Criminal Records in Holmes County
Holmes County criminal history records are maintained as public documents by the Clerk of Courts in Bonifay, preserving decades of arrest records, court proceedings, and case dispositions that chronicle the county's legal history. As part of Florida's 14th Judicial Circuit, Holmes County follows state open records laws while providing residents with accessible channels to obtain these important documents. The clerk's office accommodates requests through in-person visits, online searches, and written inquiries.
Holmes County Quick Facts
Holmes County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts in Bonifay serves as the official custodian for all criminal court records in Holmes County, managing the intake, preservation, and dissemination of case files throughout their entire lifecycle. This office processes new criminal cases as they arrive from law enforcement agencies and the state attorney's office, maintains secure storage for both active and historical records, and responds to public requests for document inspection or certified copies. The staff can assist researchers in locating specific cases using various search criteria.
Holmes County's criminal records encompass the full range of documentation generated by the justice system, including arrest reports, charging documents, court orders, plea agreements, and final judgments. These records are presumptively public under Florida law, though juvenile records receive special protection and are typically sealed, while adult records may have redactions to protect victim privacy.
| Office | Holmes County Clerk of Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 N Oklahoma St, Bonifay, FL 32425 |
| Phone | (850) 547-1100 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | www.holmesclerk.com |
Criminal Records Available in Holmes County
The Clerk of Courts maintains various categories of criminal records documenting different aspects of case processing in Holmes County. Arrest records provide initial documentation of custody, noting charges filed and the arresting agency. Court records trace each case's progression through the judicial system, containing charging instruments, motions, hearing records, plea agreements, and sentencing documents.
Types of criminal records in Holmes 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. Juvenile matters are confidential, while adult records may be partially restricted.
How to Search Holmes County Criminal Records
Several search methods are available. 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 Bonifay with valid photo identification. The website at www.holmesclerk.com provides online access. The FDLE maintains a statewide database at fdle.state.fl.us.
Background Checks in Holmes County
Background checks serve important functions for employment and tenant screening. Local checks through the clerk reveal Holmes County cases, while statewide checks provide broader coverage. Florida Statute Chapter 943 mandates screening for certain occupations.
Record Sealing and Expungement in Holmes County
Florida law allows qualifying individuals to seal or expunge criminal records. The process begins at the Holmes County Clerk's office in Bonifay. 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 Holmes County
Holmes 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.