Washington County Jail Mugshots

Washington County jail mugshots are maintained by the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Chatom. The county does not have an online jail roster, so you need to contact the sheriff directly for current inmate information. Washington County was the first county established in Alabama, making it one of the oldest in the state.

Washington County Sheriff Jail Information

The Washington County Sheriff's Office operates the county jail in Chatom. Like many rural counties in Alabama, they do not have a public online jail roster. To get information about current inmates, you need to contact the office directly.

Washington County is a rural county in southwest Alabama with a population around 16,000. The county was established in 1800, making it the first county in what would become Alabama. It was part of Mississippi Territory at the time.

The county is part of the 1st Judicial Circuit along with Choctaw and Clarke counties. Cases from Washington County are heard at the courthouse in Chatom.

With a smaller population comes a smaller jail. The county jail handles relatively few inmates compared to larger counties. This makes it easier to get information by phone.

How to Find Washington County Jail Mugshots

Without an online roster, you have several options for finding jail records in Washington County.

Phone calls are the fastest way to check. Call the Washington County Sheriff's Office at (251) 847-2251. Staff can tell you if someone is currently in custody. They can give you information about charges and bond status. For detailed records, you may need to visit.

In-person requests work best for copies. Go to the sheriff's office at 45 Court Street in Chatom. Bring a valid ID and know the full name of the person you are searching for. Staff can look up records and print copies. Copy fees are usually $0.25 to $1.00 per page.

For certified background checks, use ALEA. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency handles statewide criminal history requests. The fee is $25 by mail or $15 online. Call 334-676-7897 for more information.

Court records can be searched through Alacourt at pa.alacourt.com. Look up Washington County cases by name or case number. This shows charges and case status but does not include mugshots.

Washington County Booking Process

When someone is arrested in Washington County, they go through a standard booking process at the county jail.

The arresting officer brings the person to the jail in Chatom. This could be a sheriff's deputy, state trooper, or officer from another agency. The jail staff takes over from there.

During booking, staff collect personal information. They record the name, date of birth, address, and charges. They take a mugshot and assign a booking number. All of this goes into the jail's record system.

After booking, the person waits for a bond hearing. A judge sets bond based on the charges. Once bond is posted, the person can be released pending trial. The booking record stays even after release.

What Washington County Jail Records Include

Washington County booking records contain standard information required by Alabama law. These records exist at the sheriff's office.

A typical booking record includes:

• Full legal name and any aliases
• Date of birth and age at arrest
• Physical description: height, weight, hair, eyes
• Race and sex
• Booking number and date
• All charges at time of arrest
• Bond amount if set
• Arresting agency and officer
• Mugshot photograph
• Release date and reason if applicable

These records are public under Alabama law. You have the right to request and view them during normal business hours at the sheriff's office.

Alabama Laws on Jail Records

Alabama law makes jail records public. The Washington County Sheriff must follow these laws.

Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 is the Open Records Act. Every Alabama citizen has the right to inspect and copy public records. Jail mugshots are public records. No reason is needed to request them.

Alabama Code Section 36-22-8 requires the sheriff to maintain a record book of all prisoners. The book must include name, age, sex, race, and physical description. It must show charges and dates of commitment and release. This book must be open for public inspection during office hours.

Alabama Code Section 14-6-1 gives the sheriff custody of the county jail. The Washington County Sheriff is responsible for the jail and all inmates, including keeping accurate records.

Expungement is available in some cases. Under Alabama Code Sections 15-27-1 and 15-27-2, dismissed charges or acquittals may qualify. The filing fee is $500. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.

Washington County Geography

Washington County is located in southwest Alabama near the Mississippi border. The Tombigbee River runs through the county. This affects law enforcement in some ways.

The rural nature of the county means deputies cover large areas. Response times can be longer than in urban counties. The sheriff's office works with state troopers to patrol highways running through the county.

Hunting and fishing are popular in the area. Game law violations occasionally lead to arrests. These cases go through the county jail like other charges.

The county includes parts of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta system. This wilderness area requires specialized patrols. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources assists with enforcement in these areas.

Contact Washington County Sheriff

For questions about jail records, mugshots, or current inmates, contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Washington County Sheriff's Office
45 Court Street
Chatom, AL 36518
Phone: (251) 847-2251

The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Call ahead if you plan to visit for records to make sure someone can help you.

Nearby Counties

Washington County borders several other Alabama counties and the state of Mississippi. If someone is not in the Washington County jail, try these areas.

Search Washington County Mugshots

Use our search tool to find jail mugshots and arrest records in Washington County, Alabama.