Walton County Felony Records Database

Walton County maintains felony court records in DeFuniak Springs. The Clerk of Court keeps all criminal case files for the county. These records are public under Florida law. You can search online or visit the courthouse. The process follows Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes.

Walton County Clerk of Court

The Walton County Clerk of Court serves the county from DeFuniak Springs. Contact the office at (850) 892-8115. The staff can help with record requests during business hours. The website is www.waltonclerk.org.

The clerk maintains all felony case records for Walton County. These include serious crimes handled by circuit court. Records track each case from initial filing through final outcome. You can view charges, court dates, and judgments. All of this information is open to the public.

Under Florida law, court records are open to public inspection. Visit the clerk's office during regular hours. Staff members can help you locate specific files. Bring identifying information to assist your search. Copies are available for a fee.

The clerk's website offers online access to some records. Court records may be searchable through the site. Check the website for current online services. Additional records are available in person.

FDLE Statewide Criminal History

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement includes Walton County in its database. You can search statewide records for $25. The online portal provides instant results. This covers all 67 Florida counties.

Visit web.fdle.state.fl.us/search to begin. Enter the person's full legal name and date of birth. Specify gender for better accuracy. The search returns records from all 67 Florida counties.

According to FDLE, results show felony charges, convictions, and pending cases. The database updates regularly. This is the most comprehensive source for Florida criminal history.

Note: Sealed records do not appear in public searches.

Walton County Court Records

Court records in Walton County contain detailed case information. You can view the original charges filed. Court orders and motions appear in the file. Final judgments document case 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, check the DOC database. The Department of Corrections tracks inmates statewide. This supplements court records with incarceration details.

Older cases may be archived separately.

Florida State Criminal Record Resources

Florida provides multiple tools for finding felony records. The FDLE maintains the central criminal history database. 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 Walton County residents sentenced to prison.

Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes protects your rights. 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. Contact the clerk for assistance with your search. Staff can help locate records.

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.

Note: Contact the clerk for special assistance with complex requests. Staff can help with requests.

Nearby Counties to Walton

Criminal cases may involve neighboring counties. Check these clerks for complete information.