Criminal Court Records in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale criminal court records are maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Courts. As the county seat, Fort Lauderdale hosts the main courthouse for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. The Fort Lauderdale Municipal Court handles only traffic violations and local ordinance matters. All felony cases flow through the Broward County court system.

Understanding Fort Lauderdale's Court System

Fort Lauderdale is the Broward County seat. This means the main courthouse is here. The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit is based here. This circuit covers only Broward County. It is a single-county circuit. All felony cases are tried here.

The Broward County Clerk maintains all records. The office is in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The Broward County Courthouse handles criminal cases. The Clerk's staff manages all filings. They assist the public daily. They ensure records are accessible. Many services are online.

Fort Lauderdale has a Municipal Court. It only handles minor issues. Traffic tickets go there. Local ordinance violations are heard there. Code enforcement matters are processed there. Felonies never go to this court. They always go to circuit court. This is key for record searches.

Note: Fort Lauderdale Municipal Court only handles traffic and ordinance violations; all felony criminal court records are maintained by the Broward County Clerk of Courts.

Broward County Clerk of Courts Office

The Broward County Clerk maintains Fort Lauderdale criminal court records. The main office is downtown. The Broward County Courthouse houses criminal operations. The Clerk's staff processes all requests. They help the public access records. Customer service is excellent.

The Broward County Clerk provides comprehensive services for accessing Fort Lauderdale criminal court records online and in person.

Online Criminal Court Records Access

Fort Lauderdale residents can search criminal court records online. The Broward County Clerk offers a web portal. It provides access to case information. Users can search by name or case number. The database is comprehensive. It covers many years of records.

The online system offers detailed case data. Users see charge information. Court dates are displayed clearly. Case status is updated regularly. Attorney names are listed. Some documents are viewable. The system is easy to use. No account is needed for basic searches.

To search effectively, prepare accurate information. Full legal names work best. Date of birth helps narrow results. Case numbers provide direct access. Partial names may return many matches. The system allows date filtering. Results appear in an organized format.

Types of Criminal Records Available in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale criminal court records include various case types. Felony cases are the most serious. These include violent crimes and drug trafficking. Robbery and burglary are felonies. All create detailed court records. The Clerk maintains these files carefully.

Drug-related cases appear frequently. Possession charges are common. Trafficking cases are more serious. Manufacturing charges are included. These records show investigation details. They track court proceedings. They document final outcomes.

Property crimes fill many files. Theft cases are documented regularly. Auto theft is a major category. Fraud cases are complex. These records help identify patterns. They support prosecution efforts. They help with restitution orders.

Domestic violence cases receive special handling. These records are sensitive. Victim information is protected. Restraining orders are on file. Intervention programs are tracked. These cases affect family court. They appear in custody disputes.

How to Access Fort Lauderdale Criminal Court Records

Fort Lauderdale offers multiple ways to get criminal court records. The online system is available anytime. Basic searches are free. Detailed copies may have fees. The system is easy to navigate.

In-person visits provide full access. The downtown office welcomes the public. Staff help locate records. They assist with searches. Viewing files is free. Copies cost money. Certified copies cost more. Payment options include cash and cards.

Written requests are processed by mail. Include specific case details. Provide defendant information. State your contact details. Enclose proper payment. Allow processing time. Records are mailed when ready.

Note: The Broward County Clerk provides public access terminals at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse for viewing criminal court records.

Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court

The Seventeenth Circuit serves only Broward County. It is a single-county circuit. This creates efficiency in operations. The circuit handles all felonies. It manages major criminal trials. It oversees specialized courts. These include drug court and mental health court.

The circuit uses divisional organization. Criminal cases are grouped by type. Some divisions handle violent crimes. Others focus on drug cases. Domestic violence receives special attention. Juvenile cases are handled separately. This structure improves case flow.

The Clerk supports the court daily. Documents move between offices. Files are updated promptly. Trial schedules are coordinated. Sentencing dates are set. All activity is recorded. This ensures accurate documentation.

Criminal Background Checks in Fort Lauderdale

Background checks use Fort Lauderdale records as part of state data. The FDLE maintains the central database. It includes Broward County records. The search costs twenty-four dollars. Payment is by credit or debit card. Results are usually quick.

Local checks add valuable detail. The Broward County Clerk provides these. They show complete case files. All court documents are included. Dispositions are clearly marked. Statewide checks may miss details. Both sources together are most thorough.

Processing times depend on method. FDLE checks are fastest. Local searches take longer. Complex cases need extra time. Plan ahead for deadlines. Rush services may be available.

Other Cities in Broward County

Broward County includes many municipalities. All use the same court system. Records for these cities are at the county clerk. Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, and Miramar are examples. Each city has its own police. Arrests go to county court. The Clerk maintains all records.