Glades County Florida Criminal Court Records

Glades County criminal court records are kept by the Clerk of Court in Moore Haven. This rural county lies in South Central Florida along the western edge of Lake Okeechobee. The Twentieth Judicial Circuit handles all felony cases for Glades County. Records are open to public view. The clerk's office provides search services both online and in person.

Glades County Clerk of Court Office

The Glades County Clerk of Court maintains all criminal records for the county. Joe Flint serves as the elected clerk. His office is on Avenue J in Moore Haven. The staff processes new filings daily. They also retrieve records for public requests. The office is small but serves all of Glades County. Criminal cases are a major part of their work.

Glades County is part of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers five counties in Southwest Florida. Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, and Lee counties join Glades in this circuit. The circuit court meets in Moore Haven for Glades County cases. All felonies are heard there. The court also handles appeals from the county court.

The clerk's office in Moore Haven is open to the public. You can walk in to request records. Staff will help you find what you need. Copy services are available. Fees apply for copies and certified documents. Call ahead to check on wait times. The office may be busy during court days.

Types of Criminal Court Records in Glades County

Glades County criminal court records include many document types. Each case starts with an arrest. Police file reports with the clerk. These reports list the facts. They name the defendant. They state the charges. The State Attorney reviews them. Formal charges follow. All these papers go into the file.

Court filings make up the bulk of records. Motions ask for court action. Responses answer those motions. Orders show what the judge decided. Plea forms record guilty or not guilty pleas. Trial records include witness lists and exhibits. Verdict forms show jury decisions. Sentencing orders state the punishment. Each paper has a date and a filing stamp.

Probation records are also kept. These show terms of release. They track compliance with court orders. Violations are noted. Revocation hearings are scheduled. All of this becomes part of the public record. Appeals create more documents. These go to the District Court of Appeal. The clerk keeps copies on file.

How to Search Glades County Criminal Records

Searching for criminal records in Glades County is straightforward. The clerk offers multiple ways to access files. You can search online from home. You can visit the office in Moore Haven. You can send a request by mail. Each option works for different needs.

Online search is the fastest method. Go to the Glades County Clerk website. Look for the case search link. Enter the defendant's name. You can also search by case number. Results show case status and court dates. Some documents may be viewable online. Fees may apply for detailed access. The site takes major credit cards. Visit gladesclerk.org to begin.

In-person visits let you see complete files. Go to 500 Ave. J in Moore Haven. Check in at the clerk's counter. Request the case you need. Staff will retrieve it for you. You can read the file in the office. Copy machines are nearby. You pay per page for copies. Certified copies cost more. Bring exact change if possible.

Mail requests work if you cannot visit. Write a clear request. Include the defendant's full name. Add the case number if known. State what documents you want. Enclose a check for copy fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send to the clerk's office address. Allow two weeks for processing.

Note: The Glades County Clerk's office can search records by name or case number, but providing more details helps staff locate files faster.

Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court

The Twentieth Judicial Circuit serves Glades County. This is one of Florida's 20 judicial circuits. The circuit covers Southwest Florida. It includes both coastal and inland counties. The chief judge oversees all operations. The administrative office is in Lee County.

Circuit courts in Florida have general jurisdiction. They hear all felony cases. They handle major civil suits. They also hear appeals from county courts. For Glades County, the circuit court meets in Moore Haven. The same judges may serve multiple counties. They travel on a set schedule.

The circuit uses a case management system. This tracks all filings. It schedules hearings. It generates notices to parties. The clerk enters data into this system. This is where online search data comes from. The system helps courts run smoothly. It also helps the public find records.

The Twentieth Circuit has its own website. It provides information about court operations. You can find judge bios. You can see court calendars. You can learn about local rules. The site is at ca.cjis20.org. This is a good resource for anyone with a case in Glades County.

Public Access Laws for Glades County Records

Florida law makes most criminal court records public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes governs this. It is called the Public Records Act. It applies to Glades County. The clerk must allow inspection of records. This is true for most criminal files. There are some exceptions.

Juvenile records are not public. Florida law seals these. Only certain people can see them. This includes the juvenile, parents, and attorneys. It includes some agencies. The general public cannot view them. A court order is needed to open them.

Sealed adult cases are also hidden. A judge may seal a case. This happens under specific laws. Once sealed, the record is not public. Expunged cases go further. They are destroyed. No one can see them. Not even the clerk keeps a copy. These protections help people move on from past mistakes.

Victim information may be protected. Marsy's Law gives rights to crime victims. This includes privacy rights. Their addresses and phone numbers may be hidden. This prevents harassment. The clerk handles these redactions. They follow state guidelines.

Criminal Court Process in Glades County

Criminal cases in Glades County follow set steps. Each step creates records. Knowing the process helps you understand what you find. The process starts with an arrest. Police take the suspect to jail. They book them. They file charges. The clock starts ticking.

First appearance happens within 24 hours. The judge sees the defendant. The judge appoints a lawyer if needed. The judge sets bail or denies it. This hearing is recorded. The clerk files the minutes. The defendant learns their charges.

Arraignment comes next. This is where the defendant pleads. Guilty pleas end the case quickly. Not guilty pleas start the trial process. The clerk records the plea. The judge schedules hearings. Motions are filed. Discovery is exchanged. All of this is documented.

Trials are public events. They happen in the courthouse. A jury hears the evidence. They decide guilt. The judge sentences if guilty. All trial records are public. Verdicts are announced in open court. The clerk enters the judgment. Appeals must be filed quickly. Time limits are strict.

Note: Most criminal cases in Glades County are resolved through plea agreements before reaching trial.

Other Counties in the Twentieth Circuit

Glades County shares its judicial circuit with four other counties. All use the same court rules. If you need records from these areas, contact their clerks. The Twentieth Circuit covers a large part of Southwest Florida.

Lee County is the largest in the circuit. Fort Myers is the main city. Collier County includes Naples. Charlotte County is on the Gulf Coast. Hendry County is nearby to Glades. All work together under the Twentieth Circuit Court.