Clay County criminal records are official court files that show every criminal case filed in Clay County, Florida. These records cover felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic criminal cases, and probation violations.
Each file shows the charges, court dates, plea deals, verdicts, and sentences. The Clay County Clerk of Court stores these files and runs the public search portal. Most of these records are open to the public under Florida law. This page explains where to search, what each record shows, and how to get certified copies.
What Clay County Criminal Records Include
Criminal records in Clay County come from several government offices. Each office stores a different part of a case. Knowing which office holds which record saves you time.
Records Held by the Clerk of Court
The Clay County Clerk of Court keeps the official court files. The office records every document filed in a criminal case. This includes charging documents, motions, orders, judgments, and sentences. The Clerk also runs the online portal where most people search. The Clerk is the main source for case dockets, party names, and document images.
Records Held by the Sheriff’s Office
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office writes arrest reports and incident reports. Deputies book suspects into the county jail. The Sheriff stores records of arrests, bookings, and inmate rosters. These records are separate from the court files kept by the Clerk.
Records Held by FDLE
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history database. This database pulls data from every county clerk in Florida. The FDLE record is a summary of arrests and case outcomes across the state. The system is called CCHInet.
Records Held by the State Attorney
The State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit files charges in felony cases. The office keeps its own case files as a case moves through court. After a case closes, the file goes to the Clerk of Court for storage.
Types of Criminal Cases Filed in Clay County
Clay County criminal courts handle several kinds of cases. Each type follows a different path through the court system.
Felony Cases in Circuit Court
Felony cases are the most serious criminal cases. They are filed in the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court. Felonies include burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and murder. Circuit Court judges handle these cases. Penalties can include prison time of more than one year.
Misdemeanor Cases in County Court
Misdemeanor cases are less serious. They are filed in Clay County Court. Misdemeanors include simple assault, petit theft, reckless driving, and some drug possession charges. Penalties are usually up to one year in the county jail.
Traffic Criminal Cases
Some traffic offenses are criminal. These include driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license causing death or injury, and reckless driving causing bodily harm. DUI cases can be filed in County Court or Circuit Court. The charges depend on the facts of the case.
Probation Violations and Warrants
Probation violations create new court records. So do bench warrants and arrest warrants. The Clerk of Court indexes all of these documents. A warrant search shows whether someone has an open warrant in Clay County.
Florida Public Records Law and Clay County
Florida law makes most government records open to the public. Section 119.07 of the Florida Statutes is the main public records law. The law says any person can ask to see or copy public records. The Clerk’s office must provide access during regular business hours.
Your Right to View Public Records
You do not need to give your name to view public records. You do not need to explain why you want the records. The government must respond within a reasonable time. Fees only apply when you need copies or large searches.
Fees You May Be Charged
The Clerk of Court charges fees for copies. Search time may be billed if the request takes more than 15 minutes. These fees cover the cost of producing the records. Most online records are free to view.
How to Search Clay County Criminal Records Online
The fastest way to search criminal records in Clay County is online. The Clerk of Court runs a public portal. You can search from any computer or phone with internet access. The portal is free for basic searches.
Using the Clay County Clerk of Court Portal
The online portal is on the Clerk’s website. The web address is www.clayclerk.com. Once on the site, click on Court Records or Public Records Search. The search tool covers civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate cases. Criminal cases are searchable through the same portal.
Searching by Name
Name searches are the most common. Type in the last name first. Then add the first name. Leave the middle name blank if you do not know it. The system shows every case with a matching name. Look at the date of birth on the results page to confirm you found the right person.
Searching by Case Number
Case number searches are the most exact. Every criminal case has a unique case number. The number starts with a prefix that shows the case type. “CF” means Circuit Felony. “MM” means County Misdemeanor. “TR” means Traffic. Type the full case number into the search box to see the docket.
Searching by Date Range
Date range searches narrow down results. Pick a start date and an end date. The system shows cases filed in that window. This is useful for legal research, journalism, or background checks for specific time periods.
Viewing Case Details and Document Images
Click on any case number to see the full docket. The docket lists every document filed in the case. You can see motions, orders, plea agreements, and judgments. Many documents are available as image files. You can view them in your browser or download them as PDFs.
Visiting the Clay County Clerk of Court in Person
Some searches work better in person. The Clerk’s office has public terminals you can use. The staff can help you find cases that are hard to locate online. They can also pull older records that have not been digitized yet.
Office Location and Business Hours
The Clay County Clerk of Court is at 825 North Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043. The main office is on the first floor of the Clay County Courthouse. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and federal holidays. You do not need an appointment for basic record searches.
What to Bring With You
Bring a photo ID. Bring as much detail as you have about the case. This includes the full legal name, date of birth, and any case numbers you already know. If you are searching for someone else, write down the names and dates ahead of time.
Copy Fees and Certified Documents
Self-service copiers are available at the Clerk’s office. Staff copy clerks can also help. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more because they have the official court seal. The fee for a certified copy is set by Florida law. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card.
Checking Clay County Criminal Case Status
Checking case status is one of the most common reasons people search court records. The status tells you where a case stands right now. The status also tells you what will happen next.
Active Case Status
An active case is one still moving through court. The status might say “Pending,” “Pre-Trial,” “Arraignment Scheduled,” or “Jury Trial Set.” Each status shows what step the case is at. You can see the next hearing date and the name of the judge assigned to the case.
Closed Case Status
A closed case has reached a final judgment. The status might say “Disposed,” “Guilty Plea,” “Nolle Prosse,” “Dismissed,” or “Acquitted.” The final judgment and sentence appear on the case page. Sentencing details include jail time, probation, fines, and court costs.
Reading the Docket Sheet
The docket sheet is a timeline of every action in a case. It lists each document filed, each hearing held, and each order entered. Lawyers, journalists, and researchers read dockets to learn the full story of a case.
Statewide Criminal Records Search for Clay County
Sometimes you need records that cover the whole state of Florida. Statewide searches pull data from every county. They are useful for background checks, employment screening, and licensing applications.
FDLE CCHInet System
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the CCHInet system. The web address is cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The system searches the statewide criminal history database. The cost is $24 per search plus a small credit card processing fee. You need the person’s full name and date of birth to run a search. Results are available right away after payment.
Florida Department of Corrections Search
The Florida Department of Corrections keeps a separate database of state prison inmates. The web address is www.dc.state.fl.us. This search is free. It shows people currently in state prison or on state probation. It does not show people in county jails.
What Statewide Records Cover
Statewide records include arrests, charges, case outcomes, and sentences from all Florida counties. They cover adult criminal records. Some juvenile records appear if the case was transferred to adult court. The database pulls from clerk records, sheriff reports, and court orders across Florida.
What Statewide Records Do Not Cover
Statewide records do not include federal criminal cases. They do not include arrests from other states. They do not include sealed or expunged records. They do not include arrests that did not lead to formal charges.
Clay County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Sheriff’s Office keeps records that the Clerk of Court does not. These records start at the arrest stage and run through jail release.
Arrest Reports and Incident Reports
Arrest reports describe what deputies saw and did. Incident reports describe calls for service. You can request a copy of either report from the Sheriff’s Office. The request usually needs a name, date, and report number if you have it. The Sheriff charges a small fee per page for copies.
Current Jail Roster
The Sheriff’s Office posts a current jail roster on its website. The web address is www.claysheriff.com. The roster shows people currently in the Clay County jail. It includes booking photos, charges, and bond amounts. The roster updates regularly. Once a person is released, their name leaves the roster.
How to Contact the Sheriff’s Office
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is at 901 North Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043. The main phone number is (904) 264-6512. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The jail records section has its own hours, which may differ from the main office.
Sealing and Expunging Clay County Criminal Records
Florida law allows some criminal records to be hidden from public view. This is called sealing or expungement. A sealed record is hidden from most public searches. An expunged record is destroyed by the agencies that hold it. Both options have strict rules.
Who Qualifies for Sealing or Expungement
You may qualify if your case was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or you completed a diversion program. You may qualify for certain minor offenses after a waiting period. You cannot have any prior sealing or expungement on your record. You cannot have been convicted of the charge you want to seal.
Applying for a Certificate of Eligibility
The first step is to apply to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility. The application fee is $75. The form is on the FDLE website. Processing takes about 10 to 12 weeks. The certificate is good for one year from the date it was issued.
Filing the Court Petition
After you get the certificate, file a petition with the Clay County court. The Clerk’s office has the petition forms. A judge reviews the petition. The judge may hold a hearing. If the judge grants the order, the Clerk sends the order to every agency that has the record.
Crimes That Cannot Be Sealed
Some crimes can never be sealed or expunged. These include murder, sexual offenses, kidnapping, arson, and crimes against children. A full list appears in Florida Statute 943.0585. If your charge is on that list, you cannot use the sealing or expungement process.
Costs and Fees for Clay County Criminal Records
Fees depend on how you search and what you need. The table below shows common fees set by the Clay County Clerk of Court and FDLE.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online basic search | Free |
| Viewing docket online | Free |
| Downloading document image | $0.25 per page |
| Standard copy in person | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy | $7.00 per document |
| FDLE state search | $24 plus processing |
| Sealing/expungement application | $75 |
Records That Are Not Publicly Available
Not every record is open to the public. Several categories of records are protected by law. These protections cover privacy, safety, and active investigations.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Sealed and expunged records are hidden from public view. The Clerk’s office cannot release them. The Sheriff’s office cannot release them. FDLE cannot release them. Only a court order can unseal a record.
