Hialeah City criminal records are public court files and police reports from cases handled inside Hialeah, Florida. These records cover arrests, charges, court hearings, and final case outcomes for people involved in the local justice system.
Hialeah sits in Miami-Dade County, so most felony and major criminal cases move through the Miami-Dade court system. Smaller misdemeanor and city ordinance cases go through the Hialeah Municipal Court. Anyone can look up these records online for free or visit local offices in person to request certified copies. This page explains where to find Hialeah criminal records, how to search them step by step, what types of records exist, what fees apply, and how to seal or expunge eligible cases.
Where to Find Hialeah Criminal Records
Criminal records in Hialeah live in three main places. The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts holds felony and county-level misdemeanor files. The Hialeah Municipal Court handles city-level misdemeanor and ordinance cases. The Hialeah Police Department keeps arrest and incident reports. State agencies like FDLE and the Florida Department of Corrections also track criminal history data across Florida.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts acts as the main record keeper for all felony cases and most misdemeanor cases that happen in Hialeah. The Clerk office files charging documents, court orders, judgments, and sentencing records. Anyone can search these records through the Clerk’s online portal from any computer or phone. The online system works 24 hours a day and shows case numbers, charges, court dates, and final outcomes. People who want certified copies for legal use must pay a fee set by Florida law.
Hialeah Municipal Court Records
The Hialeah Municipal Court processes misdemeanor cases, traffic infractions, and city ordinance violations that occur within Hialeah city limits. The court clerk maintains separate files for these cases, which differ from Miami-Dade Circuit Court records. People searching for Hialeah city criminal records should check the municipal court first if the charge is a minor offense like petty theft, simple battery, or driving under a license suspension. The Hialeah Municipal Court offers online case lookup tools and in-person record requests during business hours.
Hialeah Police Department Records
The Hialeah Police Department creates arrest reports and incident reports for crimes reported within Hialeah. These police records show what officers saw, who got arrested, and what evidence was collected at the scene. The Records Division at the Hialeah Police Department handles requests for these reports. Some basic reports are free to view. Official copies cost a fee per page. Arrest records show the person’s name, date of birth, charges at arrest, and booking information.
How to Search Hialeah Criminal Records Online
Online searching is the fastest way to look up Hialeah criminal records. Several official websites let people search by name, case number, or booking date. The search tools show real-time case data straight from court and police systems. Most basic searches are free.
Using the Miami-Dade Clerk Online Portal
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts runs an online case search tool at miamidadeclerk.gov. To search Hialeah criminal records, open the Criminal Records Search page. Type the person’s full legal name into the name field. Add a date of birth if known, since this helps narrow down results when names are common. The search returns all matching criminal cases filed in Miami-Dade County, including those originating in Hialeah. Each result shows the case number, charges filed, court division, and current case status. Click on a case to view hearing dates, plea details, and final judgment information. The portal is free to use for basic case viewing.
Searching Hialeah Municipal Court Cases
Hialeah Municipal Court cases go through a separate online system. The court offers a public case lookup tool on its website that lets people search open and closed municipal cases. People can search by name or case number. Results show charge details, court hearing schedules, fines owed, and case closure status. People who need certified copies of municipal court records can request them through the court clerk’s office. A small fee applies for each certified document.
Statewide Criminal History Through FDLE
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs CCHInet, a statewide criminal history search tool. CCHInet pulls arrest and conviction data from all Florida counties, including Miami-Dade. To use CCHInet, create a user account on the FDLE website. Pay a $24 fee per name search using a credit card. Results show all arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentences on file for the person in Florida. CCHInet does not show federal charges or cases from other states.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections keeps records of people in state prison or under state supervision. The Offender Search tool on the FDC website lets users look up inmates by name or DC number. Results show current custody status, facility location, release date, and supervision history. This tool only covers state prison sentences. People serving county jail time in Miami-Dade appear in the Miami-Dade Corrections inmate search instead.
Types of Hialeah Criminal Records Available
Different record types serve different purposes. Court records track the legal process from charging through sentencing. Police records document the original incident. Jail records show current inmate status. Each type contains specific details that help people understand the full case history.
Court Case Files and Dockets
Court case files include the complete paperwork for each criminal case in Hialeah. The file starts with the arrest affidavit, which explains why police had probable cause. The State Attorney files formal charges listing each criminal count. Court minutes record what happened at each hearing before the judge. Discovery materials include evidence shared between the prosecution and defense. The final judgment shows the case outcome, whether through plea, trial verdict, or dismissal. Sentencing documents record any jail time, probation, or fines the judge imposed. These files give the most complete picture of any criminal case.
Police Reports and Arrest Records
Police reports document what officers observed at the scene of a crime. An incident report covers calls where police responded but no arrest happened. An arrest report details the circumstances of taking someone into custody, including time, location, witness names, and collected evidence. The Hialeah Police Department Records Division stores these reports. Most basic police reports are public record, though some details may be redacted while investigations stay active.
Jail Records and Booking Information
Jail records show people currently held at the Miami-Dade County Jail or Turnberry Detention Center. The Miami-Dade Corrections Department runs an online inmate search tool that displays booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. People searching Hialeah criminal records often use jail searches to confirm recent arrests and check bond status before visiting the jail.
Warrant Records
Active arrest warrants are public record in Florida. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts and local police departments publish warrant lists that show people wanted for arrest. A Hialeah warrant search shows outstanding warrants issued for failure to appear, probation violation, or new criminal charges. These records help people confirm whether a warrant exists before court appearances.
Hialeah Criminal Records Fees and Process
Fees for Hialeah criminal records depend on the agency and document type. Basic online searches cost nothing. Certified copies require payment. Knowing the fee structure helps people budget for records they need.
Miami-Dade Clerk Copy Fees
The Miami-Dade Clerk charges a per-page fee for regular copies of court records. Certified copies cost more because they include an official seal and signature from the Clerk. Certified copies are required for use in court proceedings, immigration cases, and official legal filings. The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person requests. Online certified copy requests through the Clerk portal add a small processing fee on top of the standard certified copy price. Current fee schedules are posted on the Miami-Dade Clerk website.
| Record Type | Fee | Delivery Method |
|---|---|---|
| Online case search (basic view) | Free | Web portal |
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.00 | In-person or mail |
| Certified copy (per document) | $2.00 to $8.00 | In-person, mail, or online |
| FDLE statewide criminal history | $24.00 | Online (CCHInet) |
| Police report copy | Varies | In-person or mail |
FDLE Statewide Search Fees
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges $24 per name for a statewide criminal history check through CCHInet. Users must register an account and pay by credit card. Results arrive instantly as a downloadable PDF. The report covers all Florida arrests and convictions on file for the searched person. Out-of-state records do not appear in this search. People who need national background checks must contact the FBI or use a private screening service.
Free vs. Paid Record Options
Free searches through the Miami-Dade Clerk portal and Hialeah Municipal Court website show basic case details at no cost. People can view charges, court dates, and case status without paying. Paid services only become necessary when someone needs a certified copy, a statewide criminal history, or a full background report. People should check free online resources first before paying for record retrieval.
Sealing and Expunging Hialeah Criminal Records
Florida law lets people seal or expunge certain criminal records under specific conditions. Sealing hides records from public view but keeps them in agency files. Expungement physically destroys the records. Both options help people clear their record for employment, housing, and education purposes.
Eligibility for Record Sealing
People who completed a diversion program, had charges dropped, or won a not guilty verdict at trial may qualify to seal their Hialeah criminal record. Florida law blocks people with prior convictions from sealing new records, except for minor cases. People who already received a sealing or expungement on another case cannot seal a new case, with limited exceptions. All court obligations, including fines and probation, must be finished before applying.
Steps to Seal a Hialeah Record
The sealing process begins with a Certificate of Eligibility application to FDLE. The application requires fingerprints and a processing fee. FDLE reviews the application and issues a certificate if the person qualifies. After receiving the certificate, the person files a petition to seal in the Miami-Dade County court where the original case was handled. A judge reviews the petition and signs a court order if approved. The Clerk then notifies all agencies holding the record to seal their files. The whole process usually takes several months from start to finish.
Expungement Process and Limits
Expungement follows the same steps as sealing but ends with a court order to physically destroy the records. Florida law limits people to one lifetime expungement. Certain serious charges, including violent felonies and sex offenses, do not qualify for either sealing or expungement. People with questions about eligibility should review FDLE’s seal and expunge page or speak with a Florida criminal defense attorney.
Hialeah Court System Overview
Understanding which court handles a Hialeah case helps people find the right records faster. Two main court systems process criminal cases from Hialeah: the Hialeah Municipal Court for minor offenses and the Miami-Dade Circuit Court for felonies and major misdemeanors.
