Pinellas County criminal records are court files and law enforcement files for every felony, misdemeanor, and traffic criminal case filed in Pinellas County, Florida. The 6th Judicial Circuit Court handles felony cases.
The County Court handles misdemeanor cases. Both courts are part of the Florida court system. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps the official court files. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest and inmate files. Anyone can look up these records online or in person. Florida law makes most criminal court records open to the public.
How Pinellas County Criminal Records Work
Every criminal case that happens in Pinellas County creates a court file. This file holds the charges, court dates, plea deals, sentences, and final results. The Clerk of the Circuit Court stores these files. The Sheriff’s Office stores arrest reports and jail records. State agencies also keep criminal history data.
What Are Pinellas County Criminal Records
Pinellas County criminal records are written files about people charged with crimes in Pinellas County. These files include arrest reports, charges, court papers, plea deals, verdicts, and sentences. They cover felonies, misdemeanors, DUI cases, and criminal traffic offenses. Juvenile records are kept separate. Sealed and expunged records are hidden from public view.
Who Maintains These Records
Three main offices maintain these records. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps court records. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest and inmate records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps statewide criminal history. The Florida Department of Corrections keeps prison records.
Types of Cases Included
The records cover several case types. Felony cases include serious crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, and assault. Misdemeanor cases include petty theft, simple battery, and minor drug possession. DUI cases appear in both felony and misdemeanor dockets based on prior offenses. Criminal traffic cases include racing, driving with a suspended license, and leaving the scene of a crash.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main office for official criminal case records. The office is at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. Phone: 727-464-7000. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office runs an online search system that works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Website: mypinellasclerk.gov.
Online Court Records Search
The Clerk runs an online search system at mypinellasclerk.gov/Home/View-Records. The system lets users search by name, case number, or date range. It shows case status, hearing dates, charges, and final results. The system covers both circuit and county criminal cases. The data updates every day with new filings and court actions. Basic case lookups are free.
Searching by Name
To search by name, type the last name first. Add a first name to narrow the results. A middle name helps when many people share the same name. The search returns a list of cases that match. Each entry shows the case number, filing date, and current status. Click the case number to see the full docket.
Searching by Case Number
Case numbers in Pinellas County follow a set format. Circuit criminal cases start with the year, then a code, then a sequence number. County criminal cases use a similar pattern. Users who know the exact case number get faster results. The Clerk’s office can help find a case number if the user has other details.
Visiting the Clerk’s Office
Walk-in visitors can use public search terminals at the Clearwater office. Staff can help locate records and explain the process. Bring a valid photo ID. Bring any case details you already have. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state holidays.
Requesting Certified Copies
Certified copies of court records cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Additional charges apply for exemplified copies. Payment can be cash, check, money order, or credit card. Certified copies carry an official court seal. Many legal filings require certified copies.
Fees and Payment Methods
The Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. A small surcharge applies to credit card payments. The fee schedule is set by Florida law and applies statewide. Call 727-464-7000 to confirm current fees before you visit. Fee waivers exist for users who show financial hardship with proper paperwork.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records, incident reports, and jail records. The main office is at 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, Florida 33778. Phone: 727-582-6200. The Sheriff’s Office serves unincorporated Pinellas County and contracts with several cities. Their website at pcsoweb.com offers an inmate search tool and public records request forms.
Inmate Search Tool
The Sheriff’s Office runs an inmate search at pcsoweb.com/inmate-search. Users can look up current inmates by name or booking number. The tool shows booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and housing location. The system updates every few hours. The database covers current inmates and recent releases for up to 90 days.
Arrest Records and Reports
Arrest records and incident reports are public under Florida law. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or online. Each report costs a set fee per page. Reports may be exempt if they are part of an active investigation. The Records Bureau handles all public records requests.
Booking Information
Booking records include the arrest date, arresting agency, charges, and bond amount. Mugshots appear for most bookings. The record shows the next court date when scheduled. Felony and misdemeanor bookings are both listed. Some arrests result in a release on a written promise to appear.
Recent Releases
The inmate search also shows recent releases. The release date and reason are listed. Users can check if a person is still in jail or has been released. The data is updated several times each day. This tool helps family members and lawyers track inmate status.
Pinellas County 6th Judicial Circuit Court
The 6th Judicial Circuit Court covers Pinellas County and Pasco County. The main courthouse is in Clearwater. The St. Petersburg branch handles many criminal cases too. The circuit court hears felony cases. The county court hears misdemeanor cases. Both courts create public records.
Felony Court Records
Felony cases are filed in the circuit court. These include drug trafficking, violent crimes, and theft of large amounts. Felony court records show indictments, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentences. The records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Users can search these records online or at the courthouse.
Misdemeanor Court Records
Misdemeanor cases are filed in the county court. These include simple assault, petty theft, minor drug possession, and first DUI. Misdemeanor court records follow the same rules as felony records. The Clerk of the Court keeps these files. The online search system covers both types of cases.
Court Locations in Clearwater and St. Petersburg
The main criminal courthouse is the Pinellas County Justice Center at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, Florida 33762. Phone: 727-464-7000. The South County branch is in St. Petersburg. Both locations handle criminal cases. Users can file papers and search records at either courthouse.
Statewide Criminal History for Pinellas County
Statewide searches cover criminal records from all of Florida. These searches pull data from every county, including Pinellas County. Two main state agencies run these searches. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) runs the inmate search.
FDLE Criminal History Search
FDLE offers a public criminal history search at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Each name search costs $24 plus a $1 credit card fee. The search needs a full name and date of birth. A Social Security Number helps with accuracy. Results appear right after payment. The search covers arrests, charges, and dispositions from every Florida county.
Florida Department of Corrections Search
The Florida Department of Corrections runs a free inmate search at fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch. The search covers people in state prison and people on community supervision. Users can search by name or DC number. The results show the current facility, sentence details, and release date. This tool covers people convicted in Pinellas County and sentenced to state prison.
Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from most public searches. Expunged records are destroyed by some agencies. Not all cases qualify. Serious crimes like murder and sexual offenses cannot be sealed or expunged.
Eligibility Requirements
A person must meet several rules to qualify. The person must not have been found guilty of any other crime. The person must not have a prior sealed or expunged record. The case must have ended in a way that allows sealing. Dismissed cases, dropped charges, and acquittals often qualify. A completed diversion program also counts.
Application Process
The first step is a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application fee is $75. Processing takes about 12 weeks. The certificate stays valid for 12 months. The application is at fdle.state.fl.us/seal-and-expunge-process. A full set of fingerprints is part of the application.
Court Petition
After getting the certificate, the next step is a court petition. The petition is filed with the Pinellas County Clerk. A filing fee applies. A judge reviews the petition and may hold a hearing. If approved, the court order goes to every agency that holds the record. The agencies must then seal or destroy the record.
Public Access Laws and Record Restrictions
Florida has strong public records laws. State law gives every person the right to see public records. The government must provide access during business hours. Most criminal court records are public. Some records have limits based on the law.
Florida Public Records Act
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes creates the public records law. This law covers all government agencies in the state. The law says every person has the right to see and copy public records. Agencies cannot ask why the records are wanted. The law applies to court records and arrest records.
Records Exempt from Public Access
Some records are kept private. Sealed and expunged records are hidden. Active criminal investigation files are exempt. Juvenile records have special protections. Victim information is often redacted. Personal details like Social Security Numbers are removed. Information that could affect national security is exempt.
Contact and Office Information
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Address: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. Phone: 727-464-7000. Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on state holidays. Website: mypinellasclerk.gov. Online Records Search: mypinellasclerk.gov/Home/View-Records. The Clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards for in-person requests.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Address: 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, Florida 33778. Phone: 727-582-6200. Inmate Search: pcsoweb.com/inmate-search. Records requests can be filed online, by mail, or in person.
Pinellas County Justice Center. Address: 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, Florida 33762. Phone: 727-464-7000. This is the main criminal courthouse in the 6th Judicial Circuit.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Criminal History Search: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. Seal and Expunge Process: fdle.state.fl.us/seal-and-expunge-process. Phone: 850-410-8100.
