Criminal Court Records in Union County

Union County Criminal Court Records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts in Lake Butler. This rural North Florida county is part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. The clerk manages felony and misdemeanor cases for the local community. Residents can access criminal records through in-person visits to the courthouse. The office provides document retrieval and public access services.

Union County Clerk of Courts Office

Regina H. Parrish serves as the Union County Clerk of Courts. Her office maintains all criminal court records for the county. The staff handles felony filings from the circuit court. They also process misdemeanor cases. Public access is available during business hours. The team provides certified copies upon request.

The courthouse stands at 55 West Main Street in Lake Butler. This historic building houses court operations. Visitors can view criminal case files. Staff members assist with record location. Copy services are available on site. The office maintains organized files dating back many years.

Contact the clerk at (386) 496-3711 for case information. Staff answer questions about procedures. They explain how to request documents. Phone support helps with basic inquiries. Complex requests may require a visit. The team values customer service.

Visit the Union County Clerk of Courts website for more information about court services and record access.

The Florida Court Clerks website provides statewide resources for accessing court records and understanding clerk services.

Union County and the Eighth Judicial Circuit

Union County is part of Florida's Eighth Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers six counties in North Florida. Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties are included. The circuit court handles all felony prosecutions. County courts manage misdemeanors. Both levels serve Union County residents.

The Eighth Circuit maintains a main administrative office in Gainesville. This larger city houses most circuit resources. However, Union County cases are filed locally. Residents need not travel to Gainesville. The Lake Butler courthouse hosts circuit court sessions. Judges rotate through the county.

Circuit court operations in Union County focus on serious criminal matters. Felony cases receive careful attention. Drug crimes are common charges. Property crimes also occur. Violent offenses are prosecuted fully. The court ensures fair proceedings for all defendants.

The clerk works closely with circuit judges. Documents flow between offices efficiently. Case files are maintained locally. The system balances local access with circuit resources. Union County benefits from this arrangement.

Note: The Eighth Judicial Circuit provides online resources through circuit8.org for case information and court schedules.

Types of Criminal Records in Union County

The Union County Clerk maintains several categories of criminal records. Each type follows distinct procedures. Understanding these differences helps with searches. Records reflect the judicial process from start to finish.

Felony records document the most serious offenses. These include burglary and drug trafficking. Assault with a weapon qualifies. Grand theft is another felony. The circuit court handles all felonies. Files contain charging documents and court orders. Sentencing records are preserved carefully.

Misdemeanor records cover less serious violations. Petty theft is common. Simple battery falls here. First-time drug possession is a misdemeanor. Disorderly conduct creates records. The county court manages these cases. Files are smaller but equally important.

Criminal traffic cases form another group. DUI charges are serious. Reckless driving is criminal. These records include test results. Breathalyzer data may be attached. The clerk files these with criminal cases. They are not standard traffic tickets.

Public Access to Union County Criminal Records

Florida law ensures public access to court records. Chapter 119 establishes this right. Union County complies fully with these requirements. The clerk provides access while protecting sensitive information. Citizens can monitor the justice system. Transparency builds public trust.

Most criminal court records are public documents. Anyone may request to view them. No special reason is needed. This openness serves democracy. It holds the system accountable. Residents can check case progress.

Certain records receive protection under law. Juvenile cases remain confidential. Victim information may be redacted. Mental health records stay sealed. The clerk applies these rules consistently. Staff are trained to identify protected content. Privacy receives proper respect.

Marsy's Law adds victim protections. This Florida constitutional amendment shields certain details. Union County implements these provisions. Staff remove protected information before release. The balance between access and privacy is maintained.

How to Access Union County Criminal Records

Union County offers several ways to access criminal court records. In-person visits provide the most complete access. The clerk's office welcomes the public. Staff help locate specific files. Viewing records is free of charge. Copies require payment. Certified copies cost extra.

Written requests are accepted by mail. Include the defendant's full name. Provide the case number if known. State your contact information clearly. Enclose appropriate payment. Allow time for processing. Records are mailed when ready.

Phone inquiries work for basic questions. Staff can confirm case existence. They may provide limited status updates. Complex requests need written follow-up. The office number is (386) 496-3711. Call during business hours.

The Eighth Circuit website offers online resources. Visit circuit8.org for circuit-wide information. Some records may be available electronically. Local Union County files are maintained at the courthouse. Online access varies by case age.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Records

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains statewide criminal history. FDLE serves as the central repository. Their database includes Union County arrests and dispositions. All Florida jurisdictions contribute data. This provides a comprehensive view. Statewide checks are often necessary.

FDLE background checks cover more than court records. They include arrests even when charges drop. The database shows all court outcomes. This reveals the full criminal history. Court records alone may miss some information. Both sources together are most complete.

You can request a state background check through FDLE. The process requires submitting fingerprints for some searches. There is a fee of $24 per request. Results typically arrive within days. These checks serve various official purposes. Licensing often requires them.

Union County court records complement FDLE data. The clerk's files contain more detail. Court documents show evidence presented. Judicial reasoning appears in orders. Combining both sources gives clarity. Researchers should check both systems.

Nearby Counties in the Eighth Circuit

The Eighth Judicial Circuit includes six counties. Union is the smallest by population. Alachua is the largest with Gainesville. Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, and Levy complete the circuit. Cases may involve multiple counties. Complete research checks all locations.