Find Criminal Court Records in Pasco County

Pasco County criminal history records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Dade City, serving as the custodian of all court documents for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. These extensive files contain comprehensive arrest data, court rulings, and case disposition results that provide a complete picture of criminal proceedings within the county. The Clerk's office manages records spanning many years of judicial history, making them available through both online platforms and in-person visits. Whether you need to verify someone's background, research case precedents, or obtain certified copies for legal matters, understanding the available resources and procedures will help you locate the specific information you need efficiently and effectively.

About Pasco County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Pasco County provide detailed documentation of arrests, charges filed, and court outcomes processed through the local judicial system. The Pasco County Clerk of Court operates the main office at 38053 Live Oak Avenue in Dade City, serving the Sixth Judicial Circuit which encompasses both Pasco and Pinellas counties. Each case file maintained by the Clerk contains essential documents including the original arrest report, formal charges filed by the State Attorney, motions and pleadings submitted by attorneys, court minutes from proceedings, and the final judgment or disposition. These records represent decades of criminal justice activity and remain accessible to the public under Florida's open records laws.

Public access to these records is governed by Florida Statute 943.053, which establishes the framework for sharing criminal history information while protecting certain private facts from disclosure. You can review the complete text of this statute at the Florida Legislature website to understand both your rights as a requester and any limitations that may apply to specific record types.

How to Search Local Records in Pasco County

The Pasco County Clerk offers multiple pathways for accessing criminal records, each designed to accommodate different preferences and circumstances. Visiting the Clerk's office in person provides the most comprehensive access, allowing you to work directly with knowledgeable staff who can assist in locating specific cases, explaining file contents, and providing certified copies when needed. Remember to bring valid photo identification and any information you have such as case numbers, defendant names, or date ranges, as the office operates during regular weekday business hours and may experience high volume during certain periods.

For those seeking convenience, online search tools available through the Clerk's website enable you to look up cases by defendant name or case number from any location with internet access. While basic case information is often available without charge, obtaining copies of documents or certified records typically requires payment of statutory fees. Mail-in requests remain an alternative for individuals unable to visit in person or access online resources—simply prepare a detailed request letter including the subject's complete name, date of birth, and any other identifying details, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, though you should expect several days for processing.

FDLE Statewide Search Options

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information, offering comprehensive statewide checks that extend your search beyond Pasco County to all 67 Florida counties. This proves essential when you need to verify someone's complete Florida criminal background rather than limiting your inquiry to a single jurisdiction. FDLE aggregates data from local law enforcement agencies, court systems, and correctional facilities to provide the most complete picture available of an individual's criminal history within the state.

To explore available search options, visit FDLE's official page where you'll find instant name-based searches available for $24 plus processing fees, delivering immediate electronic results suitable for many background screening purposes. For situations requiring official certification—such as employment with vulnerable populations, professional licensing, or adoption proceedings—the certified search option processes through the CCHInet portal and typically takes five to seven business days to complete.

Be aware that FDLE searches have important limitations: results only reflect criminal activity within Florida and will not show federal arrests, convictions from other states, or international criminal records.

What Records Are Available in Pasco County

The Pasco County Clerk maintains a comprehensive collection of criminal case files encompassing various types of proceedings and associated documentation. Arrest records document when and where law enforcement took individuals into custody, charging documents specify the crimes the State Attorney filed, court minutes track each hearing and motion date, and final judgments reveal how cases concluded—whether through dismissal, plea agreement, or trial verdict. The repository includes both currently active cases and historical records spanning many decades, though older files may be stored on microfilm or in secure off-site archives.

Beyond strictly criminal matters, the Clerk's office also maintains traffic citations, civil lawsuits, and family court records in separate sections. Staff members can direct you to the appropriate department and explain the specific procedures for accessing each record type.

Contact Information for Pasco County

The Pasco County Clerk of Court welcomes your inquiries about criminal records and stands ready to assist with your search. Their experienced staff can answer questions about available documents, explain any access restrictions, and guide you through the most efficient method for obtaining the records you need.

The Clerk's office also maintains official records for property transactions, marriage licenses, court papers, and various other public documents, with their website offering numerous digital tools to enhance public access.