Florida Felony Records

Brevard County Felony Records – Case Search & Docket

Brevard County felony records are public court files that show every serious criminal case filed in this Florida county. Anyone can search these records for free through the Clerk of Court, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, or the Department of Corrections.

This page explains each search method, what files contain, and how to read the results. You will learn the right office to contact, the right forms to use, and the right steps to take when you need certified copies.

What Brevard County Felony Records Include

A felony record in Brevard County covers every document tied to a serious criminal charge. These charges carry a possible prison sentence of more than one year. The Clerk of Court keeps the full file from the first paper filed to the final sentence.

Types of Felony Charges Documented

Brevard County felony cases fall into several charge categories. Each category has its own record path through the court system.

  • Drug trafficking and drug sales
  • Burglary and theft over $750
  • Aggravated assault and battery
  • Robbery and home invasion robbery
  • Sexual battery and other sex crimes
  • Murder and manslaughter
  • Weapons and firearm offenses
  • Fraud, forgery, and identity theft
  • DUI causing death or serious injury

Information Found in Each Case File

A single felony file holds many documents that paint a full picture of the case. The Clerk of Court stores each paper under one case number. You will see the following items in nearly every file:

  • Arrest affidavit from law enforcement
  • Formal charge sheet from the State Attorney
  • Bond and pretrial release order
  • Defense attorney entry of appearance
  • Motions filed by both sides
  • Court orders and judge rulings
  • Plea agreement if the defendant pleads
  • Trial transcript and verdict if a trial occurs
  • Sentencing order and prison commitment

How Felony Cases Move Through Brevard Courts

Felony cases follow a clear path in the 18th Judicial Circuit. Each step creates a new document that goes into the public file. Most cases pass through these stages:

  1. Arrest or capias warrant
  2. First appearance before a judge within 24 hours
  3. Formal charging by the State Attorney
  4. Arraignment where the defendant enters a plea
  5. Pretrial motions and discovery
  6. Plea deal or trial setting
  7. Sentencing or case dismissal

Brevard County Clerk of Court Felony Records System

The Clerk of Court runs the official record system for every felony case in Brevard County. The office is the main source for court files, dockets, and certified copies. The Clerk reports to the county but follows state court rules set by the Florida Supreme Court.

Main Office Location and Contact

The main Clerk of Court office sits in Titusville, the county seat. Satellite offices operate in Viera and other parts of the county. You can reach the office by phone, mail, or in person.

  • Main Office Address: 400 South Street, Titusville, FL 32780
  • Phone Number: (321) 637-5413
  • Official Website: www.brevardclerk.us
  • Mailing Address: P.O. Box 999, Titusville, FL 32781

Office Hours and Visit Requirements

The Clerk’s office opens on regular business days for walk-in record requests. Plan to arrive with proper identification for any certified copy request. Most record searches at the public terminal do not need ID.

  • Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Closed on Florida state holidays
  • Self-service public terminals are free to use
  • Staff assistance is available during all open hours

In-Person Record Search Process

Walk-in visitors can use the public computer room on the first floor of the main office. Each terminal connects to the live case management system. You can search by defendant name, case number, or filing date. Printouts from the terminal cost a small fee per page. Older paper files from before the mid-1990s sit in on-site storage and need a staff pull.

Online Public Records Portal

The Clerk runs a free online portal that mirrors the in-house search system. The portal updates each night with new filings from that business day. You can search from any web browser at no charge. The portal also shows civil, family, and probate cases in the same system.

Online Brevard County Felony Case Search Methods

Several online tools let you look up Brevard County felony records from home. Each tool serves a slightly different purpose. Knowing which tool to use saves time and gives the right result.

Official Clerk’s Online Portal

The Clerk’s portal at www.brevardclerk.us is the most direct online source. The system shows cases filed since 1986. The portal covers every case type, including felonies, misdemeanors, and civil cases. You can view dockets, hearing dates, and final judgments. A free account is not required for basic name searches.

Brevard County Felony Case Number Lookup

A case number lookup gives the fastest and most exact result. Brevard County case numbers follow a set format. Each number starts with a year code, a court code, and a sequence number. The Clerk’s portal accepts a full case number and returns the exact file. The State Attorney’s portal and the courthouse kiosk also accept this lookup format.

Brevard County Felony Case Search by Name

A name search works well when you do not have the case number. The system matches on last name and first name combinations. Adding a date of birth narrows the list. Middle names and suffixes like Jr. or Sr. help when many people share the same first and last name.

The Clerk’s portal shows individual documents in each felony case. You can open the charging document, motions, orders, and judgments. Most documents are available as PDF files. You can view them online or save them to your device. Some sensitive documents remain sealed by court order and do not appear in the public view.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps a statewide criminal history database. This database covers Brevard County felony records and records from every other Florida county. FDLE offers a paid name-based search with quick results.

