St Petersburg City Criminal Records are public court files that show felony and misdemeanor cases filed in Pinellas County, Florida. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court keeps these records because St Petersburg sits inside the 6th Judicial Circuit.
Anyone can look up cases online, in person, or by mail using a person’s name or case number. These records include charges, court dates, pleas, sentences, and final outcomes. They cover adult criminal cases handled in county and circuit courts. Police reports from the St Petersburg Police Department are separate from court records. Statewide criminal history comes from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Federal cases and sealed records do not appear in standard searches.
Where St Petersburg Criminal Records Are Kept
Criminal records for St Petersburg cases live in two main places. Court records stay with the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Police and arrest records stay with the St Petersburg Police Department. Each agency has its own search system, fees, and rules. Knowing which agency holds the file saves time when you need a specific document.
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court
The Pinellas County Clerk holds all court files for St Petersburg criminal cases. This includes felony cases from circuit court and misdemeanor cases from county court. The Clerk’s office stores charging documents, court orders, dockets, and final judgments. The Clerk runs the official online search portal that the public uses most often. Their system works 24 hours a day from any device with internet access.
St Petersburg Police Department Records Division
The St Petersburg Police Department keeps police reports, incident records, and arrest reports. These are created by officers at the scene or during an arrest. Police records show what happened before the case reached the courthouse. Some reports are public right away. Others stay sealed while an investigation is active. The Records Division handles requests for copies of these reports.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail and booking system. They keep arrest logs and inmate records. If a person was booked into the Pinellas County jail after a St Petersburg arrest, the Sheriff’s Office has the booking data. Their online inmate search shows who is currently in custody. Past inmate records require a separate request.
How to Search St Petersburg Criminal Records Online
Online search is the fastest way to look up St Petersburg criminal records. The Pinellas County Clerk offers a free public portal on their website. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. Results show case type, charges, court division, judge, and hearing dates. You can view most documents online without paying a fee. Certified copies cost extra and require payment through the portal.
Steps to Search by Name
Open the Pinellas County Clerk of Court website at www.mypinellasclerk.gov. Click on the “Court Records” or “Case Search” link. Enter the person’s full legal name in the search box. Add a date of birth if you know it to narrow the results. Review the list of cases that match. Click on a case number to open the full docket and document list.
Steps to Search by Case Number
If you already have a case number from a ticket, summons, or prior search, type it directly into the case number field. The system pulls up the exact file. Case numbers for St Petersburg cases start with the year followed by a code for the court type. Felony circuit court cases use “CF” followed by the year and sequence number. Misdemeanor county court cases use “MM” followed by the year and sequence number.
What the Online Portal Shows
The online portal displays case status, charges filed, bond amounts, court dates, plea entered, sentence, and final disposition. You can see if a case is open, closed, pending, or sealed. Most case documents are viewable as PDF files. Some older files from before 1990 may not be scanned and require an in-person request.
Types of Criminal Records Available in St Petersburg
Different record types serve different purposes. Court records show the legal process. Police records show the original incident. Jail records show custody status. State records show a person’s full Florida criminal history. Each system has its own scope.
Felony Court Records
Felony court records cover serious crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and fraud. These cases start in circuit court and can lead to prison time. The Pinellas County Clerk handles all felony filings for St Petersburg cases. Felony records stay on file permanently unless sealed or expunged by a court order.
Misdemeanor Court Records
Misdemeanor court records cover less serious offenses like petty theft, simple battery, DUI first offense, and trespassing. These cases are handled in county court. Sentences can include fines, probation, or up to one year in the county jail. Misdemeanor records are public and show up in the same online search as felony cases.
Arrest Records and Warrants
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody by police. Active warrant searches show whether a person has an open arrest warrant. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office posts current warrant lists. Warrant records help people confirm if a warrant exists before they appear in court or turn themselves in.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay in the system but become hidden from public view. Expunged records get destroyed by court order. Both types require a judge to approve the request. People who qualify must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Once sealed or expunged, the records do not show up in standard searches.
St Petersburg Police Department Records Request
The St Petersburg Police Department handles requests for incident reports, accident reports, and arrest reports filed by their officers. These records are separate from court records. Reports can take time to finalize after an incident. Most reports become public after the investigation closes.
