Boynton Beach City Felony Records are official court files that show felony cases filed in the city. A felony is a serious crime.
It can lead to a year or more in state prison. Examples include robbery, aggravated assault, drug trafficking, and burglary of a dwelling. Boynton Beach is a city in Palm Beach County, Florida. All felony cases from this city go through the Palm Beach County court system. The Clerk of Courts keeps the files. You can search them online or visit the courthouse in person. This page covers how to find these records. It also covers what the files show. You will learn who keeps them and how to get copies.
What Boynton Beach City Felony Records Include
Each felony record holds basic details about a case. These details come from the police, the courts, and the state. The record shows who was charged and what they were charged with. It shows when the case started. It also shows the final outcome. The full file has many parts that build a clear picture of the case history.
Basic Details in Each Record
A felony record lists the full legal name of the person charged. It also lists any known aliases. The date of birth is shown when available. A unique case number ties everything together. This case number is used to track the file in the court system. The record also lists the arresting agency. For Boynton Beach cases, that is often the Boynton Beach Police Department. Other agencies can also be involved, like the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office or the Florida Highway Patrol.
Charges Listed in Felony Files
The record shows each charge filed against the person. Each charge has a number from the Florida Statutes. This number is called the statute citation. It tells the exact law the person is accused of breaking. For example, Section 810.02 covers burglary of a dwelling. The record shows the charge level. Felony charges have different levels. They range from third-degree to first-degree felonies. Capital felonies are the most serious of all.
Court Steps Shown in the File
The record shows each step in the court process. It lists court dates. It shows who appeared in court. The file shows motions filed by both sides. It shows rulings made by the judge. If a plea was entered, the record shows the type of plea. If a trial took place, the record shows the verdict. The final judgment is also in the file. The sentence and any appeals are listed as well.
Where Boynton Beach Felony Records Are Kept
Felony records for Boynton Beach are stored in three main places. The first is the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts. This office holds the official court files. The second is the Boynton Beach Police Department. They hold arrest reports and related police files. The third is the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. They keep the statewide criminal history database.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts is the main record holder for felony cases. This office stores all court papers, motions, and orders. The Clerk also stores final judgments and sentences. The main office is in West Palm Beach. There is a branch office in Delray Beach that may also serve Boynton Beach residents. The Clerk’s office keeps these files for many years. Older files may be stored in off-site archives. The office can still pull these files for public review.
Boynton Beach Police Department
The Boynton Beach Police Department holds arrest reports. They hold incident reports as well. These reports come from the officers who respond to calls. They are the starting point of most felony cases. The police department keeps reports based on Florida retention rules. Most adult felony reports are kept for at least 75 years. The records division handles all public requests for these reports.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also called FDLE, keeps a statewide database. This database shows every felony arrest in Florida. It also shows the final outcome. FDLE collects data from all county clerks and police agencies. The database is the source for most background checks in the state. It can be searched online for a small fee.
How to Search Felony Records Online in Boynton Beach
You can search felony records online without leaving your home. Two main websites work for Boynton Beach cases. The first is the Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts website. The second is the FDLE website. Both sites are free to use for basic searches. Some parts cost money to view or print.
Using the Palm Beach County Clerk Website
The Clerk of Courts runs a public search at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com. You can search by name. You can also search by case number. The search shows all matching cases. It shows the case status. It lists upcoming court dates. It also shows the charges and the final outcome. The site shows cases from all of Palm Beach County. This includes Boynton Beach cases. The site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Using the FDLE Public Search
FDLE runs a public criminal history search at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search. This site shows arrests and convictions statewide. To use it, you enter a name and date of birth. You can also add a Social Security number to narrow the search. The search costs $25 per name. You pay with a credit or debit card. Results show up right after payment.
What You Can See for Free
The Clerk’s website shows basic case details for free. You can see the names of people involved. You can see the charges. You can see the case number. You can see the court division. You can also see the next court date. The FDLE site does not show free previews. You must pay to see any results there.
What Costs Money to View
Some documents cost money to see online. Court orders, motions, and judgments cost a small fee. Each page costs about 15 cents. Certified copies cost $1 each. FDLE background checks cost $25 per name. You can pay these fees with a credit or debit card. Some searches on the Clerk’s site let you view documents for free on screen.
The table below shows the main fees for record access in Boynton Beach.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online name search at Clerk’s site | Free |
| View case details online | Free |
| Download court document | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copy of a document | $1.00 per page |
| FDLE statewide criminal history search | $25.00 per name |
| View files on courthouse terminal | Free |
| Paper copy at courthouse | $0.15 per page |
How to Request Records in Person
You can visit the courthouse in person to see felony records. This option lets you see the full file. It also lets you ask staff questions. In-person visits work well for older cases. They also work well for certified copies that need a raised seal.
