement agencies when subjects are believed to be outside Washington County jurisdiction. Interstate warrants may be processed through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) system when appropriate.

For information regarding active warrants, members of the public may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (251) 847-2222. The office is located within the Washington County Courthouse at 45 Court Street, Chatom, AL 36518.

How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Washington County in 2025

As of 2025, Washington County has implemented several methods for individuals to verify their warrant status in accordance with Alabama's public records statutes. Persons seeking to determine if a warrant exists in their name may utilize the following official channels:

Washington County Judicial System Online Portal
The Washington County Circuit Court maintains an electronic case management system accessible through public terminals at the courthouse. Limited information may also be available through the court's official website. Users should note that pursuant to Alabama Judicial Administrative Rule 33, certain case information may be restricted from online access while remaining available through in-person requests.

In-Person Record Search
Individuals may visit the Washington County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM) to request a search of court records. The clerk's office is located at:

Washington County Circuit Clerk
45 Court Street
Chatom, AL 36518
Phone: (251) 847-2239

Photo identification is required for all in-person searches. Staff members can assist with navigating the record system but cannot provide legal advice regarding the implications of any warrants discovered.

Legal Representation
Licensed attorneys may access warrant information on behalf of clients through established court procedures. The Alabama State Bar can provide referrals to qualified legal professionals in Washington County who specialize in criminal matters.

Individuals who discover active warrants in their name are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding appropriate next steps. The Alabama Department of Corrections provides information regarding incarceration procedures that may result from warrant execution.

How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Washington County

Washington County maintains systematic procedures for verifying outstanding warrant status in compliance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and applicable judicial administrative rules. Members of the public seeking information about outstanding warrants may utilize the following official resources:

Washington County Circuit Court Records Division
45 Court Street
Chatom, AL 36518
Phone: (251) 847-2239
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Washington County Circuit Court

The Records Division maintains documentation of all warrants issued by Washington County courts. Searches may be conducted by name, case number, or other identifying information. A nominal fee may apply for certified copies of warrant documentation, though basic searches are provided without charge.

Alabama Statewide Warrant Database
Law enforcement agencies throughout Alabama, including the Washington County Sheriff's Office, participate in the statewide warrant information system maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. While direct public access to this database is restricted, information may be obtained through proper channels at local law enforcement agencies.

Third-Party Record Services
Several authorized vendors provide Alabama warrant search services that include Washington County records. These services compile information from public sources and may charge fees for comprehensive searches. Users should verify that any third-party service complies with Alabama's public records regulations.

For individuals concerned about potential warrants in multiple jurisdictions, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts can provide guidance on conducting statewide record searches through the unified judicial system.