Plantation Criminal Court Records Access
Plantation is a thriving suburban community in central Broward County. Over 100,000 residents call this planned city home. The city was incorporated in 1953. It has grown into a major commercial hub. The Plantation Police Department serves local residents. However, criminal court records remain county property. The Broward County Clerk maintains all case files.
Plantation Quick Facts
Plantation and the Broward County Court System
Plantation operates as a full-service municipality. The city provides police protection. Fire rescue services are included. Public works maintain roads. Planning and zoning are local functions. However, courts are not city services. Florida law assigns courts to counties. This creates a clear division.
The Plantation Police Department employs sworn officers. They patrol city neighborhoods. They respond to emergency calls. Investigations are conducted locally. Arrests are made when appropriate. Officers write reports. They file charges with the state attorney. But they do not keep court records. Those go to the county clerk.
Broward County is Florida's second most populous county. Over 1.9 million people live here. The Seventeenth Judicial Circuit is very busy. Plantation contributes cases like other cities. Felony matters are heard in Fort Lauderdale. This is the county seat. The main courthouse complex is there. Branch courts handle some matters.
Note: Plantation shares the same criminal court system with all other Broward County cities, meaning records are centralized at the county clerk's office in Fort Lauderdale.
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Broward County Clerk maintains all Plantation criminal court records. The main courthouse is in Fort Lauderdale. The address is 201 Southeast Sixth Street. This modern complex handles thousands of cases. The clerk serves a large population. Records management is a major operation.
The Broward County Clerk provides comprehensive online and in-person access to criminal court records for Plantation residents.
| Clerk of Courts | Brenda D. Forman |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 SE 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
| Circuit | Seventeenth Judicial Circuit |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
Online Case Search for Plantation Records
The Broward County Clerk offers extensive online services. Plantation residents can search records remotely. The system is available constantly. Day and night access is provided. Weekends and holidays included. This convenience is valuable. Travel to Fort Lauderdale is not always needed.
The Broward County online case search allows Plantation residents to access criminal court records from any internet-connected device.
Online searching is user-friendly. Enter the person's full name. Add date of birth for accuracy. Case numbers work if known. The system displays matches. Current status is shown. Future court dates appear. Some documents are viewable. The database is comprehensive.
Basic searches require no registration. Public records are open to all. Some features may need accounts. The clerk's website provides instructions. Help is available by phone. Email support responds to questions. Technical assistance is provided. Multiple contact methods exist.
Criminal Record Types Available
Plantation criminal court records include many categories. Felony cases are the most serious. These include violent crimes. Drug trafficking qualifies. Major property crimes are felonies. White collar offenses are included. Each case generates paperwork. The clerk preserves everything.
Misdemeanor cases are common. Simple assault is a misdemeanor. Petty theft falls here. Disorderly conduct is included. Some DUI cases are misdemeanors. These records affect employment. Housing applications may require them. Background checks reveal these cases.
Drug court records are significant. Broward County offers treatment programs. Plantation residents may qualify. These alternative programs help offenders. Successful completion matters. Records may be affected. Eligibility requirements apply. The clerk has information.
Juvenile records have special protections. Florida law restricts access severely. Parents can view their child's records. Attorneys have access for cases. Law enforcement uses them properly. The general public is excluded. Privacy is strongly protected. Rehabilitation is the goal.
How to Access Plantation Criminal Court Records
Several methods exist for obtaining records. Online search is most convenient. The clerk's website operates continuously. Basic information is free. Detailed copies may cost money. Credit cards are accepted online. Results appear immediately. This saves travel time.
In-person visits provide complete access. The Fort Lauderdale courthouse is open weekdays. Staff help locate records. Viewing files costs nothing. Copies require payment. Certified copies cost extra. Payment methods are varied. Cash and cards are accepted.
Note: The Broward County Clerk's office in Fort Lauderdale is approximately fifteen miles from Plantation, so online searching can save significant travel time for basic record checks.
Background Check Services
Background checks for Plantation residents use state and local sources. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers statewide coverage. All counties are included. Broward County data is current. The cost is twenty-four dollars. Payment is online.
Local checks through the Broward Clerk show more detail. Complete case files are available. All court documents can be viewed. Final dispositions are clear. Statewide checks may not show everything. Using both sources is recommended. Many employers require both.
Other Broward County Cities
Many cities share Broward County with Plantation. All use the same court system. Records for these cities are at the same clerk's office. Some nearby communities include: