Criminal Court Records in Tampa, Florida

Tampa criminal court records are maintained by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court. As the county seat, Tampa hosts the main courthouse for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. The Tampa Municipal Court handles only traffic and local ordinance violations. All felony cases and serious criminal matters go through the Hillsborough County court system.

Understanding Tampa's Court System

Tampa is the heart of Hillsborough County. It serves as the county seat. This means the main courthouse is here. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit is based in Tampa. This circuit covers only Hillsborough County. It is a single-county circuit. All felony cases are tried here.

The Hillsborough County Clerk manages all records. This office is in downtown Tampa. The Edgecomb Courthouse houses criminal operations. The Clerk tracks all case filings. Documents are processed efficiently. Public access is a priority. Many services are available online.

Tampa has a Municipal Court. It handles minor matters only. Traffic citations are processed there. Local ordinance violations go there. Code enforcement issues are heard there. Felonies never go to this court. They always go to county court. This is crucial when searching records.

Note: Tampa Municipal Court only handles traffic and ordinance violations; all felony criminal court records are at the Hillsborough County Clerk.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Office

The Hillsborough County Clerk maintains Tampa criminal court records. The main office is at the Edgecomb Courthouse. This building is in downtown Tampa. Criminal case files are stored here. The Clerk's staff processes requests. They help the public access records. Customer service is excellent.

The City of Tampa website provides links to Hillsborough County resources for accessing criminal court records and case information.

HOVER Online Records System

Tampa residents can search criminal court records through HOVER. This is the Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records system. It provides free access to case information. Users can search by name or case number. The database is comprehensive. It covers many years of records.

HOVER 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 user-friendly. No account is needed for basic searches.

To search effectively, prepare accurate information. Full legal names work best. Date of birth narrows 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 Tampa

Tampa criminal court records include various case types. Felony cases are the most serious. These include drug trafficking charges. Violent crimes are felonies. Robbery and assault are examples. Burglary cases create felony records. All are maintained by the Clerk.

Drug-related cases are common. Possession charges appear frequently. Trafficking cases are more serious. Manufacturing charges are included. These records show investigation details. They include evidence lists. They track case outcomes.

Property crimes fill many files. Theft cases are documented. Auto theft is a major category. Fraud cases are complex. These records help track patterns. They assist in prosecution. They support restitution orders.

Domestic violence cases are tracked separately. These require special handling. Victim safety is prioritized. Restraining orders are recorded. Intervention programs are monitored. These cases affect family court matters. They appear in custody disputes.

How to Access Tampa Criminal Court Records

Tampa offers multiple ways to get criminal court records. The HOVER system is online. It is available all day. Basic searches cost nothing. Detailed reports may have fees. The system is easy to use.

In-person visits provide full access. The Edgecomb Courthouse is open to 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 complete.

Note: The Hillsborough County Clerk offers extended hours for record requests on select days each month.

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court

The Thirteenth Circuit serves only Hillsborough 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 veteran's court.

The circuit uses divisional organization. Criminal cases are grouped by type. Some divisions handle violent crimes. Others focus on drug cases. Domestic violence has dedicated judges. This specialization improves outcomes. Cases move through the system faster.

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

Criminal Background Checks in Tampa

Background checks use Tampa records as part of state data. The FDLE maintains the central database. It includes Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough Clerk provides these. They show complete case files. All court documents are included. Dispositions are clearly marked. Statewide checks may lack this depth. Using both sources is 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.

Nearby Areas in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County includes Tampa and other communities. All use the same court system. Records for these areas are at the county clerk. Brandon and Town 'n' Country are examples. Each area has local police. Arrests go to county court. The Clerk maintains all records.