Boca Raton City criminal records are court files that hold case data for felony and misdemeanor charges filed in this Palm Beach County city. The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps all of these records in a central system.
You can search them online through the Clerk’s official portal, visit the main courthouse in West Palm Beach, or run a statewide background check through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This page explains how each search method works, what records you can see, what records stay sealed, and what fees apply for certified copies.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court: The Main Records Office for Boca Raton
All Boca Raton criminal court records sit in the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court system. The Clerk acts as the official record keeper for every case filed in Palm Beach County, which includes Boca Raton. The office processes thousands of new criminal filings each year and stores the full case history for every defendant, including charging documents, motions, pleas, sentences, and final dispositions.
Office Location and Contact Details for the Palm Beach County Clerk
The main Clerk’s office is in the Palm Beach County Courthouse, located at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. You can reach the office by phone at 561-355-2991 during normal business hours. The Clerk also runs a satellite office in the South County Courthouse at 200 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33444, which is closer to many Boca Raton residents. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on weekends and official state holidays. The official website is www.mypalmbeachclerk.com.
What Types of Criminal Records Are Filed in Boca Raton
The Clerk’s office stores a wide range of case data for Boca Raton criminal matters. These records include felony indictments, misdemeanor charges, traffic criminal offenses, violations of county ordinances, and arrest documents turned in by the Boca Raton Police Department. Each case file contains the defendant’s full name, date of birth, booking number, charges filed, court dates, plea information, sentencing details, and the final case outcome. You can also see bond amounts, attorney names, and judge assignments through the public docket.
How the Clerk’s Office Handles Felony vs Misdemeanor Cases in Boca Raton
Boca Raton felony cases are heard in the Circuit Court division of the Palm Beach County Courthouse. Felonies include offenses such as burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and fraud. Misdemeanor cases are heard in the County Court division. Misdemeanors include simple battery, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and first-time DUI. Both divisions use the same online search system, but they hold separate docket numbers and follow different procedural rules. The Clerk indexes each case under a unique case number that starts with a two-letter prefix showing the court type, followed by the year and a sequence number.
How to Search Boca Raton Criminal Case Records Online
The fastest way to look up Boca Raton criminal court records is through the Clerk’s online search portal. The portal runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from any web browser on a computer or mobile device. You do not need to create an account or pay a fee to view basic case data. The portal pulls live data from the Clerk’s case management system, so the information you see matches what courthouse staff see at the front counter.
Step-by-Step Online Search Process for Boca Raton Cases
The online search system walks you through a simple set of steps. You open the portal at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com and click on the “Court Records” link. From there, you select “Criminal” as the case type. You then enter your search criteria, which can be a name, case number, or date range. The system returns matching cases with the defendant’s name, case number, charge, next court date, and current status. You can click any case to see the full docket sheet, which lists every filing in the case.
- Go to www.mypalmbeachclerk.com and open the Court Records search page.
- Choose “Criminal” from the case type menu.
- Enter the defendant’s last name and first name, or paste a case number.
- Add a date range if you want to narrow the results.
- Click “Search” to see the list of matching cases.
- Click any case number to open the full docket sheet.
- Use the print or save buttons to keep a copy of the docket for your records.
Searching by Name, Case Number, or Date in Boca Raton
The Clerk’s online system supports three main search methods. A name search returns every case linked to a person who matches the name you enter, so you need to scan the results to find the right match. A case number search returns one exact case file, which is the fastest way to get details when you already have a case number. A date search returns every case filed in Boca Raton during a chosen date range, which is helpful for attorneys and journalists who need broad docket reports.
Boca Raton Criminal Court Docket and Case Status Lookup
The docket sheet is the single best source for the current status of a Boca Raton criminal case. The sheet shows each court event in order, with the date, filing party, and a short description of the document. Active cases show scheduled future hearings, pending motions, and outstanding warrants. Closed cases show the final plea, sentence, probation terms, and case disposition. The status field at the top of each docket tells you at a glance whether a case is open, closed, on appeal, or sealed.
Visiting the Clerk’s Office in Person for Boca Raton Records
Some records and services only work in person. You can visit the Clerk’s office at the main courthouse in West Palm Beach or at the South County Courthouse in Delray Beach. Walk-in service is available during office hours, and you do not need an appointment for most record requests. The public terminal room at the main courthouse has free computer stations where you can run the same online searches without needing your own device.
What to Bring to the Courthouse for Boca Raton Record Requests
Bring a valid photo ID, even though Florida law does not require you to show ID to view public records. ID speeds up the process because the front-counter staff uses it to confirm your identity for certified copies. Bring any case details you already have, such as a case number, full name, date of birth, or arrest date. Cash, checks, and major credit cards are accepted at both courthouse locations.