Search Process and Fees

The FDLE search runs through the official portal at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. The fee is $25 for each name searched. You pay with a credit or debit card. Results display on screen right after the search completes. You can print the report or save it as a PDF for your files.

Required Information for Accurate Results

FDLE asks for key details that narrow the search to one person. A Social Security number is optional but gives the most exact match. Each piece of data improves the quality of the result.

  • Full legal name, including middle name
  • Date of birth
  • Race and sex
  • Social Security number (optional but helpful)

What FDLE Reports Include

The FDLE report shows arrests, charges, and case outcomes across Florida. The report covers felony and misdemeanor cases. The system pulls from all 67 Florida counties at once. You will see the case number, the court of record, the charge, the plea, the verdict, and the sentence. Sealed and expunged cases do not appear in the public search result.

Brevard County Felony Court Case Status and Docket

A case status search shows where a felony case stands right now. A docket search shows every event that has happened in the case. Both tools are free through the Clerk’s portal and the courthouse public terminals.

Checking Live Case Status

The Clerk’s portal shows the current status of every active felony case. The status field uses short codes that tell you where the case sits. Common status codes include ARRAIGNMENT, PRETRIAL, PLEA HEARING, TRIAL SET, SENTENCING, and CLOSED. The next hearing date appears in the same record.

Reading a Felony Case Docket

A docket is a list of every paper filed in a case in time order. The Clerk’s portal shows the docket as a running list. Each row shows the filing date, the document type, the filing party, and a link to the PDF. The first entry is the arrest or charging document. The last entry is the final judgment or case dismissal.

Brevard County Felony Case Hearing Records

Hearing records show what happened at each court date. The Clerk’s office keeps audio recordings of hearings in many cases. Written minutes exist for every hearing. You can request a transcript through the Clerk or the court reporter. Some older hearings have only paper minutes stored in the case file.

The Florida Department of Corrections runs a free inmate search at dc.state.fl.us. This tool shows people serving state prison time in Florida. The search is useful for felony conviction records in Brevard County because many felony cases end with a prison sentence.

How to Search State Prison Records

The DOC search accepts a first name, last name, and Department of Corrections ID number. The system shows a photo, current facility, sentence length, and release date. The search covers current inmates and released inmates. Each record links to a full offense history with prior Florida convictions.

A felony conviction search starts with the FDLE report and ends with the DOC record. The FDLE report lists the conviction date and sentence. The DOC record confirms the person entered prison and shows the time served. The Clerk’s portal shows the sentencing order from the Brevard County court.

Requesting Physical Felony Case Files in Brevard County

Some records are not on the online portal. Old paper files, sealed exhibits, and original signed orders need a formal request. The Clerk’s office handles these requests through a standard form.

Brevard County Felony Record Request Form

The Clerk provides a public records request form on its website. Fill in the case number, the defendant’s name, and the documents you need. Submit the form by email, mail, or in person. The office responds within a few business days for simple requests and within ten business days for complex file pulls.

Certified Copy Requests

A certified copy carries the Clerk’s seal and serves as proof in legal settings. Courts, employers, and licensing boards often need certified copies. The fee is $1 per page plus a $2 certification charge. You can request certified copies by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Fees and Processing Time

Standard record request fees in Brevard County are set by Florida statute. Most records cost $0.15 per page for copies. Certified copies cost more. Rush requests carry an extra fee. The office quotes a final cost before pulling the file. The table below shows common fee items.

Record Type Fee Processing Time
Regular copy per page $0.15 Same day
Certified copy $1.00 per page + $2.00 seal 1 to 3 business days
Audio recording of hearing $25.00 per CD 3 to 5 business days
Full case file pull from storage $2.00 retrieval fee 5 to 10 business days
Rush record request Extra $5.00 Same business day

Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in Brevard County

Florida law lets some people seal or expunge their criminal records. A sealed record is hidden from the public but still exists. An expunged record is destroyed by court order. Each option has strict rules.

Eligibility Rules

To seal or expunge a felony record, the case must have ended in your favor. Endings that count include a dismissal, a not guilty verdict, a no information filed, or a successful completion of a diversion program. You can only use this relief once in your life. A list of serious charges cannot be sealed. Murder, sexual battery, and other violent felonies stay on the public record forever.

The Application Process

The first step is a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE. The application fee is $75. Once the FDLE issues the certificate, you file a petition with the Brevard County Clerk of Court. A judge reviews the petition. The judge signs an order to seal or expunge the record. The Clerk then carries out the order across the state database.

