Deerfield Beach city felony records are official court documents that show felony charges, court actions, and final outcomes for criminal cases filed in this coastal Broward County city. Every felony case that starts in Deerfield Beach is handled by the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, and the Broward County Clerk of Courts keeps the official paperwork.
This resource explains how felony records work, where they are stored, who can see them, and how to request copies through official channels.
What Felony Records Cover in Deerfield Beach
Felony records in Deerfield Beach include the full legal history of serious criminal cases. These records show the charges, the people involved, court dates, plea deals, trial results, sentences, and any appeals. They are different from police reports because they come from the court system, not the police department.
Types of Felony Charges Filed in Deerfield Beach
Florida law divides felonies into five main categories. Each type has its own record format at the Broward County Courthouse. Knowing the charge type helps you search the right database section.
- Third-degree felonies: Up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines
- Second-degree felonies: Up to 15 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
- First-degree felonies: Up to 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines
- Life felonies: 25 years to life in prison and $10,000 in fines
- Capital felonies: Death penalty or life without parole and $15,000 in fines
What Each Felony Record Document Contains
A single felony case can include dozens of separate documents. Each one becomes part of the public record unless a judge seals it. The Clerk’s office files these papers in case number order.
- Arrest affidavit and probable cause statement
- Formal charges filed by the State Attorney
- Arraignment minutes and plea entries
- Motion filings from both sides
- Discovery materials and exhibit lists
- Trial transcripts and verdict forms
- Sentencing orders and commitment papers
- Appeal notices and appellate court rulings
The Court System That Handles Deerfield Beach Felony Cases
Deerfield Beach sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers all of Broward County. The main courthouse sits in Fort Lauderdale, and felony trials happen at the Broward County Courthouse complex. The Clerk of Courts maintains the records for every felony case in the circuit.
Broward County Courthouse Locations for Felony Cases
Felony cases in Deerfield Beach move through several court locations depending on the case stage. Knowing which building handles your search saves time when you visit in person.
| Building | Address | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Main Courthouse | 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 | Felony trials, sentencings, motions |
| North Regional Courthouse | 1600 W. Hillsboro Boulevard, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 | First appearances, bond hearings |
| West Satellite Courthouse | 10 N. Tamiami Trail, Hollywood, FL 33020 | Misdemeanor cases, less serious felonies |
| South Satellite Courthouse | 3550 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, FL 33021 | Traffic, county civil, and felony arraignments |
Stages a Felony Case Moves Through
Each felony case in Deerfield Beach follows the same legal path. The court creates a new record at almost every step. You can track progress through the Clerk’s online portal or by phone.
- Arrest and booking at the Deerfield Beach Police Department
- First appearance before a judge within 24 hours
- Formal filing of charges by the Broward State Attorney
- Arraignment where the defendant enters a plea
- Pretrial motions and discovery exchange
- Plea negotiations or trial setting
- Trial or guilty plea hearing
- Sentencing and judgment entry
- Appeal window of 30 days after sentencing
How to Search Deerfield Beach Felony Records Online
The fastest way to look up felony records is through the Broward County Clerk’s online search system. The portal is free to use and updates daily with new filings. You do not need an account to run a basic search.
Broward County Clerk Online Case Search
The Clerk’s website gives you access to every felony case filed in Deerfield Beach since 1977. You can search by name, case number, citation number, or party type. The system shows the case header, charge list, court calendar, and docket entries.
- Website: www.browardclerk.org
- Search menu: Click “Case Search” on the homepage
- Search types: Name, case number, citation, attorney bar number
- Results format: Case list with charges, judge, next court date
- Image access: Click the case number to view scanned documents
Florida Statewide Felony Records Through FDLE
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History system, also called CCH. This database stores every felony arrest and conviction in the state. A statewide search costs $25 per name and shows results from all 67 counties at once.
- Website: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- Fee: $25 per search, paid by credit or debit card
- Required fields: Full legal name, date of birth, race, sex
- Optional field: Social Security number for better matching
- Results: Arrests, dispositions, sentences, and current status
Deerfield Beach Police Online Reports and Logs
The Deerfield Beach Police Department posts daily arrest logs and incident reports on its website. These are the earliest records created for any felony case. They appear before the court system creates a case file.
- Website: www.deerfield-beach.com/police
- Records section: Public Records Request portal
- Arrest log: Updated every business day by 8 a.m.
- Report fees: $0.15 per page for regular copies, $1 per certified copy
- Processing time: 3 to 5 business days for most requests
How to Request Felony Records in Person
Some felony records are not posted online. Older cases, sealed files, and original documents require a visit to the courthouse. The Clerk’s office has public terminals that let you search and print from the same database used by court staff.
Visiting the Broward County Clerk’s Office
The main Clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale serves all Deerfield Beach felony record requests. Public access terminals are free to use. Staff members can help you locate hard-to-find cases for a small fee.
- Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Phone: (954) 831-6565
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Photo ID required: Yes, for certified copies
- Payment methods: Cash, check, money order, credit card
Requesting Records by Mail
If you cannot visit in person, you can mail a written request to the Clerk’s office. The request must include the defendant’s full name, date of birth, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Include payment for copying fees.
- Write a letter with the full legal name and date of birth
- List the case number if you know it
- State what documents you need (case file, certified copies, specific motions)
- Include a check or money order for the estimated fee
- Mail to: Broward County Clerk of Courts, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Cost and Fee Schedule for Felony Records
Florida law allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. The Broward County Clerk sets its own fee schedule for felony case documents. Most records cost less than a dollar to view or print.
Standard Copy Fees at the Broward County Clerk
The Clerk’s office charges per page for copies. Certified copies cost more because they include a raised seal and official signature. These certified documents work for court filings, background checks, and immigration cases.
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular photocopy | $0.15 per page | Same day |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per document | Same day |
| Authenticated copy | $2.00 per document | 1 to 2 business days |
| Full case file printout | $0.15 per page plus research fee | 3 to 5 business days |
| CD or USB of digital records | $1.00 per disc | Same day |
Fee Waivers and Reduced Cost Requests
You can ask for a fee waiver if you cannot afford the copying costs. The Clerk reviews each request on a case-by-case basis. You must show proof of need, such as a government benefits letter or court-appointed status.
- Indigent defendants: Free access to their own case files
- Government agencies: No charge for official business
- Media requests: Reduced rate for news gathering purposes
- Academic research: Discounted fees with university letter
- Public defenders: Free access for active case work
Florida Public Records Laws and Felony Case Access
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. The Florida Constitution and state statutes guarantee access to most government documents, including felony court files. The law places the burden on the government to show why a record should stay secret.
Key Florida Laws That Open Felony Records
Two main legal sources control felony record access in Deerfield Beach. The Florida Constitution creates the broad right, and Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes spells out the details. Together, they make almost every felony document a public record.
- Article I, Section 24, Florida Constitution: Right to inspect public records
- Chapter 119, Florida Statutes: Public Records Act requirements
- Chapter 943, Florida Statutes: Criminal history record rules
- Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420: Court record sealing standards
Records That Are Sealed or Confidential
Some felony records are not open to the public. A judge must sign a court order to seal a case. Until that happens, the file stays open even if the defendant was found not guilty or the case was dropped.
- Cases sealed by court order under Florida Statute 943.059
- Cases expunged under Florida Statute 943.0585
- Active grand jury proceedings and sealed indictments
- Juvenile felony records in most cases
- Information that could identify sexual assault victims
- Pre-trial diversion program completion records
How to Read a Deerfield Beach Felony Case File
Felony case files use legal terms and codes that can confuse first-time users. The Broward County Clerk offers a free case search guide on its website. Learning the basic codes helps you pull the right documents without paying for staff research.
Common Abbreviations in Felony Dockets
Court clerks use shorthand to save time when filing case entries. Most abbreviations follow Florida Supreme Court standards. The list below covers the most common codes you will see in a Deerfield Beach felony file.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ARR | Arraignment |
| PTD | Pretrial Diversion program |
| BOJ | Bench Order of Judgment |
| WAV | Waiver of Rights or Waiver of Appearance |
| J&S | Judgment and Sentence |
| Writ | Court order to a government official |
| NOA | Notice of Appeal |
| PCB | Probable Cause Bind-Over |
Understanding Case Status Codes
The online portal shows the current status of each felony case. A status of “Open” means the case has not yet reached a final judgment. A status of “Disposed” means the court entered a final order that ended the case.
- Open/Active: Case has pending motions, trials, or sentencing
- Disposed: Final judgment entered, case closed
- Warrant: Active arrest warrant for the defendant
- Bond Set: Defendant released after posting bond
- DOC: Defendant transferred to the Department of Corrections
- Probation: Defendant serving supervised sentence in the community
Special Felony Record Categories in Deerfield Beach
Some felony cases carry extra rules about who can see them. These special categories include sealed records, expunged cases, and juvenile transfers to adult court. Each one has its own search process and access rules.
Sealed Felony Records in Broward County
A sealed felony record is hidden from public view by a court order. The Clerk removes the case from public search results. Only the defendant, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and certain government agencies can see a sealed file.
- Sealing eligibility: First-time offenders with no prior felonies
- Waiting period: 10 years after sentence completion for most felonies
- Application form: Florida Supreme Court Form 12.951
- Filing fee: $75 to the Broward County Clerk
- Process: File petition, serve the State Attorney, attend hearing
Expunged Felony Case Records
Expungement is different from sealing. The Clerk physically destroys the paper file and removes the digital record from the database. A new expungement file is created that only shows the case was expunged, not the original charges.
- Eligibility: Limit of one expungement per lifetime under Florida law
- Automatic sealing: Some cases qualify under Florida Statute 943.0584
- Process time: 4 to 6 months from filing to final order
- Effect: Defendant can legally say no felony happened
- Exception: Sealed and expunged records still show on FBI background checks
Official Contact Information for Felony Records
Use these official contacts for all Deerfield Beach felony record requests. Each office handles a different part of the records system. Calling ahead can save you a trip if you need specific documents or have questions about access.
Broward County Clerk of Courts Main Office
The Clerk’s main office is the central hub for all felony court records in Deerfield Beach. Public terminals, copy services, and certified documents are all available at this location. Free parking is available in the adjacent garage.
- Address: 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Main phone: (954) 831-6565
- Criminal division phone: (954) 831-7100
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: www.browardclerk.org
Deerfield Beach Police Department Records Section
The police department keeps the original arrest reports and incident records. These come before the court records and contain the officer’s observations at the scene. You can request police reports online, by phone, or in person.
- Address: 300 SW 1st Avenue, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
- Records phone: (954) 480-4300
- Records email: records@deerfield-beach.com
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Website: www.deerfield-beach.com/police
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Headquarters
FDLE handles statewide criminal history checks and certified background reports. Use this office when you need an official record that covers all Florida counties, not just Broward County or Deerfield Beach.
- Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Main phone: (850) 410-7000
- Background check: (850) 410-8161
- Online search: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- Sealing questions: (850) 410-7647
Frequently Asked Questions About Deerfield Beach City Felony Records
This FAQ section answers common questions about felony records in Deerfield Beach, Broward County. Each answer reflects current Florida law and Clerk of Courts procedures. If you have a specific case, contact the Clerk’s office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How long does it take to get felony records from the Broward County Clerk?
Online records are available immediately through the Clerk’s portal. Walk-in requests for copies take 30 to 60 minutes depending on the file size. Mailed requests take 7 to 10 business days. Certified copies add 1 to 2 extra business days. Records older than 20 years may take longer because the files are stored at an off-site warehouse. You can pay a rush fee of $25 to get same-day service on in-person requests before 2 p.m.
Are Deerfield Beach felony records free to view online?
Yes, the Broward County Clerk’s website lets you search and view felony case headers for free. You pay only if you want to print or download copies. FDLE charges $25 per statewide name search. Police arrest logs are also free to view. The only costs are for certified copies, full case file printouts, and printed images of original documents.
Can I remove a felony from my Deerfield Beach record?
You may qualify to seal or expunge a felony under Florida law. Most sealing petitions require a 10-year waiting period after you complete your sentence. Expungement is limited to one per lifetime. You must file a petition with the Broward County Clerk and get the State Attorney’s approval. The filing fee is $75 plus attorney costs if you hire a lawyer.
Will a Deerfield Beach felony record show up in a background check?
Most felony convictions show up on standard background checks for 7 to 10 years at minimum. Serious felonies stay on record forever unless sealed or expunged. Sealed records do not show on Florida background checks but can still appear on FBI checks. Expunged records are destroyed at the state level but may still exist in federal databases. Some job applications require disclosure of sealed records under specific conditions.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a felony record?
An arrest record shows the police took someone into custody for a suspected crime. A felony record shows the court took action on a felony charge. Someone can be arrested without ever being charged with a felony. A felony record only exists after the State Attorney files formal charges. Dismissed charges still create a court record unless the case is sealed or expunged.
Can I access someone else’s felony record without their permission?
Yes, most adult felony records in Deerfield Beach are public under Florida law. You do not need the defendant’s permission to view the case. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The only exceptions are sealed records, expunged records, and cases involving juveniles. You will need basic information about the defendant, such as their full name and date of birth, to run an accurate search.
What happens if I find an error in a felony record?
You can file a request to correct the record with the Broward County Clerk. Errors in the case header, party name, or charge description can be fixed with proper documentation. You may need a court order to correct factual errors about the case outcome. The Clerk’s quality control team reviews each correction request within 30 days. FDLE records require a separate correction request through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.