Charlotte County Criminal Records
What Is Charlotte County Criminal Records
Charlotte County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Charlotte County, Florida. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout the county.
Criminal records in Charlotte County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement agencies, including the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and sentencing
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in the Charlotte County Jail or state correctional facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervision terms and compliance for those released under court-ordered supervision
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody but do not indicate guilt, while conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense either through trial or plea agreement. According to Florida Statute § 119.07, most criminal records in Florida are considered public records.
Criminal offenses in Charlotte County are categorized as either:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year and/or substantial fines
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or smaller fines
Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally public, while juvenile records (under 18) receive special protections under Florida Statute § 985.04 and are typically sealed from public view except in specific circumstances.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Charlotte County include:
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
7474 Utilities Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(941) 639-2101
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court
Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court
Are Criminal Records Public In Charlotte County
Criminal records in Charlotte County are generally public pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law establishes that most government records, including criminal records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Florida Statute § 119.01(1) states: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."
While the presumption favors public access, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted:
- Active Criminal Investigations: Records pertaining to ongoing investigations are exempt from disclosure until the investigation concludes
- Juvenile Records: Most records involving minors are confidential under Florida Statute § 985.04, though exceptions exist for serious offenses
- Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been legally sealed or expunged pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585 are not available to the general public
- Victim Information: Certain identifying information about victims, particularly in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence, is protected
- Grand Jury Proceedings: Records of grand jury deliberations remain confidential
The following criminal record information is typically available to the public in Charlotte County:
- Court dockets and case information
- Arrest records and booking information
- Criminal charges filed
- Court proceedings and hearing schedules
- Case dispositions and sentencing information
- Incarceration records
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records must follow established procedures, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, and providing proper identification. Government agencies may redact exempt information from otherwise public records before releasing them.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Charlotte County in 2026
Charlotte County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to obtain criminal record information:
In-Person Requests
The Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains official court records and provides public access terminals at their main office:
Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court
Public access hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Visitors must:
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete a records request form specifying the information sought
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for standard copies)
- Allow processing time, which varies based on request complexity
For arrest records and booking information, individuals may contact:
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office - Records Division
7474 Utilities Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33982
(941) 639-2101
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
Public access hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Mail Requests
To request criminal records by mail, applicants must:
- Submit a written request including:
- Subject's full name and date of birth
- Case number (if known)
- Specific records requested
- Requestor's contact information
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail to the appropriate agency address
Notarized Requests
Certain criminal record requests, particularly those containing sensitive information, may require notarized authorization from the subject. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement provides standardized forms for these requests.
How To Find Criminal Records in Charlotte County Online?
Charlotte County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary.
Charlotte County Clerk of Court Records Search
The Charlotte County Clerk's Office maintains an online case search system accessible through their official website:
- Visit the Charlotte County Clerk of Court Records Search
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Create a free account or continue as a guest user
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Review search results showing case types, filing dates, and status
- Access available documents (some may require fees for viewing)
This system provides access to:
- Criminal case information
- Court dockets and schedules
- Case status updates
- Party information
- Some case documents (excluding sealed/confidential records)
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
For current incarceration information:
- Navigate to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Inmate Search" from the main menu
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review results showing current inmates, charges, and booking dates
The inmate search provides:
- Current custody status
- Booking photographs
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release dates (when applicable)
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
For information on individuals sentenced to state prison:
- Visit the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search
- Enter the individual's name or DC number
- Review results showing current and former state inmates
This database includes:
- Current custody status
- Facility location
- Sentence information
- Supervision status
- Release dates
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal History Search
For comprehensive statewide criminal history:
- Access the FDLE Criminal History Search
- Register for an account
- Pay the required fee ($24 per record)
- Submit search criteria
- Receive results electronically
This search provides the most comprehensive criminal history but requires payment and may take 24-72 hours for processing.
Can You Search Charlotte County Criminal Records for Free?
Charlotte County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply. Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Florida Statute § 119.07(4), establishes that agencies may charge only the actual cost of duplication for records, with inspection generally available at no cost.
Free In-Person Inspection
The following locations offer free public inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:
Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2199
Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court
Public terminals are available for searching court records at no charge. While inspection is free, printing documents incurs standard copy fees ($0.15 per page for standard copies, $1.00 per page for certified copies).
Charlotte County Justice Center Law Library
350 East Marion Avenue
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 637-2366
Charlotte County Law Library
The law library provides public access computers for researching court cases and legal matters at no cost.
Free Online Resources
Several online platforms offer free access to basic criminal record information:
- Charlotte County Clerk's Public Records Search: Basic case information is available without charge, though document access may require payment
- Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: Current inmate information is freely accessible
- Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search: State prison records are available at no cost
- Florida Court Access (FLCOURTS.ORG): Provides free access to basic court case information
Fee-Based Services
While basic searches are often free, comprehensive criminal history reports typically require payment:
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement criminal history searches: $24 per record
- Certified copies of court documents: $1.00 per page
- Background check services: Fees vary by provider
It is important to note that while free options exist, they may not provide complete criminal history information. The most comprehensive criminal background checks typically require payment of established fees.
What's Included in a Charlotte County Criminal Record?
Charlotte County criminal records contain extensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content varies based on the record type and maintaining agency, but typically includes the following categories:
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (may differ from formal charges)
- Probable cause statement
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or County)
- Judge assigned
- Charges filed by prosecutor
- Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (public defender or private counsel)
- Court appearances and hearing dates
- Motions filed and rulings
- Evidence presented
Disposition and Sentencing
- Final verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (prison, jail, time served)
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment programs mandated
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- Habitual offender designations
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of records varies based on case complexity and age. Recent records typically contain more detailed information than older cases. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of criminal records in accordance with privacy laws and court orders.
How Long Does Charlotte County Keep Criminal Records?
Charlotte County maintains criminal records according to Florida's records retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services under Florida Statute § 257.36. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various document types, though many records are preserved permanently.
Court Records Retention
The Charlotte County Clerk of Circuit Court preserves criminal case records according to the following schedule:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently maintained
- Capital Felony Cases: Permanently maintained with special preservation protocols
- Misdemeanor Case Files: Maintained for 10 years after case closure
- Traffic Criminal Case Files: Maintained for 5 years after case closure
- Domestic Violence Cases: Permanently maintained
- Juvenile Criminal Records: Maintained until subject reaches age 26, then eligible for sealing/expungement under certain conditions
Law Enforcement Records Retention
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office maintains criminal records according to these general guidelines:
- Arrest Records: Permanently maintained
- Booking Photographs: Permanently maintained
- Criminal Investigation Records (Unresolved): Permanently maintained
- Criminal Investigation Records (Resolved): Maintained for 5 years after case closure
- Incident Reports: Maintained for 4 years
- Accident Reports: Maintained for 4 years
- Warrant Information: Until executed or recalled
Corrections Records Retention
Incarceration records maintained by the Charlotte County Jail follow these retention periods:
- Inmate Files: Maintained for 7 years after release
- Booking Information: Maintained for 7 years
- Jail Visitor Logs: Maintained for 3 years
- Inmate Medical Records: Maintained for 7 years after release
It is important to note that while records may be eligible for destruction after their retention period expires, many agencies maintain them for longer periods, particularly as records become digitized. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court order are removed from public access but may still exist in restricted agency archives.
The Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS2 provides comprehensive information about retention requirements for all criminal justice agencies in the state.