Gadsden County criminal records are public court files that show arrests, charges, court actions, and final outcomes for criminal cases filed in Gadsden County, Florida. These records are kept by the Gadsden County Clerk of Courts, which serves as the main record keeper for all felony and misdemeanor cases in the county.
Residents, employers, attorneys, and the media can look up these records online, by phone, mail, or in person at the courthouse. Florida law gives the public the right to see most court records, with only a few limits for sealed or expunged files. This page explains how to search Gadsden County criminal case files, what each type of record contains, and where to go for a complete state-level check.
Gadsden County Clerk of Court Criminal Records
The Gadsden County Clerk of Courts holds the official criminal case files for the 2nd Judicial Circuit. This office keeps all felony, misdemeanor, and traffic criminal cases filed in the county. Records date back many decades and are open to the public under Florida law. The Clerk provides three main ways to access these files: online through the clerk website, by phone, or in person at the courthouse in Quincy.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Gadsden County Clerk of Courts is located at 10 East Jefferson Street, Quincy, Florida 32351. The main phone number is (850) 875-8601. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with the office closed on weekends and official state holidays. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID and any case details they already have. Parking is available near the courthouse, and the building follows ADA accessibility rules.
- Address: 10 East Jefferson Street, Quincy, FL 32351
- Main Phone: (850) 875-8601
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: www.gadsdenclerk.com
Online Court Records Search
The Clerk runs a free online case search tool through the official Gadsden County website. Users can search by full name, case number, or court date. The system shows case type, charge level (felony or misdemeanor), filing date, judge assigned, hearing schedule, and final disposition. The database is updated daily with new filings and court orders. Most records are visible the same day they are filed with the Clerk.
To use the online search, visit the Clerk’s website and click on the court records portal. Enter the last name first, then refine by first name and date of birth if you have that data. The results page lists all matching cases. Clicking on a case number opens a full docket view with document images, court orders, and hearing minutes. Users can print or save the screen for their personal records, but certified copies require a small fee.
In-Person Records Request
People who prefer face-to-face help can visit the Clerk’s records department on the first floor of the courthouse. Staff can pull files, explain case details, and print certified copies on request. Visitors fill out a short request form at the front desk. The wait time is usually short, with most requests filled within 10 to 15 minutes. Cash, checks, and most major credit cards are accepted for copy fees.
Types of Records Held by the Clerk
The Clerk keeps more than just final case files. Public users can also see arrest affidavits, charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and court dockets. Bond records, warrant status, and probation violation reports are available as well. Some files include police reports attached as exhibits. Sealed records, expunged files, and active grand jury materials are not open to the public.
| Record Type | Public Access | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Felony Case Files | Yes | Online, in person, by mail |
| Misdemeanor Case Files | Yes | Online, in person, by mail |
| Warrant Records | Yes (active only) | In person, phone, online |
| Sealed Records | No | Not available |
| Expunged Records | No | Not available |
| Certified Copies | Yes (with fee) | In person, mail, online request |
Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office keeps the arrest and incident records that start the criminal process. Deputies respond to calls, make arrests, and write reports for every criminal event in the county. These reports feed into the court files held by the Clerk. The Sheriff’s Office also runs the county jail and tracks current inmates. Public records requests for police reports and booking logs go through the Sheriff’s records unit.
Sheriff Contact Details and Location
The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office main office sits at 339 East Jefferson Street, Quincy, Florida 32351. The records desk phone number is (850) 875-8844. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The jail is open 24 hours a day for inmate information. Public records requests can be made in person, by mail, or through the online records portal on the Sheriff’s website.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest records show the date, time, location, and reason for each arrest. Booking records include the suspect’s name, date of birth, charges, and bond amount. Recent bookings are posted online within a few hours. Older arrest records require a written request. Some juvenile bookings are not public under Florida law.
Incident and Police Reports
Incident reports describe what deputies found at the scene of a crime. They list witnesses, evidence collected, and the officer’s first impressions. Police reports are public once the case is closed. Reports for open investigations may be limited. Victims can request a copy of their own report for free. Other requesters pay a copy fee per page.
