Washington County criminal records are court files and law enforcement reports that document criminal cases filed in Washington County, Florida. These records cover felony charges, misdemeanor charges, traffic criminal offenses, arrests, convictions, and case dispositions.
Anyone can look up these records through the Clerk of Court, the Sheriff’s Office, or statewide agencies like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The system makes court activity open to the public while still protecting certain sealed or sensitive information.
Washington County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Washington County Clerk of Court keeps the official criminal case files for every case filed in the county. This office writes down the case history, court orders, and final results for both felonies and misdemeanors. The Clerk runs under Florida law and must keep these files safe and easy for the public to look at.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Washington County Clerk of Court office sits at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428. The main phone line for the Clerk is (850) 638-6289. The Records Department can also help with older case files and historical court documents. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. The office closes on all official Florida state holidays.
Types of Criminal Records Maintained
The Clerk of Court keeps many different criminal case records for the county. These records give a full picture of each case from start to finish. You can see what happened, when it happened, and what the court decided. The main types of records kept by the Clerk include:
- Felony case files for serious crimes like burglary, assault, and drug trafficking
- Misdemeanor case files for less serious crimes like petty theft and simple battery
- Criminal traffic offenses including DUI, driving with a suspended license, and reckless driving
- Violation of probation filings and hearing results
- Warrant records and capias orders issued by the court
- Arraignment minutes and plea agreements
- Sentencing orders and final judgments
Online Court Records Portal
The Clerk runs an online search tool through the official website at washingtonclerk.com. This portal lets people search criminal case records from home at any time of day or night. Users can search by full name, case number, or court date. The portal shows case status, hearing schedule, charges, and the final court result. Basic case viewing is free for all users. Paid certified copies can be requested through the same portal.
In-Person Record Requests
People who want to see paper records can visit the Clerk’s office during business hours. The records counter sits on the first floor of the courthouse. Staff members help visitors search the paper files and pull docket sheets. Visitors should bring a photo ID and any case details they already have. This helps the staff locate the right file faster. A public computer is also set up for visitors who want to use the online portal at the courthouse.
Requesting Certified Copies
Certified copies of criminal court records carry an official court seal and signature. These copies cost $2.00 per page for regular documents and $3.00 per page for certified copies under Florida law. The Clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards. A self-addressed stamped envelope can be mailed in for record requests by mail. Mail requests take five to ten business days to process. Same-day service is only available for in-person visits at the counter.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office handles law enforcement across the entire county. Deputies respond to calls, make arrests, run investigations, and manage the county jail. The Sheriff’s Office keeps records of arrests, incident reports, and inmate bookings. Some of these records are open to the public, while others stay sealed during active investigations.
Arrest and Inmate Records
The Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida. Current inmate information is posted on the Sheriff’s website at washcosheriff.com. Visitors can search for inmates by full name or booking date. The inmate roster shows booking photo, charges, bond amount, and next court date. The jail roster updates every few hours with new bookings and releases. Phone inquiries about inmate status can be made to (850) 638-6111.
Public Records Request Process
Anyone can submit a public records request to the Sheriff’s Office for incident reports, arrest affidavits, and 911 call logs. Requests can be sent in person, by mail, or by email. The request should include the date of the incident, names of the people involved, and the type of report needed. The Sheriff’s Office has ten business days to respond under Florida law. A small copying fee may apply for larger reports.
Sheriff’s Office Contact Details
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office main address is 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428. The main phone number is (850) 638-6111. The non-emergency line is open 24 hours a day for general questions. The records department can be reached at (850) 638-6111 ext. 231 during business hours. The website washcosheriff.com has press releases, most-wanted lists, and community alerts posted weekly.
Florida Statewide Criminal History Database
Statewide criminal history searches cover criminal records from every county in Florida, including Washington County. These searches pull data from state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the main statewide database for criminal history checks.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the CCHInet system for statewide criminal history searches. This system includes arrest records, charges, and final court results from all 67 Florida counties. Users must create a free account before running a search. The search costs $24.00 per name, plus a $1.00 credit card processing fee. Results show up right after payment clears through the secure portal.
Florida Department of Corrections Search
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) runs a free inmate search on its website. This database lists people serving state prison time who were convicted in any Florida county. Users can search by name or Department of Corrections number. The search shows current prison location, release date, and offense details. The FDC database only includes people sentenced to state prison, not county jail inmates.
Understanding the Cost of Statewide Searches
Statewide criminal history searches through FDLE cost money, but local Clerk searches are free to view. The Clerk search is best for checking case status and hearing dates. The FDLE search is best for full background checks that cover the whole state. Many employers use both systems together for a full picture. The cost of a single FDLE search is $25.00 total with the credit card fee.
| Record Source | Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Clerk of Court Online Portal | Free to view | Court case status, charges, hearings, dispositions |
| FDLE CCHInet Search | $25.00 per name | Statewide arrest and conviction history |
| FDC Inmate Search | Free | Current state prison inmates and release dates |
| Sheriff’s Office Inmate Roster | Free | Current county jail bookings and bond amounts |
| Certified Court Documents | $3.00 per page | Official copies with court seal and signature |
How to Search Washington County Criminal Case Records
There are several ways to look up Washington County criminal case records. The right method depends on what you already know about the case. Name searches work best when you do not have a case number. Case number searches give faster and more exact results.
Search by Name
Name searches are the most common way to look up criminal records. The Clerk of Court portal asks for a last name and first name. Adding a date of birth helps narrow down the results. Middle names and known aliases can also help filter the list. Common names may return several results, so extra details are helpful.
Search by Case Number
A case number is a unique code the court gives to every case. It usually includes the year, court type, and case sequence. For example, a 2024 felony case might be listed as 24-CF-000123. Knowing the case number makes the search fast and exact. The number is printed on every court order, summons, and arrest warrant.
Search by Date Range
Date range searches help when you know roughly when the case was filed. The Clerk portal allows users to set a start date and end date. The system then shows every case filed in that window. This method works well for legal research and journalist investigations. A 30-day window often returns the best balance of results.
Search by Attorney
Attorney searches let you find every case a specific lawyer has handled. The Clerk portal has a search field for attorney bar number or full name. This is helpful for clients checking their lawyer’s case history. It is also useful for other lawyers doing legal research on past rulings. Results show the case number, charges, and the final result.
Types of Washington County Criminal Court Records
Washington County criminal court records are sorted by case type and severity. Each type has its own court division and record system. The main case types are felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic criminal offenses.
Felony Case Records
Felony case records cover serious crimes that can lead to prison time over one year. The 14th Judicial Circuit Court handles felony cases for Washington County. These records include indictments, plea deals, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders. Felony records stay on file for life and are not automatically removed. Some felony cases can be sealed or expunged under specific conditions.
Misdemeanor Case Records
Misdemeanor case records cover less serious crimes punishable by up to one year in county jail. The Washington County Court handles these cases at the local level. Misdemeanor types include petit theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. Records show charges, plea, sentence, fines, and probation terms. First-time offenders often qualify for diversion programs instead of convictions.
Traffic Criminal Records
Traffic criminal records cover offenses like DUI, driving with a suspended license, and leaving the scene of a crash. These cases are heard in the county court division. The records include breath test results, field sobriety reports, and traffic citations. DUI convictions stay on a driving record for 75 years under Florida law. Many driving offenses can be reduced to civil infractions through legal action.
Juvenile Criminal Records
Juvenile criminal records cover cases where the person charged was under 18 at the time of the offense. These records are sealed from public view under Florida law. Only the juvenile, the parents, the defense attorney, and the judge can view the files. Juvenile records may be expunged when the person turns 21 if they met all conditions. Adult criminal records and juvenile records are kept in two separate systems.
Sealing and Expungement of Washington County Records
Florida law allows some criminal records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. Sealing hides the record from public view. Expungement physically destroys the record. Both options give a fresh start to people who qualify.
Eligibility Requirements
To seal or expunge a record, the person must meet all Florida eligibility rules. The person cannot have any prior sealed or expunged records. The case must have ended in a withhold of adjudication, a not guilty verdict, a dismissal, or a nolle prosequi. Certain serious crimes like murder, sexual battery, and child abuse can never be sealed or expunged. The full list of disqualifying offenses is listed in Florida Statute 943.045.
Application Process and Fees
The first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application fee is $75.00 and is non-refundable. The application must include a certified disposition for the case and a current fingerprints card. Processing takes about 12 weeks from the date FDLE receives the full application. The certificate is valid for 12 months after the issue date.
Court Petition Filing
After getting the Certificate of Eligibility, the next step is to file a petition with the Washington County Court. The petition must include the original certificate and a proposed court order. A court hearing is set within 60 to 90 days after filing. The judge reviews the petition and decides whether to grant the request. A $42.00 filing fee applies to the court petition. If the judge grants the order, all agencies with the record must seal or destroy it within 30 days.
Public Access Laws and Fees
Florida has very strong public records laws that give citizens wide access to government documents. The Florida Public Records Act, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, sets the rules. Washington County follows these statewide rules for criminal case files.
Florida Public Records Act
The Florida Public Records Act gives every person the right to see and copy public records. Government agencies must respond to records requests promptly. No reason is needed to ask for public records. Agencies can only deny requests if a specific state or federal law blocks the release. Violations of the Act can lead to civil penalties against the agency.
Record Viewing Costs
Viewing records at the courthouse is free of charge. The Clerk may charge for copies based on the number of pages. The first copy of a public record is $1.00 per page. Each additional copy is $0.25 per page under Florida law. Certified copies cost more because of the official seal and signature. Payment is due at the time of request.
Restricted Records
Some criminal records are not open to the public under Florida law. Sealed and expunged records are blocked from public view. Active criminal investigation files stay confidential until the case is closed. Juvenile case files are sealed by law. Victim information is often redacted to protect privacy and safety. Federal charges and out-of-state convictions are not in the Washington County Clerk system.
Washington County Criminal Records Contact Summary
The main office for Washington County criminal court records is the Clerk of Court at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida 32428. Phone (850) 638-6289. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. The official website is washingtonclerk.com. The Sheriff’s Office shares the same address and can be reached at (850) 638-6111.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington County Criminal Records
Many people have questions about how criminal records work in Washington County, Florida. The answers below cover the most common questions from residents, employers, attorneys, and people doing personal background checks. Each answer is based on current Florida law and Clerk of Court rules as of 2026.
How do I check if someone has a criminal record in Washington County?
You can check Washington County criminal records by visiting the Clerk of Court online portal at washingtonclerk.com. Search by the person’s full name and date of birth to see case status, charges, and court results. You can also visit the Clerk’s office in person at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, Florida. For a statewide check, use the FDLE CCHInet system at cchinet.fdle.state.fl.us. The statewide search costs $25.00 and covers all Florida counties.
Are Washington County criminal records free to view?
Yes, the Clerk of Court online portal lets you view case information at no cost. You can see the charges, court dates, and final case result for free. Certified copies and printed documents cost money. The cost is $1.00 per page for the first copy and $0.25 per page for each extra copy. Certified copies with the official court seal cost $3.00 per page.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records are hidden from public view but still exist in the court system. Law enforcement agencies and certain government offices can still see sealed records. Expunged records are physically destroyed by all agencies that had them. After expungement, the person can legally say they have no criminal record in most cases. Both options require a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE before filing with the court.
How long does it take to seal a criminal record in Washington County?
The full process takes about 6 to 9 months from start to finish. The first step is the FDLE Certificate of Eligibility, which takes around 12 weeks. The court petition adds another 60 to 90 days for a hearing date. After the judge signs the order, agencies have 30 days to seal or destroy the record. The total time depends on the court schedule and the complexity of the case.
Can I access Washington County criminal records from another state?
Yes, you can access Washington County criminal records from anywhere in the world through the online Clerk portal. The portal works on any computer or mobile device with internet access. Out-of-state employers often use the FDLE CCHInet system for full Florida background checks. For a federal background check that covers all 50 states, the FBI runs the Identity History Summary check through its official website.
What shows up on a Washington County background check?
A Washington County background check shows criminal case records filed in the county. It includes charges, plea deals, trial results, sentences, probation terms, and warrants. The check covers both felonies and misdemeanors. Traffic criminal offenses like DUI also appear. Sealed and expunged records do not show up on a standard background check. Juvenile records stay sealed and never appear on adult background checks.
Can I remove a mistake from my Washington County criminal record?
Yes, mistakes on a criminal record can be fixed. You must file a motion with the court to correct the clerical error. A hearing may be set so the judge can review the request. The Clerk’s office can help with the paperwork for simple name or date corrections. More serious errors may need a lawyer. Once the correction is approved, the updated record appears in the online system within 30 days.