Lafayette County Felony Records
Lafayette County felony records cover serious criminal cases in rural North Florida. The Clerk of Court maintains these files at the courthouse in Mayo. Records include charges, court proceedings, and case outcomes. Under Florida law, most of these files are open to public view. You can search them online or visit the clerk's office directly.
Lafayette County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court in Lafayette County keeps all felony case records for the county. The office sits in the county seat of Mayo, southwest of Gainesville. Staff are available to help with record searches during business hours. You can call the office at (386) 294-1600 for general questions about records.
According to office procedures, most record requests can be handled quickly. Each case file shows the full history from initial charges through final resolution. You will find the charges filed, court dates, and final judgments. Bond papers, attorney names, and judicial orders are also included. New documents are added as cases proceed through court.
To find records online, visit www.lafayetteclerk.org. The website lists current fees for copies and certified documents. Recent cases are often available through the online search system. Older cases may require an in-person visit to the courthouse in Mayo.
| Office | Lafayette County Clerk of Court |
|---|---|
| Phone | (386) 294-1600 |
| Website | www.lafayetteclerk.org |
| County Seat | Mayo |
Bring valid photo ID when visiting in person. Staff can help locate files with a name or case number. Birth dates help when searching for common names. The office does not provide legal advice but will point you to public records.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains criminal history records for all counties in Florida. This statewide system includes Lafayette County felony records. For $25, you can search by name and get instant results. The online portal is available at all hours.
FDLE records show arrests, charges filed, and case outcomes across Florida. You can see if charges were dropped, dismissed, or resulted in convictions. The database includes felonies and misdemeanors from all jurisdictions. Courts and law agencies submit updates regularly.
When records are sealed or expunged by court order, they no longer appear in FDLE searches. Juvenile records are also protected from public view. To search, go to web.fdle.state.fl.us. Enter the full name, date of birth, and race. Results appear immediately after payment.
The FDLE homepage at www.fdle.state.fl.us offers additional services. You can learn about sealing records, correcting errors, or getting fingerprint-based checks for employment.
Court Records in Lafayette County
Court records in Lafayette County document every felony case filed in local courts. These files start when the state files charges and continue until cases close. Most records are open to public inspection under Florida law. You can follow a case from beginning to end through these files.
Each file contains papers that explain what happened in the case. The charging document lists the crimes and relevant laws. The accused files responses to the charges. Judges sign orders for bond, trial dates, and sentences. All become part of the public record.
The Lafayette County Clerk offers online access to many court records. You can search by name or case number on their website. Cases from before the digital era may require visiting the Mayo courthouse. Some older records exist only on paper.
When searching for court records, have as much information as possible ready. Full names, birth dates, and approximate dates of offense help narrow results. The more details you provide, the faster staff can locate the right file.
Lafayette County is one of Florida's smaller counties, but the clerk's office provides full record services. Staff understand the importance of public records and work to make them accessible. Whether you search online or in person, you have the right to view these files.
For legal purposes, you may need certified copies of court records. These documents carry an official seal that verifies their authenticity. Certified copies cost more than standard copies but are required for many official uses.
Lafayette County's rural setting means the clerk's office serves a close-knit community. Staff often know the local history and can provide context that helps with record searches. This local knowledge can be invaluable when searching for older cases or records with incomplete information.
The Suwannee River forms part of Lafayette County's border. This geographic feature gives the area its unique character. The clerk's office serves residents from both sides of the river and throughout the county.
When you visit the Lafayette County Clerk's office, you will find friendly and helpful staff. They understand that not everyone is familiar with court records. Staff take time to explain the process and help you find what you need.
State Resources for Criminal Records
Florida offers several state resources for finding felony records. These tools help you search across counties or the entire state. Using them together can provide a complete picture of criminal history.
The Department of Corrections provides a free inmate search at www.dc.state.fl.us. This shows current state prisoners and those on supervision. You can see photos, locations, and release dates. The site helps families and victims track offenders.
Chapter 119 of Florida law guarantees your right to view public records. Read it at www.leg.state.fl.us. This law applies to all counties and state agencies. It keeps court records open to the public.
For example, agencies must respond to requests quickly and charge only actual costs. Most simple requests are free or low cost. You can ask for a cost estimate before submitting large requests.
Nearby Counties
Lafayette County is located in North Central Florida near the Suwannee River. If you need to search surrounding areas, check these neighboring counties: