Hillsborough County Florida Criminal Court Records

Hillsborough County criminal court records are maintained by the Clerk of Court in Tampa. This large Florida county is home to over 1.4 million residents. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit handles all felony cases. The clerk's office provides extensive online access. You can search the HOVER system for case information.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Office

The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court manages all criminal records for the county. Victor D. Crist serves as the elected clerk. His office is on East Twiggs Street in Tampa. The staff handles a large volume of cases daily. They serve the entire county population. Criminal cases are a major focus of their work.

Hillsborough County is part of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. This circuit serves only Hillsborough County. It is a single-county circuit. The circuit court has general jurisdiction. It hears all felony cases. These include murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. The court also handles civil matters over $30,000.

The clerk's office is in downtown Tampa. It is near the courthouse complex. Parking is available in nearby garages. The office serves thousands of visitors each week. Staff can help with record searches. They provide copies of documents. Call ahead for specific services.

Note: Hillsborough County offers one of the most advanced online record systems in Florida through the HOVER platform.

HOVER Online Records System

Hillsborough County offers the HOVER system for online record access. HOVER stands for Hillsborough Online Viewing of Electronic Records. This platform lets you search criminal cases from home. You can view case information 24 hours a day. The system is free for basic searches.

The HOVER system provides comprehensive case data. You can search by defendant name. You can search by case number. Results show charges and court dates. They show case status and disposition. Some documents are available for download. Advanced features may require registration.

To use HOVER, visit hover.hillsclerk.com. The site works on computers and mobile devices. You do not need an account for basic searches. Create an account for advanced features. The system is updated regularly. New filings appear quickly.

HOVER is one of the best court record systems in Florida. It provides easy access to public records. It saves time for residents. It reduces office visits. The clerk continues to improve the system. New features are added regularly.

Types of Criminal Court Records in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County criminal court records include many document types. The volume is large due to the county's size. Felony case files are extensive. They document serious criminal matters. Each file contains multiple papers. All are maintained by the clerk.

Charging documents are filed by the State Attorney. They list specific crimes. They cite Florida statutes. They name defendants. They describe alleged acts. These papers start the formal court process. They are public record once filed.

Court orders record judicial decisions. Judges sign these documents. They grant or deny motions. They set trial schedules. They issue subpoenas. Plea agreements settle many cases. Defendants sign them in open court. They admit guilt. They accept sentences. These agreements become part of the record.

Sentencing orders impose punishment. They state jail or prison time. They order fines and restitution. They set probation terms. All conditions are listed. Violations are documented. Probation records track compliance. Appeals create additional files. These go to higher courts.

How to Search Hillsborough County Criminal Records

You can search Hillsborough County criminal records in several ways. The clerk offers the HOVER online system. In-person visits are available. Mail requests are accepted. Choose the method that works best for you.

Online searching through HOVER is recommended. Visit hover.hillsclerk.com. Enter a defendant's name. Or use a case number. Results display instantly. You can view case details. Some documents are downloadable. The system is free for basic use. Advanced features may have fees.

In-person access is available at the clerk's office. Go to 800 E. Twiggs Street in Tampa. Request the case at the counter. Staff will retrieve it. You can review the file. Copy machines are available. You pay per page. Certified copies cost more. Bring photo identification.

For circuit criminal cases specifically, visit the circuit criminal page on the clerk's website. This provides direct access to felony case information. It includes helpful resources for understanding the criminal court process.

Mail requests should be sent to the clerk's office. Include a detailed written request. Provide the defendant's full name. Include case numbers if known. State what documents you need. Enclose payment for copy fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow several weeks for processing.

Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court

The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit serves Hillsborough County exclusively. This is a single-county circuit. It is one of the busiest circuits in Florida. The court handles thousands of cases yearly. A chief judge manages operations. Multiple judges hear criminal cases.

Circuit courts have general jurisdiction. They hear all felony cases. They handle civil matters over $30,000. They take appeals from county courts. The Hillsborough circuit court is in Tampa. It has multiple divisions. Criminal cases have their own section.

The court uses modern technology. Electronic filing is standard. Documents are stored digitally. Video conferencing is common. This improves efficiency. It speeds up case processing. The clerk integrates with these systems. Records are updated in real time.

The Thirteenth Circuit follows Florida law. Procedures match state rules. Local rules apply as well. These are posted on the court website. Attorneys and parties must follow them. The public can access most records.

Public Access to Hillsborough County Records

Florida law makes most court records public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes governs this. Hillsborough County follows this law. The clerk provides broad access. The HOVER system is a key tool. It opens records to the public.

Some records are exempt from disclosure. Juvenile cases remain confidential. They are sealed by law. Only certain parties can access them. Sealed adult cases are hidden from view. Expunged cases are removed from records. These protections serve valid purposes.

Victim information may be redacted. Marsy's Law provides privacy rights. Personal details can be hidden. This protects victims from harm. The clerk handles redactions carefully. They follow state standards. Public safety is prioritized.

Online access through HOVER shows different levels of detail. The general public sees basic facts. Attorneys see more information. Parties to cases see the most. This tiered system balances openness with privacy. It follows Florida practice.

Note: Hillsborough County provides extensive public access to criminal court records while maintaining appropriate protections for sensitive information.

Criminal Court Process in Hillsborough County

Criminal cases in Hillsborough County follow standard procedures. Each step creates records. The process begins with arrest. Tampa Police or the Sheriff makes the arrest. They file reports. Suspects are booked. The clerk receives papers. The file opens.

First appearance happens within 24 hours. The judge sees the defendant. The Public Defender may be appointed. Bail is addressed. Release conditions are set. This hearing is recorded. Minutes are filed with the clerk.

Arraignment is the next stage. The defendant enters a plea. Guilty pleas lead to sentencing. Not guilty pleas start discovery. Motions are filed. Evidence is exchanged. Hearings are scheduled. All is documented in the file.

Trials occur when cases do not settle. Juries are selected from county residents. Evidence is presented in court. Witnesses testify under oath. Verdicts are reached. Sentencing follows conviction. Appeals can be filed. All records are maintained by the clerk.

Record Retention in Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County keeps criminal records for extended periods. Felony files are permanent. They are preserved indefinitely. This supports public safety. Misdemeanor files are also maintained long-term. The clerk manages millions of records.

Digital storage is the standard. New cases are electronic. Documents are scanned. They are stored in databases. The HOVER system provides access. Older cases are being digitized. This takes time due to volume. Some old records remain on paper.

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 can assist you. They know the record systems well.

Counties Near Hillsborough

Hillsborough County is surrounded by several other counties. These are in different judicial circuits. Each has its own clerk of court. Records from these areas are kept separately.

Pinellas County includes St. Petersburg. It is in the Sixth Judicial Circuit. Pasco County is also in the Sixth Circuit. Polk County is in the Tenth Circuit. Manatee County is in the Twelfth Circuit. Each has its own record systems.