West Palm Beach Felony Records Search
West Palm Beach is the seat of Palm Beach County, Florida. Over 117,000 people live in this coastal city. It serves as the government center for the county. The West Palm Beach Police Department handles local law enforcement work. Felony cases from the city go to the Palm Beach County courts. You can search for these records through various methods. This guide explains how to find felony records in this area using online tools and in-person visits.
West Palm Beach Police Department Records
The West Palm Beach Police Department works hard to keep the city safe. They have a large staff of trained officers. You can reach them at (561) 822-1900 during business hours. Their main office sits at 600 Banyan Boulevard in the downtown area. The department serves the downtown core and nearby residential zones. They also patrol the waterfront areas. The police work closely with the community to prevent crime.
Police records show what happens when officers respond to crimes. Each report has facts about the event. It lists who was there and what took place. The report may note suspected crimes and evidence found. Officers file these reports after each call they handle. Some reports are public records available to anyone. Others stay sealed during active investigations. The police must follow state law when releasing records.
To get a copy of a police report, visit the department website first. The site is at www.wpb.org/police. Look for the records section on the site. You can find request forms there to download. Some reports have a copy fee that must be paid. Fees are set by city rules and state law. Most requests take a few business days to process. Complex cases may need more time for review.
The records unit can answer your questions. Call them during office hours. They can tell you if a report is ready. They can explain if a report is public. Some cases need a court order to view. Staff will guide you through the steps. They can also tell you the cost.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court for West Palm Beach Cases
All felony cases from West Palm Beach go to Palm Beach County Clerk of Court. The Clerk maintains court records for the entire county. You can call them for help with your search. Their phone number is listed on the county website. The main courthouse sits in downtown West Palm Beach. This makes it easy for city residents to access records.
The Palm Beach Clerk offers online case searches. Visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com to begin. You can search by name or case number. The system shows case status and charges. You can see court dates and outcomes. Some documents are viewable online. Others need an in-person visit.
When you visit the Clerk's office, staff can help you search. They have computers for public use. These link to the full case system. You can view many records for free. Copies cost 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost one dollar. These fees are set by Florida law.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps state crime records for all counties. This includes West Palm Beach felony cases and arrests. FDLE has an online search tool that is easy to use. It costs $25 per lookup through their system. You pay online with a credit or debit card. Results appear on your screen right away.
To use the FDLE search, go to web.fdle.state.fl.us/search. You will need the person's full legal name. The date of birth helps narrow down results. A Social Security number is optional but makes searches more exact. The system checks all Florida counties at once. This saves time compared to checking each county separately.
The search results show arrests, charges, and convictions. You will see the case number and which court handled the case. The report includes felony charges and misdemeanor offenses. It shows guilty pleas, no contest pleas, and trial verdicts. Some records note if charges were dropped or dismissed. Cases that ended without a conviction may still appear. Records that are sealed or expunged do not show up in public searches.
The FDLE homepage at www.fdle.state.fl.us provides access to many public safety tools. You can learn about background check requirements. The site explains how criminal records work in Florida. It also has forms and instructions for various services. For the most current fee information, check their website directly.
How to Search West Palm Beach Felony Records
You have several ways to find felony records in West Palm Beach. Each way has its own steps and benefits. Pick the one that fits your specific needs. Some ways are faster than others. Some give more detail about the case.
Online searches work best for quick checks. The Palm Beach Clerk site has case info. The FDLE site has state records. Both work from home. You need a computer and internet. You also need the person's name. Results come in minutes.
In-person visits let you see more. Go to the Clerk's office in West Palm Beach. You can view full case files. You can make copies. Staff can help you search. Bring a photo ID. Also bring cash or card for copies.
Phone calls can answer simple questions. The West Palm Beach Police can check report status. The Clerk can check case status. Calls work for yes or no questions. Complex needs may require a visit.
Nearby Cities in Palm Beach County
These cities are close to West Palm Beach and share the same county court system. You may need to check these areas if the case crossed city lines.