Palm Beach County Courthouse Location
The main courthouse is at 205 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. The building is the Palm Beach County Courthouse. It serves all of Palm Beach County. This includes Boynton Beach. The courthouse is open to the public. You can use the public terminals in the clerk’s office. These terminals connect to the full case system.
Hours and What to Bring
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday. The hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and court holidays. Bring a photo ID. Bring the full name of the person you are looking up. Bring their date of birth if you have it. Bring the case number if you know it. This helps staff pull the right file quickly.
Request Forms and Fees
You fill out a records request form at the counter. Staff can help you fill it out. There is no fee to view files in person. Paper copies cost 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost $1 each. You can pay with cash, check, or credit card. Some services only take cash or check. Bring enough money for any copies you need.
Getting Certified Copies
Certified copies have a raised seal or stamp. They are proof of the record. Many employers and government agencies ask for certified copies. You can get them at the clerk’s counter. You can also order them online. The fee is $1 for each certified page. The clerk can also fax or mail copies for an extra fee.
The Boynton Beach Felony Court Process
Felony cases in Boynton Beach follow a set order. Each step creates new records. Knowing the steps helps you read the files. It also helps you know what to expect at each stage of the case.
Step One: Arrest and Booking
Most felony cases start with an arrest. Police officers make the arrest based on probable cause. They take the person to the police station or county jail. Booking is the next step. Officers take fingerprints and photos. They collect personal data. They check for other warrants. The booking record goes into the system. The case number is created at this point.
Step Two: First Court Appearance
A judge sees the person within 24 hours of arrest. This is the first appearance. The judge tells the person the charges. The judge decides if bail is allowed. The judge may also set a bond amount. The first appearance is short. It happens by video in most cases. The clerk records the outcome of this hearing.
Step Three: Formal Charges and Arraignment
The State Attorney’s Office reviews the case. They decide which charges to file. They file a charging document. The person then goes to arraignment. At arraignment, the person hears the formal charges. They enter a plea. The plea is usually not guilty at this stage. The judge sets a trial date and other deadlines.
Step Four: Pretrial Motions and Discovery
Both sides share evidence. This is called discovery. Defense lawyers file motions to suppress evidence. They may file motions to dismiss charges. The judge rules on these motions. Each ruling goes into the case file. Pretrial conferences may take place. These check on the progress of the case.
Step Five: Plea or Trial
Many felony cases end in a plea deal. The person pleads guilty or no contest. They get a sentence based on the plea. Some cases go to trial. The State presents evidence. The defense presents its case. The jury or judge makes a verdict. If the verdict is guilty, the case moves to sentencing.
Step Six: Sentencing and Appeal
The judge sets the sentence at a sentencing hearing. The sentence may include prison, probation, or fines. The judge follows state guidelines. Both sides can suggest a sentence. The victim may speak at this hearing. After sentencing, the person may file an appeal. The appeal goes to a higher court. The appeal court may uphold or change the sentence.
Common Felony Charges in Boynton Beach
Boynton Beach sees many types of felony cases. Some types are more common than others. Knowing the types helps you search the right terms. It also helps you read case files with more context.
Drug Trafficking and Possession
Drug cases are common in the area. Trafficking is a serious felony. It involves selling or moving large amounts of drugs. Possession with intent to sell is also a felony. These cases often involve cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, or methamphetamine. Sentences depend on the drug type and amount. Records show the weight and substance.
Violent Crimes
Violent felony charges include aggravated assault, battery, and robbery. Murder and attempted murder are also violent felonies. Sex crimes fall under this group. Kidnapping is another violent felony. These cases get close court review. The victim may be listed in the file. Protective orders may be part of the record.
Theft and Burglary
Burglary of a dwelling is a felony in Florida. Burglary of a structure can also be a felony. Grand theft is a felony. It involves taking items worth more than $750. Identity theft is a felony. Fraud schemes are felonies as well. These cases often have detailed evidence lists.
DUI as a Felony
A third DUI within 10 years is a felony. A fourth DUI is a felony. A DUI that causes serious injury is a felony. A DUI that causes death is a felony. The record shows prior DUI convictions. It also shows the blood alcohol level at the time of arrest. Felony DUI cases carry longer sentences.
Weapons and Firearm Crimes
Florida has strict firearm laws. Felon in possession of a firearm is a felony. Shooting into a dwelling is a felony. Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit can be a felony in some cases. Using a weapon during another felony adds to the sentence. The record shows the type of weapon involved.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
Not all felony records are open to the public. Some are sealed by court order. Others are expunged. Both actions limit who can see the record. Knowing the rules helps you set the right expectations for your search.
What Sealing a Record Does
Sealing hides the record from public view. Only certain agencies can see it. The person themselves can see the record. Their lawyers can see it. The courts can see it. Most employers cannot see a sealed record. Landlords cannot see it either. The record still exists. It is just not open to the public.