Hialeah Municipal Court Jurisdiction
The Hialeah Municipal Court handles misdemeanor offenses, county ordinance violations, and traffic infractions that occur inside Hialeah city limits. Common cases heard here include petit theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, possession of small amounts of marijuana, and driving with a suspended license when charged as a misdemeanor. The court also processes code enforcement violations. The presiding judge handles arraignments, trials, and sentencing for these cases. People with Hialeah municipal cases can search the court’s online case portal or visit the courthouse in person.
Miami-Dade Circuit Court Jurisdiction
The Miami-Dade Circuit Court handles felony cases, serious misdemeanors, and juvenile cases from Hialeah. Felony charges include burglary, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, robbery, and homicide. These cases start with an arraignment in circuit court and may move through pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, and jury trials. The Clerk of Courts maintains all circuit court records online. People searching for serious Hialeah criminal records will find them in the Miami-Dade Circuit Court system.
Contact Information and Locations
People who need in-person help with Hialeah criminal records can visit the agencies below. Always call ahead to confirm hours and document requirements before visiting.
Hialeah Police Department
The Hialeah Police Department Records Division handles police report and arrest record requests. The police station is located at 5951 NW 173 Drive, Hialeah, FL 33015. The Records Division phone number is (305) 953-5353. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hialeah Municipal Court
The Hialeah Municipal Court Clerk’s Office is located at 50 East 3 Street, Hialeah, FL 33010. The court phone number is (305) 883-8700. Court office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The court accepts walk-in record requests and certified copy applications.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts
The Miami-Dade Clerk main office is located at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. The Clerk phone number for criminal records questions is (305) 275-1155. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Satellite clerk offices also serve Hialeah residents at the Hialeah Courthouse.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE handles statewide criminal history requests and seal or expunge applications. The FDLE headquarters is at 2333 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The CCHInet user support phone line is (850) 410-7000. Sealing and expungement applications can be mailed to FDLE or submitted online through the FDLE website.
Florida Department of Corrections
The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search system runs online 24 hours a day. The FDC main office is at 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399. Public inquiries can be directed to (850) 488-3136 during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common concerns people have when searching Hialeah criminal records. Each answer gives direct, useful details based on current Florida public records laws and Miami-Dade County procedures.
Are Hialeah criminal records free to view?
Yes. Basic online case searches through the Miami-Dade Clerk portal and Hialeah Municipal Court website are free. Anyone can view charge details, court dates, and case status at no cost. Fees apply only when requesting certified copies, statewide criminal history reports through FDLE, or full police report packets.
How long does the Miami-Dade Clerk keep criminal records?
The Miami-Dade Clerk maintains criminal court records permanently for felony cases and serious misdemeanors. Closed misdemeanor files are kept for a minimum of 10 years after final disposition. Older closed records may be transferred to archive storage but remain accessible through the Clerk’s office. Sealed and expunged records are removed from public search results as required by court order.
Can I search Hialeah criminal records by case number?
Yes. The Miami-Dade Clerk portal and Hialeah Municipal Court portal both accept case number searches. Case numbers appear on court summons, arrest paperwork, and prior court documents. Searching by case number returns the exact case file faster than a name search, which is helpful when names are common or spelled in different ways across records.
What information do I need to search Hialeah criminal records?
At minimum, you need the person’s full legal name. Adding a date of birth narrows the results and prevents confusion with people who share similar names. If you have a case number, alias names, or a known booking date, those details help the search run faster. Without a date of birth, the system may return multiple matches for common names.
Can I remove a Hialeah arrest from public records?
People who were arrested but never convicted may qualify to seal or expunge their record. The process starts with FDLE and ends with a court order from the Miami-Dade court. People with convictions have fewer options, but some misdemeanor convictions qualify for sealing after a waiting period. Juvenile records follow different rules and may be eligible for expungement after the person turns 21.
Do Hialeah criminal records show out-of-state charges?
No. Florida criminal records only show charges filed inside Florida. The FDLE criminal history check covers all Florida counties. Out-of-state charges do not appear in Hialeah court records or FDLE reports. People who need a national background check must contact the FBI or use a private screening service that pulls records from multiple states.
How do I check if someone has a warrant in Hialeah?
Active warrants in Hialeah show up through the Miami-Dade Clerk warrant search and the Hialeah Police Department. The Clerk portal allows warrant searches by name. People who find an active warrant should consult a criminal defense attorney before turning themselves in to local police or the Miami-Dade Corrections Department.