Search Washington County DUI Records

Washington County DUI records are kept at the Circuit Clerk office in Chatom. The 1st Judicial Circuit handles all DUI cases filed in this southwest Alabama county. This rural county has a small population but covers a large area. Records include arrest data, court filings, and case outcomes. All DUI convictions in Washington County are public and stay on file for life under Alabama law.

Washington County Circuit Clerk

The Circuit Clerk in Washington County keeps all DUI court records. Valerie Knapp serves as the current clerk. Her office handles case filings, stores court files, and provides copies of DUI records. Staff can help you find old cases and new ones alike. The office is on Court Street in Chatom. Call ahead to check on your case before you visit Washington County.

In Washington County, DUI records include the arrest report, court filings, and final judgment. The clerk can look up cases by name or case number. Copies cost $1.00 per page at the office. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document. The office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Staff in Chatom handle DUI record requests regularly and can guide you through the process in Washington County.

How to Search DUI Records

You can search for DUI records in Washington County online or in person. Online is faster for basic case info. In-person visits let you see the full case file. Both methods give you access to DUI records going back many years in Washington County. Pick the way that fits your needs.

Alacourt is the state court system that covers Washington County. It has all DUI cases from the 1st Judicial Circuit. You can search by name or case number on the site. The fee is $9.99 per name search. This includes one case view. Extra cases cost $9.99 each. Document images run $5.00 for the first 20 pages. Visit pa.alacourt.com to search Washington County DUI records online.

To search DUI records in Washington County, you will need:

• Full name of the person
• Date of birth if known
• Case number if available
• Approximate date of the arrest

You can also visit the clerk office in Chatom to search in person. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring your ID when you go. The clerk can search by name or case number. Old records may take more time to find. Washington County keeps DUI records for decades, so even old cases are usually still on file.

Alabama DUI Laws

DUI laws in Alabama apply to all Washington County cases. Under Code of Alabama § 32-5A-191, driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher is a crime. Drivers under 21 face a 0.02% limit. Commercial drivers have a 0.04% limit. These rules govern every DUI arrest in Washington County.

Alabama has a 10-year look-back rule for DUI sentencing. Prior DUI convictions in the past 10 years count toward harsher penalties. A first DUI is a misdemeanor in Washington County. A second DUI within 10 years means more jail time and higher fines. A third DUI can lead to a year in jail. A fourth DUI within 10 years is a Class C felony with up to 10 years in prison. Washington County courts follow these state rules.

Key facts about DUI records in Washington County:

• DUI convictions stay on record for life
• DUI cannot be expunged in Alabama
• Only dismissed charges may be cleared
• All DUI records are public

Under Code of Alabama § 36-12-40, court records are public. Anyone can ask to see DUI case files in Washington County. You do not have to be part of the case. This law helps people check DUI history for jobs, housing, or other reasons.

Washington County Sheriff Office

The Washington County Sheriff handles DUI arrests in the county. Sheriff Richard Stringer leads the department. Deputies patrol county roads and make DUI arrests when needed. Arrest records are kept by the sheriff. These records are separate from court case files. The sheriff can tell you about recent arrests and jail bookings in Washington County.

For arrest records in Washington County, contact the sheriff office. They may have info on recent DUI arrests that have not gone to court yet. The office can tell you if someone is in jail on a DUI charge. For court outcomes and older cases, the Circuit Clerk is the better source. Both offices work on DUI cases but keep different records in Washington County.

1st Circuit District Attorney

The 1st Circuit District Attorney prosecutes DUI cases in Washington County. Stephen Winters is the DA for this circuit. His office handles all criminal cases, including DUI charges. They decide whether to offer plea deals or take cases to trial. Visit daoffice.org for more info about the district attorney serving Washington County.

DUI Record Fees

Washington County has set fees for DUI records. These fees apply at the Circuit Clerk office in Chatom. Costs can change, so call the office to check rates. Most people pay by cash or money order. Some offices take cards now, but check first.

Main fees for DUI records in Washington County:

• Alacourt online search: $9.99 per name
• Document images online: $5.00 for 1-20 pages
• In-person copies: $1.00 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 per document
• ALEA criminal history: $25.00
• Driver record (MVR): $5.75

For a full criminal history that covers DUI arrests from Washington County and statewide, go through ALEA. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency does background checks for $25.00. This shows all DUI convictions on file. Visit alea.gov to learn about full state background checks that include Washington County records.

State DUI Record Resources

Several state agencies can help you find DUI records from Washington County. These cover the whole state and include local data. Use them when you need more than court records or want to check full DUI history across Alabama.

State resources for DUI records include:

• ALEA Criminal Records for background checks
• Alacourt Public Access for court case searches
• Alabama DL Portal for driving records
• AlaPay for court fine payments

In Washington County, start with Alacourt for DUI case info. Add a driving record from ALEA if you need the full picture. The driving record shows license suspensions from DUI arrests. It costs $5.75 and can be ordered online. For jobs that need background checks, the $25.00 ALEA report is the most complete option for Washington County residents.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Washington County. Check the arrest location to find the right county for records. DUI cases are filed where the arrest happened.