Miami Felony Records Search
Miami felony records are part of the public record system in Miami-Dade County, Florida. These documents include arrest reports, charges filed, court dates, and case outcomes. The Miami Police Department creates initial reports when officers make arrests. The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court maintains all court files and case documents. You can access most records under Florida's Sunshine Law. Some files may be sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. This guide shows you how to find felony records in Miami. You will learn about police reports, court files, and state searches. Each source gives you different types of information. Together they form a complete picture. Visit www.miami-police.org for more details.
Miami Police Department
The Miami Police Department serves the city of Miami. You can reach them at (305) 603-6640 for questions about reports or records. Visit www.miami-police.org for more details. Officers respond to calls and make arrests every day. They write reports that become part of the public record. These reports show the date and time of each incident. They include names of those involved and what happened. The facts are written in detail. Officers must file these reports within hours of an arrest. This ensures timely and accurate records.
Records from the Miami Police Department show the first step in a criminal case. When police make an arrest, they create a report. This report goes to the State Attorney's office. The prosecutor decides if charges should be filed. Not all arrests lead to formal charges. Some cases are dropped early. Others move forward to court. The police file is the start of the paper trail. It contains the facts as the officer saw them. These facts form the basis of the case.
To obtain police reports from Miami, call (305) 603-6640. Some reports can be requested online. Others need a visit to the station. Bring photo ID when you go. There may be a small fee for copies. The process takes a few days in most cases. Some files are not public if the case is still open. Ask staff what you can view. They will guide you through the request process. Be ready to provide case details.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court Records
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court keeps all court records. This includes felony cases from Miami. You can search these records online. Visit the clerk's website to start. Most systems let you search by name. You can also use case numbers. The search is free for basic lookups. Full documents may cost a small fee. The clerk's office is the official keeper of all court files. They handle thousands of cases each year.
Court records show the full path of a case. They start with the initial charge. Then come the hearings. Motions are filed by lawyers. The judge makes rulings. All of this is written down. The final outcome is recorded too. This may be a plea, a trial verdict, or a dismissal. Sentencing details are in the file. Each step creates more records. The file grows as the case moves forward.
For Miami-Dade County, the clerk's office is a key resource. They handle thousands of cases each year. Staff can help you find what you need. You can visit in person during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday. Some have weekend hours too. Call ahead to check times. Parking may be limited near the courthouse. Public transit can help. Plan your visit in advance.
When you visit the clerk's office, bring the person's name. A date of birth helps narrow results. Case numbers work best if you have them. Staff can pull files from storage. Older cases may be on paper. Newer ones are on computer. You can view most files for free. Copying costs a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. Bring payment with you.
FDLE Criminal History Search for Miami
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a statewide database. This includes Miami felony records. You can search all of Florida at once. The online portal charges $25 per search. You pay with a credit card. Results show on your screen right away. You can print or save the report. The FDLE database is the most complete source for statewide records. It is updated daily.
According to state law, criminal history records are public. The FDLE search uses names and dates of birth. You can add gender for better results. Social Security numbers are optional. The search covers all 67 counties. This saves time versus checking each one. It shows arrests, charges, and case outcomes. You get a full state history in one search. This is very useful for background checks.
Visit the FDLE Criminal History Search Portal to begin. The fee is $24 plus a $1 processing charge. Results appear instantly. You can search from any computer. The site works day or night. It is secure and official. This is the best way to check records statewide. The FDLE homepage at www.fdle.state.fl.us has more tools and resources.
How to Search Miami Felony Records
Searching Miami felony records takes a few simple steps. Start with the Miami Police Department for recent arrests. Then check the Miami-Dade County Clerk for court files. Use the FDLE system for a full statewide check. Each source gives different details. Together they paint a full picture. The police show the start of a case. The court shows the legal outcome. FDLE shows the full state history.
When you start your search, gather key details first. The full legal name is essential. Date of birth prevents mix-ups. Case numbers are ideal if you have them. Years help narrow the search range. Some systems let you search by date range. Others need exact spellings. Be ready with all facts you know. More details give better results.
Understanding what you find is key. Felony charges are serious crimes. They carry possible prison time. Misdemeanors are less severe. The records show if a case is open or closed. They note if charges were dropped. Sealed records will not appear. Expunged records are destroyed. Ask staff if you need help reading the files. They can explain what you see on the screen.
Nearby Cities to Miami
These cities are near Miami. You may need to check records in these areas too.