Florida Criminal Court Records

Pembroke Pines City Criminal Records – Court Search

Pembroke Pines City criminal records are public court files that show criminal cases handled in Broward County, Florida. These records include felony cases, misdemeanor cases, traffic criminal offenses, and court filings from the local courthouse.

Anyone can look up these records online through the Broward County Clerk of Courts website or by visiting a courthouse in person. The records show case numbers, charges, court dates, plea deals, sentences, and final outcomes. This page explains exactly where to find these records, what they contain, how much they cost, and how the search process works step by step.

What Are Pembroke Pines City Criminal Records

Pembroke Pines City criminal records are official court documents created when someone is charged with a crime in the city. The Pembroke Pines Police Department makes arrests. Then the case moves to the Broward County court system. The court creates a case file that tracks the legal process from start to finish. These files stay on record unless a judge orders them sealed or expunged. Public access to these files is protected by Florida state law. Most case files are open for anyone to read, copy, or request. The files give a full picture of each criminal case, including the original charge and the final court decision.

Who Maintains the Records

The Broward County Clerk of Courts is the main keeper of all criminal court records for Pembroke Pines. The Clerk keeps felony records, misdemeanor records, county criminal traffic records, and court orders. The Clerk also stores hearing transcripts, plea agreements, motions, and judgment documents. The Pembroke Pines Police Department keeps separate police records, such as incident reports and arrest logs. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps statewide criminal history reports. The Florida Department of Corrections keeps inmate records for people in state prison. Each agency handles a different part of the criminal justice process. Together they create the full criminal record for any person.

What Information Each Record Contains

A criminal case record from Pembroke Pines typically contains the defendant’s full legal name, date of birth, case number, and booking photo reference. It also shows the exact charges filed by the State Attorney, the arresting agency, and the date of arrest. Court entries show every hearing, motion, and ruling in the case. The final judgment section shows the outcome. Outcomes include dismissal, acquittal, conviction, probation, fines, or jail time. Sentence details list probation terms, restitution, and court-ordered programs. The file may also show prior criminal history if the defendant had past cases in Florida.

Difference Between Criminal and Police Records

Criminal court records and police records are two different things. Court records show what happened in the legal case after the arrest. They are kept by the Clerk of Courts. Police records show what officers did at the scene before and during the arrest. They are kept by the Pembroke Pines Police Department. Police records include incident reports, witness statements, evidence logs, and arrest affidavits. Court records include charging documents, motions, hearings, plea deals, and final sentences. Both are public, but each agency handles its own request process. Most people searching for criminal history need both types to get the full picture.

Where to Find Pembroke Pines Criminal Court Records

The Broward County Clerk of Courts runs the main record system for Pembroke Pines criminal cases. The Clerk operates the main courthouse in Fort Lauderdale and a satellite courthouse in Pembroke Pines. Both locations allow public access to criminal case files. The online portal lets anyone search cases from a phone or computer at any time. The records cover all criminal cases filed in Broward County, including cases involving Pembroke Pines residents and cases that took place within city limits.

Broward County Main Courthouse

The main Broward County Courthouse is located at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. This building houses the Clerk of Courts main office and handles felony and misdemeanor cases. Public terminals are available in the lobby for free case searches. Staff members can help visitors find case files during business hours. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The main phone line for criminal records questions is 954-831-6565. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID to access public terminals.

Broward County West Satellite Courthouse

The West Satellite Courthouse serves Pembroke Pines and nearby western Broward communities. The address is 100 North Pine Island Road, Plantation, Florida 33324. This location handles many criminal case hearings and offers public record access. It is closer to Pembroke Pines residents than the Fort Lauderdale main courthouse. The satellite courthouse also has self-service terminals and clerk staff. Phone service is available through the same 954-831-6565 number. Hours match the main courthouse at 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except court holidays.

