Miami City criminal records are court files, arrest logs, and case documents that show criminal charges filed against people in Miami-Dade County, Florida. These records cover felonies, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and court hearings handled by the Miami-Dade court system.
Anyone can look up these records through the county clerk’s website, in person at the courthouse, or by mail. The records are public under Florida law, though some are sealed, expunged, or restricted by court order. This page explains how to find Miami criminal court records search results, what each record contains, and where to get certified copies for legal use.
How the Miami Criminal Court System Organizes Records
Every criminal case in Miami moves through the Miami-Dade County court system. The clerk’s office keeps the files for the entire county, including the city of Miami. Each case gets a unique number that stays with it from filing to final resolution.
The County-Based Filing System
Florida courts file criminal cases at the county level, not the city level. This means Miami criminal case search results come from the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court, even when the arrest happened inside Miami city limits. The clerk stores charging documents, motions, plea agreements, judgments, and sentencing orders for every case.
Circuit Court and County Court Divisions
Miami-Dade operates two criminal court divisions. The Circuit Court handles felony cases, which are more serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison. The County Court handles misdemeanor cases, which carry less than one year in jail. Miami criminal court documents are filed in one of these two divisions based on the charge level.
The Clerk of Court’s Role
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for all criminal cases. The clerk’s office receives filings from the State Attorney, processes court orders, and makes the records available to the public. The clerk also issues certified copies of Miami criminal court clerk records for use in court proceedings, immigration cases, and background checks.
Miami Criminal Court Records Search Methods
Three main methods exist for a Miami criminal case lookup. The fastest method is the online portal, which works twenty-four hours a day from any device. In-person visits work for records that are not yet digitized or for people who need help from staff. Mail requests work for people who live outside the area or cannot visit the courthouse.
Online Search Through the Clerk Portal
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court runs an online case search tool on its website. To start a Miami criminal case information search, enter the full legal name of the person. The system returns matching cases with the case number, charges, court dates, and current status. Users can click on each case to see hearing history, motions filed, and final disposition. The online search is free for basic case data.
In-Person Courthouse Access
People can visit the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building or the Coral Gables Courthouse to use public terminals. Staff at the clerk’s office can help locate specific files. In-person visits are useful for older records, sealed files that need a court order to open, or requests for Miami criminal court record lookup that the online system cannot resolve. Bring a photo ID and as much identifying information as possible.
Mail and Phone Requests
The clerk’s office accepts record requests by mail. Send a written request that includes the full name, date of birth, and a description of the records needed. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees. Phone requests work for general questions about the process or the status of a pending request, but the clerk does not release case details over the phone for privacy reasons.
Statewide FDLE Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history search through CCHInet. This search covers arrests and convictions across all Florida counties, including Miami. The FDLE search costs twenty-five dollars per name and returns results within minutes. This is a good option for employers, landlords, or licensing agencies that need Miami official criminal court records alongside records from other parts of Florida.
Types of Miami Criminal Case Records Available to the Public
Criminal records in Miami fall into several categories. Each type serves a different purpose and may be held by a different agency. Knowing the type of record needed helps narrow the search and saves time.
Felony Court Records
Miami felony court records cover serious crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and homicide. These cases are filed in the Circuit Court and carry potential prison sentences of more than one year. The file includes the arrest affidavit, formal charges from the State Attorney, discovery materials, plea negotiations, trial transcripts, and the final judgment. A Miami felony case search through the clerk portal shows case status, scheduled hearings, and sentencing details.
Misdemeanor Court Records
Miami misdemeanor court records cover lesser offenses like petty theft, simple battery, DUI first offense, and disorderly conduct. These cases are filed in County Court and carry sentences of less than one year. A Miami misdemeanor case search returns cases for both misdemeanors and county-level criminal traffic offenses. The file structure is similar to felony files but typically shorter in length.
Arrest and Police Records
Arrest records come from the Miami Police Department for city arrests and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office for county-wide arrests. These records show the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting officer, the charges, and booking details. Police records also include incident reports, which document the events that led to the arrest. Some police reports are exempt from public release while the case is under active investigation.
Inmate and Jail Records
The Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department operates the county jail. Inmate records show who is currently in custody, the charges, bond amount, and projected release date. The Corrections Department also publishes a daily booking blotter. For state prison inmates from Miami cases, the Florida Department of Corrections offender search shows custody status, location, and release information.
Miami Criminal Case Number Search and Case Status
A Miami criminal case number search is the fastest way to get complete case details. Case numbers are unique identifiers assigned by the clerk’s office when the State Attorney files charges.
How to Find a Case Number
Case numbers appear on every court document, including the arrest affidavit, charging document, and summons. The format is a year followed by a sequence number and a court code, such as 2024-CF-012345. Without a case number, users must search by name and date of birth, which can return multiple results for common names.
Using Case Numbers for Faster Miami Criminal Case Status Lookup
Entering a case number in the clerk portal returns the full case file in one click. The result page shows all hearings, filings, and orders. This method skips the name-matching step and avoids confusion when two people share the same name. Miami criminal case status lookup by case number also works for checking whether a case is still active, dismissed, or closed.
Miami Criminal Docket and Trial Court Records
Docket records show every event in a criminal case from filing to final resolution. Trial records include the official transcript of court proceedings.
Miami Criminal Docket Search
A Miami criminal docket search through the clerk portal shows a chronological list of events. Each entry includes the date, the type of hearing, the parties present, and the outcome. Dockets help lawyers, researchers, and members of the public track how a case moves through the system. They also reveal whether a case settled, went to trial, or was dismissed.