What Expungement Does
Expungement goes a step further. The record is destroyed in a physical sense. The clerk pulls the file and destroys it. A few agencies keep a small record that the case existed. The person can say they have no record in most cases. This applies to most job and housing applications.
Who Can Apply
Not everyone can seal or expunge a record. The person must meet state rules. They must complete their sentence. They must not have other criminal cases. They must not have other sealed or expunged records. They must apply through the court. A lawyer can help with the process.
How to Check if a Record Is Sealed
You can search the Clerk’s website. If the record does not show up, it may be sealed. The FDLE site will also not show sealed records. You can ask the clerk’s office to check. They will tell you if a record exists. They will not show the contents of a sealed file. Only the person named in the case can ask for details.
Using Felony Records for Background Checks
Felony records are part of most background checks. Employers check these files. Landlords check them too. Licensing boards check them. Knowing how the records are used helps both sides of the check.
What Employers Look For
Most employers in Florida can check felony records. They use the FDLE database. They also use private background check services. They look at convictions, not arrests. They look at how recent the case is. They look at the type of felony. Some felonies bar people from certain jobs. Others may not affect employment.
What Landlords Look For
Landlords often run background checks on tenants. They look at felony convictions. They may reject applicants with recent drug or violent felonies. Some landlords have set rules. They must follow fair housing laws. They cannot reject people based on race or other protected traits.
Limits on How Records Can Be Used
Florida law limits how old records can be used. For most jobs, employers cannot look at records older than 7 years. There are exceptions for certain jobs. Law enforcement jobs can look at full records. Jobs working with children can look at full records. Financial jobs also have wider rules.
Boynton Beach Courthouse and Records Contact
This section gives you the key contact details. You will find the address, phone number, and hours. You will also see a map of the main courthouse. Use this list when you need to visit or call for records.
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts main office handles all felony records for Boynton Beach. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and court holidays. The phone number is (561) 355-2991. The official website is www.mypalmbeachclerk.com. The main courthouse sits at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
The Boynton Beach Police Department records division is another resource. The station sits at 100 East Boynton Beach Boulevard, Boynton Beach, FL 33435. The phone number is (561) 732-8116. The office takes public records requests during business hours. The police website is www.boynton-beach.org/police.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the statewide search. The website is web.fdle.state.fl.us/search. The general phone number for FDLE is (850) 410-7000. The agency is based in Tallahassee. Their office is at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boynton Beach City Felony Records
This section covers common questions about felony records in Boynton Beach. Each answer gives clear, direct data. Use these answers to learn more about how the system works in Palm Beach County. The answers cover fees, access rules, retention times, and more.
How much does it cost to search felony records in Boynton Beach?
Searching the Palm Beach County Clerk’s website is free. You can see basic case details at no charge. The FDLE statewide search costs $25 per name. Paper copies at the courthouse cost 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost $1 each. There are no fees for viewing files on the public terminals at the courthouse. Some online document downloads also carry small fees. The exact fees can change, so check the Clerk’s website for the latest rates.
Can I view a felony record if I am not the person named in the case?
Yes, most felony records are public. Florida law makes court files open to the public. You do not need to be the person named. You do not need a lawyer. You do not need to give a reason for the search. The only exceptions are sealed and expunged records. Juvenile records are also closed. Some files have parts sealed for safety reasons, like witness names.
How long does the Palm Beach County Clerk keep felony records?
The Clerk keeps felony records for many years. Most adult felony case files are kept for at least 75 years. Some older files are kept forever. Index entries in the computer system are kept even longer. Paper files that are very old may be moved to an off-site storage area. The Clerk can still pull them for public review when needed.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Florida?
A felony is a more serious crime. It can lead to a year or more in state prison. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime. It leads to less than a year in county jail. Felonies are divided into degrees. First-degree felonies are the most serious. Third-degree felonies are the least serious. Capital felonies can lead to life in prison or the death penalty. The type of charge affects the sentence range.
Can a felony record be removed in Florida?
Yes, in some cases. Florida allows sealing and expungement. You must meet state rules. You must complete your sentence first. You must not have other criminal cases. You must file a petition with the court. A judge must approve the request. After approval, the record is sealed or destroyed. Most employers and landlords will not see the record after this process.
Are arrests without conviction shown in the records?
Yes, arrests are shown even without a conviction. The FDLE record shows the arrest. It also shows the final outcome. The outcome may be a dismissal, acquittal, or conviction. The Clerk’s office file shows all charges filed. It also shows the court’s final decision. Both the arrest and the final outcome are part of the public record unless sealed or expunged.
Can I find Boynton Beach felony records from other states?
You can use the FDLE site to check Florida records. For other states, you need to check that state’s records system. The FBI also runs a federal background check. The National Crime Information Center, or NCIC, has nationwide arrest data. Private background check companies can pull data from many states. These services cost money. They are used by employers for nationwide checks.