Criminal records in Leon County, Florida, are public documents accessible through several channels. LeonCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through official court systems, including the Clerk of Court portal, law enforcement agencies, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Below are specific steps for searching, understanding, and obtaining certified copies of criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Leon
Start by determining what specific information you are looking for: a court case, arrest records, or state-level criminal history. This will dictate where to go.
Online Search
- LeonCourt.us — enter the full name of the person or case number to view public data on criminal cases in Leon County.
- Clerk of Court Online Services Portal — the Online Services page of Leon County provides access to clerk records, including court cases and official documents.
- FDLE Public Access System (PAS) — the FDLE public access system provides state-level criminal history. A search requires the person's name and date of birth.
- Florida Department of Corrections — the DOC inmate search shows information about individuals serving sentences in Florida correctional facilities.
In-Person Visit
The Clerk of Court maintains all county court files. Public access terminals are located in the courthouse:
You can also contact the Records Section of the Leon County Sheriff's Office for arrest records.
Written Request
To obtain records by mail, submit a public records request to the Leon County Clerk of Court & Comptroller. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. For state-level criminal history checks, send a request to FDLE with fingerprints and the appropriate fee.
What you need to start a search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferable)
- Case number (if available)
Search Leon Criminal Cases by Case Number
Florida courts use a standardized case number format. Understanding its structure will help you find a specific case without unnecessary effort.
Typical format: XX-YYYY-CF-NNNNNN
- XX — two-digit county code (Leon County belongs to the 2nd judicial circuit)
- YYYY — year the case was filed
- CF, MM, CT, etc. — case type. CF means criminal felony, MM — misdemeanor, CT — traffic violation
- NNNNNN — sequential case number in the respective category
If you have the full number, enter it into the clerk's search system. Results typically include a list of charges, hearing dates, case status, and the name of the assigned judge. Cases related to the 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida are heard at the Leon County Courthouse.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Leon
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of what each means in practice.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific article of the Florida Statutes allegedly violated |
| Severity | Felony (the most serious crimes), Misdemeanor (less serious), Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the original charge — reduce or increase the severity |
Case Status
- Pending — the case has been filed, but no decision has been made yet
- Active — the case is under consideration
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, and the case is closed
Hearings
A typical criminal case goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the defendant is informed of the charges and states their plea (guilty/not guilty)
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial Conference — the parties discuss procedural issues before the main hearing
- Sentencing — if found guilty, the judge announces the sentence
- Review Hearing — checks compliance with the terms of the sentence, such as probation
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Withheld Adjudication | The judge refrained from a formal finding of guilt — this may allow for future sealing or expungement of the record |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after substantive consideration |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Leon
Certified copies are officially verified documents accepted by other institutions, employers, and courts. Where to obtain them depends on the type of record.
Clerk of Court & Comptroller
The Clerk of Court maintains court files and issues certified copies of court decisions, indictments, and case records.
Ways to submit a request:
- In-Person — visit the clerk's office with valid photo identification
- By Mail — send a written request with the full name, case number, and payment
- Online — use the public records request form on the Leon County website
FDLE — State-Level Criminal History
For a complete Florida criminal history, contact FDLE. You need to submit fingerprints and pay the appropriate fee. FDLE also processes requests for sealing and expungement of criminal records.
Required Documents
- Valid photo identification (for self-requests)
- Full name and date of birth of the person whose record is needed
- Case number (speeds up processing)
- Signed consent form (for third-party verification)
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Leon
Copy fees for court records in Florida are set according to Florida Statute § 28.24. The Leon County Clerk of Court charges fees according to this schedule.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $2.00 per document |
| Record search (by name, per year) | $2.00 |
| Criminal history check via FDLE (electronically) | $24.00 |
| Criminal history check via FDLE (with fingerprints) | $24.00 (state) + additional FBI fee if federal check is needed |
Processing Time
- In-Person Visit to Clerk — copies are usually issued the same day if the record is available electronically
- Mail Request — 5 to 10 business days after receiving the request and payment
- FDLE (Electronic Request) — results may be available within 24–48 hours
- FDLE (with Fingerprints) — 5 to 15 business days
Payment at the clerk's office is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order. Confirm acceptable payment methods before visiting by calling (850) 606-5300. For online requests through LeonCourt.us or the clerk's portal, payment terms may vary.