Florida Department of Corrections. Offender Search: fdc.myflorida.com/OffenderSearch. Phone: 850-488-5021.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinellas County Criminal Records
Many people have questions about how criminal records work in Pinellas County. These questions cover search methods, costs, time limits, and legal rules. The answers below cover the most common questions. Each answer gives clear and direct facts. The goal is to help users make smart choices when looking for criminal records in this Florida county.
How Do I Look Up a Criminal Case in Pinellas County for Free?
You can look up a criminal case in Pinellas County for free using the Clerk of Court’s online search system at mypinellasclerk.gov/Home/View-Records. The system covers both felony and misdemeanor cases. You can search by name, case number, or date range. The results show case status, charges, court dates, and final results. No account or payment is needed for basic lookups. The system runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also use the Sheriff’s inmate search at pcsoweb.com/inmate-search for free. This tool shows current inmates, charges, and bond amounts. The FDLE public criminal history search costs $24 per name but gives statewide data. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is free.
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 most public searches. Only certain agencies and people can see a sealed record. The record is still listed in law enforcement databases. An expunged record is destroyed by some agencies. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a confidential file. Private companies that run background checks cannot see sealed or expunged records. Most employers and landlords cannot see these records either. Government agencies and some licensing boards can still see them. The application process is the same for both. The main difference is how each agency handles the physical and digital files.
Can I View Pinellas County Criminal Records From Another State?
Yes, you can view Pinellas County criminal records from another state. The online search tools work from any location with internet access. The Clerk of Court’s system at mypinellasclerk.gov works worldwide. The Sheriff’s inmate search at pcsoweb.com works anywhere too. The FDLE criminal history search at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us works for anyone. You can also request records by mail. Send a written request to the Clerk of Court at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Florida 33756. Include the person’s full name, date of birth, and any case details. Pay the copy fees by check or money order. Mail requests take a few business days to process.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Certified Copy of a Court Record in Pinellas County?
Certified copies of court records in Pinellas County take different times based on the request method. In-person requests at the Clerk’s office are often handled the same day. You get the certified copy before you leave the building. Online requests through the Clerk’s eDockets system are processed within 1 to 3 business days. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days after the office gets your letter. Each certified copy costs $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Expedited service is available for an extra fee. The Clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. A valid photo ID is required for all certified copy requests.
Are Juvenile Criminal Records in Pinellas County Public?
No, juvenile criminal records in Pinellas County are not public. Florida law keeps juvenile records private. Only certain people can see these records. Parents and legal guardians can see the records of their children. Lawyers for the juvenile can see the records. Judges and court staff can see the records. Probation officers can see the records. Schools cannot see the records. Employers cannot see the records. The general public cannot see the records. Some juvenile cases can be transferred to adult court. Once a case is in adult court, the records become public. Sealed juvenile records stay private. Expunged juvenile records are destroyed by most agencies.
What Shows Up on a Pinellas County Background Check?
A Pinellas County background check shows arrests, charges, court outcomes, and sentences for cases filed in the county. The check can include felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses. The check shows pending cases and closed cases. Dismissed cases show up but are marked as dismissed. Sealed and expunged records do not show up on most background checks. Out-of-state arrests do not show up. Federal charges do not show up. The Clerk of Court search shows the full docket. The FDLE search shows the statewide picture. Private background check companies pull data from many sources. The results may differ between companies. A certified FDLE search is the most complete option for Florida records.
Can I Remove My Criminal Record From Public View in Pinellas County?
Yes, you may be able to remove your criminal record from public view in Pinellas County through a process called sealing or expungement. The first step is a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application fee is $75. Processing takes about 12 weeks. You must qualify under Florida law. You cannot have a prior sealing or expungement. You cannot have been found guilty of certain crimes. After the certificate is issued, you file a court petition with the Clerk. A judge reviews your case. If the judge approves, the court order goes to every agency with the record. The agencies then seal or destroy the record. Most employers and landlords cannot see the record after sealing. Some government agencies can still see it.