St Johns County criminal records are public court files that show felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the 7th Judicial Circuit Court in Florida. These records include case numbers, charges, court dates, plea deals, sentences, and final outcomes for every person charged with a crime in St Johns County.
Anyone can look up these records through the Clerk of Court, the Sheriff’s Office, or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This page explains exactly how to search these records online, by phone, or in person, with clear steps for each method.
How St Johns County Criminal Records Work
St Johns County sits in northeast Florida and falls under the 7th Judicial Circuit, which also covers Flagler, Putnam, and Volusia counties. Every criminal case in the county is filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court, who serves as the official record keeper. The Clerk’s office creates and stores every document tied to a case, from the first arrest paperwork to the final sentencing order. These files are open to the public under Florida law, with a few narrow exceptions for sealed or juvenile cases.
What Counts as a Criminal Record
A criminal record in St Johns County covers any case where a person is charged with breaking a state or local law. This includes felonies, which are serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison, and misdemeanors, which are smaller offenses carrying up to one year in jail. Traffic crimes that lead to criminal charges, such as DUI or driving with a suspended license causing death, also appear in these records. The record shows each step in the case, from arrest to final resolution.
Who Keeps the Records
The St Johns County Clerk of Court keeps the official court records for the county. The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest records, booking photos, and jail records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a statewide criminal history database that covers all counties. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks anyone sent to state prison. Each agency offers its own search tools, and each one shows a different slice of the same case.
St Johns County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Clerk of Court holds the most complete set of criminal court records for the county. The main office sits at 4010 Lewis Speedway, St Augustine, FL 32084. The office phone number is (904) 819-3600. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Clerk’s official website is www.stjohnsclerk.com, where online searches run around the clock.
Online Court Records Search
The Clerk runs an online search portal called Court Records Search on its website. This portal lets anyone look up criminal cases by name, case number, or date of birth. Results show case type, charges filed, court dates, plea information, sentence, and current status. The system updates daily with new filings and court actions. Basic search results are free to view on any computer or phone with internet access.
To use the online search, visit www.stjohnsclerk.com and click on the Court Records link. Type the full legal name of the person you are searching for, then choose Criminal as the case type. The search will pull up a list of cases tied to that name. Each result links to a case detail page that shows the full record.
Searching by Case Number
Searching by case number gives the fastest and most exact result. St Johns County case numbers follow a set format that includes the year filed, a court code, and a sequence number. For example, a felony case filed in 2025 might read CA2025CF001234. Entering this number in the Clerk’s search bar brings up only that one case, with no name matching needed. This method works best when you already have paperwork showing the case number.
Searching by Defendant Name
Name searches pull every case where a person with that name appears as a defendant. Because many people share common names, results may include more than one person. To narrow results, add a date of birth or middle name to the search. The system checks the name against the full court database, including old and new cases. Active and closed cases both appear in the results.
In-Person Record Requests
You can visit the Clerk’s office during business hours to search records in person. Staff at the public terminal area help you run searches and print copies. Bring a photo ID and any case details you already have, such as a name or case number. Print fees apply for paper copies, and certified copies cost extra because they carry an official seal and signature. You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at the office.
Certified Copies and Court Documents
Certified copies are official documents with a raised seal and the Clerk’s signature. Courts, employers, and government agencies often require certified copies for legal use. The cost for a certified copy is set by Florida law and applies statewide. Standard copies without the seal cost less and work for personal records. You can order certified copies in person at the Clerk’s office or by mail with a written request and payment.
Felony and Misdemeanor Case Records
St Johns County handles felony and misdemeanor cases at different court levels, but both sets of records live with the Clerk of Court. Felony cases go through the Circuit Court, while misdemeanor cases go through the County Court. Both courts file paperwork with the same Clerk, and the online search covers both case types. Knowing which court handled a case helps you read the record correctly.
Felony Court Records
Felony cases are filed in Circuit Court and carry the case type code CF for criminal felony. These cases include crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and fraud. Felony records show the formal charges, arraignment dates, motion filings, plea agreements, trial outcomes, and sentencing orders. Sentences can include prison time, probation, fines, or a mix of all three. The Clerk keeps these records for life unless the court orders them sealed or expunged.
Misdemeanor Court Records
Misdemeanor cases are filed in County Court and carry the case type code MM for criminal misdemeanor. These cases cover lesser offenses like simple assault, petty theft, disorderly conduct, and minor DUI. Misdemeanor records follow the same format as felony records, just with shorter maximum sentences. The Clerk’s online search treats both case types the same way and shows them in the same search results.
