Alachua County Criminal Records
What Is Alachua County Criminal Records
Alachua County criminal records are official government documents that detail an individual's criminal history within the jurisdiction of Alachua County, Florida. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.011(3)(c), which defines public records as including "all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency."
Criminal records in Alachua County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Alachua County Sheriff's Office or Gainesville Police Department. These records typically include booking information, charges, and mugshots.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of criminal cases resulting in a guilty verdict or plea, whether for felonies or misdemeanors.
- Court Records: Documentation of all court proceedings related to criminal cases, including arraignments, motions, trial transcripts, and sentencing information.
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in the Alachua County Jail or state correctional facilities.
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.
Criminal offenses in Alachua County are categorized as follows:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year and/or substantial fines. These are further classified into degrees (first, second, third) based on severity.
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail and/or smaller fines. These are classified as first or second degree.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Alachua County:
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
2621 SE Hawthorne Road
Gainesville, FL 32641
352-367-4000
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
Eighth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
201 E University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3636
Eighth Judicial Circuit Court
Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court
201 E University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3636
Alachua County Clerk of Court
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
850-410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
It is important to note that juvenile records are generally sealed and not accessible to the public under Florida Statutes § 985.04, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.
Are Criminal Records Public In Alachua County
Criminal records in Alachua County are generally public information pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Florida Statutes Chapter 119, which establishes the right of access to public records. Florida's constitution and statutory framework create a presumption of openness regarding government records, including most criminal records.
The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24(a) states: "Every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf."
Under current Florida law, the following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Probation and parole information
However, certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure or have restricted access:
- Active criminal investigations (temporarily exempt until case closure)
- Records sealed or expunged pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 and § 943.059
- Juvenile records (with exceptions for serious offenses)
- Information that would reveal the identity of victims of certain crimes
- Records containing confidential informant information
- Grand jury proceedings
The Alachua County Clerk of Court maintains most publicly accessible criminal records for cases prosecuted within the county. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the entire state, including Alachua County.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, accessing comprehensive criminal history information often requires proper identification and may involve fees for official searches and certified copies. Additionally, the use of criminal history information is regulated by state and federal laws, particularly for employment, housing, and licensing purposes.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Alachua County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Alachua County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal records:
In-Person Requests at the Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court's Criminal Justice Center.
Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court
201 E University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3636
Alachua County Clerk of Court
- Complete a public records request form, available at the public service counter.
- Provide specific information about the case or individual, such as:
- Full name of the defendant
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of the offense
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $1.00 per page for certified copies, $0.15 per page for uncertified copies).
- For extensive searches requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time, additional special service charges may apply.
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Alachua County Clerk of Court at the address listed above.
- Include all relevant identifying information about the case or individual.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents.
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order made payable to "Alachua County Clerk of Court").
Email Requests:
- Email public records requests to the designated email address provided on the Clerk's official website.
- Clearly state the specific records being requested.
- Provide contact information for follow-up questions and fee payment arrangements.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Requests:
For comprehensive criminal history information (state and national):
- Submit a request through the FDLE's Volunteer and Employee Criminal History System (VECHS) program.
- Complete fingerprint cards at an authorized fingerprinting location.
- Submit the required forms and fees to FDLE.
Alachua County Sheriff's Office Records:
For arrest records, incident reports, and jail booking information:
Alachua County Sheriff's Office Records Division
2621 SE Hawthorne Road
Gainesville, FL 32641
352-367-4000
Alachua County Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Records Division during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form.
- Provide identification and pay applicable fees.
When requesting criminal records, requestors should be aware that processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and the age of the records. Some recent records may be available immediately, while older records may require additional time to retrieve from archives.
How To Find Criminal Records in Alachua County Online?
Alachua County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of information available online may be more limited than complete records available at government offices.
Alachua County Clerk of Court Online Records Search:
The Alachua County Clerk's Office maintains a comprehensive online case search system accessible through their official website. This system allows users to search for:
- Criminal court cases (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Case status and scheduled hearings
- Court dockets and filed documents
- Judgment and sentencing information
To access this system:
- Visit the Alachua County Clerk of Court Records Search
- Select "Court Records Search" from the available options
- Create a user account if accessing non-public documents
- Search by name, case number, or citation number
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Pay applicable fees for viewing certain documents (currently $1.00 per document)
Alachua County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search:
The Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current jail inmates and recently released individuals:
- Visit the Alachua County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Information" or "Jail Population" section
- Search by name or booking number
- View booking information, charges, bond amounts, and scheduled release dates
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search:
For individuals sentenced to state prison or under state supervision:
- Access the Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search
- Search by name, DC number, or other identifiers
- View current custody status, location, sentence information, and release dates
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal History Search:
For official state criminal history records:
- Visit the FDLE Criminal History Search
- Register for an account
- Pay the required fee (currently $24.00 per record search)
- Provide subject information and reason for search
- Receive results electronically
Limitations of Online Searches:
Users should be aware of several limitations when searching for criminal records online:
- Some case documents may not be available electronically
- Older records (typically pre-2000) may have limited online availability
- Sealed or expunged records will not appear in public searches
- Juvenile records are generally not accessible online
- Name-based searches may return multiple results for common names
- Some sensitive information may be redacted from online documents
For the most comprehensive criminal record information, combining online searches with in-person requests at the appropriate government offices is recommended.
Can You Search Alachua County Criminal Records for Free?
Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, specifically Florida Statutes § 119.07(4), members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. While inspection is free, fees may be assessed for copies, certified documents, and extensive research time.
Free In-Person Inspection Options:
The following locations provide free public access to view criminal records:
Alachua County Clerk of the Circuit Court
201 E University Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3636
Alachua County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for searching court records
- Staff assistance is provided for locating physical case files
- No charge for viewing records on-site
Alachua County Law Library
201 E University Avenue, Room 413
Gainesville, FL 32601
352-374-3665
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Public access computers with legal research databases
- Print collections of Florida Statutes and legal resources
- Reference assistance for locating public records
Free Online Resources:
Several free online resources provide access to criminal record information in Alachua County:
-
Alachua County Clerk's Public Records Search
- Basic case information is available without charge
- Search by name or case number
- View case type, filing date, charges, and case status
- Note: Viewing document images may require payment
-
Alachua County Sheriff's Office Jail Inmate Search
- Current inmate population information
- Recently released inmates (typically within the past 30 days)
- Booking photos, charges, and bond information
- Updated multiple times daily
-
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Information Search
- State prison inmate information
- Supervised release/probation status
- Sentence information and release dates
- Searchable by name or DC number
-
Alachua County Court Dockets
- Daily court calendars
- Scheduled hearings and proceedings
- Judge assignments and courtroom locations
-
Florida Sex Offender Registry
- Information on registered sex offenders residing in Alachua County
- Searchable by name, neighborhood, or zip code
- Maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
While these free resources provide substantial information, they may not include all available criminal record details. Comprehensive criminal history reports, certified copies, and extensive searches typically involve fees as authorized under Florida law.
What's Included in a Alachua County Criminal Record?
Alachua County criminal records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. The content of these records is standardized according to Florida Department of Law Enforcement guidelines and includes several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
- Current and previous addresses
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (including Florida Statute numbers)
- Probable cause affidavit summary
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Pre-trial detention information
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Circuit or County)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by the State Attorney
- Classification of charges (felony or misdemeanor)
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Plea entered
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
- Witness lists
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Final disposition (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, nolle prosequi)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms (jail or prison)
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Special conditions (no contact orders, etc.)
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants (if any)
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Habitual offender designations
- Domestic violence indicators
- Driving-related offenses (DUI/DWI)
- Traffic citations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The level of detail in criminal records may vary based on the age of the case, the severity of the offense, and the maintaining agency. Records maintained by the Clerk of Court focus primarily on court proceedings, while Sheriff's Office records emphasize arrest and booking information. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the most comprehensive criminal history information, integrating data from multiple agencies across the state.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.053, criminal history information is classified as either "criminal justice information" or "criminal history information," with different levels of access permitted depending on the requestor's status and purpose.
How Long Does Alachua County Keep Criminal Records?
Alachua County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services, pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records, though many records are maintained permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
The following retention periods currently apply to criminal records in Alachua County:
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Capital/Death Penalty cases: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
- Traffic criminal case files: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
- Court minutes and judgment records: Permanent retention
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Evidence and exhibits: Retained until all appeals have been exhausted, then returned or destroyed according to court order
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest records: Minimum of 5 years after arrest
- Offense/incident reports: Minimum of 4 years after report creation
- Criminal investigative records for solved cases: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
- Criminal investigative records for unsolved felonies: 100 years
- Criminal intelligence information: 5 years after last update
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention
- Jail records: 5 years after inmate release
Prosecution Records:
- Felony case files: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 5 years after case closure
- Cases not filed (no information): 5 years after decision not to prosecute
- Grand jury records: Permanent retention
Probation Records:
- Probation case files: 5 years after termination of probation
- Probation violation records: 5 years after final court action
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after the minimum retention period, electronic records and indices are often maintained for much longer periods. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be retained permanently in those formats even after physical copies are destroyed.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains criminal history information in its central repository indefinitely, unless the records are ordered sealed or expunged by a court pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 or § 943.059.
Records that have been sealed remain in existence but are confidential and available only to specific agencies under limited circumstances. Expunged records are physically destroyed by all agencies except for FDLE, which maintains a confidential record of the expungement.