Broward County Criminal Court Records

Broward County Criminal Court Records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts in Fort Lauderdale. This populous South Florida county is part of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. The clerk manages a high volume of felony and misdemeanor cases. Residents can search criminal records through an online case portal. The office also provides in-person access at the Central Courthouse downtown.

Broward County Clerk of Courts Office

The Clerk of Courts in Broward County manages an extensive volume of criminal records. Brenda D. Forman serves as the elected clerk. Her office processes thousands of criminal filings annually. Staff members organize case files and respond to public requests. The clerk provides certified copies and document retrieval services.

The Central Courthouse is located at 201 SE 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. This facility houses felony court operations. The Felony Division is on the first floor in Room 1882. Visitors can access criminal records during business hours. Multiple clerk locations serve the county's large population.

The Felony Division can be reached at (954) 831-6565 option 1. Staff members assist with case lookups and document requests. They provide information about court procedures and payment options. The office handles a significant caseload efficiently.

Visit the Broward County Clerk of Courts website to access online case search and other services.

The clerk's homepage provides access to the online case search system and various court services for Broward County residents.

Online Case Search for Broward County

The Broward County Clerk offers a comprehensive online case search system. This tool provides remote access to criminal court records. Users can search by name, case number, or other criteria. The system displays case status, charges, and court dates. It offers convenience for legal professionals and the public.

Criminal cases filed on or after January 6, 2014 have electronic documents available online. This allows users to view filings without visiting the courthouse. Earlier cases may have limited online documentation. In-person access may be needed for complete files.

Access the online case search at browardclerk.org/web2 to look up criminal cases in Broward County.

The online case search portal allows users to look up criminal cases by defendant name, case number, or other search criteria.

The online system is updated regularly. Recent filings appear quickly. Users can track case developments remotely. This reduces the need for frequent courthouse visits. The system serves thousands of users monthly.

Note: Criminal cases filed on or after January 6, 2014 include electronic documents available through the online case search system.

Broward County Felony Division

The Felony Division handles serious criminal cases in Broward County. These include major drug crimes, violent offenses, and significant property crimes. The division operates within the Central Courthouse. Staff specialize in felony case management.

The Felony Division is located at 201 S.E. 6th Street, 1st Floor, Room 1882. This office processes all felony filings. Staff assist with case inquiries and document requests. They provide certified copies of court orders. The division maintains extensive case files.

Contact the Felony Division at (954) 831-6565 option 1. Staff can answer questions about specific cases. They explain payment procedures for copies. They provide information about court dates and requirements.

Visit the Broward County Felony Division page for more information about felony case services.

The Felony Division page provides detailed information about accessing felony case records and services in Broward County.

Important tips for felony cases: Failure to appear for scheduled court dates may result in a warrant being issued. Credit cards are NOT accepted for payment of felony restitution. Be sure to confirm accepted payment methods before visiting.

Types of Criminal Records in Broward County

The clerk maintains various categories of criminal court records. Each type follows specific procedures. Understanding these helps focus your search. Records reflect the full judicial process from arrest to disposition.

Felony records document the most serious criminal charges. These include murder, robbery, burglary, and drug trafficking. The circuit court handles all felony trials. Files contain arrest affidavits, charging documents, and sentencing orders. These records are generally public.

Misdemeanor records cover less serious violations. Common examples include petty theft, simple battery, and first-time drug possession. The county court manages these matters. Misdemeanor files are smaller but equally accessible. Both recent and historical misdemeanors are maintained.

Criminal traffic cases form another category. DUI charges and reckless driving fall into this group. These are more serious than standard traffic citations. The clerk files them with other criminal records. They often include additional documentation like breathalyzer results.

Broward County and the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit

Broward County comprises Florida's Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. This circuit is unique because it contains only one county. Most Florida circuits include multiple counties. The single-county structure allows focused administration.

The circuit court has jurisdiction over all felony matters. County courts handle misdemeanors and lesser offenses. Both levels maintain records through the clerk's office. The public can access most proceedings.

The Seventeenth Circuit is one of Florida's busiest. Thousands of criminal cases are filed annually. The clerk's office processes this volume efficiently. Technology investments support this workload. The online case search system helps manage demand.

Circuit judges serve only Broward County. This allows deep familiarity with local issues. The clerk works closely with the judiciary. Together they ensure smooth court operations.

Public Access to Broward County Criminal Records

Florida law guarantees public access to most court records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes establishes this right. Broward County fully complies with transparency requirements. The clerk provides access while protecting confidential information.

Most criminal court records are public documents. Anyone can request to view or copy them. No specific reason is required. This openness supports government accountability. Citizens can monitor the judicial system.

Some records receive protection under state law. Juvenile cases remain confidential. Victim information may be redacted to protect privacy. Mental health and substance abuse treatment records stay sealed. The clerk applies these restrictions consistently.

Marsy's Law provides additional protections for crime victims. This constitutional amendment shields certain victim details from public disclosure. Broward County implements these provisions carefully. Staff redact protected information before releasing records.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Records

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains statewide criminal history information. FDLE serves as the central repository for arrest and disposition data. Their records include information from Broward County and all other Florida jurisdictions.

FDLE background checks cover more than court records alone. They include arrest information even when charges were dropped. The database shows outcomes from all Florida courts. This provides a comprehensive view of a person's criminal history.

You can request a state background check through FDLE. The process requires submitting fingerprints for some searches. There is a fee of $24 for each request. Results typically arrive within days. These checks are often used for licensing and other official purposes.

Court records in Broward County complement FDLE data. The clerk's files contain more detail about specific cases. Court documents show evidence, testimony, and judicial reasoning. Combining both sources gives the most complete picture.

Note: FDLE charges $24 per criminal history search, and this fee is charged regardless of whether any records are found in the database.

Court Appearance Requirements in Broward County

Defendants in Broward County criminal cases must appear for scheduled hearings. Failure to appear has serious consequences. The court may issue a warrant for your arrest. This complicates your case significantly.

Always verify your court date and time. The clerk's office can confirm this information. Arrive early to allow for security screening. Bring proper identification and any required documents. Dress appropriately for court.

If you cannot appear due to an emergency, contact the court immediately. Documentation may be required. The judge may reschedule in certain circumstances. Do not assume you can miss court without consequences.

Payment for restitution has specific requirements. Credit cards are NOT accepted for felony restitution payments. Confirm acceptable payment methods with the clerk. Keep receipts for all transactions.

Cities in Broward County

Broward County contains 31 incorporated municipalities. Criminal cases from all cities are filed in county court. The clerk maintains unified records for the entire jurisdiction.

Other cities include Davie, Plantation, Sunrise, Deerfield Beach, and Weston. The Broward County Clerk of Courts maintains criminal court records for all municipalities within the county.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Broward County. Criminal records must be searched in the county where charges were filed. Each clerk maintains separate files.