Suwannee County Felony Records Database
Suwannee County maintains felony court records in Live Oak. The Clerk of Court keeps all criminal case files for the county. These records are public under Florida law. You can access them online or at the courthouse. The process follows Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes.
Suwannee County Clerk of Court
The Suwannee County Clerk of Court serves the county from Live Oak. You can contact the office at (386) 362-0500. The staff can help with record requests during business hours. The website is www.suwanneeclerk.org.
The clerk maintains records for all felony cases filed in Suwannee County. These include serious criminal matters handled by the circuit court. Records track each case from the first filing through final outcome. You can view court dates, charges, and judgments. All of this information is open to the public.
Visit the clerk's office during business hours to view files in person. Staff can help you locate specific case records. Bring identifying information such as names and dates. Copies of documents are available for a small fee.
The office also handles official records and court documents. You can search for judgment liens and other recorded items. These records provide additional context for criminal cases. The clerk's staff can guide you to the right resources.
FDLE Statewide Search for Suwannee County Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement includes Suwannee County in its criminal history database. You can search statewide records for $25. The online portal provides instant results. This covers all 67 Florida counties.
Access the system at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search. Enter the person's full name and date of birth. Add gender to refine results. The search returns felony charges and convictions from all counties.
When you need comprehensive criminal history, FDLE is the best source. The database covers arrests, court outcomes, and active cases. Records update regularly from all 67 counties.
Note: Sealed records do not appear in public searches. Juvenile records have limited access.
Suwannee County Court Records
Court records in Suwannee County document the full criminal process. You can see initial charges filed by the state attorney. Court orders and motions appear in the file. Final judgments show guilt, dismissal, or other outcomes.
The clerk organizes records by case number and party name. You can search using either method. Financial records show fees, fines, and costs paid. Restitution orders may also appear in the file.
For cases involving state prison sentences, check the DOC database. The Department of Corrections tracks inmates from Suwannee County. This supplements the court records with incarceration details.
Archived cases may require special requests. Allow extra time for older records.
Florida State Criminal Record Systems
Florida provides several tools for finding felony records. The FDLE serves as the central state repository. The DOC tracks current and former inmates. Public records law ensures open access.
Search the DOC Offender database at dc.state.fl.us. This free service shows people in state prison. You can find Suwannee County cases that resulted in prison time.
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes protects your right to records. Visit leg.state.fl.us to learn more. Agencies must provide access without delay.
Record Retention and Archives
Court records follow specific retention schedules set by Florida law. Active cases remain in the main office files. Closed cases move to archives after a set period. The clerk maintains both physical and digital archives.
Digital records date back to the early 2000s for most counties. Older records exist on paper or microfilm. Some historic records may be stored off-site. The clerk can retrieve these with advance notice.
Retention periods vary by case type. Felony cases typically remain accessible indefinitely. This ensures public access to serious criminal history. The clerk manages these records according to state guidelines.
For very old cases, contact the clerk to check availability. Some records from before the 1970s may have different storage locations.
How to Request Felony Records
You have several options for obtaining felony records from this county. The clerk accepts requests in person, by mail, or through online portals. Each method has its own time frame and cost. In-person visits offer same-day access to most records. Mail requests take longer but work well for certified copies.
When submitting a request, include as much detail as possible. Full names help narrow results. Case numbers speed up the search. Dates of birth reduce confusion between people with similar names. The more details you provide, the faster staff can locate files.
Fees vary based on the type of copy you need. Standard photocopies cost 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost one dollar per document. Payment methods include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit cards.
Note: Processing times may vary during busy periods.
Understanding Felony Case Files
Felony case files contain multiple types of documents. The initial complaint or arrest report starts the file. Charging documents follow from the state attorney. Court orders track the case through hearings. Final judgments show the outcome.
You may also find witness statements and evidence lists. Financial documents show fines and restitution. Probation orders appear for cases with supervision. Each document tells part of the story.
Understanding what each document means helps you interpret the case. The clerk can explain the general flow of a case file. However, they cannot give legal advice about what the records mean.
Nearby Counties to Suwannee
Cases may cross into neighboring counties. Check these clerks for related records.