Online Record Portal

The Broward County Clerk of Courts online portal is the fastest way to search Pembroke Pines criminal records. The website address is https://www.browardclerk.org. Visitors click on the “Case Search” link on the main page. The search form asks for a name, case number, or citation number. Results show the case type, filing date, current status, and next hearing date. Each case page lists charges, court events, and documents. Most basic searches are free. Certified copies and full document downloads cost a small fee. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers with no special software needed.

Types of Criminal Records Available for Pembroke Pines

Several types of criminal records exist for Pembroke Pines. Each type covers a different part of the criminal justice process. The right record depends on what the searcher needs. Some records show only arrests. Others show full court cases. State and federal records cover wider areas. Knowing the difference helps the searcher pick the right source.

Felony Court Records

Felony court records cover serious crimes such as burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, robbery, fraud, and homicide. Felony cases in Pembroke Pines are filed in Broward County Circuit Court. Each felony case has a unique case number starting with the year and a CF or CRC prefix. These records show grand jury indictments, arraignments, plea hearings, trial dates, and sentencing. Felony case files are larger than misdemeanor files. They may include lab reports, expert witness lists, and evidence inventories. The Broward County Clerk of Courts stores all felony case files for Pembroke Pines matters.

Misdemeanor Court Records

Misdemeanor court records cover less serious crimes such as simple assault, petty theft, minor drug possession, trespassing, and disorderly conduct. Misdemeanor cases are filed in Broward County Court. Case numbers carry a MM or MMD prefix. These files show charge sheets, arraignments, pretrial hearings, and final judgments. Misdemeanor cases usually resolve faster than felony cases. Many end in plea deals, diversion programs, or dismissal. The same online portal handles misdemeanor searches alongside felony searches.

County Criminal Traffic Records

County criminal traffic records cover driving-related criminal charges such as DUI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, and leaving the scene of an accident. These cases are filed in Broward County Court under the criminal division. They carry a CT prefix in the case number. A DUI charge is treated as a criminal offense in Florida, not a simple traffic ticket. Criminal traffic records appear in the same online portal as felony and misdemeanor cases.

Police Incident and Arrest Reports

Police incident reports and arrest reports are kept by the Pembroke Pines Police Department. The Records Division is located at 9500 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024. The phone number is 954-431-2200. These reports show what officers saw and did at the scene. They include witness names, officer names, and evidence lists. Some reports are open to the public right away. Others may take a few days to process. The Records Division charges a small fee per copy. Requests can be made in person or through the department’s online portal.

How to Search Pembroke Pines Criminal Records Online

Searching online is the fastest way to check criminal records for Pembroke Pines cases. The Broward County Clerk portal is free to use for basic case searches. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers statewide criminal history checks. The Florida Department of Corrections runs an inmate search. Each tool covers a different part of the criminal record system.

Step-by-Step Search on the Clerk Portal

  1. Go to https://www.browardclerk.org using a web browser.
  2. Click the “Court Records” or “Case Search” link from the main menu.
  3. Choose the search type: name, case number, or citation number.
  4. Enter the full legal name of the person being searched, including last name, first name, and middle name if known.
  5. Select the case type: criminal, civil, traffic, or family.
  6. Click the “Search” button and wait for the results page to load.
  7. Click on the matching case link to see full case details.
  8. Review the charges, court events, and final outcome sections.

Search by Case Number

Searching by case number gives the most exact results. The case number appears on any court paper, such as an arrest warrant, summons, or court notice. Pembroke Pines felony case numbers start with two digits showing the year, followed by a CF or CRC prefix. Misdemeanor case numbers start with the year and carry a MM prefix. Enter the full number with dashes in the portal search box. The system pulls up the exact case file. This method works best when the searcher already has a court document.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history system called CCHInet. The website is https://cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. This search covers arrests and convictions from every Florida county, including Broward County. The cost is $24 per name search. Users must create an account and pay by credit card. Results show all Florida arrests, charges, and dispositions tied to the person’s name. This tool works for background checks that need a full Florida record.

