Hillsborough County Criminal Court Records Search
The Florida Judicial System is dependent on the various criminal courts to maintain law and order. The Hillsborough County Criminal Court plays a large part in this. Its tasked with handling both misdemeanor and felony cases within the county, as well as minor infractions. The main courthouse, located in Tampa, acts as the main hub for criminal cases, which is part of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court. It handles the lion's share of all criminal cases in county, providing a fair and balanced venue for fair resolutions.
The Circuit court is organized into multiple divisions which include felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile courts. Each division specializes in its respective area to handle the large volume of cases efficiently.
- Felony Division: Deals with serious offenses such as robbery or drug trafficking.
- Misdemeanor Division: Handles less severe charges like petty theft or disorderly conduct.
- Juvenile Division: Focuses on cases involving minors.
Understanding this structure helps individuals navigate the court system. It ensures they know where their case will be handled and the legal protocols involved.
How to Lookup a Criminal Court Case in Hillsborough County
The first step in accessing Hillsborough County criminal court case records is visiting the County Clerk of Court's website. This platform offers public access to various legal documents related to criminal cases. You can look up a criminal court case using three primary methods: by case number, by party name, or by attorney. While each different search criteria will offer access to case records, the specific case number will be the easiest way to access the specific records you are looking for. If you choose to search by name, make sure you have the correct spelling of the respective party.
Here are the simple steps for conducting an online case search:
1). Clerk of the Court's official website.
2). Navigate to the "Case Search" section.
3). Choose the type of search: case number, party name, or attorney.
4). Enter the required details into the search fields.
5). Review the search results for your desired information.
Access to public court records is available online, although it's important to note that not all documents are publicly accessible due to confidentiality rules. Sealed or expunged records, for instance, have limited visibility unless you are directly involved in that case.
Expunging a Criminal Conviction in Hillsborough County
Expungement is the formal process that removes a criminal record from public access. It makes it so that a criminal record will not show up on a background check or criminal history search. However, not all convictions are eligible for expungement, and expunged convictions will still be accessible by law enforcement and the judicial system, just not the general public.
Eligibility for expungement depends on many factors that include the severity of the crime and the person's criminal history. Before starting the process it's important to check if this is an option. If eligible, the first step is to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. This certificate is issued by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which can be obtained from the County Clerk's website. It verifies that the requirements for expungement have been met. If an expungement is granted, it can improve employment opportunities, housing options, and other personal aspects of life. The process tends complex, which may require the help of an experienced attorney.
How Can I Access Criminal Court Records in Hillsborough County?
You can access court records through the County Clerk of Court's website, using case number or party name. You can also access criminal case records through the Florida Judicial website, or various third-party public court record websites.
What Divisions Are There in the Hillsborough County Criminal Court?
The court is divided into three main divisions including felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile divisions. Each of these handling specific criminal case types.
How Do I Expunge a Criminal Record in Hillsborough County?
The expungement process involves multiple steps. First, determine if you are eligible, and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Clerk's office. Then follow the set court procedures that follow state guidelines to clear your record. An attorney is sometimes recommended to assist with this process as it can often be a complicated procedure.
