Criminal Court Records in Washington County

Washington County Criminal Court Records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts in Chipley. This rural Florida Panhandle county is part of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. The clerk manages felony and misdemeanor cases for the local community. Residents can access criminal records through the courthouse. The office provides in-person services and document retrieval.

Washington County Clerk of Courts Office

Lora C. Bell serves as the Washington County Clerk of Courts. Her office maintains all criminal court records for the county. The staff handles felony filings from the circuit court. They process misdemeanor cases as well. Public access is available during business hours. Certified copies are provided upon request.

The courthouse stands at 1293 Jackson Avenue in Chipley. This facility houses court operations. Visitors can access criminal case files. Staff members assist with record searches. Copy services are available on site. The office maintains organized records dating back many years.

Contact the clerk at (850) 638-6009 for case information. Staff answer questions about procedures. They explain how to request documents. Phone support helps with basic inquiries. Complex requests may require an office visit. The team provides professional service.

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

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

Washington County and the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit

Washington County is part of Florida's Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers six counties in the Panhandle. Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, and Washington counties are included. The circuit court handles all felony prosecutions. County courts manage misdemeanor matters. Both serve Washington County residents.

The Fourteenth Circuit maintains its administrative hub in Panama City. This is the circuit's largest city. Washington County lies to the north. The distance is manageable for court operations. The Chipley courthouse hosts circuit court sessions. Judges rotate through the county regularly.

Circuit court operations in Washington County focus on serious criminal cases. Felony prosecutions are the primary jurisdiction. Drug crimes are frequently charged. Property offenses also occur. The court ensures fair proceedings. Defendants receive full due process rights.

The clerk works closely with circuit judges. Documents flow between offices efficiently. Case files are maintained at the local courthouse. This provides convenient access for residents. The partnership ensures smooth court operations.

Note: The Fourteenth Judicial Circuit provides online resources through jud14.flcourts.org for case information and court schedules across all six counties.

Types of Criminal Records in Washington County

The Washington 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 arrest through disposition.

Felony records document the most serious criminal offenses. These include burglary, drug trafficking, and aggravated assault. Grand theft is another felony charge. The circuit court handles all felony cases. Files contain charging documents, court orders, and sentencing information. These records are preserved carefully.

Misdemeanor records cover less serious violations. Petty theft is a common charge. Simple battery falls into this category. First-time drug possession is typically a misdemeanor. Disorderly conduct creates records as well. The county court manages these matters. Files are smaller but equally important.

Criminal traffic cases form another record group. DUI charges are serious criminal offenses. Reckless driving is also criminal. These records often include breathalyzer test results. Accident reports may be attached. The clerk files these with other criminal cases. They are distinct from standard traffic citations.

Public Access to Washington County Criminal Records

Florida law ensures public access to court records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes establishes this right. Washington County complies fully with transparency requirements. The clerk provides access while protecting confidential information. Citizens can monitor the judicial system. This openness supports government accountability.

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

Some records receive protection under state law. Juvenile cases remain confidential. Victim information may be redacted to protect privacy. Mental health and substance abuse treatment records stay sealed. The clerk applies these restrictions consistently. Staff are trained to identify protected content.

Marsy's Law provides additional protections for crime victims. This constitutional amendment shields certain victim details from public disclosure. Washington County implements these provisions carefully. Staff redact protected information before releasing records. The balance is maintained.

How to Access Washington County Criminal Records

Washington County offers several methods 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 (850) 638-6009. Call during business hours for assistance.

The Fourteenth Circuit website offers additional resources. Visit jud14.flcourts.org for circuit-wide information. Some records may be available electronically. Local Washington County files are maintained at the Chipley courthouse. Online access varies by case age.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Records

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains statewide criminal history information. FDLE serves as the central repository for arrest and disposition data. Their records include information from Washington County and all other Florida jurisdictions. This provides comprehensive coverage of criminal activity.

FDLE background checks cover more than court records alone. They include arrest information even when charges were dropped. The database shows outcomes from all Florida courts. This provides a complete view of a person's criminal history. Court records alone may miss some information.

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

Court records in Washington County complement FDLE data. The clerk's files contain more detail about specific cases. Court documents show evidence presented and testimony given. Judicial reasoning appears in court orders. Combining both sources gives the most complete picture.

Nearby Counties in the Fourteenth Circuit

The Fourteenth Judicial Circuit includes six counties. Washington lies in the northern portion. Bay contains Panama City to the south. Jackson is to the east. Holmes, Calhoun, and Gulf complete the circuit. Cases may involve multiple counties. Complete research checks all locations.