Florida Criminal Records Search

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How to Check for Florida Criminal Records

Florida’s Department of Law Enforcement is the agency responsible for maintaining all criminal records in the state. They support the Freedom of Information Act by allowing the public full access to criminal records via their website for a fee of $24 per file. You can use their online search system. They also offer a mail-in option for a certified copy of someone’s criminal records. You can also search by Originating Agency Identifier (ORI) to find someone’s criminal records by the agency that arrested them.

Federal Records vs. Court Criminal Records in Florida

You can use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system to search for someone’s federal criminal records in Florida. Or you can visit the federal courthouse where the person was arraigned. For local court documents, you can visit the courthouse website or visit them in person. You will have to pay a fee and wait while they provide copies for you. The PACER system also allows you to locate paper documents so you can visit the right courthouse for a copy.

How Long do Felony or Misdemeanor Charges Last?

Certain crimes will remain on your record for the rest of your life. In other cases, you can apply to have both felonies and misdemeanors expunged if you qualify. First, you must complete your punishment and then follow any additional rules for expunging records. You must wait at least one year after completion of your sentence before requesting. Once your records have been expunged, you may be able to purchase firearms or vote and apply for government licensing.

Who Can Lookup your Criminal Background?

Law enforcement agencies, the government, and the general public have the right to look up your criminal background at any time. Landlords often use them before renting property. Only records that have been sealed or expunged do not show up in your criminal history.

Why Check Someone’s Filed Criminal Charges?

Government agencies use them before allowing you to obtain permits and licensing or other security clearance. Other reasons people lookup someone’s criminal history is before renting property to them, for licensing or purchasing guns and also before joining the military or school.

Types of Criminal Records

Someone’s criminal records will show all the crimes they committed, both felonies and misdemeanors. They will also show minor things like driving infractions and DUIs. Criminal records also show the court documents and how they fared in court and if they ended up in jail or other penalizing programs as punishment. You can also see mug shots, fingerprints, and other demographic data.

How Are FL Criminal Records Created?

From the time someone is arrested, the paper trail begins. The first officer to arrest them will fill out a report. When they get released on bail, another form will be filled out. When they show up in court, more documents are created, and all this paperwork becomes the person’s criminal record.