Criminal Court Records in Walton County

Walton County Criminal Court Records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts in DeFuniak Springs. This Florida Panhandle county is part of the First Judicial Circuit. The clerk manages felony and misdemeanor cases for the community. Residents can access criminal records through the clerk's office. The historic courthouse provides in-person services.

Walton County Clerk of Courts Office

A. Mack Busbee Jr. serves as the Walton County Clerk of Courts. His office maintains all criminal court records. The staff processes felony filings. Misdemeanor cases are handled efficiently. Public access is available. The team provides certified copies.

The courthouse is located at 571 U.S. Highway 90 East in DeFuniak Springs. This historic building houses court operations. Visitors can access criminal case files. Staff assist with searches. Copy services are available. Records are well organized.

Contact the clerk at (850) 892-8115 for help. Staff answer questions about cases. They explain document requests. Phone support assists with basics. Complex needs may require visits. Customer service is valued.

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

The clerk's homepage provides access to court services and information about accessing criminal records in Walton County.

Walton County and the First Judicial Circuit

Walton County is part of Florida's First Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers four counties in the Panhandle. Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton are included. The circuit court handles all felonies. County courts manage misdemeanors.

The First Circuit maintains administrative offices in Pensacola. This is the circuit's largest city. Walton County is east of the main hub. The distance is manageable. The DeFuniak Springs courthouse hosts sessions. Judges rotate through regularly.

Circuit court operations handle serious criminal matters. Felony cases receive attention. Drug crimes occur in the county. Property offenses are prosecuted. The court ensures fairness. Due process is protected.

The clerk works with circuit judges. Documents flow efficiently. Case files are maintained locally. Local access is provided. Operations run smoothly.

Note: The First Judicial Circuit is the westernmost circuit in Florida, serving the Panhandle region from Pensacola to Walton County.

Types of Criminal Records in Walton County

The Walton County Clerk maintains various criminal record types. Each follows specific procedures. Understanding these helps searches. Records document the judicial process.

Felony records document serious offenses. Burglary and drug trafficking are included. Aggravated assault is a felony. Grand theft creates records. The circuit court handles felonies. Files contain documents and orders.

Misdemeanor records cover lesser violations. Petty theft is common. Simple battery is included. First-time drug possession is a misdemeanor. Disorderly conduct is tracked. The county court manages these.

Criminal traffic cases are separate. DUI charges are serious. Reckless driving is criminal. Records include test results. The clerk files these. They are not standard tickets.

Public Access to Walton County Criminal Records

Florida law ensures access to court records. Chapter 119 establishes this right. Walton County complies fully. The clerk provides access. Sensitive information is protected. Citizens can monitor the system.

Most criminal records are public. Anyone may view them. No reason is required. This openness serves democracy. Accountability is maintained. Progress can be checked.

Some records receive protection. Juvenile cases stay confidential. Victim information may be redacted. Mental health records are sealed. The clerk applies rules consistently. Staff are trained well.

Marsy's Law provides protections. This amendment shields victims. Walton County implements carefully. Protected information is removed. Balance is achieved.

How to Access Walton County Criminal Records

Walton County offers multiple access methods. In-person visits are most complete. The clerk welcomes the public. Staff help locate files. Viewing is free. Copies cost extra. Certified copies are available.

Written requests are accepted. Mail your request with details. Include defendant names. Provide case numbers if known. State contact information. Enclose payment. Allow processing time.

Phone inquiries work for basics. Staff confirm case existence. Status updates are limited. Complex requests need follow-up. Call (850) 892-8115. Hours are weekdays.

The clerk's website may have online options. Check waltonclerkfl.gov for current services. Online access varies. Recent cases may be electronic.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Records

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains statewide history. FDLE is the central repository. Their database includes Walton County. All jurisdictions contribute. Coverage is comprehensive.

FDLE checks cover more than courts. They include arrests without charges. The database shows all outcomes. This reveals full history. Court records may miss some data.

Request a state check through FDLE. Fingerprints may be required. The fee is $24 per request. Results come within days. These serve official purposes. Licensing may require them.

Walton County records complement FDLE data. The clerk's files have more detail. Documents show evidence. Orders contain reasoning. Both sources together help.

Nearby Counties in the First Circuit

The First Judicial Circuit includes four counties. Walton is the easternmost. Okaloosa lies to the west. Santa Rosa is southwest. Escambia includes Pensacola at the western edge. Cases may involve multiple counties.