Criminal Records in Duval County
Duval County criminal history records are public records maintained by the Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville, serving as the official repository for all criminal case documentation in this major northeast Florida jurisdiction. The office maintains comprehensive files documenting arrests, court proceedings, and case dispositions dating back many years, providing essential resources for background checks, legal research, and personal review. Duval County is part of the 4th Judicial Circuit and records are generally open to all who request them through proper channels. You can search in person at the courthouse, access records online, or submit requests by mail depending on your specific needs and timeline requirements.
Duval County Quick Facts
Duval County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville maintains all criminal court records for Duval County, serving as the official custodian of these important public documents for this populous jurisdiction. This office files new cases as they enter the judicial system, stores court documents securely, and provides copies to eligible requesters following established procedures. The clerk can assist with case searches using various criteria, and staff are available to look up records by name or case number. You can visit in person during business hours, call with questions, or check their website for online resources.
Criminal records in Duval County include arrest records, charging documents, court orders, plea agreements, sentencing papers, and final judgments. These records are public under Florida law, though some restrictions apply to protect sensitive information. Juvenile records are typically sealed, and some adult records may have redacted information.
| Office | Duval County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 501 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Phone | (904) 255-2000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | www2.duvalclerk.com |
Criminal Records Available in Duval County
The Clerk of Courts maintains comprehensive criminal records in Duval County, documenting every stage of the criminal justice process from initial arrest through final disposition. Arrest records show when individuals were taken into custody, listing specific charges and identifying the arresting agency. These records are generally public, though some restrictions may apply.
Court records provide complete case history documentation, beginning with charging documents and accumulating all motions, court orders, plea agreements, and trial records. Sentencing papers document penalties including fines, incarceration, probation terms, and special conditions.
Types of criminal records in Duval County include:
- Arrest reports and booking records
- Charging documents and indictments
- Court motions and hearing records
- Plea agreements and trial transcripts
- Sentencing orders and judgments
- Probation and parole records
Some records may not be publicly available due to privacy protections, sealing orders, or statutory restrictions. Juvenile cases are typically sealed, and victim information is often protected. The clerk can advise about availability.
How to Search Duval County Criminal Records
You can search criminal records in Duval County using several methods, with the best approach depending on your specific needs, timeline, and preferences. Online searches offer convenience, in-person visits provide comprehensive access, and mail requests work for delivered copies.
Visit the Clerk of Courts office in Jacksonville to search in person, bringing valid photo ID as required. Staff can assist with public search terminals and locating specific cases by name or case number. Copies are available for nominal fees.
Online search is available through the clerk's website at www2.duvalclerk.com, offering convenient access to many records from any location. You may need to create an account for advanced features.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides statewide background checks covering all counties. Visit fdle.state.fl.us for information about their comprehensive search services.
Background Checks in Duval County
Background checks help employers, landlords, and individuals make informed decisions by revealing criminal history information. Duval County offers local checks through the clerk's office, while statewide coverage is available through FDLE.
Local background checks require a fee and the subject's identifying information. The clerk searches county records and provides a report, typically completing requests within a few days.
Florida law under Statute Chapter 943 requires background screening for certain employment categories, particularly positions involving children, elderly persons, or vulnerable adults.
Fingerprint-based checks through FDLE and FBI provide maximum accuracy for official purposes, costing more than name-based searches but delivering more reliable results.
Record Sealing and Expungement in Duval County
Florida law allows qualifying individuals to seal or expunge criminal records, improving employment and housing opportunities. The process begins at the Jacksonville clerk's office.
To seal a record, you must meet statutory criteria excluding serious offenses, complete your entire sentence including probation, and wait the required period after case closure.
Expungement removes records completely rather than just restricting access. You must obtain a certificate of eligibility from FDLE before filing with the court.
The clerk provides forms and procedural guidance but cannot offer legal advice. Consult an attorney for complex situations, or contact legal aid for low-income assistance.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Records
The FDLE maintains Florida's central criminal history database, covering all counties including Duval with millions of records from arrests and court proceedings statewide.
Request your own record through FDLE's "Personal Review" process by submitting fingerprints. Results are mailed after processing, typically taking several weeks.
Employers use FDLE's "Criminal History Information Check" for official screening, available online at fdle.state.fl.us for a fee per search.
FDLE records contain statewide arrest and disposition information, while the clerk maintains complete court files with all associated documentation.
Legal Resources in Duval County
Several resources are available for help with criminal records in Duval County. Legal aid organizations assist low-income individuals with understanding rights and navigating record sealing processes.
The Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-561-9690 connects you with qualified attorneys for initial consultations at nominal cost.
Florida Legal Services offers free assistance to qualifying individuals. Visit floridalegal.org to find nearby offices.
Self-help resources include forms available at the clerk's office and standardized documents at flcourts.org.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Duval County and maintain separate clerk offices. Criminal records remain in the county of filing, requiring separate searches for comprehensive coverage.