Bradford County Felony Court Records
Bradford County felony records document serious criminal cases filed in the local court system. The Clerk of Court maintains these public files at the courthouse in Starke. You have the right to view most felony case records under Florida's Sunshine Law. These documents show charges, court dates, case outcomes, and sentencing details. Some records remain sealed by court order and cannot be accessed. This guide explains how to search for felony records in Bradford County using online tools and in-person visits.
Bradford County Clerk of Court
The Bradford County Clerk manages all court records for the county. Contact them at (904) 966-6280. The main office sits in Starke, which serves as the county seat. You can visit in person during regular business hours Monday through Friday. The Clerk's website at www.bradfordclerk.org offers online access to many records.
When you visit the Clerk's office, you can use public computers to search cases. These computers connect to the court database. You can search by defendant name, case number, or date range. Most records from recent decades are in the system. Older files may be on paper in storage. Staff members can help you find what you need. They can also retrieve files from storage with some advance notice.
The Clerk handles many services beyond court records. They issue marriage licenses and passports. They record deeds and mortgages. But felony case files are a major part of their work. Each criminal case gets a unique case number when filed. All documents related to that case go in one file. This includes charging papers, motions, and court orders. The final judgment shows how the case ended.
FDLE Criminal History Search for Bradford County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps the statewide criminal history database. This system includes Bradford County felony records along with cases from all 67 Florida counties. FDLE offers an online name-based search that costs $25 per lookup. You pay with a credit or debit card. The results appear on your screen right away. You can print or save the report.
To start a search, visit the FDLE Criminal History Search Portal. 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.
Court Records Access in Bradford County
Bradford County court records include detailed information about every felony case. The Clerk of Court maintains these files from the first filing through case closure. You can access most of these records in person at the courthouse. Many records are also available through online portals. The level of detail varies based on the case age and type.
Each felony case moves through several stages. It starts with an arrest or a formal charge filing. The State Attorney's office files charges in most cases. Early hearings address bail and legal representation. Then come pre-trial conferences and motion hearings. Some cases go to trial before a jury. Others end with plea agreements. The final stage is sentencing or case dismissal. Each step creates documents that become part of the public record.
You can find several types of documents in a case file. The charging paper lists the specific crimes. Police reports provide the factual background. Witness statements may be included. Lawyers file motions asking the judge to take action. Court orders show the judge's decisions. The d sheet lists all activity in chronological order. Final judgments show the case outcome and any sentence imposed.
Florida State Resources for Bradford County
Florida law controls how public records work. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is known as the Sunshine Law. It says that most government records must be open to the public. This includes Bradford County felony court files. You do not need to give a reason when requesting records. You also do not need to show identification just to view files.
The Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search tracks state prison inmates. This database is free to use. It shows who is currently in prison. You can see their location and status. The system lists sentence details and release dates. Most records include a photo of the inmate. This tool only covers state prison inmates. It does not include county jail inmates.
Some people qualify to seal or expunge their criminal records. This process removes them from public view. The FDLE Seal and Expunge Section handles these requests. Not everyone qualifies for this relief. You must have no prior seal or expunge orders. The case must have ended without a conviction. Certain serious crimes cannot be sealed. These include violent felonies and sexual offenses.
Nearby Counties to Bradford
These counties border Bradford County. Records may span multiple jurisdictions. You may need to check each county.