Hendry County Florida Criminal Court Records

Hendry County criminal court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in LaBelle. This South Central Florida county sits between Fort Myers and West Palm Beach. The Twentieth Judicial Circuit handles all felony cases. The clerk's office provides access to these public records. You can search online or visit the courthouse.

Hendry County Clerk of Court Office

The Hendry County Clerk of Court keeps all criminal records for the county. Barbara Butler serves as the elected clerk. Her office is on East Hickpochee Avenue in LaBelle. The staff handles daily filings and public requests. They work with the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. Criminal cases are a key part of their duties.

Hendry County is part of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers five counties in Southwest Florida. Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties make up the circuit. The circuit court has general jurisdiction. It hears all felony cases from Hendry County. These are serious crimes with prison potential.

The clerk's office is in the Hendry County Courthouse complex. It is in downtown LaBelle. Parking is available nearby. The office welcomes public visitors. Staff can help with record searches. They can make copies of documents. Call ahead to confirm hours.

Note: The Hendry County Clerk's office maintains comprehensive criminal court records and can assist with both current and historical case searches.

Criminal Record Types in Hendry County

Hendry County criminal court records include several categories. Felony records are the most serious. These include violent crimes and drug offenses. They include property crimes like burglary. Felonies carry prison terms over one year. The circuit court handles all of them. Each case gets a unique number.

Misdemeanor records are also kept. These are less serious offenses. They include petty theft and simple assault. They carry shorter jail terms. The county court hears these cases. The clerk maintains the records. Some misdemeanors can be elevated. This depends on circumstances.

Traffic criminal cases form another group. These include DUI and reckless driving. They include driving with a suspended license. These can be felonies or misdemeanors. Serious cases go to circuit court. The clerk tracks all filings. Each creates a paper trail.

Case files contain multiple documents. Arrest reports start the file. Charging documents list offenses. Motions ask for court action. Orders show judicial decisions. Plea forms record admissions. Sentencing orders state punishment. All are public record.

How to Access Hendry County Criminal Records

You can access Hendry County criminal records in several ways. The clerk provides online tools. In-person visits are available. Mail requests are accepted. Each method suits different needs.

Online searching is the most convenient. Visit the Hendry County Clerk website. Navigate to the records section. Enter a name or case number. Results show case information. This includes charges and dates. Some documents may be viewable. Fees apply for certain records. Credit cards are accepted. Go to hendryclerk.org.

In-person access allows full review. Visit the clerk's office in LaBelle. Request the case at the counter. Staff will retrieve it. You can read it on site. Copy machines are available. You pay per page. Certified copies cost more. Bring identification.

Mail requests work for remote users. Write a detailed request. Include the defendant's name. Add case numbers if known. State what you need. Enclose payment for fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send to the clerk's office. Allow processing time.

Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court

The Twentieth Judicial Circuit serves Hendry County. This circuit is in Southwest Florida. It includes both coastal and inland counties. Five counties make up the circuit. The chief judge manages operations. An administrative office supports the courts.

Circuit courts have general jurisdiction in Florida. They hear all felony cases. They handle major civil suits. They take appeals from county courts. For Hendry County, the circuit court sits in LaBelle. Judges travel between counties. They follow a schedule.

The circuit uses electronic case management. Documents are filed digitally. They are stored in databases. This helps with searches. It improves access. The clerk manages the system. They update it daily.

The Twentieth Circuit website provides information. It lists court calendars. It shows judge assignments. It explains local rules. Visit ca.cjis20.org. This helps parties and attorneys.

Public Records Laws for Hendry County

Florida law grants access to most court records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes applies. It states records are open unless exempt. Hendry County follows this law. The clerk allows inspection of criminal files. You do not need a reason. Access is a right.

Some records are exempt. Juvenile cases are confidential. They are sealed by law. Only certain parties can view them. Sealed adult cases are hidden. Expunged cases are destroyed. These protections serve important purposes. They help people rebuild their lives.

Victim information may be redacted. Marsy's Law provides privacy rights. Home addresses can be hidden. Phone numbers are protected. This prevents retaliation. The clerk handles these redactions. They follow state standards.

Online access has limits. Not all records appear on the web. Some are archived. Some are sensitive. The clerk controls what is shown. Different users see different levels. The public sees basic facts. This balances openness with privacy.

Criminal Court Process in Hendry County

Criminal cases in Hendry County follow set procedures. Each step creates records. The process begins with arrest. Police file reports. Suspects are booked. The clerk receives papers. The case file opens.

First appearance happens within 24 hours. The defendant sees a judge. A lawyer is appointed if needed. Bail is set or denied. Release is determined. This hearing is recorded. The clerk files the minutes.

Arraignment is the next stage. The defendant enters a plea. Guilty pleas resolve cases. Not guilty pleas start discovery. Motions are filed. Evidence is shared. Hearings are scheduled. All is documented.

Trials occur if necessary. Juries are selected. Evidence is presented. Witnesses testify. Verdicts are announced. Sentencing follows conviction. Appeals can be filed. All records are public. The clerk maintains them.

Note: The majority of criminal cases in Hendry County are resolved through plea agreements rather than jury trials.

Record Retention in Hendry County

Hendry County keeps criminal records for extended periods. Felony files are permanent. They are never destroyed. This ensures accountability. Misdemeanor files may be archived. Old cases go to storage. They can be retrieved. The clerk manages this process.

Digital records are standard now. New cases are electronic. Documents are scanned. They are stored in systems. You can search them online. Older cases may be paper only. These take longer to find. Special requests may be needed.

If you need historical records, contact the clerk. Describe what you seek. Provide names and dates. Allow time for research. Fees may apply for searches. The staff will assist you.

Other Counties in the Twentieth Circuit

Hendry County shares its judicial circuit with four other counties. All use the same court rules. Records from these areas are kept by their clerks. The Twentieth Circuit covers 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. Glades County is nearby. All work together in the Twentieth Circuit Court.