St Johns County Sheriff’s Office Records
The St Johns County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail and keeps arrest records. The Sheriff’s Office main address is 4015 Lewis Speedway, St Augustine, FL 32084. The main phone number is (904) 824-8304. The agency website is www.sjso.org. The Sheriff’s Office handles arrests, bookings, and inmate custody for the entire county.
Jail and Inmate Search
The Sheriff’s Office runs an online inmate search tool on its website. This tool shows people currently held in the St Johns County jail and people released within the last few days. Search by last name or booking number to find a specific inmate. Results show booking date, current charges, bond amount, and court date when set. The system updates several times a day as new bookings and releases happen.
Arrest Records and Booking Reports
Arrest records show when and where a person was taken into custody, the agency that made the arrest, and the charges at the time of booking. The Sheriff’s Office keeps these records even after the person is released. You can request arrest reports by calling the records division or visiting the office in person. Some arrest records may be exempt from release if they tie to an active investigation.
Warrants and Active Warrants
Active warrants for St Johns County are listed through the Sheriff’s Office. The agency posts wanted persons and active warrants on its website under the Warrants section. You can search by name to check whether a person has an active warrant in the county. Warrants for traffic tickets, failure to appear, or new criminal charges all show up in the search. This tool helps you confirm warrant status before traveling through the county.
Statewide Criminal History Search Through FDLE
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also called FDLE, runs a statewide criminal history database called CCHInet. This database pulls records from every county in Florida, including St Johns County. The FDLE search covers arrests, charges, and convictions reported by Florida law enforcement agencies. Statewide searches cost $24 per name search, plus a $1 credit card processing fee, for a total of $25 each.
What FDLE Records Include
An FDLE search shows arrests, final dispositions, and sentences reported to the state by Florida law enforcement. Results cover all 67 Florida counties, plus state agencies and municipal police departments. The search returns adult criminal records only. Juvenile records processed through adult court may also appear. Federal charges and out-of-state arrests do not show up in the FDLE database.
How to Request an FDLE Search
Visit cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us to run an FDLE search online. Enter the person’s full legal name and date of birth. A Social Security Number helps narrow the results if available. Pay the $25 fee with a credit or debit card. Results show on screen instantly after payment. You can print or save the results for your records.
Florida Department of Corrections Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks people serving state prison time or on community supervision. Their website, fdc.myflorida.com, has a free inmate search that shows current and released offenders. Search by last name or inmate ID number. Results show the institution, release date, and supervision status. This tool works for anyone convicted in St Johns County and sentenced to state prison.
Sealing and Expunging St Johns County Records
Florida law lets some people hide their criminal records through a court process called sealing or expunging. Sealing keeps the record private but still leaves it in the system. Expungement physically destroys most records tied to the case. Both options remove the record from public search results. Not every case qualifies, and serious crimes like murder and sex offenses cannot be sealed or expunged.
Certificate of Eligibility From FDLE
Step one in sealing or expunging a record is applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application fee is $75 and is not refundable. Processing takes about twelve weeks from the date FDLE gets your completed application. The certificate stays valid for twelve months from the date of issue. You must have no prior sealed or expunged records to qualify.
Filing a Petition With the Court
After you get the certificate, file a petition with the St Johns County court that handled your case. The court sets a hearing date and the State Attorney’s Office reviews the request. A judge makes the final call based on the law and the facts of your case. If the judge signs the order, the Clerk seals or destroys the records as ordered. The whole process from start to finish can take six to twelve months.
Public Access Laws and Record Fees
Florida public records law gives broad access to court files and criminal records. Section 119.07 of Florida Statutes protects this right. The Clerk must let any member of the public view court records during normal business hours. No ID or reason is needed to request records. The law covers criminal dockets, case files, court orders, and plea agreements.
What Records Stay Open
Most criminal records in St Johns County stay open for the life of the case. After sentencing, closed cases remain open to the public. Records of dismissed cases, acquittals, and completed sentences all stay open by default. Court orders, motions, and exhibits are public once filed. Even decades-old cases can be pulled and viewed at the Clerk’s office.
What Records Stay Closed
Sealed and expunged records are removed from public search results. Active criminal investigations may stay confidential until the case closes. Juvenile records have special protection under Florida law and are not open to the public. Victim information gets redacted from public files to protect privacy. Certain law enforcement records tied to undercover operations also stay sealed.
