Jefferson County Felony Records
Jefferson County felony records document serious criminal cases in the Big Bend region of Florida. The Clerk of Court maintains these files at the courthouse in Monticello. Records include felony charges, court dates, pleas, and final case outcomes. Under Florida's Sunshine Law, most court files are open to public inspection. You can access these records online or by visiting the clerk's office in person.
Jefferson County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Jefferson County maintains all felony court records. The office is located in the county seat of Monticello, just east of Tallahassee. Staff members are available to help with record searches during business hours. You can contact the office at (850) 342-0218 for assistance with finding case files.
Records show the complete history of each felony case filed in the county. Files contain the original charges filed by the state, court hearing dates, and final judgments. You can view bond amounts, attorney names, and scheduled court appearances. The clerk's office updates files as cases progress through the court system.
To access records online, visit the Jefferson County Clerk website at www.jeffersonclerk.org. The site provides information about search fees and copy costs. Most recent records are available through their online portal. Certified copies for legal use carry additional fees for the official seal.
| Office | Jefferson County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Phone | (850) 342-0218 |
| Website | www.jeffersonclerk.org |
| County Seat | Monticello |
When visiting in person, bring a government-issued photo ID. Staff can help locate files if you provide a name or case number. Additional details such as birth dates help narrow searches when names are common. While staff cannot provide legal advice, they will direct you to appropriate public records.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the state's central criminal history repository. This database includes Jefferson County felony records along with those from all other Florida counties. The online search system costs $25 per name search and provides immediate results. You can access this service 24 hours a day from any internet connection.
The FDLE criminal history database contains comprehensive information about arrests and case outcomes. Search results include felony charges, misdemeanor offenses, and case resolutions. You will see whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in convictions. The system receives regular updates from law enforcement and court agencies statewide.
However, certain records remain exempt from public disclosure. Sealed records, expunged records, and most juvenile records do not appear in FDLE searches. To conduct a search, visit the FDLE Criminal History Portal. Required information includes the subject's full name, date of birth, and race. Results display immediately following payment processing.
The FDLE website at www.fdle.state.fl.us offers additional resources beyond record searches. You can find information about sealing or expunging your own records, correcting errors in your criminal history, and obtaining fingerprint-based background checks for employment or licensing purposes.
Court Records in Jefferson County
Court records in Jefferson County document the complete lifecycle of felony cases. These files begin when formal charges are filed and continue until final case resolution. The public has access to most court records under Florida's open government laws. You can trace a case from initial filing through final judgment using these records.
Each case file contains documentation that explains the charges and court proceedings. The initial charging document specifies the alleged crimes and relevant statutes. Defense attorneys file responsive documents on behalf of the accused. Judicial orders establish bail amounts, hearing schedules, and sentencing determinations. All these materials become part of the permanent public record.
The Jefferson County Clerk provides online access to many court records through their website. You can search by defendant name, case number, or date range. Older cases from before the digital era may require in-person research at the Monticello courthouse. Some historical records exist only in paper format or on microfilm.
State Resources for Criminal Records
Florida provides multiple state-level resources for accessing felony records. These tools enable searches across individual counties or the entire state. Using them together can provide comprehensive information about criminal history.
The Florida Department of Corrections operates a free inmate locator service. Available at www.dc.state.fl.us, this tool shows current state prison inmates and supervised offenders. You can view photographs, facility locations, offense details, and projected release dates. This resource helps family members locate inmates and assists victims in tracking offender status.
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes establishes the public's right to access government records. The complete text is available at www.leg.state.fl.us. This law applies to all state and local agencies throughout Florida. It ensures that felony court records remain accessible to the public except where specifically exempted.
Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies and staff time. The law limits these fees to actual costs incurred. You may request cost estimates before committing to large record requests. Most basic record inspections incur minimal or no charges.
When you need records for official purposes, ask about certified copies. These documents include an official seal that verifies their authenticity. Courts and government agencies often require certified copies for legal proceedings. Plan ahead for these requests as they may take additional processing time.
Jefferson County's location in the Big Bend region makes it a crossroads for North Florida. The clerk's office serves residents from rural communities throughout the area. Staff understand the importance of maintaining accurate records for all citizens.
Nearby Counties
Jefferson County is located in the Florida Big Bend region near the state capital. If your search extends to surrounding areas, consider checking these neighboring counties: