Town N Country City criminal records are official court files that cover felony cases, misdemeanor cases, and other criminal matters handled in Hillsborough County, Florida. Town N Country is a census-designated place located in Hillsborough County, near Tampa and the Tampa International Airport.
Because Town N Country is not an incorporated city, all criminal cases that come from this area are processed through the Hillsborough County court system. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court serves as the main record keeper for these files. Anyone can search these records online, by phone, or by visiting the courthouse in person. This page explains how the records system works, where to look, what you can see, and what fees apply.
How Town N Country Criminal Records Are Organized
All criminal records for Town N Country residents and cases filed in this area go through the 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, which covers Hillsborough County. The Clerk of Court keeps the official file for each case. These files include charging documents, court orders, hearing minutes, pleas, sentences, and final judgments. Some records are public, and some are sealed by court order. Police reports, arrest records, and jail records come from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, not the Clerk of Court. Florida law treats most adult criminal records as public records, with a few exceptions for juvenile cases, sealed records, and expunged records.
Who Maintains These Records
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court is the official custodian of court case files for Town N Country criminal matters. The Clerk’s office stores docket entries, case numbers, charges, dispositions, and certified copies of court documents. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office holds arrest records, incident reports, booking photos, and current inmate data. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps the statewide criminal history database. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks anyone sentenced to state prison. Each agency has its own search tools and rules about fees.
What Types of Cases Appear in the Records
The records cover all criminal cases filed in Hillsborough County. This includes felony cases for crimes such as burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and fraud. It also covers misdemeanor cases for crimes like simple battery, petty theft, DUI, and disorderly conduct. Traffic criminal offenses that go through the court system also appear in the same database. Civil infractions and parking tickets do not appear in criminal court records. Juvenile cases follow a different process and are not public in most cases.
Where to Search Town N Country Criminal Court Records
There are three main ways to search criminal court records for Town N Country. The fastest method is the online portal run by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. You can also visit the courthouse in Tampa to use public terminals or request files from the records counter. For statewide checks, the FDLE offers a name-based criminal history search that covers all 67 Florida counties, including Hillsborough County. Each method gives different levels of detail, and you may need to combine more than one search to get a full picture of a person’s criminal history.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Online Portal
The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court runs a public records search tool on its website. You can look up cases by name, by case number, or by citation number. The portal shows pending cases, closed cases, and cases that ended in dismissal. Each result shows the defendant name, date of birth (when available), charges, court division, judge, hearing dates, and final disposition. Basic case information is free to view online. You do not need an account. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers. Search results show the case file location and which clerk office holds the original paper file if one exists. The online portal is updated daily, so new filings usually appear within 24 hours.
In-Person Records Request at the Courthouse
You can also visit the Hillsborough County Courthouse in person to search records and request copies. The main Clerk’s office is located at 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding county holidays. Public terminals are available in the lobby for free searches. Staff at the records counter can help you locate a file, pull it for viewing, and make copies. You will need a valid photo ID to access the public terminals. Certified copies and printed documents carry a fee per page. Payments are accepted by cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards.
13th Judicial Circuit Court Records
The 13th Judicial Circuit Court covers Hillsborough County. Felony cases are heard in the Circuit Criminal Division. Misdemeanor cases are heard in the County Criminal Division. Each division keeps its own docket. The Clerk of Court online portal searches both divisions at the same time. For older cases that predate the digital system, you may need to request the paper file directly from the Clerk’s archive. The archive is located in the same building as the main courthouse.
How to Look Up Felony and Misdemeanor Cases
Searching for felony and misdemeanor cases in Town N Country follows a similar process. You start with the person’s full legal name. Adding a date of birth helps narrow down results when a name is common. The Clerk’s online portal lets you sort results by case type, filing date, and case status. You can also search by the case number if you already have it from a ticket, summons, or prior court document. Court case numbers in Hillsborough County follow a standard format that includes the year, a sequence number, and a court code. Knowing the format helps you verify that you are looking at the right case.
Felony Case Lookup Process
Felony cases in Town N Country are heard in the Circuit Criminal Division of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court. To look up a felony case, go to the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court website and select the case search option. Enter the defendant’s last name, first name, and middle name if known. Add the date of birth to filter the results. Each felony case shows the formal charges, the arrest date, the arraignment date, plea dates, trial dates, motions filed, and the final sentence. If the person was sentenced to prison, the record shows the transfer date to the Florida Department of Corrections. Felony cases can take months or years to resolve, so the case status may change often.
Misdemeanor Case Lookup Process
Misdemeanor cases in Town N Country are heard in the County Criminal Division. These cases include simple assault, minor drug possession, petit theft, reckless driving, and first-time DUI. The same online search tool covers both felony and misdemeanor cases. You can filter the results to show only misdemeanors by selecting the case type filter. Misdemeanor cases often resolve faster than felony cases. Many end in a plea agreement within 60 to 90 days of the arraignment. The record shows whether the defendant paid a fine, served probation, completed a diversion program, or served county jail time.
