Criminal Court Records in Flagler County, Florida

Flagler County criminal court records are maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Bunnell. This coastal county lies within Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit. The clerk's office processes all felony and serious misdemeanor cases. Residents can access criminal case information through online search tools and in-person services at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center.

Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court

Tom Bexley serves as the Flagler County Clerk of Court. He leads an office committed to public service. His team processes criminal filings daily. They maintain accurate records for all cases. The office embraces modern technology. Digital access is a priority.

The justice center houses court operations. It is located on East Moody Boulevard. This facility opened in recent years. It provides modern amenities. The clerk's office is easily accessible. Parking is available for visitors. Security screening is required for entry.

Online Criminal Case Search

Flagler County offers convenient online record access. The clerk's website provides search tools. Users can look up cases by name. Case numbers work too. Results display instantly. Basic information is free to view.

The Seventh Judicial Circuit portal covers multiple counties. Flagler records are fully integrated. This system is comprehensive. It shows case status updates. Hearing schedules are listed. Attorney information is included. Bond amounts are displayed when applicable.

Searching online saves time. You avoid a trip to the courthouse. Results are available immediately. The system works 24 hours daily. You can search from home. You can search from work. Mobile access works well too.

Note: Online search results for Flagler County may take 24-48 hours to reflect the most recent case filings and status changes.

Seventh Judicial Circuit Court

Flagler County is part of the Seventh Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers four counties. Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, and Volusia are included. The circuit handles felony cases. Judges rotate between locations. This ensures fair administration of justice.

The circuit court hears serious criminal matters. These include violent felonies. Drug trafficking cases are included. Sexual offenses qualify. Major theft crimes are heard. White collar felonies are tried. All proceedings are recorded officially.

County courts handle lesser offenses. Misdemeanors fall under their jurisdiction. Traffic violations are common. Petty theft is another example. First-time DUI cases are included. These also create public records. The clerk maintains both court levels.

Types of Criminal Court Records

Flagler County maintains various criminal record categories. Felony cases represent the most serious crimes. These carry potential prison sentences. Violent offenses are included. Property crimes qualify. Drug felonies are common. All generate detailed documentation.

Misdemeanor records are also preserved. These involve less serious charges. Penalties are lighter. Jail time is limited. Fines are common. Probation is frequently ordered. Records remain accessible to the public.

Traffic criminal cases form another category. These involve serious driving offenses. Multiple DUI is criminal. Driving while suspended qualifies. Vehicular manslaughter is included. These cases affect driving privileges. They also create criminal records.

Public Access to Court Records

Florida's public records laws ensure broad access. Chapter 119 guarantees this right. Flagler County complies fully. The clerk provides multiple access methods. In-person visits are welcome. Online searches are available. Written requests are accepted.

Certain records remain confidential. Juvenile cases are protected. Mental health proceedings are sealed. Victim information is redacted. Domestic violence shelter locations are hidden. These protections serve safety needs. They balance transparency with privacy.

Accessing records in person is straightforward. Visit the clerk's office during hours. Bring identification. Know what you seek. Staff will assist you. Viewing files is free. Copies require payment. Certified copies cost more.

Criminal Background Check Options

Various background check options exist for Flagler County. Local searches provide detailed case information. The clerk's office can conduct these. Results show complete court records. This includes all filings and outcomes. It provides the most comprehensive view.

Statewide checks offer broader coverage. The FDLE database includes Flagler County. It tracks arrests across Florida. The fee is $24. Results come quickly online. This shows criminal history statewide. It is useful for comprehensive checks.

Federal checks are also available. These search national databases. They require fingerprint submission. Processing takes longer. Results are more extensive. They show interstate criminal activity. Some positions require this level.

Understanding the Criminal Court Process

Criminal cases in Flagler County follow standard procedures. An arrest typically begins the process. The defendant is booked into jail. Charges are filed with the clerk. An initial appearance occurs quickly. Bail is set at this hearing.

Arraignment comes next. The defendant hears the charges. A plea is entered. Guilty pleas may end the case. Not guilty pleas trigger discovery. Evidence is exchanged between sides. Plea negotiations often follow.

Trials occur when cases do not settle. A jury is selected. Evidence is presented. Witnesses testify. The jury deliberates. A verdict is reached. Sentencing follows if guilty. All steps are recorded.

Appeals are possible. Defendants can challenge convictions. Higher courts review the record. They examine legal errors. New trials may be ordered. The process takes time. Records document everything.

Research Tips for Criminal Records

Effective research requires good information. Gather all known facts first. Full legal names are essential. Include middle names when known. Dates of birth help identification. Approximate years narrow searches. Case numbers are most precise.

When using online tools, be patient. The system may be busy. Try different search variations. Check spelling carefully. Use date ranges wisely. Review all matching results. The right case may surprise you.

For in-person visits, plan ahead. Call the office first. Confirm operating hours. Ask about any special requirements. Bring payment for copies. Allow sufficient time. Complex requests take longer.

Nearby Counties

Flagler County is located on Florida's east coast. Several counties border this area. Cases may involve multiple jurisdictions. Cross-county investigations are common. Check neighboring counties for complete records.