Pinellas County criminal records are public court files that show felony and misdemeanor cases filed in the 6th Judicial Circuit of Florida. Anyone can look up case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and final outcomes through the official Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.
These records cover arrests, criminal trials, sentencings, and case closures within the county.
How Pinellas County Criminal Records Work
Pinellas County criminal records are kept by the Clerk of Court, who serves as the official record keeper for all criminal cases. The 6th Judicial Circuit covers both Pinellas and Pasco counties, so many of the same online tools serve both areas. Records include felony court records, misdemeanor court records, and criminal case files from county, circuit, and appellate courts.
What You Can Find in a Pinellas County Criminal Record
Each record shows basic case facts that help you identify a person and a case. You can see the full name of the defendant, the case number, the date the case was filed, and the court division. You can also see the exact charges filed, the type of crime, the assigned judge, and the final result or disposition.
- Full name and date of birth of the defendant
- Case number, division, and court location
- Filing date and current case status
- List of charges with Florida statute numbers
- Hearing dates, court minutes, and final disposition
- Sentencing details, fines, and probation terms
- Attorney of record and bond information
Types of Criminal Cases in Pinellas County
Pinellas County handles several types of criminal matters through its court system. Felony cases are heard in Circuit Court, while misdemeanor cases are usually heard in County Court. Traffic criminal offenses, ordinance violations, and criminal appeals also go through the same clerk system for record keeping.
| Case Type | Court Level | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Circuit Court | Burglary, drug trafficking, aggravated assault |
| Misdemeanor | County Court | Petit theft, simple battery, DUI first offense |
| Criminal Traffic | County Court | Reckless driving, driving with suspended license |
| Juvenile Delinquency | Circuit Court | Underage criminal offenses |
| Criminal Appeals | District Court of Appeal | Appeals from lower court decisions |
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller maintains all official criminal case files. The main office sits at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. The office runs Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on court holidays. You can reach the clerk’s office by phone at (727) 464-7000 for help with criminal record questions.
Online Criminal Court Records Search
The clerk provides a free online search tool for public criminal court records. You can search by name, case number, citation number, or date range. The system shows current case status, scheduled hearings, and final disposition for both active and closed cases. This is the same official system used by attorneys, law enforcement, and the public for Pinellas County criminal case information lookup.
To use the online records search, visit the clerk website and click on the records search section. You can choose a name search or a case number search. The system pulls data from both the Pinellas County court and the Pasco County court because both counties share the 6th Judicial Circuit clerk system.
Searching by Name
A name-based search is the most common way to find criminal records. You type the last name, then the first name. You can also add a middle name or date of birth to narrow the results. The system shows every matching case, including past and current cases. Each result shows the case number, file date, charges, and court division.
- Go to the official Pinellas County Clerk website
- Click on “Search Public Records” or “Court Records”
- Choose “Criminal” as the case type
- Enter the full name of the person you are searching
- Review the list of matching cases and click for details
Searching by Case Number
If you already have a case number, you can pull up the full record fast. A Pinellas County case number follows a standard format that includes the year, court type, and a sequence number. For example, a felony case might look like “2024-CF-001234.” Using the case number gives you the most exact match with no extra results.
Visiting the Clerk Office in Person
You can visit the clerk’s office in person during business hours to look at criminal court documents. Staff members at the public terminal area can help you use the search computers. You can request printed copies or certified copies of court records. Certified copies cost a set fee per document and include the clerk’s official seal.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office handles law enforcement duties for unincorporated areas and contract cities within the county. The agency keeps arrest records, incident reports, and inmate booking data. These records are separate from court records but connect to the same criminal case files once charges are filed.
Sheriff’s Office Contact Details
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office headquarters is located at 10750 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33778. The public phone line for records and general questions is (727) 582-6200. The office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency and non-emergency calls. You can also reach the agency through its official website for non-urgent records requests.
Arrest and Inmate Records
The Sheriff’s Office runs an online inmate search tool that shows current jail residents and recent releases. You can search by name or booking number. The system shows booking date, current charges, bond amount, and expected release date. This is useful when you want to check if someone was recently arrested in Pinellas County before checking court records for the case filing.
Incident and Police Reports
You can request a copy of a police report from the Sheriff’s Office Records Division. Reports include incident details, officer names, and a short summary of events. Some reports are public right away, while others take time to release until the case is closed. Reports that lead to criminal charges are usually tied to a court case number you can search at the clerk’s office.
Statewide Criminal History Search for Pinellas County
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history database. This system covers arrests and convictions from every Florida county, including Pinellas County. It is the best tool for a full Florida criminal background check that goes beyond just the local court system.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The FDLE public search portal is called CCHInet. You can search by name and date of birth. The system charges $24 per search plus a small processing fee. Results are available right away after payment and show arrests, charges, and final outcomes from every Florida jurisdiction that reports to the state system.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
For people convicted in Pinellas County and sent to state prison, the Florida Department of Corrections inmate search is the right tool. You can search for current state inmates and offenders on community supervision. The search shows custody status, facility location, and release date. This is separate from county jail records kept by the local sheriff.
Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Case Records
The State Attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit handles criminal prosecutions in both Pinellas and Pasco counties. The office keeps case files related to charges filed by the state. You can check case status, view charging documents, and track plea offers through the State Attorney online case portal.