Trial Records and Court Minutes
Trial records include the official transcript, exhibits entered into evidence, and the jury verdict. These Miami criminal trial records are part of the court file and can be requested through the clerk’s office. Some older trial transcripts are stored in physical archives and require advance notice to retrieve. Copies of trial transcripts cost more per page than regular copies because of the transcription work involved.
Miami Criminal Court Documents and Filings
Criminal case files contain many types of documents. Knowing what is in the file helps users request the right paperwork for their needs.
Common Documents in a Miami Criminal Case File
Most Miami criminal case files include the arrest affidavit, charging document, discovery materials, defense motions, State Attorney motions, court orders, plea agreements, sentencing documents, and the final judgment. Each document serves a specific purpose in the legal process. The arrest affidavit explains why police arrested the defendant. The charging document lists the formal charges filed by the State Attorney.
Requesting Certified Copies of Miami Criminal Court Documents
Certified copies carry the court seal and are accepted by government agencies, employers, and other courts. The clerk charges a fee for each certified copy, and the fee is set by Florida statute. To request Miami criminal court filings by mail, send the case number, the names of the parties, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with payment. Processing time for mail requests is typically five to ten business days.
Juvenile Records, Sealed Records, and Expunged Records
Not all Miami criminal records are public. Several categories have restricted access under Florida law.
Juvenile Criminal Records
Criminal records for minors are handled by the juvenile court system and are generally not public. Parents, guardians, and the minor’s attorney can access juvenile case files. Other parties need a court order to view juvenile records. Expunged juvenile records are destroyed, while sealed juvenile records remain in storage but are not available for public search.
Sealed Records Under Florida Law
Sealed records remain in the court’s storage but are not visible to the public. Law enforcement agencies, the courts, and certain licensing boards can still see sealed records for specific purposes. To seal a Miami criminal record, the applicant must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE and then file a petition with the Miami-Dade court. The judge reviews the petition and issues an order if the applicant meets all legal requirements.
Expunged Records and Destruction
Expungement goes further than sealing. Expunged records are physically destroyed or deleted from public databases. Florida law allows only one expungement per person in a lifetime. The process starts with the FDLE Certificate of Eligibility, followed by a court petition and a judge’s order. Once the order issues, all agencies holding the record must comply.
Fees, Hours, and Contact Information for Miami Criminal Records
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court charges set fees for records services. The office is open during regular business hours on weekdays.
Standard Fees for Copies and Certifications
Regular copies of Miami public criminal court records cost a set fee per page. Certified copies cost more because they include the court seal and a clerk’s signature. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges twenty-five dollars for a statewide criminal history search. In-person viewing of records at courthouse terminals is free.
Hours, Phone Numbers, and Office Locations
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court main criminal division operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The clerk’s office main phone line is 305-275-1155. The Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building at 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125 handles most criminal record requests. The Miami Police Department Records Division can be reached at 305-579-6111 for police reports and arrest records within city limits. The FDLE CCHInet online portal operates twenty-four hours a day for statewide searches.
Official Websites and Online Portals
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court official website is miamidadeclerk.gov. The criminal case search portal is available through the clerk’s website under the court records section. The FDLE criminal history search is at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The Florida Department of Corrections offender search is at dc.myflorida.com. These are the official state and county resources for Miami electronic criminal court records and inmate searches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Criminal Records
Many people have questions about how to find, read, and use Miami criminal records. The answers below cover the most common questions from residents, employers, and legal professionals who need clear and accurate details about the search process, fees, and access rules.
Are Miami criminal records free to view online?
Yes. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court provides free online access to basic case data through its public portal. Users can see the case number, charges, court dates, and case status at no cost. Certified copies and detailed document images require payment of a fee set by Florida law. The free online search is enough for most people who only need a quick check on case status or basic charge information.
How long does it take to get certified copies by mail?
Mail requests for certified copies of Miami criminal court documents usually take five to ten business days. The clerk processes requests in the order received. Delays can happen during peak periods or when the request lacks information. To speed up the process, include the full case number, the names of both parties, the type of document needed, and a phone number in case the clerk has questions.
Can someone remove a criminal record from public view in Miami?
Florida law allows two options for removing records from public view. Sealing hides the record from public searches but keeps it in storage for use by law enforcement and courts. Expungement destroys the record and removes it from public databases. Both options require a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE and a court order. Only one expungement is allowed per person in a lifetime, and not all charges qualify.
What information do I need to search for a Miami criminal case?
At minimum, the clerk portal needs the full legal name of the person involved. Adding a date of birth and a known case number narrows the results and reduces confusion from common names. People searching on behalf of an employer or licensing agency should also have the signed consent of the person being searched, as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act for background checks.
Do expunged Miami records show up in background checks?
No. Once a court orders expungement, all agencies holding the record must destroy or seal it. Background check companies that pull data from official sources will not see the expunged record. Some private databases may still hold outdated information, but the court order requires those companies to update their records upon request. A person with an expunged record can legally deny the arrest ever happened in most situations.
Can I access Miami criminal records from another state?
Yes. The online clerk portal works from any computer with internet access. Mail requests also work for people living outside Florida. For a full nationwide background check, the FDLE search covers all Florida counties, and other states have their own portals. Federal criminal records are not part of the state system and require a separate request through the federal courts or the FBI.
What is the difference between a police report and a court record?
A police report is created by the officer at the scene or at the time of arrest. It documents the events as the officer saw them. A court record is created by the clerk of court after the State Attorney files formal charges. The court record includes the charging documents, motions, hearings, and final judgment. Both are public records, but the police report comes from the law enforcement agency and the court record comes from the clerk’s office.