The Florida Department of Corrections offender search is free and available at https://www.dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch. This search shows people currently in Florida state prisons and people on supervision. It does not show county jail inmates. The search works by name or Department of Corrections ID number. Results show current location, release date, and offense history. Pembroke Pines residents who received prison sentences will appear in this database.

Fees and Processing Times for Pembroke Pines Records

Most online case searches on the Broward County portal are free. Fees apply for certified copies, full document downloads, and bulk requests. Police reports also charge a small fee. Statewide criminal history checks through FDLE cost $24 per search. Knowing the fee schedule helps the searcher plan ahead.

Clerk of Courts Copy Fees

The Broward County Clerk charges $1 per page for regular copies of court documents. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Audio recordings of court hearings cost $5 per CD. Credit card payments add a small processing fee. Payments are accepted by cash, check, money order, and credit card at the courthouse. Online payments are accepted through the portal. Same-day service is available for in-person requests before 3:00 p.m.

Police Report Copy Fees

The Pembroke Pines Police Department charges $0.15 per page for police reports. Accident reports cost $0.15 per page plus a $2 state fee. Fingerprint cards cost $5 per card. Background check letters cost $5 each. Payments are accepted by cash, check, and credit card. Most reports are ready within 3 to 5 business days after the request. Some reports are exempt from public release under Florida law.

FDLE Criminal History Fees

The FDLE charges $24 for each name-based criminal history search. This is a non-refundable fee. Results come back instantly after payment. A certified copy of the criminal history report costs an extra $5. The fee covers the search only, not fingerprinting services. Out-of-state criminal records must be requested directly from the other state’s law enforcement agency.

Sealing and Expunging Pembroke Pines Criminal Records

Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged. Sealing hides the record from public view. Expungement destroys the record. Both options require a court order. Not every case qualifies. A person with prior convictions usually cannot seal or expunge a record. The process starts with the FDLE.

Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE

The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The application is available at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Seal-and-Expunge-Process. The cost is $75. The form asks for the applicant’s full name, date of birth, social security number, and case details. FDLE reviews the application and issues the certificate if the person qualifies. The certificate is valid for one year from the date it is issued.

Filing a Petition in Broward County Court

Once the certificate is issued, the applicant files a petition in the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The petition asks the judge to seal or expunge the record. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the petition and may object. A court hearing may be scheduled. If the judge grants the petition, the Clerk seals the file and notifies all agencies holding a copy. The record is then removed from public databases.

Who Cannot Seal or Expunge a Record

Florida law blocks certain people from sealing or expunging records. People with prior felony convictions cannot seal a record. People who have already sealed or expunged a different record cannot do it again. People charged with serious offenses such as murder, sexual battery, and certain drug trafficking crimes cannot seal their record. People found not guilty by reason of insanity cannot seal their record. Juveniles have a different process handled by the juvenile court system.

Pembroke Pines Police Department Criminal Records

The Pembroke Pines Police Department handles all local law enforcement matters inside the city. Officers respond to calls, make arrests, and write reports. The Records Division stores these documents and makes them available to the public. Most reports are open record under Florida law.

Contact Information for the Records Division

The Pembroke Pines Police Department Records Division is located at 9500 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024. The main phone line is 954-431-2200. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The department’s website is https://www.ppines.com/police. Public records requests can be filed in person, by mail, or through the online portal. Most requests are processed within 5 business days.

How to Request a Police Report

  1. Visit the Records Division at 9500 Pines Boulevard.
  2. Fill out a public records request form.
  3. Provide the case number, incident date, and involved parties.
  4. Pay the copy fee of $0.15 per page.
  5. Pick up the report or wait for it to be mailed.

Arrest Records and Booking Photos

Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody by Pembroke Pines police. The records include the arrest date, time, location, and charges. Booking photos are taken at the Broward County Main Jail. They are public record in most cases. Photos are available through the Records Division or through the Broward Sheriff’s Office inmate search. Some booking photos may be exempt if the person was a juvenile or the case was sealed.