Fees for Certified Copies of Boca Raton Court Records
The Clerk charges set fees for copies under Florida law. The fee table below shows the current rates for common record services related to Boca Raton criminal cases. Fees are the same at both courthouse locations and may change each year based on state statute updates.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular photocopy, per page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy, per page | $2.00 |
| Certification fee, per document | $2.00 |
| Search of records, per year searched | $2.00 |
| Online docket view | Free |
| Printed docket from public terminal | $0.25 per page |
Boca Raton Police Department and Local Arrest Records
The Boca Raton Police Services Department handles arrests and incident reports inside city limits. The department prepares arrest affidavits, booking records, and incident reports that become part of the court case file. The Clerk’s office stores the final court records, but the Police Department stores the original law enforcement paperwork for each arrest. You can request police records directly from the department or wait until the case is filed with the Clerk and search it there.
Police Records vs Court Records: What Is the Difference
Police records and court records serve different roles in the criminal justice system. Police records start with the arrest or incident and include the officer’s report, witness statements, evidence logs, and probable cause affidavits. Court records start with the formal charging document and track the case through the legal process. A Boca Raton arrest that never leads to charges will appear only in police records. A Boca Raton arrest that leads to a filed case will appear in both police records and Clerk court records.
Arrest Reports and Booking Information in Boca Raton
The Boca Raton Police Department keeps arrest reports for each person booked at the city detention facility. The arrest report includes the arrest date, time, location, arresting officer, charges, and bond amount. Booking photos, often called mugshots, are part of the booking record. You can request a copy of an arrest report by contacting the Records Unit at the Boca Raton Police Services Department at 100 Northwest 2nd Avenue, Boca Raton, Florida 33432, or by phone at 561-338-1234. A small processing fee applies for printed copies of police reports.
Statewide Florida Criminal History Search for Boca Raton Residents
A statewide criminal history search pulls data from every county in Florida, which gives you a broader view than a single Boca Raton search. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the main statewide system. The Florida Department of Corrections runs a separate database for state prison inmates. Both systems are free or low-cost and accessible to the public.
FDLE CCHInet System: Statewide Background Checks for Boca Raton Cases
The FDLE Computerized Criminal History system, called CCHInet, holds arrest and disposition data from every Florida county. You can search this database by name and date of birth through the official FDLE portal at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The search costs $24 per name, with a $1 credit card processing fee for a total of $25 per search. Results appear online right after you complete payment. CCHInet includes Florida arrests, charges, and dispositions but does not include out-of-state arrests or federal charges.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search shows every person currently in state prison or under community supervision. You can search by name or Department of Corrections number at the official portal at www.dc.state.fl.us. The search is free and shows the inmate’s current location, sentence length, release date, and offense list. Boca Raton residents who received state prison sentences after a felony conviction will appear in this database.
Sealing and Expunging Boca Raton Criminal Court Records
Florida law allows certain Boca Raton criminal records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. Sealing means the record stays in the system but is hidden from public view. Expungement means the record is destroyed by the agencies that hold it. The two processes follow similar steps but lead to different outcomes. Not every case qualifies, and serious offenses like murder, sexual battery, and certain drug trafficking charges cannot be sealed or expunged.
Who Qualifies for Record Sealing in Florida
You qualify to seal or expunge a Florida criminal record if you have never been convicted of a criminal offense, or if your case was dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in a withhold of adjudication. You cannot have a prior sealed or expunged record in any Florida jurisdiction. You cannot have a pending criminal case at the time of the application. Each person can seal or expunge only one arrest record in Florida under current law, with narrow exceptions for cases that are part of the same criminal episode.
The Certificate of Eligibility Process Through FDLE
The first step in sealing or expunging a Boca Raton case is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application fee is $75 and is non-refundable. You submit the application online through the FDLE portal at www.fdle.state.fl.us. Processing takes about 8 to 12 weeks from the date FDLE receives your full application. The Certificate of Eligibility is valid for 12 months from the date of issue, and you must file your court petition within that time or reapply.
Filing a Petition with the Palm Beach County Court
After you receive the Certificate of Eligibility, you file a petition to seal or expunge the record with the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court. The petition package includes the Certificate of Eligibility, a sworn affidavit, and a proposed court order. You pay the standard filing fee at the time of submission. A judge reviews the petition in open court or in chambers. If the judge grants the order, the Clerk sends a copy of the order to every agency that holds the record, including the Boca Raton Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office, and the FDLE. Those agencies must seal or destroy the record within a set time under Florida law.
Public Access Laws for Boca Raton Criminal Court Files
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Section 119.07 of the Florida Statutes gives every person the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies. Boca Raton criminal court records are public records, so any person can view them without giving a reason. The Clerk’s office and the Boca Raton Police Department must provide access during normal business hours.
Florida Public Records Act and Section 119.07
Section 119.07 of the Florida Statutes sets the basic rule that every person has the right to inspect public records. Government agencies must respond to records requests in a reasonable time. Agencies can charge only the actual cost of copying the records. Agencies cannot require a person to explain the reason for the request. A person who is denied access can file a civil action to enforce the right under the public records law.
Records That Are Sealed or Restricted from Public View in Boca Raton
Some Boca Raton criminal records are not open to public view. Sealed records can only be viewed by court order. Expunged records have been destroyed and are no longer available. Active criminal intelligence records and active investigative records can stay confidential while an investigation is open. Juvenile records have extra protections and stay private except for serious felony charges. Records that identify victims of sexual offenses, child abuse, or domestic violence may have redactions to protect privacy and safety.
Boca Raton Criminal Court Filings and Document Lookup
Court filings are the individual documents filed in a criminal case. Each filing adds a new entry to the docket sheet. Boca Raton criminal court filings include charging documents, arrest warrants, motions to suppress, motions to dismiss, discovery requests, plea agreements, sentencing memoranda, and final judgments. You can view most filings through the Clerk’s online portal, and you can buy certified copies of any filing at the courthouse.
Accessing Boca Raton Court Filings Online
The Clerk’s online portal shows a list of filings for each Boca Raton criminal case. Some filings include a scanned image that you can view in your browser. Other filings show only the docket entry text, which lists the document type and the filing party. You can request a certified copy of any filing through the online portal for an extra fee. Most filings become visible online within a few business days after they are entered into the Clerk’s system.
Public Terminals at the Palm Beach County Courthouse
The Palm Beach County Courthouse has public terminal rooms where you can search and view Boca Raton criminal case files. The terminals are free to use and offer the same search features as the online portal. Staff at the front counter can help you locate a case if you do not have a name or case number. You can print documents from the public terminals for $0.25 per page. The public terminal room at the main courthouse is open during normal office hours.
Boca Raton Clerk of Court Contact and Office Details
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court handles all Boca Raton criminal court records. The main courthouse is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401. The clerk’s main phone number is 561-355-2991. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on weekends and state holidays. The official website is www.mypalmbeachclerk.com. The South County Courthouse is at 200 West Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, Florida 33444, phone 561-355-2991.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boca Raton City Criminal Records
People searching for Boca Raton criminal court records often have similar questions. The answers below cover the most common issues, from online search limits to sealing rules. Each answer reflects the current state of Florida law and Palm Beach County Clerk procedures. Read through the questions that match your search need before you visit the courthouse or run a statewide background check.
Can I view Boca Raton criminal records for free online?
You can view basic Boca Raton criminal case data for free through the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court online portal. The portal shows the defendant’s name, case number, charges, court dates, and current status at no cost. You can also see a list of filings for each case. You only pay a fee when you need a printed copy or a certified copy of a document. The statewide FDLE CCHInet search is not free and costs $24 plus a $1 processing fee per name search.
Do I need a case number to search Boca Raton criminal records?
You do not need a case number to search Boca Raton criminal records. The Clerk’s online portal lets you search by the defendant’s full name or by date range. A name search returns every case linked to a person who matches the name. A date range search returns every criminal case filed in Boca Raton during the chosen dates. A case number search is the fastest method and returns one exact case, which is helpful when you already have a case number from a court notice or attorney.
How long does the Palm Beach County Clerk keep Boca Raton criminal records?
The Palm Beach County Clerk keeps Boca Raton criminal records permanently in electronic form. Paper records from older cases have been scanned into the digital system. The retention schedule for paper files is set by Florida statute, but the electronic docket and case data stay available for the life of the court system. Sealed and expunged records are removed from public view but still exist in the official file under restricted access.
Can I find out if someone was arrested in Boca Raton yesterday?
You can search recent Boca Raton arrests through the Palm Beach County inmate search at the Sheriff’s Office website, www.pbso.org. The inmate search shows current inmates and recent bookings from the past several days. The Clerk’s online portal shows cases by filing date, so a case from yesterday may not show up until the arrest documents are processed and the case is filed with the Clerk. The Boca Raton Police Department also releases a daily arrest log through its public records unit.
Are Boca Raton juvenile criminal records available to the public?
Boca Raton juvenile criminal records are not open to the public. Florida law gives juvenile records extra protection under Section 985.04 of the Florida Statutes. Most juvenile records stay confidential and can only be viewed by the juvenile, the parents or guardians, the defense attorney, the State Attorney, and the judge. A small set of serious felony charges can transfer a juvenile case to adult court, and those cases become public record in the same way as adult cases.
What is the difference between a sealed record and an expunged record in Florida?
A sealed record stays in the system but is hidden from public view, so a person can say they have no criminal record in most situations. An expunged record is destroyed by the agencies that hold it, so the record no longer exists for most purposes. Both processes require a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE and a court order. Law enforcement agencies and certain government agencies can still see sealed records for specific jobs, but they cannot see expunged records.
Can I remove a Boca Raton criminal record from Google search results?
You cannot remove a public Boca Raton criminal record from Google search results through the search engine itself. The records are public court files, and Google only mirrors what is already public. You can ask the Clerk of Court to seal or expunge the record, which removes the source data from public view. You can also submit a URL removal request to Google if the page shows sensitive personal data like a Social Security number or a financial account number that the page did not already publish.