Record Fees and Copy Costs
Florida law sets the fees for court records statewide. Basic online searches run free through the Clerk’s portal. Print copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost more because they include an official seal. The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards for in-person orders. Mail orders must include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Searching Criminal Dockets and Court Calendars
Criminal dockets show the schedule of court events for each case. The St Johns County Clerk posts daily dockets on its website under the Court Calendar section. Dockets list each case set for hearing that day, along with the time, courtroom, and judge. Members of the public can view dockets free of charge. Lawyers and defendants use the docket to track upcoming hearings and deadlines.
How to Read a Docket Entry
A docket entry shows the date, type of hearing, parties involved, and what happened at court. Common entries include arraignment, plea hearing, motion hearing, trial date, and sentencing. Each entry links to the case number for full details. Reading the docket in order tells the full story of a case from filing to final resolution.
Finding a Specific Court Date
Search the Clerk’s website for Court Calendar to find hearings set for a specific day. Choose the date you want to check, and the system shows every hearing scheduled across all courtrooms. Filter results by case type to see only criminal hearings. This tool helps you confirm when a case will be in court without calling the Clerk’s office.
Contact Information for St Johns County Records
St Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
4010 Lewis Speedway
St Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 819-3600
Website: www.stjohnsclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
St Johns County Sheriff’s Office
4015 Lewis Speedway
St Augustine, FL 32084
Phone: (904) 824-8304
Website: www.sjso.org
Records Division: (904) 209-1464
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
Criminal History Search: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Seal and Expunge: fdle.state.fl.us/seal-and-expunge-process
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common issues people run into when looking up criminal records in St Johns County. Each answer gives the specific tool, contact number, or law that applies to the question. Use these answers to skip extra calls to the Clerk’s office or Sheriff’s Office.
How Do I Find Someone’s Criminal Record in St Johns County for Free?
You can search the St Johns County Clerk’s online portal at www.stjohnsclerk.com for free. Click on the Court Records Search link and enter the person’s name. The system shows all criminal cases tied to that name at no cost. You can also visit the Clerk’s office in person at 4010 Lewis Speedway and use the public terminals for free. The Sheriff’s inmate search at www.sjso.org is another free tool that shows recent bookings.
Can I Look Up St Johns County Criminal Records by Case Number?
Yes, the Clerk’s online portal accepts case numbers as a search option. Case numbers for criminal cases start with CA, followed by the year filed, the case type code, and a sequence number. For example, a 2025 felony case might read CA2025CF001234. Entering this exact number pulls up only that specific case. This method gives faster results than name searches and avoids issues with common names.
Are Sealed Records Available to the Public in St Johns County?
No, sealed records are removed from public search results in St Johns County. Once a court orders a record sealed, the Clerk removes it from the online portal and blocks access at the public terminals. Expunged records go further and are physically destroyed. Only the Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a sealed file for limited access by criminal justice agencies. Members of the public cannot view sealed or expunged records without a court order.
What Is the Difference Between Felony and Misdemeanor Records in St Johns County?
Felony records cover serious crimes punishable by more than one year in prison, and misdemeanor records cover smaller offenses with up to one year in jail. Felony cases are filed in Circuit Court with the case type code CF. Misdemeanor cases are filed in County Court with the case type code MM. Both sets of records live with the same Clerk and show up in the same online search. The difference is the court that handled the case and the maximum sentence that applies.
How Long Does It Take to Seal a Criminal Record in St Johns County?
The full process usually takes six to twelve months from start to finish. Step one is the FDLE Certificate of Eligibility, which takes about twelve weeks. Step two is filing a petition with the court that handled your case. After the State Attorney’s Office reviews the petition, a judge holds a hearing and signs an order if approved. Once the order is signed, the Clerk seals the record within a few weeks.
Can I Search St Johns County Criminal Records From Out of State?
Yes, you can search St Johns County criminal records from anywhere with internet access. The Clerk’s online portal works on any computer or phone with a web browser. The FDLE statewide search at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us also works from out of state. Mail requests to the Clerk’s office work for people who cannot visit in person. The only tool that requires a local visit is the in-person records request, which still lets you order copies by mail afterward.
What Happens if I Cannot Find the Record I Am Looking For?
If a search returns no results, try different spellings of the name or add a date of birth to narrow the search. Older cases from the 1990s or earlier may not be in the online portal and require an in-person visit to the Clerk’s office. Records that have been sealed or expunged will not show up in public searches. For statewide coverage, run an FDLE search at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. If you still cannot find the record, call the Clerk’s records division at (904) 819-3600 for help.