Criminal Court Records in Duval County, Florida

Duval County criminal court records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts in Jacksonville. As a consolidated city-county government, Jacksonville and Duval County share unified court operations. The Fourth Judicial Circuit handles all felony prosecutions and serious criminal matters. Residents can access criminal case information through multiple online portals and in-person services at the downtown courthouse.

Duval County Clerk of Courts Office

Jody Phillips serves as the Duval County Clerk of Courts. This office manages one of Florida's largest court systems. Thousands of criminal cases are filed yearly. The staff processes documents efficiently. Public access is a priority. Multiple service locations serve residents.

The main courthouse sits in downtown Jacksonville. This historic building houses criminal court operations. The clerk maintains records for all felony cases. Misdemeanor records are also available. The office uses modern technology. Digital records span many years.

CORE Online Records System

Duval County offers a powerful online tool called CORE. This stands for Clerk Online Resource ePortal. Users can search criminal court records remotely. The system is free to use. It covers cases from recent decades. Searches can be done by name or case number.

The CORE portal provides comprehensive access. Users view case summaries instantly. Docket entries show all court activity. Hearing dates are listed clearly. Some documents are available for download. The interface is user-friendly. No registration is required for basic searches.

To use CORE effectively, have accurate information ready. Full legal names work best. Date of birth helps narrow results. Case numbers provide direct access. Partial names may return too many matches. The system allows filtering by date range. Results display in an organized format.

Note: The CORE system updates nightly, so very recent filings may not appear until the next business day.

Criminal Court Services Division

The Duval County Clerk operates a dedicated Criminal Court Services division. This team specializes in criminal case records. They handle complex requests daily. Their expertise ensures accurate responses. The division supports attorneys and the public alike. Customer service is their focus.

Criminal Court Services maintains specialized databases. These track cases through the system. Bond information is updated regularly. Sentencing records are preserved carefully. Appeal documents are managed separately. The division coordinates with the state attorney's office.

The division offers several customer service options. Walk-in requests receive prompt attention. Phone support answers common questions. Written requests are processed systematically. Email inquiries are monitored closely. The goal is efficient public access. Visit the Criminal Court Services page for detailed information.

Fourth Judicial Circuit Court

Duval County is the seat of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. This circuit includes Duval, Clay, and Nassau counties. Circuit judges hear felony cases. They preside over major criminal trials. The court handles the most serious offenses. Murder, robbery, and drug trafficking are examples.

The circuit court uses specialized divisions. Criminal cases have their own section. Judges are assigned by case type. Some focus on drug offenses. Others handle violent crimes. Domestic violence cases receive special attention. This organization improves efficiency.

The clerk works closely with the court. Documents flow between offices daily. Case files are maintained meticulously. Trial schedules are coordinated carefully. Sentencing hearings are calendared promptly. All activity is recorded officially. The partnership ensures smooth operations.

Types of Criminal Records Available

Duval County maintains various criminal record categories. Felony cases represent the most serious crimes. These include murder and manslaughter. Sexual battery cases are included. Armed robbery is another example. Drug trafficking charges are felonies. All create detailed court records.

Misdemeanor cases are also documented thoroughly. DUI charges are common. Petty theft is another frequent charge. Simple battery cases are included. Trespassing violations are tracked. These records are publicly accessible. They serve important functions.

Traffic criminal cases form another category. Driving with a suspended license qualifies. Leaving an accident scene is criminal. Vehicular homicide is serious. These cases generate court records. Insurance companies review them. Attorneys use them in civil cases.

How to Access Criminal Court Records

Duval County offers multiple access methods for criminal records. Online search is most convenient. The CORE portal works 24 hours daily. Results are instant for most queries. Basic information is free. Detailed reports may cost extra.

In-person visits provide comprehensive access. The clerk's office welcomes the public. Staff assist with record location. Viewing files is free of charge. Copies require payment. Certified copies cost more. Payment options include cash and cards.

Written requests are accepted by mail. Include specific case details. Provide defendant information. State your contact details clearly. Enclose appropriate fees. Allow processing time. Records are mailed upon completion.

Note: High-volume requests may require advance scheduling and additional processing time at the clerk's office.

Criminal Background Checks in Duval County

Background checks serve many legitimate purposes. Duval County records are part of statewide databases. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers official checks. Their system includes all counties. Duval County data is current. The fee is $24 per search.

Local checks through the clerk provide more detail. They show the complete case file. They include all court documents. They reveal case outcomes. Statewide checks may lack this depth. Both sources together are comprehensive. Many situations require both levels.

Processing times vary by method. Online FDLE checks are fastest. Results often come within minutes. Local clerk searches take longer. Complex requests need more time. Plan accordingly for deadlines. Rush services may be available.

Historical Criminal Court Records

Duval County has extensive historical records. The courthouse dates back many decades. Old cases are preserved carefully. Some records are archived off-site. The clerk can retrieve these files. Advance notice helps significantly.

Historical research serves various purposes. Genealogists trace family histories. Scholars study crime trends. Journalists investigate old cases. Property researchers check backgrounds. The records tell fascinating stories. They document Jacksonville's past.

Accessing old records requires patience. Files may need special handling. Some documents are fragile. Copy restrictions may apply. Staff prioritize preservation. Fees may be higher for archival work. The results are worth the effort.

Nearby Counties in the Fourth Circuit

The Fourth Judicial Circuit includes three counties. Duval is the largest. Clay and Nassau complete the circuit. Cases may involve multiple counties. Investigations cross jurisdictional lines. Check all three for complete records.