Juvenile Records
Juvenile records have special protections. Most juvenile cases are not open to the public. Some juvenile records become public if the case is transferred to adult court. After the person turns 24, some juvenile records may be eligible for expungement.
Active Investigation Files
Records of active criminal investigations are often exempt. Police can keep investigative files private as long as a case is open. Once the case closes, most of the records become public.
Victim Personal Details
Personal details about crime victims are redacted. This includes home addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers. The redaction protects victim safety and privacy.
Clay County Clerk of Court Contact Details and Location
Use the details below to visit the Clay County Clerk of Court or contact the office for record requests. The Clerk’s office is the main source for criminal court records in Clay County, Florida. The courthouse is near the St. Johns River in Green Cove Springs.
The Clay County Courthouse is in downtown Green Cove Springs. Parking is free on site. Public records terminals are on the first floor near the Clerk’s office. The staff can help you with record searches, certified copies, and court filings.
- Office: Clay County Clerk of Court
- Address: 825 North Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
- Phone: (904) 269-6302
- Website: www.clayclerk.com
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Online Portal: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay County Criminal Records
Below are answers to common questions about criminal records in Clay County, Florida. These cover search methods, costs, timelines, and legal rules. If your question is not here, contact the Clay County Clerk of Court or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for direct help. The Clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
How do I find out if someone has a criminal record in Clay County?
Search the Clay County Clerk of Court online portal at www.clayclerk.com. Use the Public Records Search tool. Type the person’s last name, first name, and date of birth if you have it. The portal shows every criminal case filed under that name in Clay County. The portal is free to use. You can also visit the Clerk’s office at 825 North Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, Florida 32043. Bring a photo ID. Staff at the public terminals can help you search older records that may not be on the portal yet. For statewide checks, use the FDLE CCHInet system at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. For federal cases, contact the FBI Identity History Summary office.
Are Clay County criminal records free to view?
Yes. Online searches and docket views are free through the Clerk’s portal. You only pay when you need copies. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $7.00 per document. Downloading document images from the online portal costs about $0.25 per page. FDLE statewide searches cost $24 per name plus a small credit card processing fee. The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card for in-person payments. The online portal accepts credit and debit cards for paid services. There is no charge to view a docket or basic case details.
Can I search Clay County criminal records by case number?
Yes. The Clerk’s online portal lets you search by case number. Case numbers in Clay County use prefixes that show the case type. “CF” means Circuit Felony. “MM” means County Misdemeanor. “TR” means Traffic Criminal. “TC” means Traffic County. Type the full case number into the search box. You will see the complete docket and all filed documents. You can also see the assigned judge, the next hearing date, and the final judgment if the case is closed. Case number searches return exact results and are the fastest way to find a specific case.
How long does it take to expunge a Clay County criminal record?
The full process usually takes 5 to 8 months. First, apply to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility. That step takes 10 to 12 weeks. After you get the certificate, file a court petition with the Clay County court. A judge reviews the petition. The judge may hold a hearing. Once the judge signs the order, the Clerk sends it to all agencies that hold the record. Those agencies then have a set time to seal or destroy the records. The Certificate of Eligibility is good for one year from the date of issue. If you do not file your court petition in that time, you must apply for a new certificate. A lawyer can help you with the court petition step.
What is the difference between felony and misdemeanor court records in Clay County?
Felony records come from the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court. They cover serious crimes such as drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, and robbery. Misdemeanor records come from Clay County Court. They cover less serious crimes such as simple battery, petit theft, and first-time DUI. Both types of records are searchable through the same Clerk of Court portal. The case number prefix tells you which court heard the case. Penalties also differ. Felonies can carry prison time of more than one year. Misdemeanors usually carry up to one year in the county jail. Some misdemeanor records can be sealed or expunged. Many felony records cannot be sealed.
Can I get Clay County criminal records from another state?
No. The Clay County Clerk only has records for cases filed in Clay County, Florida. For records from other states, contact that state’s record repository. For a federal background check, contact the FBI’s Identity History Summary Checks office. For a Florida-wide check, use the FDLE CCHInet system. The FDLE system pulls data from every county clerk in Florida. It covers all arrests, charges, and dispositions statewide. Federal cases do not appear in the Clay County Clerk or FDLE systems. Out-of-state cases do not appear in the Clay County records either. You may need to run multiple searches to get a full picture.
Are juvenile criminal records in Clay County public?
Most juvenile records in Florida are not public. They are protected under Florida Statute 985. The Clerk of Court does not post them on the public portal. Some juvenile records become public if the case is transferred to adult court. After the person turns 24, they may apply to have their juvenile record expunged through a separate process. The expungement process for juvenile records is different from the adult process. Parents or guardians can request records for minor children. Judges can order records released for specific legal purposes. The State Attorney’s Office can access juvenile records as part of an active prosecution.