People arrested in Pembroke Pines are taken to the Broward County Main Jail, also known as the Joseph V. Conte Facility. The jail is located at 555 Southeast 1st Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. The Broward Sheriff’s Office runs the jail and keeps current inmate records.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office operates a free inmate search at https://www.sheriff.org/Pages/InmateSearch.aspx. The search shows current inmates, recent bookings, charges, bond amounts, and court dates. Users can search by name or booking number. The system updates every few hours. This tool is the fastest way to check if someone is in Broward County jail after a Pembroke Pines arrest.

Bail and Bond Information

The jail roster shows bond amounts for each inmate. Bond can be paid at the jail or through a licensed bail bond agent. Some charges allow release on a written promise to appear. Others require a surety bond set by a judge. First appearance hearings happen within 24 hours of arrest. A judge reviews the charge and sets bond at that hearing.

Visiting an Inmate

Visits at the Broward County Main Jail must be scheduled in advance. Visitors must be on the inmate’s approved visitor list. Photo ID is required. The jail uses video visitation for most visits. Visit times are limited to 30 minutes. The phone number for visitation questions is 954-831-5900. The jail website has the full visitation schedule and rules.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pembroke Pines Criminal Records

Below are common questions people ask about criminal records in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Each answer gives clear, practical information based on current Florida law and Broward County policy.

Are Pembroke Pines criminal records public?

Yes. Most Pembroke Pines criminal court records are public under Florida’s Public Records Law. Anyone can search for them online or in person at the Broward County Courthouse. Sealed and expunged records are the only exceptions. Juvenile records are also restricted under Florida law. The online portal does not show sealed or expunged records. Police reports may also have some exempt sections, such as active investigation details and victim information in certain cases.

How do I look up a criminal case in Pembroke Pines?

Use the Broward County Clerk of Courts online portal at https://www.browardclerk.org. Click the case search link. Enter the person’s full name or case number. Select the criminal case type. The system shows matching cases, charges, court dates, and outcomes. You can also visit the Broward County Main Courthouse at 201 Southeast 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, or the West Satellite Courthouse at 100 North Pine Island Road, Plantation. Both have public terminals for free searches.

How much does a criminal record search cost in Pembroke Pines?

Online case searches on the Broward County Clerk portal are free for basic case lookups. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Regular copies cost $1 per page. The FDLE statewide criminal history search costs $24 per name. Police reports from the Pembroke Pines Police Department cost $0.15 per page. There are no fees for walking in and using the public terminals at the courthouse.

Can I find out if someone is in jail in Pembroke Pines?

Yes. Use the Broward Sheriff’s Office inmate search at https://www.sheriff.org/Pages/InmateSearch.aspx. The search shows current inmates in the Broward County jail, including people arrested by Pembroke Pines police. You can search by name or booking number. Results show the charges, bond amount, and next court date. The system updates several times each day.

How do I seal a criminal record in Pembroke Pines?

Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement first. The application costs $75 and is available at https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Seal-and-Expunge-Process. After you receive the certificate, file a petition in the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The judge reviews the petition and decides whether to grant the seal. The process usually takes several months from start to finish.

What is the difference between sealing and expunging a record?

Sealing hides the record from public view but keeps it in agency files. Law enforcement and some government agencies can still see sealed records. Expungement destroys the record in most cases. Only one expungement is allowed in a lifetime under Florida law. Both options require a court order and a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. Sealing is more common. Expungement is reserved for cases that were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict.

Can I get a criminal record removed from the internet?

Florida law does not require private websites to remove criminal record information. The only legal way to remove a record is through the court sealing or expungement process. After a judge grants the order, the official court file and law enforcement databases are updated. Private websites that pull data from public sources may still show the old information. You can contact private websites directly and ask them to update or remove listings. There is no legal requirement for them to comply.