How to Request a Police Report
Visit the St Petersburg Police Department headquarters or call their Records Division. Bring the case or incident number if you have one. Provide the date, location, and names involved. Pay the copy fee set by Florida law. The Records Division processes requests during business hours Monday through Friday. You can also submit a written request by mail or email through the department’s public records portal.
Common Police Record Types
Incident reports document crimes reported by victims or witnesses. Accident reports cover vehicle crashes investigated by officers. Arrest reports detail the circumstances of an arrest including charges and Miranda warnings. Some records may be exempt from disclosure under Florida public records law. Active investigations and juvenile records stay private.
Pinellas County Court Locations for St Petersburg Cases
St Petersburg criminal cases are heard at the Pinellas County Justice Center. The main courthouse is in Clearwater, but St Petersburg has a courthouse branch that handles many local cases. Knowing the right location saves time when you need to appear in person or request files.
Pinellas County Justice Center
The main criminal courthouse is located at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762. This building handles felony circuit court cases and major misdemeanor cases. The Clerk’s office inside handles record requests and certified copies. Court hearings take place in assigned courtrooms based on the assigned judge.
St Petersburg Branch Courthouse
The St Petersburg branch courthouse serves city residents for many county court matters. It handles misdemeanor arraignments, pretrial hearings, and some trials. The address is 1800 66th Street North, St Petersburg, FL 33710. This location is more convenient for people who live in St Petersburg and need to appear in court.
Hours and Contact Information
The Pinellas County Clerk’s office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone number is (727) 464-7000. The Clerk’s office closes on federal holidays and state holidays. Online services stay available 24 hours a day. Walk-in customers should arrive early to avoid long lines at the public terminals.
Florida Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history database called CCHInet. This system covers arrests and convictions from every Florida county, including Pinellas. Statewide searches cost $25 per name and require registration with FDLE. Results come back instantly online after payment.
What the State Search Shows
Statewide results show arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentences from all Florida counties. They include data from county courts, circuit courts, and state felony cases. Federal cases do not appear in CCHInet. Out-of-state convictions also do not show up. The report is accepted by most employers and licensing agencies.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections maintains a separate search for people currently in state prison or on state supervision. Their public search at www.dc.state.fl.us shows inmates by name or ID number. It lists current location, release date, and offense. St Petersburg residents who received state prison sentences appear in this database.
Sealing and Expungement of St Petersburg Records
Florida law gives people a way to clear their criminal record under specific conditions. Sealing hides the record from public view. Expungement destroys the record entirely. Both processes require a court order. Not everyone qualifies, and the rules are strict.
Eligibility Requirements
You cannot have any prior convictions for any criminal offense. The case you want to seal must be fully closed. You cannot have other sealed or expunged records already. Certain charges like murder, sexual offenses, and crimes against children never qualify. Each person gets one sealing or expungement in a lifetime under Florida law.
Steps to Seal or Expunge a Record
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE first. FDLE reviews your criminal history and confirms you meet the statutory requirements. Once approved, file a petition with the Pinellas County Clerk in the court where the case was handled. A judge reviews the petition and signs an order if approved. The order goes to all agencies that have the record so they can seal or destroy their copy.
Fees and Processing Times for St Petersburg Records
Most online searches through the Pinellas County Clerk portal are free to view. You only pay when you need physical copies or certified documents. Fees follow Florida’s public records law rates and can change each year. The current cost for a certified copy is $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card payments.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular printed copies from public terminals cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus the certification fee. Exemplified copies that work in all states cost $7 per page. Faxed copies cost $1 per page with a minimum $5 charge. Rush processing adds an extra fee and requires a written request.
Statewide Search Fees
FDLE charges $24 for a name-based criminal history check or $25 with the electronic fingerprint option. Results come back immediately through the online portal after payment. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is free to use. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office provides free inmate searches on their public website.
Important Contact Information for St Petersburg Records
Below is the contact data for agencies that handle St Petersburg criminal records. Use these numbers and websites to request specific documents or ask questions about a case.
