Clearwater City criminal records are court files and case documents held by Pinellas County, which is part of Florida’s 6th Judicial Circuit. Anyone can look up felony, misdemeanor, and traffic criminal cases filed in Clearwater.
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps these records and makes them open to the public. You can search online from home, visit the courthouse in person, or use statewide databases for a full check. This page explains each method step by step so you can get the records you need quickly and without confusion.
What Are Clearwater City Criminal Records
Clearwater criminal records are official court documents that show what happened in a criminal case from start to finish. They include charges, court dates, pleas, and final outcomes. These files are created when someone is charged with a crime in the Clearwater area and the case goes through the court system. They do not include minor civil disputes or family law matters.
Who Maintains These Records
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the official record keeper for all criminal cases in Clearwater. This office stores millions of files dating back many decades. They handle filings for the 6th Judicial Circuit Court, which covers both Pinellas and Pasco counties. The Clerk’s office provides both online access and in-person services for people who need to view or copy these documents.
What Types of Cases Are Included
Criminal records for Clearwater include felony cases, misdemeanor cases, DUI charges, and traffic-related criminal offenses. Felonies are the most serious crimes and can include charges like burglary, drug trafficking, and assault. Misdemeanors cover less serious offenses such as petty theft, simple battery, and minor drug possession. Traffic criminal cases include reckless driving, driving with a suspended license that causes injury, and leaving the scene of a crash.
Public Access Laws in Florida
Florida law makes most criminal court records open to the public under the Florida Public Records Act. This means any person can ask to see these files. The law covers cases that have been resolved, cases still in progress, and many older records. Some files are closed to the public. These include juvenile records, sealed cases, expunged cases, and certain records protected by court order.
How to Search Clearwater Criminal Court Records Online
Online search is the fastest way to check Clearwater criminal court records. The Pinellas County Clerk offers a free public portal that works on any device with internet access. You can search from your phone, tablet, or computer at any time of day. The system shows basic case details at no cost, and you only pay if you need certified copies for legal use.
Using the Pinellas County Clerk of Court Portal
Go to the official Pinellas County Clerk website at mypinellasclerk.gov to start your search. Look for the “Court Records” or “Case Search” link on the main page. Click it to open the public records search tool. The portal lets you search criminal, civil, traffic, and probate cases filed in the county. You do not need an account to view basic case details. Create a free account only if you want to save searches or get email updates about case activity.
Searching by Name and Case Number
You have two main search options on the portal. Name search lets you type the person’s full legal name. Use the last name first for best results. If you know the case number, you can enter that directly to find one specific file. The case number format for Pinellas criminal cases usually starts with a year code followed by a sequence of letters and numbers. You can also search by citation number for traffic criminal cases or by date range to narrow your results.
Statewide Search Through FDLE
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history search through CCHInet. This tool checks criminal records across all Florida counties, including Pinellas. It costs $25 per name search and requires you to create an account. Results show arrests, charges, and convictions from any Florida jurisdiction. The search is a good choice when you need a full Florida background check rather than just Clearwater cases.
Visiting the Pinellas County Courthouse in Person
Some people need to visit the courthouse to view physical files or get certified copies. The main Pinellas County Courthouse is located in Clearwater and handles all criminal cases for the area. In-person visits are helpful when you need older records that are not yet digitized or when you need help from a clerk to locate a file. Staff are available during business hours to assist with searches and copy requests.
Location and Hours
The main criminal courthouse is at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. The Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for court holidays. Public terminals for records search are available in the lobby. You can use these computers to look up cases for free. Court hearings and trials take place on upper floors, and security screening is required to enter the building.
What to Bring
Bring a valid photo ID to enter the courthouse. You will also need the full legal name of the person you are searching for. Date of birth helps narrow down results when names are common. If you have a case number or citation number, bring that too. A notebook and pen let you write down information you find. You cannot use phones or cameras inside the courthouse without permission, so be ready to put your phone away at security.
Fees for Copies and Certification
Standard copies cost a small fee per page as set by Florida law. Certified copies cost more because they include an official seal and signature. You need certified copies for legal filings, immigration cases, and most official uses. The Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Some services are free, such as viewing case information at a public terminal. Call the Clerk’s office at (727) 464-7000 for current fee amounts before your visit.
Types of Criminal Records Available
Clearwater criminal records come in several forms, each with its own purpose. Knowing the type you need helps you choose the right search method. Court records show the legal side of a case. Police records show the investigation side. Inmate records show custody status for people currently in jail.
Felony Case Files
Felony case files cover serious crimes that can result in prison time of more than one year. They include the arrest affidavit, charging documents from the State Attorney, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. These files also contain motions filed by defense lawyers and responses from prosecutors. Felony cases are heard in circuit court, and the 6th Judicial Circuit handles all felony cases for Clearwater and the rest of Pinellas County.
Misdemeanor Case Files
Misdemeanor case files cover less serious crimes with maximum sentences of one year in county jail. Common misdemeanor charges include simple assault, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and minor drug offenses. These cases are usually heard in county court. Misdemeanor files include the same basic documents as felony cases but are shorter due to the lower stakes involved.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest records come from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office rather than the court system. They show when someone was taken into custody, the charges at the time of arrest, and booking details like height, weight, and mugshot. The Sheriff’s Office provides a current inmate search on its website. You can search by name to find people currently held in the county jail. Past booking records may require a formal public records request to the Sheriff.
Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records in Clearwater
Some people can have their Clearwater criminal records sealed or expunged under Florida law. Sealing hides the record from public view but keeps it in the system. Expungement destroys the record so it no longer exists in public files. Both options can help with jobs, housing, and professional licensing. The process is similar for both but has different effects on your record.
Eligibility Requirements
You can apply for sealing or expungement if your case ended in a dismissal, a not guilty verdict, or a withhold of adjudication. You cannot have any prior convictions on your record. You cannot have any other sealed or expunged cases in the past. Some crimes cannot be sealed or expunged, including sexual offenses and certain violent crimes. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement issues a Certificate of Eligibility that confirms you meet the rules.
The Application Process
Start by applying to the FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility. The form is available on the FDLE website. You must provide fingerprints and pay a small processing fee. After FDLE approves your application, you file a petition with the Pinellas County Clerk of Court. A judge reviews your petition and signs an order if approved. The order goes to all agencies that have your record, and they must follow the judge’s instructions.
Time and Costs Involved
The full process takes three to six months from start to finish. The FDLE application fee is around $75 for sealing and around $75 for expungement. Court filing fees add to the total cost. Some people hire an attorney to handle the paperwork, which costs more but reduces errors. You only get one expungement in your lifetime under Florida law, so use it carefully.
Other Resources for Clearwater Criminal Record Searches
Beyond the Clerk’s office, other agencies offer record searches that cover Clearwater cases. These resources work well for specific needs like prison searches, sex offender checks, or active warrant checks. Use them alongside court searches for a full picture.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections runs a free inmate search on its website. This database shows people currently in state prison or on supervision after release. It does not show county jail inmates, but it does include people convicted in Clearwater felony cases who received state prison sentences. You can search by name or Department of Corrections ID number.
Sex Offender and Predator Registry
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement operates the public sex offender registry. You can search by name, address, or zip code to find registered offenders living in Clearwater. The search shows the person’s current address, offense details, and registration status. This is a separate database from criminal court records and is used for community safety checks.
Active Warrant Checks
Active warrant searches require a visit to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office or a request through their public records unit. The Sheriff does not post active warrants online for safety reasons. You can ask about a specific person by submitting a public records request or calling the non-emergency line. Only certain people, such as the person named on the warrant, can get full warrant details.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller serves as the official record keeper for Clearwater criminal records. The main office is located in the Clearwater courthouse complex. Use the details below to reach the Clerk’s office by phone, mail, or in person during business hours.
Main Office Location and Hours
The main Pinellas County Clerk’s office is at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, except for official court holidays. Public records terminals are open during these hours for in-person case searches. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays.
Phone and Online Contact
Call the Clerk’s office at (727) 464-7000 for general questions about criminal records. The official website is mypinellasclerk.gov for online searches and account help. Public records requests can be submitted through the website’s records request form. Email contact is available for specific departments listed on the Clerk’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearwater City Criminal Records
People searching for Clearwater criminal records often have similar questions about access, costs, and legal rules. The following answers cover the most common questions about how the Pinellas County system works. Each answer gives you the specific steps and contact details you need to get the records you are looking for.
How Far Back Do Clearwater Criminal Records Go?
The Pinellas County Clerk’s office keeps criminal records dating back to the founding of the county. Online search covers cases from the mid-1990s to the present. Older records from the 1980s and earlier may require an in-person visit to the courthouse archives. The archives department stores physical files for cases that have not been digitized. Some very old files may have been destroyed under retention schedules, but most serious cases are kept permanently.
Can I Check Clearwater Criminal Records for Free?
Yes, basic case searches are free through the Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal. You can see case numbers, charges, court dates, and final outcomes at no cost. In-person searches at public terminals in the courthouse are also free. You only pay when you need physical copies or certified documents. The FDLE statewide search costs $25 per name, and certified copies from the Clerk cost a few dollars per page plus a certification fee.
Are Juvenile Records Available to the Public?
No, juvenile criminal records in Clearwater are not open to the public. Florida law keeps juvenile cases confidential to protect minors. Only certain people can access these records, including the minor’s parents, the minor’s attorney, the judge handling the case, and law enforcement for specific purposes. Public searches will not show juvenile cases. Adult records for the same person may still be public once they reach adulthood.
What Shows Up on a Clearwater Background Check?
A Clearwater background check shows criminal cases filed in Pinellas County, including charges, pleas, and final outcomes. It will include felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic criminal offenses. It will not show civil cases, family law matters, or sealed or expunged records. Some background checks also include arrest records from the Sheriff’s Office, while others focus only on court dispositions. The level of detail depends on the type of search you order.
How Long Does It Take to Get Certified Copies?
Certified copies from the Pinellas County Clerk’s office are usually ready the same day for in-person requests at the courthouse. Online requests for certified copies may take three to five business days to process and mail. Rush services are available for an extra fee if you need copies the same day. Mail requests take the longest, often one to two weeks, depending on the volume of orders at the Clerk’s office.
Can Someone Remove Their Criminal Record from Clearwater Court Files?
Yes, eligible people can seal or expunge their records under Florida law. You must apply to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility first. After you get the certificate, you file a petition with the Pinellas County Clerk. A judge reviews your case and signs an order if you qualify. The order goes to all agencies that have your record, and they must remove it from public view. This process takes several months from start to finish.