Statewide Criminal History Resources
The Hillsborough County Clerk only holds records for cases filed in Hillsborough County. If a person has a criminal history in another Florida county, those records will not show up in the local search. To get a complete picture, you need to run a statewide search through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The statewide search is also useful for employers, landlords, and licensing agencies that need a full background check. Two main statewide tools are available to the public: the FDLE criminal history search and the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The FDLE runs a public criminal history service called CCHInet. This tool searches arrest records, dispositions, and convictions from every Florida county, including Hillsborough County. The search costs $25 per name and requires the person’s full name and date of birth. Results come back as a printable PDF. The report shows every arrest in Florida, the charges filed, the final disposition, and the sentence if any. Sealed and expunged records do not appear in CCHInet. The search covers only Florida records. For federal charges or out-of-state records, separate searches are needed. The FDLE website is cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) runs an inmate search on its website. This tool shows anyone currently in state prison or on state supervision, including people from Town N Country who received a prison sentence. You can search by name or by Department of Corrections (DC) number. Results show the inmate’s current facility, their scheduled release date, their offense, and their county of conviction. The FDC search is free to use and does not require an account. The FDC website is fdc.myflorida.com.
Town N Country Police and Sheriff Records
Court records show what happened after an arrest. Police and sheriff records show what happened during the arrest and investigation. These two sets of records together give the full picture of a criminal case. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responds to most calls in the Town N Country area because Town N Country does not have its own police department. The Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest reports, incident reports, and booking data. Some of these records are public, and some are not.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) lets the public request police reports, incident reports, and arrest affidavits. Reports that are part of an active investigation or that contain sensitive information (like juvenile names or victim identifiers) may be restricted. You can request records in person at the Sheriff’s Office downtown headquarters or by mail. The HCSO records unit can be reached at (813) 247-8200 for questions about specific reports. Most basic reports cost a small fee per page. Official records requests may take several business days to process. The Sheriff’s Office website at hcsofl.org also has a recent bookings search and an active warrant search.
Local Arrest Reports and Booking Data
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office posts current inmates and recent bookings on its website. The search is free and shows the inmate’s name, booking date, charges, and bond amount. The booking data updates throughout the day as new arrests are processed. You can search by name or by booking date. The data only shows people currently in the Hillsborough County jail, not people who have already been released or transferred to state prison. For older arrest data, you need to file a public records request with the Sheriff’s Office.
Types of Criminal Records Available for Town N Country
Several different record types exist for Town N Country criminal cases. Each one shows a different part of the legal process. Some records are free to view, and others carry a fee. Some are public, and some are sealed by court order. The four main record types are court case files, police reports, arrest records, and jail records. Court case files cover the legal process from charging through sentencing. Police reports cover the original incident and investigation. Arrest records cover the moment the person was taken into custody. Jail records cover the time the person spent in the county jail before trial or transfer.
Court Case Files and Dockets
Court case files hold the official record of the case. They start with the charging document, which lists the formal charges filed by the State Attorney. The file also contains the arrest warrant, the arraignment minutes, motion filings, plea paperwork, and the final judgment. The Clerk’s office dockets each step in the case, so anyone can read the full history of the case through the online portal. Court case files are public under Florida law. The only exception is when a judge orders the file sealed. Sealed files are not searchable online, and you cannot view them at the courthouse without a court order.
Police Reports and Incident Records
Police reports and incident reports are written by the responding officer at the scene or after an interview. They describe what the officer saw, what witnesses said, and what evidence was collected. Incident reports cover any reported event, even if no arrest was made. Police reports specifically document an arrest. These records are public once the case is closed. Active investigations may be exempt from public release. The Sheriff’s Office can deny a request if releasing the report would interfere with an ongoing investigation, identify a confidential informant, or reveal a victim’s personal data.
Fees and Copies for Town N Country Criminal Records
Getting copies of criminal records in Town N Country involves different fees depending on the agency and the type of copy. Basic online searches are free. Certified copies cost more because they include an official seal and signature. The Clerk of Court charges a fee per page for printed copies. The FDLE charges a flat $25 for a statewide name-based search. The Sheriff’s Office charges for each report copy. Knowing the fee schedule ahead of time helps you plan your request. Most agencies accept multiple payment methods, but some only take cash or check for in-person requests.
| Record Type | Source Agency | Cost | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online case search (basic) | Hillsborough County Clerk of Court | Free | Web portal |
| Certified case copies | Hillsborough County Clerk of Court | $1 per page + certification fee | Paper copy with seal |
| Standard printed copies | Hillsborough County Clerk of Court | $1 per page | Paper copy |
| Statewide criminal history | FDLE (CCHInet) | $25 per name | PDF download |
| Inmate search | Florida Department of Corrections | Free | Web portal |
| Recent bookings | Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office | Free | Web portal |
| Police report copy | Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office | Varies by report length | Paper or PDF |
Sealing and Expungement of Town N Country Criminal Records
Florida law allows certain criminal records to be sealed or expunged under specific rules. Sealing means the record is hidden from public view but still exists. Expungement means the record is destroyed by court order. Both options help people move past old arrests and qualify for jobs, housing, and licenses. The process starts with the FDLE. You must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility before you can file a petition with the Hillsborough County court. You must meet all the legal requirements before FDLE will issue the certificate. The full process usually takes four to six months from start to finish.