Current Inmate Roster
The Gadsden County Jail maintains a public inmate roster on the Sheriff’s website. The list shows name, booking date, charge, and bond amount. Photos are not posted online. Callers can phone the jail at (850) 875-8844 for real-time inmate status. Release times are updated as they happen.
Statewide Criminal History Search
A statewide search shows all Florida arrests and convictions tied to one person. State searches cover more than just Gadsden County. They pull data from every Florida county, state agency, and law enforcement database. State checks are useful for employers, landlords, and volunteer groups that need a full background picture.
FDLE Computerized Criminal History System
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the CCHInet database. This system stores arrest and conviction records from all Florida agencies. Users register online, pay a small fee, and search by name plus date of birth. Results print as an official FDLE report. The report shows arrests, charges, court outcomes, and any custody history. This report is accepted by most Florida employers and licensing boards.
FDLE charges $24 for each name search, plus a $1 credit card fee. Payments are made online by credit or debit card. Results show up on the screen right after payment. Users can save or print the report for their records. The search takes about 5 minutes from start to finish.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) tracks every inmate in state prison. People convicted in Gadsden County who received a state prison sentence show up in this database. The FDC search is free and open to the public. Users can search by name or DC number. The site shows current facility, release date, and supervision status. The FDC search is a good follow-up to a Gadsden County case search.
Limits of State and Local Searches
Florida state searches only show Florida records. Arrests in other states do not appear. Federal court cases are not in the state system either. Tribal lands records are missing from the FDLE database. For a national check, users need the FBI’s federal background check or a private screening service.
Felony and Misdemeanor Case Lookup in Gadsden County
Gadsden County criminal cases split into two main types: felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are serious crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, and aggravated assault. Misdemeanors cover less serious offenses like petty theft, simple battery, and minor DUI. Both types are public records in Florida. The same search tools work for both, but the results list them in separate sections.
Felony Case Search
Felony cases in Gadsden County are heard in the Circuit Court. The Clerk’s online portal lists felony cases under the “Circuit Criminal” search option. Users see the full charge, plea, trial date, and sentence. Felony convictions can lead to prison time, large fines, and loss of rights. All felony case files stay public even after the sentence ends, unless sealed by court order.
Misdemeanor Case Search
Misdemeanor cases are heard in the County Court. The Clerk’s portal shows these under the “County Criminal” search option. Misdemeanors include DUI, simple assault, and most traffic crimes. Penalties cap at one year in the county jail and a $1,000 fine. Misdemeanor records are public like felony records, with the same sealing and expungement rules.
Searching by Case Number
Each case in Gadsden County has a unique case number. The number follows a format like 2024-CF-000123 for felonies and 2024-MM-000456 for misdemeanors. Searching by case number gives the fastest and most exact result. The Clerk can provide a case number over the phone if you know the full name and year. Attorneys and law enforcement use this method most often.
Name-Based Searches
Name searches work well for single-name matches but can return many results for common names. The search tool sorts by date to help narrow results. Adding a date of birth cuts the list down fast. The Clerk’s office can also run a manual name search by phone for older records not yet scanned into the online system.
Sealing and Expunging Gadsden County Criminal Records
Florida law lets some people hide their criminal records from public view. The two main options are sealing and expungement. Sealed records still exist but cannot be seen by the public. Expunged records are destroyed in most cases. Not everyone qualifies. The process starts with FDLE and ends in the local courthouse.
Eligibility Requirements
A person can apply for sealing or expungement if they were never convicted of the charge, or if the charge was dropped. They cannot have any prior sealed or expunged record in Florida. Certain crimes like murder, sex offenses, and child abuse can never be sealed. The full list of ineligible crimes sits in Florida Statute 943.0585. Most first-time misdemeanor and felony arrests qualify after the case closes.
Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE
The first step is a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. The application fee is $75 and is non-refundable. Processing takes 8 to 12 weeks. The certificate stays valid for 12 months from the issue date. Applicants must complete an FDLE-approved application with fingerprints and a signed statement. Forms are on the FDLE website.
Petition to the Gadsden County Court
After getting the certificate, the next step is filing a petition with the court that handled the original case. For Gadsden County, that means the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court in Quincy. The petition package includes the certificate, a sworn statement, and a proposed court order. A judge reviews the file and either grants or denies the request. Hearings are short and rarely require the applicant to appear in person.
Effect of an Approved Sealing or Expungement
Once the court signs the order, all agencies must hide the record. This includes the Clerk, the Sheriff, FDLE, and the local police. The person can legally say they have no record on most job applications. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still see the sealed record. A new arrest can reopen the case file under specific conditions.
Public Access Rules Under Florida Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. The Florida Public Records Act, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, says all government records are open unless a specific law closes them. Gadsden County follows this state law. The Clerk and Sheriff must provide records promptly and at low cost.
Your Right to Inspect Records
Any person can ask to see public criminal records in Gadsden County. No ID or reason is needed for basic viewing. The office must provide the records during normal business hours. Staff can ask you to fill out a simple request form. They cannot ask why you want the records or who you are.
Records Not Open to the Public
Some records stay closed by law. Sealed and expunged files are not public. Active criminal intelligence files are closed. Juvenile criminal records have special limits. Victim information can be redacted for safety. Mental health records linked to a criminal case are limited. Court orders can also close specific documents for good cause.
Fees for Copies and Certified Records
Standard copies cost $1 per page. Certified copies cost $2 per page plus a $2 certification fee. The Clerk can quote exact fees over the phone. Payment is by cash, check, money order, or credit card for in-person requests. Mail requests should include a check or money order. Online certified copies cost the same and arrive by email within 24 hours.
Mail and Online Record Requests
Mail requests should be sent to the Clerk’s office with a self-addressed stamped envelope and exact payment. Include as much detail as possible: full name, date of birth, and year of the case. The office mails copies within 5 business days. Online requests through the Clerk portal get faster results, often the same day for digital copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common things people want to know about Gadsden County criminal records. Each answer gives clear steps and points you to the right office. If your question is not here, call the Clerk of Courts or the Sheriff’s Office for direct help.
How do I find out if someone has a warrant in Gadsden County?
You can check active warrants through the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office online portal or by phone at (850) 875-8844. The Clerk of Courts also lists active warrants in the public court records search. Active warrant records show the person’s name, the charge, and bond amount if set. Warrants stay public until served or recalled by a judge. A name and date of birth give the most accurate match. You do not need to give your own name or ID to check.
Are Gadsden County criminal records free to view?
Yes, basic online viewing of Gadsden County criminal records is free through the Clerk’s website. You can search by name or case number and see the full docket. You only pay for printed copies or certified documents. FDLE state background checks cost $25 per search. The Sheriff’s Office charges small fees for incident report copies. Most public viewing is free under Florida law.
Can I remove a Gadsden County arrest from public view?
You can seal or expunge a Gadsden County arrest if you meet the legal rules. The first step is a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE, which costs $75. You then file a petition in the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court. A judge makes the final call. Serious charges like murder, sex crimes, and child abuse can never be sealed. The full list sits in Florida Statute 943.0585. Most dropped charges and withholds of adjudication qualify.
How far back do Gadsden County online criminal records go?
The Clerk’s online portal shows cases filed from 1986 to the present day. Older paper records sit in the courthouse archive. The records staff can pull archived files by request. In-person archive requests take 1 to 3 business days. Some records from before 1986 are on microfilm at the State Archives in Tallahassee. The Clerk can guide you to those older files.
Can I use Gadsden County records for an out-of-state background check?
Yes, but a Gadsden County search only shows what happened in the county. Out-of-state employers often want a full national check. The FDLE statewide search covers all of Florida. For a U.S.-wide check, you need the FBI’s Identity History Summary or a private screening service. Most employers accept a county-level search for local hires. Federal jobs and security clearances need the FBI check.
What if a record is wrong on the Gadsden County website?
You can file a correction request with the Clerk of Courts. Bring proof of the error, like a court order or dismissal paper. The Clerk reviews the file and updates the public record. Most corrections take 5 to 10 business days. Mistakes in arrest data need a separate fix with the Sheriff’s Office. FDLE state records have their own correction process.
Do expunged records show up in Gadsden County searches?
No. Expunged records are removed from the public court system. They do not appear in the Clerk’s online search or in Sheriff databases. Sealed records also do not show up in public searches. Law enforcement and certain government agencies can still see sealed files. A new arrest for a serious crime can reopen an expunged record in some cases.