State Attorney Case Portal
The State Attorney’s Office offers a public online portal where you can search active criminal cases by name or case number. The portal shows hearing dates, state filed motions, and the assigned assistant state attorney. This is helpful for victims, witnesses, defendants, and attorneys who want to follow a Pinellas County criminal case status without calling the courthouse.
Victim and Witness Services
Crime victims and witnesses can also get case updates through the State Attorney victim notification system. The service sends automatic alerts about hearing dates, plea deals, and sentencing. This is a free service funded by the state to keep victims informed during the court process.
Felony and Misdemeanor Case Lookup in Pinellas County
Pinellas County felony court records and misdemeanor case records are stored in the same online clerk system. The system labels each case by court level, so you can tell if a case is a felony or a misdemeanor at a glance. The court level affects the seriousness of the case and the possible sentence.
Felony Case Lookup Details
Felony cases in Pinellas County carry possible sentences of more than one year in state prison. These cases are heard at the Criminal Justice Center in Clearwater. The court system assigns a “CF” case number prefix to felony cases. You can search all felony cases by name or case number through the clerk’s online portal.
Misdemeanor Case Lookup Details
Misdemeanor cases in Pinellas County carry sentences of up to one year in the county jail. These cases are also handled at the Criminal Justice Center. The clerk’s office uses a “MM” case number prefix for misdemeanor cases. A Pinellas County misdemeanor case records lookup gives you charge details, hearing schedules, and sentencing outcomes.
Public Access Laws for Pinellas County Criminal Records
Florida’s public records law gives broad access to government files. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules for public record requests. Most criminal court records in Pinellas County are open to the public, but some records are sealed or exempt under state law.
What Records Are Public
Felony case files, misdemeanor case files, criminal docket sheets, and sentencing orders are all public. Court minutes, plea agreements, and trial outcomes are also open to view. You do not need to give your name or explain why you want the records. The clerk must let you see or copy the records during business hours.
What Records Are Not Public
Some criminal records are sealed or expunged by court order. Juvenile records are mostly confidential. Active investigation files, victim identity information, and certain personal details are exempt from public view. A Pinellas County criminal case number lookup will not return sealed or expunged cases in the public search system.
Sealing and Expunging Pinellas County Criminal Records
Florida law allows some people to seal or expunge their criminal records under specific conditions. Sealing hides the record from most public view, while expungement lets you legally say the arrest never happened. Not every case qualifies for this type of relief.
Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE
You must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement before asking a court to seal or expunge a record. The application fee is $75. FDLE usually takes about 12 weeks to process the application. The certificate is good for 12 months from the date of issue.
Court Petition for Sealing or Expungement
After you get the certificate, you file a petition with the Pinellas County court where the case was handled. A judge reviews the petition and decides whether to grant the request. If approved, the clerk seals the court file and orders law enforcement to seal or destroy their records too.
Pinellas County Court Locations and Hours
The main Pinellas County courthouse for criminal cases is the Criminal Justice Center. You can visit this location for in-person record searches, file documents, and attend hearings. The building is open Monday through Friday during regular court hours.
Pinellas County Clerk Main Office
Address: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone: (727) 464-7000. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on weekends and court holidays. This office handles all criminal court records requests, certified copies, and in-person record searches.
Pinellas County Criminal Justice Center
Address: 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762. Phone: (727) 464-7000. This building hosts criminal court hearings, arraignments, trials, and sentencings for both felonies and misdemeanors filed in Pinellas County.
North County Branch Office
Address: 29582 U.S. 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34684. Phone: (727) 464-7000. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This branch offers limited clerk services, including record searches and document recording for the northern part of the county.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common concerns people have when searching for criminal records in Pinellas County. Each answer gives you direct, useful facts that match the latest rules and procedures. These answers reflect how the Pinellas County court and clerk system works today.
Can I view Pinellas County criminal records for free?
Yes, you can view Pinellas County criminal records for free through the official clerk online portal. The portal lets you search by name, case number, or date range. You only pay if you want printed copies or certified copies. Certified copies cost a set fee per page and per certification.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in Pinellas County?
You can use the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office online inmate search tool. The tool shows current inmates, recent arrests, and release information. You can search by name or booking number. The system updates regularly with new bookings and releases throughout the day.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records are hidden from most public view but still exist in the system. Expunged records are destroyed by court order, and you can legally say the arrest did not happen. Both require a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE and a court order from a Pinellas County judge.
Can I get criminal records from another Florida county through the same system?
The Pinellas County clerk system only covers cases filed in Pinellas County. For other Florida counties, you need to use that county’s own clerk website. For a full state search, use the FDLE CCHInet portal, which covers every Florida county in one search.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a court record?
You can get a certified copy the same day in most cases. If you visit the clerk office in person, staff can print and certify your document within minutes. Online mail requests may take several business days to process and mail back to you.
Do I need a lawyer to search criminal records in Pinellas County?
No, you do not need a lawyer to search public criminal records. The clerk system is open to the public without any special request. A lawyer can help you file motions, request sealed records, or challenge a case, but basic record searches are free for everyone.
What should I do if I find a mistake in a criminal record?
If you find a mistake in a Pinellas County criminal record, contact the clerk’s office right away. Bring any proof that supports the correction, like a court order or ID. The clerk can update the file or guide you through the process to fix the error through a formal court motion.