Criminal Records in Highlands County
Highlands County criminal history records are maintained as public documents by the Clerk of Courts in Sebring, preserving comprehensive records of arrest reports, court proceedings, and case dispositions that document the county's legal history. As a member of Florida's 10th Judicial Circuit, Highlands County adheres to the state's open records principles while maintaining the infrastructure necessary to preserve and provide access to these important documents.
Highlands County Quick Facts
Highlands County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts in Sebring serves as the official custodian for all criminal court records in Highlands County, managing the intake, storage, and dissemination of case files throughout their entire lifecycle. This office processes new criminal cases as they arrive from law enforcement and prosecutors, maintains secure facilities for active and archived records, and responds to public requests for document inspection or certified copies. The knowledgeable staff can assist researchers in locating specific cases using various search criteria.
Highlands County's criminal records encompass the full range of documentation from initial arrest reports through final judgments. These records are presumptively public under Florida law, though juvenile records receive special protection and are typically sealed.
| Office | Highlands County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 590 S Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870 |
| Phone | (863) 402-6565 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | www.highlandsclerkfl.gov |
Criminal Records Available in Highlands County
The Clerk of Courts maintains various categories of criminal records documenting different aspects of case processing. Arrest records capture initial law enforcement actions, while court records trace each case's progression through the judicial system.
Types of criminal records in Highlands 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
Access follows Florida's public records law with certain exemptions protecting juvenile records and victim information.
How to Search Highlands County Criminal Records
Online searches through the clerk's website offer convenience for recent records, while in-person visits provide access to complete files. Visit the Clerk of Courts office in Sebring with valid photo identification. The website at www.highlandsclerkfl.gov provides online access. The FDLE maintains a statewide database at fdle.state.fl.us.
Background Checks in Highlands County
Background checks serve important functions for employment and tenant screening. Local checks through the clerk reveal Highlands County cases, while statewide checks provide broader coverage. Florida Statute Chapter 943 mandates screening for certain occupations.
Record Sealing and Expungement in Highlands County
Florida law allows qualifying individuals to seal or expunge criminal records. The process begins at the Highlands County Clerk's office in Sebring. Sealing restricts public access while expungement orders destruction. Both require meeting statutory criteria including qualifying offense, completed sentence, and typically a one-year waiting period.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Records
The FDLE operates Florida's central criminal history repository. Individuals may request their own records through the Personal Review process. For employment purposes, online background checks are available at fdle.state.fl.us.
Legal Resources in Highlands County
Highlands County residents have access to legal resources including legal aid organizations, the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-561-9690, and Florida Legal Services at floridalegal.org.
Nearby Counties
Each county maintains separate criminal records.