>Washington County Arrest Records Online

Washington County, Alabama Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County, Alabama?

Arrest records in Washington County, Alabama are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that records maintained by government agencies, including those documenting arrests, shall be available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statutory provision. The Alabama Public Records Law operates under the presumption of openness, stating 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."

The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to document law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may obtain them through established procedures that balance transparency with privacy considerations as outlined in Alabama state law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Washington County?

Washington County arrest records are available through online platforms maintained by county law enforcement agencies. The Washington County Circuit Court provides electronic access to certain judicial records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This online accessibility is part of Alabama's ongoing initiative to modernize record-keeping systems and improve public access to government information.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) also maintains electronic databases that may contain arrest information from Washington County. Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 760-X-1-.12, these electronic records must be maintained with the same standards of accuracy and completeness as their physical counterparts. Online access is subject to user authentication protocols and may require payment of statutory fees as authorized under Alabama Code § 41-9-646.

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

How to Look Up Washington County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining Washington County arrest records, each with specific procedures established by Alabama state law and local regulations. Interested parties may utilize the following authorized channels:

In-person requests at the Washington County Sheriff's Office located at 45 Court Street, Chatom, AL 36518. Requestors must complete Form WCSO-PR1 (Public Records Request) and present valid government-issued identification. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Electronic requests through the Washington County Circuit Court's online portal, which provides access to arrest records that have entered the judicial system. Users must register an account and may be subject to access fees pursuant to Alabama Code § 12-19-180.
Written requests submitted to the Records Division of the Washington County Sheriff's Office. All written requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific information sought. Requests are processed in the order received, with response times typically ranging from 5-10 business days as stipulated in the department's Standard Operating Procedures.
Utilization of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's criminal history information system, which aggregates arrest data from jurisdictions throughout the state, including Washington County. Access to this system requires compliance with Alabama Code § 41-9-620 et seq., governing the dissemination of criminal history information.

Fees for record retrieval are established by Washington County Resolution 2023-47 and are subject to annual review by the County Commission. Current fees include $15.00 for basic arrest record searches and $25.00 for certified copies.

Contents of a Washington County Arrest Record

Washington County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center regulations (Alabama Administrative Code 765-X-1-.04). These official documents typically include the following elements:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases or known monikers
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
Statutory citations for all charges filed against the individual
Identification of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking number and processing information
Fingerprint classification data collected pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-9-623
Photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process
Detention status and bail determination information
Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Warrant information if the arrest was executed pursuant to a judicial order

All arrest records maintained by Washington County agencies must comply with the Criminal Justice Information Systems security policies established under Alabama Code § 41-9-594, which governs the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal justice information throughout the state.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Washington County

Under Alabama law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained in Washington County. The Alabama Record Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 et seq.) establishes the legal framework for this process. Eligibility criteria include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
Non-violent felony charges that were dismissed after successful completion of a diversion program
Misdemeanor charges, excluding violent offenses, traffic violations, or sex offenses, where the case was dismissed with prejudice
Arrests where no charges were filed within the statutory limitations period

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Washington County Circuit Court located at 45 Court Street, Chatom, AL 36518. Petitioners must submit Form CR-65 (Petition for Expungement) along with certified court records, a certified criminal history, and the administrative filing fee of $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify all agencies possessing records subject to the expungement request. If granted, the expungement order requires all county agencies to seal the records from public view, though certain government entities may retain access for law enforcement purposes as specified in Alabama Code § 15-27-7.

The Washington County District Attorney's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may file objections within 45 days of receiving notice. Petitioners are advised that expungement is a judicial determination subject to the court's discretion within the parameters established by state law.