Who Qualifies for Sealing or Expungement
You can apply to seal or expunge a Town N Country criminal record if you were not convicted of the charge, if the case was dismissed, if you were found not guilty, or if you completed a diversion program. You cannot have any prior convictions for any criminal offense. You cannot have other sealed or expunged records on file. You cannot have a charge that disqualifies you under Florida Statute 943.059. If you were adjudicated guilty as a minor, the rules are different and go through the juvenile court process. Expungement is allowed only once in a lifetime under Florida law.
How to File a Sealing Petition in Hillsborough County
Once you have the Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE, you file a petition with the Clerk of Court in Hillsborough County. The petition must include the case number, the charges, and the date of the final disposition. You also file a proposed order for the judge to sign. The State Attorney has the right to object to the petition. The judge reviews the file and decides whether to grant the request. If the judge signs the order, the Clerk seals the file and notifies all agencies that hold a copy of the record. From that point on, the record no longer appears in public searches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Town N Country Criminal Records
These questions cover the most common concerns people have when searching for criminal records in Town N Country. Each answer focuses on the real records process in Hillsborough County and the current Florida laws that apply. The answers reflect the 2026 procedures used by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, the Sheriff’s Office, and the FDLE.
How long does a criminal case stay on a person’s record in Florida?
A criminal case in Florida stays on a person’s record forever unless it is sealed or expunged by court order. The Clerk of Court keeps the file indefinitely, even after the sentence is complete. The FDLE criminal history database also keeps arrests and convictions for life. The only way to remove a record from public view is to go through the formal sealing or expungement process. Certain older misdemeanor convictions may also be eligible for automatic sealing under a 2019 Florida law, but each case must meet the specific requirements set by the statute. The Clerk’s office can review a case to see if it qualifies for automatic sealing.
Can I search Town N Country criminal records for free?
Yes, the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court online portal lets you search basic case information for free. The portal shows the defendant name, charges, court dates, and case status. You do not need to pay or create an account to see this basic data. You only pay when you request a printed copy or a certified copy. The FDLE charges $25 for a statewide criminal history search, but you can also use free search tools to see if a person is currently in jail or in state prison. The Sheriff’s Office booking search and the Florida DOC inmate search are both free to use online.
Are juvenile criminal records available to the public in Town N Country?
No, juvenile criminal records in Florida are not public. They are kept separate from adult records and are only available to the minor, the minor’s parents or guardians, the defense attorney, and certain court officials. The public cannot search juvenile records through the Clerk’s online portal. Juvenile records can be expunged in many cases once the minor turns 18, depending on the outcome of the case. The process for sealing a juvenile record is different from the adult sealing process. You would need to contact the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court juvenile division for help with a juvenile record request.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a criminal record?
An arrest record shows that someone was taken into custody by a law enforcement officer. It includes the arrest date, the arresting agency, and the reason for the arrest. A criminal record is broader. It includes the arrest, the formal charges filed by the State Attorney, the court case docket, the plea, and the final sentence. A person can be arrested without being charged. A person can also be charged without being arrested (through a warrant or summons). To get the full picture, you need to look at both the arrest record and the court case file. The Sheriff’s Office has the arrest record. The Clerk of Court has the case file.
Can I find out if someone has an active warrant in Town N Country?
Yes, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has an active warrant search on its website at hcsofl.org. The search shows warrants issued by Hillsborough County judges. You can search by name. The results show the warrant type, the issuing judge, and the bond amount if one is set. Warrants from other counties will not appear in this search. For statewide warrant checks, the FDLE maintains a partial database, but it does not include all local warrants. The most accurate way to check is through the Sheriff’s Office of the county that issued the warrant.
How do I get a certified copy of a Town N Country criminal record?
To get a certified copy of a Town N Country criminal record, visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court at 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602. You can also order certified copies online through the Clerk’s website or by mail. You will need the case number, the full name of the defendant, and the date of birth. The fee is $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee for each document. Certified copies come with an official seal and are accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. Processing time for mail orders is usually 5 to 10 business days. In-person requests are often ready the same day.
What should I do if I find incorrect information in a criminal record?
If you find incorrect information in a Town N Country criminal record, you can file a request to correct the record with the agency that holds it. For court records, contact the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court in writing. Include the case number, the incorrect data, and proof of the correct data. The Clerk will review the request and may require a court order to make the change. For arrest records, contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office records unit. For FDLE records, you can file a challenge through the FDLE website. Correcting a record can take several weeks and may require a hearing before a judge.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court
Address: 419 Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 276-8100
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Website: hillsclerk.com
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 2008 East 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: (813) 247-8200
Website: hcsofl.org
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Website: cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
Website: fdc.myflorida.com