Hendry County criminal records are public files kept by the local court system and law enforcement offices. They show arrests, charges, court actions, and final outcomes for people processed in Hendry County, Florida.
The Clerk of Court holds court case files, and the Sheriff’s Office holds arrest and jail records. Florida’s Public Records Act gives you the right to look at most of these files. You can search them online, by phone, or by visiting the offices in person. The records cover felonies, misdemeanors, traffic crimes, and sealed cases based on legal limits.
Hendry County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Hendry County Clerk of Court is the main office that stores criminal court case files. The office keeps records for the Circuit Court and County Court. Circuit Court handles felonies and the County Court handles misdemeanors. Every case filed in Hendry County passes through this office. You can look at these records for free online or pay a small fee for certified copies.
Office Location and Contact Details
The main office for the Clerk of Court sits in LaBelle, the county seat. You can visit the office during business hours for help with records. The staff can help you search the database and get copies of documents. Phone calls work well for quick questions about case status or fees.
- Address: 25 East Hickpochee Avenue, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Phone: (863) 675-5217
- Website: www.hendryclerk.com
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Online Court Records Search Portal
The Clerk of Court runs an online portal you can use any time. The portal covers both Circuit Court and County Court criminal cases. You can search by last name, first name, case number, or date range. Results show case number, charges, hearing dates, judge name, and final outcome. Basic case details are free to view. You need to pay a fee if you want printed or certified copies.
In-Person Records Request Process
Going to the Clerk’s office in person gives you the most help. Staff can pull files, make copies, and certify documents on the spot. Bring a valid photo ID and any case details you have. The staff needs the full name or case number to find the right file. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit card for copy fees.
Search Methods and Available Filters
The online portal offers several ways to narrow your search. You can start with a name search if you only know the person. You can use the case number search for exact lookups. Date range searches help when you know the time of the case but not the exact date. Each search shows basic case data like filing date, charges, and court events.
| Search Type | What You Need | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Name Search | Full name | Background checks |
| Case Number Search | Exact case number | Specific case lookup |
| Date Range Search | Approximate year | Recent case history |
Hendry County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest and jail records. The Sheriff’s Office handles all arrests made by deputies in the county. Their records include incident reports, arrest affidavits, and booking photos. You can ask for copies of these records through the Sheriff’s Office.
Contact and Office Information
The main Sheriff’s Office sits in LaBelle. You can call ahead to check hours and fees. The records division handles all public records requests. Walk-in requests are accepted during normal business hours.
- Address: 101 Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Phone: (863) 674-4060
- Website: www.hendrysheriff.org
- Records Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Arrest Reports and Incident Records
Arrest reports show when, where, and why deputies arrested a person. The reports list charges, arresting officer, and witnesses. You can ask for a copy by filing a public records request. Florida law requires the agency to respond in a set time. A small fee covers the cost of copying the report.
Inmate Lookup and Jail Roster
The Hendry County Jail holds inmates after arrest and before trial. The jail roster shows current inmates with their booking date and charges. The roster is posted online on the Sheriff’s Office website. You can search the roster by name to check custody status. The roster updates daily with new bookings and releases.
Florida Statewide Criminal History Search
Statewide searches cover arrests and convictions from every Florida county. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the main criminal history database. The database also includes Florida Department of Corrections records for state prison inmates. Statewide searches cost more but give you full state coverage.
FDLE CCHInet System
The FDLE Computerized Criminal History system, called CCHInet, holds state criminal history records. You can search for arrests, charges, and dispositions across all Florida counties. The search needs the full name and date of birth of the person. A fee applies for each name search you run. The search covers adult arrests handled by Florida law enforcement.
- Search Cost: $24 per name search plus $1 processing fee
- Website: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
- Time to Get Results: Immediate online
- Records Covered: All Florida counties and FDLE arrests
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks all state prison inmates. Their public search tool covers current inmates and people on community supervision. You can search by name or Department of Corrections number. The search shows current location, sentence length, and release date. This tool helps you check on people convicted in Hendry County and sent to state prison.
Types of Criminal Records Available
Hendry County keeps separate record types based on case level and charge. Each type follows Florida public records law. The Clerk’s office holds the most complete court files. The Sheriff’s Office holds arrest and jail records. State agencies hold prison and supervision records.
Felony Case Records
Felony cases are serious crimes like drug trafficking, burglary, and assault. The Circuit Court in Hendry County handles all felony filings. Felony case files include charging documents, plea paperwork, sentence orders, and motion filings. The Clerk keeps these files for the life of the case. After the case closes, the files stay open to the public based on Florida law.
Misdemeanor Case Records
Misdemeanor cases cover less serious crimes like petty theft, simple battery, and minor drug possession. The County Court in Hendry County handles misdemeanor cases. Misdemeanor case files follow the same public access rules as felonies. You can search both case types using the same online portal.
Traffic Criminal Offense Records
Traffic criminal offenses include DUI, driving with a suspended license, and reckless driving causing harm. These cases go through the County Court criminal division. They show up in the same online portal as other criminal cases. The records include driving history tied to the criminal charge only.
Juvenile Criminal Records
Juvenile records cover people under 18 at the time of the offense. Florida law keeps most juvenile records confidential. The Clerk limits public access to juvenile case details. Sealed juvenile records cannot be opened without a court order. Some juvenile cases can be transferred to adult court and show up in regular criminal searches.
Sealing and Expungement in Hendry County
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge their criminal records. Sealing hides the record from most public searches. Expungement destroys the record so law enforcement cannot see it. Not every case qualifies for relief under Florida law.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet specific rules to seal or expunge a Hendry County case. You cannot have a prior conviction for any felony or certain misdemeanors. The case you want to seal must have ended in a withhold of adjudication, acquittal, or dismissal. Charges that resulted in a guilty verdict cannot be sealed. Sexual offenses and certain violent crimes are never eligible for sealing.
Application Process and Fees
The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE. The application needs fingerprints and a signed form. You must pay the required application fee. FDLE reviews the application and runs a background check. The process takes several weeks before you hear back from FDLE.
- FDLE Application Fee: $75
- Processing Time: 4 to 12 weeks
- Fingerprinting Fee: Varies by provider
- Certificate Validity: 12 months from issue date
Court Petition Steps
After you get the Certificate of Eligibility, you file a petition with the Hendry County court. The petition asks the judge to seal or expunge your record. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the petition. A judge holds a hearing and decides on the request. If granted, the court order goes to the Clerk, Sheriff, and FDLE to seal or destroy the records.
Public Access Rules and Florida Law
Florida has strong public records laws that cover most government files. The Public Records Act in Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes sets the rules. Local agencies must follow the state law when giving you access. The law also lists which records stay confidential.
Florida Public Records Act
The Public Records Act gives every person the right to see and copy government records. You do not need to show ID to view public records in most cases. You do not need to tell the agency why you want the records. The agency must respond to your request within a set time. They can charge only the actual cost of copying the records.
Fees for Copies and Certified Documents
The Clerk’s office charges set fees for copies of court records. Plain copies cost less than certified copies. Certified copies include the Clerk’s seal and signature for legal use. The Sheriff’s Office charges separate fees for police reports. You can call ahead to confirm current fee amounts.
| Record Type | Fee | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Copy (per page) | $1.00 | Personal reference |
| Certified Copy | $3.00 to $7.00 | Court submission |
| Online Search | Free | Basic case lookup |
| Police Report | Varies | Accident or incident |
Restricted and Confidential Records
Some records are not open to the public. Sealed and expunged records are hidden from public view. Active criminal investigation files stay private until the case is closed. Juvenile records have strong privacy protections. Victim information gets redacted to protect safety. You cannot view these records without a court order.
Contact Details for Hendry County Records
The Clerk of Court and Sheriff’s Office are the two main record holders. You can reach both offices in person, by phone, or online. The Clerk handles court case files. The Sheriff handles arrest and jail records. Use the contact details below to start your records search.
Clerk of Court Contact Summary
The Hendry County Clerk of Court sits at 25 East Hickpochee Avenue in LaBelle, Florida 33935. The main phone number is (863) 675-5217. The website at www.hendryclerk.com has the online records search portal. Office hours run from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Sheriff’s Office Contact Summary
The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office sits at 101 Bridge Street in LaBelle, Florida 33935. The main phone number is (863) 674-4060. The website at www.hendrysheriff.org has the jail roster and contact forms. Records staff answer phone calls during normal business hours on weekdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover what most people ask about Hendry County criminal records. Each answer gives clear, direct facts about how the system works. You can use these answers to plan your records search before you contact any office. The rules come from Florida law and local court policy.
How Do I Search Hendry County Criminal Records for Free?
You can search Hendry County criminal records for free using the Clerk of Court online portal. The portal lets you search by name, case number, or date range. The results show case status, charges, hearing dates, and final outcome. The portal runs all day, every day, with no charge for basic case lookups. You only pay if you want printed or certified copies sent to you.
What Is the Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor Records in Hendry County?
Felony records cover serious crimes like drug trafficking, burglary, and violent assault. The Circuit Court handles felony cases in Hendry County. Misdemeanor records cover less serious crimes like petty theft, simple battery, and minor drug possession. The County Court handles misdemeanor cases. Both record types use the same online portal and follow the same public access rules under Florida law.
Can I View Sealed or Expunged Records in Hendry County?
No, sealed and expunged records are not open to public view. Once a court orders sealing or expungement, the Clerk hides the file from public searches. Law enforcement agencies destroy the related arrest records after receiving a court order. You can only view sealed or expunged records with a new court order. Some government agencies still have access for specific legal reasons.
How Long Does Hendry County Keep Criminal Records?
Hendry County keeps criminal court records for many years after a case closes. Felony records stay in the system for life unless sealed or expunged. Misdemeanor records also stay available for decades. The Clerk archives older paper files but still gives you access. The online portal may not show very old cases, but the physical files remain at the courthouse.
Can I Get a Copy of a Police Report from Hendry County?
Yes, you can get a copy of a police report from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. You need to file a public records request with the records division. The request can be made in person, by mail, or by email. The Sheriff’s Office charges a fee based on the number of pages. Reports involving active investigations may have limited access until the case closes.
What If I Find Wrong Information in a Hendry County Criminal Record?
You can file a correction request with the agency that holds the record. Court record errors get handled by the Clerk of Court. Arrest record errors get handled by the Sheriff’s Office. You need to show proof of the correct facts. The agency reviews your request and fixes the file if the error is confirmed under Florida law.
Are Juvenile Criminal Records Public in Hendry County?
No, juvenile criminal records stay confidential under Florida law. The Clerk limits public access to juvenile case files. Only people with a legal right to see the records, like parents, guardians, lawyers, and judges, can view them. Some juvenile cases get transferred to adult court. Those adult court cases show up in regular criminal record searches.