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Official Website: www.mypinellasclerk.gov
Main Phone: (727) 464-7000
Criminal Division Phone: (727) 464-3310
Main Address: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Branch Location: 1800 66th Street North, St Petersburg, FL 33710
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
St Petersburg Police Department
Official Website: www.stpete.org/police
Records Division Phone: (727) 893-7520
Main Address: 1300 First Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33705
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Official Website: www.pcsoweb.com
Main Phone: (727) 582-6200
Jail Inmate Search: www.pcsoweb.com/inmate-search
Main Address: 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Official Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
CCHInet Criminal History: https://cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Seal and Expunge: www.fdle.state.fl.us/Seal-and-Expunge
Main Phone: (850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Corrections
Official Website: www.dc.state.fl.us
Offender Search: https://www.dc.state.fl.us/offendersearch
Main Phone: (850) 717-3000
Frequently Asked Questions About St Petersburg Criminal Records
These questions cover the most common concerns people have when they look up criminal records in St Petersburg. Each answer gives clear, direct facts based on Florida law and current Pinellas County procedures. Use this section to clear up confusion about who can see records, how long they stay available, and what tools work best for specific needs.
How Long Do St Petersburg Criminal Records Stay Public?
Criminal records in St Petersburg stay public forever unless a judge orders them sealed or expunged. There is no automatic removal after a set number of years. Even cases that ended in dismissal or acquittal remain in the public system. A record that is 30 years old still shows up in the same online search as one from last month. The only legal way to remove a record from public view is through the formal sealing or expungement process under Florida Statute 943.059. Expungement goes further and physically destroys the record. Sealing hides the record but keeps it in the system for law enforcement use. People who need a clean record for employment or licensing must follow the formal court process.
Can I Search St Petersburg Criminal Records for Free?
Yes, the Pinellas County Clerk offers free public access to case information online at mypinellasclerk.gov. You can search by name or case number without creating an account. You can view charges, court dates, and case status at no cost. You can also read most PDF documents attached to the case for free. The only fees apply when you request certified copies, exemplified copies, or printed pages mailed to you. The Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is also free. The St Petersburg Police Department allows free viewing of some incident reports online. The only statewide search that charges a fee is the FDLE CCHInet criminal history check at $24 to $25 per name.
What Is the Difference Between a Pinellas County Court Record and a Police Report?
A court record shows the legal case after police hand it to the State Attorney. It includes charges, motions, hearings, pleas, and sentences. A police report shows what officers observed and documented at the scene or during an arrest. Court records come from the Pinellas County Clerk. Police reports come from the St Petersburg Police Department. You need both for a full picture of an incident. Police reports often start the case, but court records control the final outcome. Each agency has its own request process and fee schedule. Some police reports never reach the court if charges are never filed.
Are Juvenile Criminal Records in St Petersburg Available to the Public?
No, juvenile records in St Petersburg are not public under Florida law. They stay confidential and only available to the minor, parents or guardians, attorneys, and the court. Juvenile cases are handled in a separate juvenile court system. The public cannot search juvenile cases through the Pinellas County Clerk portal. Even people involved in the case as victims have limited access. Juvenile records can be expunged under a different process than adult records. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice also keeps its own records that stay sealed. Once a person turns 18, certain juvenile records may become eligible for expungement through a formal petition.
What Happens If a Case Is Sealed or Expunged in St Petersburg?
Once a judge signs a sealing order, the case disappears from public searches. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still see the record. The person whose record was sealed can legally say they were never arrested or charged for that case. Expungement goes further and orders the agencies to destroy their copies. After expungement, even law enforcement access is limited. The person can also say the case never happened. Both processes require a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. Both require a court petition filed in the Pinellas County Clerk’s office. Each person gets one sealing or expungement in a lifetime, so it is important to use the right process for the right case.
Can I Find Out If Someone Has an Active Warrant in St Petersburg?
Yes, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office posts active warrant information on their public website. You can search by name to see if a warrant is outstanding. The St Petersburg Police Department also maintains a warrant list for city cases. Active warrant searches are free and available 24 hours a day. You should not rely on these searches for legal decisions. Only an official check with the Clerk’s office or Sheriff’s Office gives confirmed results. People with active warrants should turn themselves in with a lawyer to handle the case properly. Outstanding warrants stay active until the person appears in court or the case is resolved.
Do St Petersburg Criminal Records Show on Background Checks?
Yes, St Petersburg criminal records show up on most background checks. The Pinellas County Clerk portal is one source employers use. Private background check companies also pull from the same Clerk database. Statewide checks through FDLE cover St Petersburg cases along with all other Florida counties. Some background checks go back seven years, while others go back further depending on the type of job and the law that applies. Federal jobs require FBI checks that pull from the National Crime Information Center. Employers in Florida must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when running background checks for hiring decisions. Sealed and expunged records do not show up on standard background checks.