How Sealing Affects Public Access

After a court order, the Clerk removes the case from the public portal. The FDLE criminal history record is also sealed. Law enforcement and certain licensing agencies can still view the record. The general public, employers, and landlords cannot see the sealed file.

Florida Public Records Laws for Brevard County

Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. The law gives every person the right to see government records, including felony case files. The law also sets limits to protect privacy and active investigations.

Chapter 119 Sunshine Law

Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes is called the Sunshine Law. The law says any person can request public records from a government agency. The agency must respond in a reasonable time. The agency can charge only the actual cost of copying. The agency cannot ask why you want the records.

Your Rights as a Records Requester

As a records requester, you do not need to show ID to view public files at the courthouse. You can take notes by hand. You can ask for paper or electronic copies. You can file a lawsuit under the Sunshine Law if an agency wrongly denies your request. The court can order the agency to release the records and pay your legal fees.

Brevard County Clerk of Court Contact and Location

The main Clerk of Court office sits at 400 South Street, Titusville, FL 32780. The office phone number is (321) 637-5413. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The official website is www.brevardclerk.us. A satellite office serves the Viera area at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940, with the same hours and phone number routed through the main switchboard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brevard County Felony Records

Many people have specific questions about felony record searches in Brevard County. The following questions cover the most common issues that come up in real searches. Each answer points to the right office, the right form, or the right statute. Read through these to save time and avoid common mistakes.

How long does a felony case stay on the public record in Brevard County?

A felony case stays on the public record forever unless a court order seals or expunges it. The Clerk of Court does not remove old cases based on the passage of time. The 18th Judicial Circuit keeps every case in the system for public view. Expungement is the only way to fully remove a record from the system. Sealing hides the record from the public but keeps it in the system for law enforcement and court use. Some sealed records can be reopened by a later court order in narrow cases. A 1995 state law tried to limit public access to older non-violent felony records, but the law was later repealed. Old cases from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s remain on the Clerk’s portal for any person to view today.

Can I view Brevard County felony records for free online?

Yes, you can view most Brevard County felony records for free online through the Clerk’s portal at www.brevardclerk.us. The portal shows case dockets, hearing dates, and most documents at no charge. You pay only if you need printed copies or certified copies from the office. The FDLE statewide criminal history search costs $25 per name. The Department of Corrections inmate search is free. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office inmate search is free. You do not need a paid subscription to any service. You do not need to register on the Clerk’s site for basic name or case number searches. The portal works on any web browser, including mobile phones and tablets.

What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in Brevard County?

A felony in Florida is a crime that can carry a prison sentence of more than one year. A misdemeanor carries a county jail sentence of up to one year. Brevard County handles both types of cases, but the Clerk keeps them in separate case files. Felony cases go through felony court in the 18th Judicial Circuit. Misdemeanor cases go through county court in the same courthouse system. Capital felonies carry a possible death sentence or life without parole. Life felonies carry a possible life sentence. First-degree felonies carry up to 30 years. Second-degree felonies carry up to 15 years. Third-degree felonies carry up to 5 years. The FDLE criminal history report lists both types in one record.

Can I find out if someone is in jail in Brevard County right now?

Yes, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office runs an inmate search at www.brevardsheriff.com. The search shows people held in the county jail. The Florida Department of Corrections search at dc.state.fl.us shows people in state prison. The Clerk’s portal shows court cases and final sentences. Use all three tools to get a full picture of someone’s custody status. The Sheriff’s search updates every 15 minutes. The search covers people arrested in the past 72 hours and longer-term inmates. You can search by name or booking number. The search shows the charges, bond amount, and court date. Federal inmates held in Brevard County appear in the federal BOP search, not in local tools.

Are juvenile felony records available in Brevard County?

No, juvenile records in Florida are not open to the public. Juvenile felony cases are handled by the juvenile division of the 18th Judicial Circuit. The records are sealed by law. Only the juvenile, the parents or guardians, the defense attorney, and certain agencies can view the file. Adult convictions from a juvenile case may show up in the FDLE criminal history report after the person turns 24. A juvenile who is tried as an adult will have a public record. The transfer to adult court happens through a hearing called a direct file or waiver hearing. Once in adult court, the case file follows the same public access rules as any other felony case in Brevard County.

How do I correct a mistake on a Brevard County felony record?

You can challenge a record error through the FDLE or the Clerk of Court. The FDLE process starts with a criminal history record review request. The fee is $25. You submit the form, the FDLE reviews the data, and the agency issues a corrected report if a mistake is found. The Clerk’s process involves filing a motion with the court that handled the original case. You may need a lawyer for the court motion. A judge reviews the evidence and orders a correction if the record is wrong. Common errors include wrong charge codes, wrong plea entries, and wrong sentence dates. A corrected record updates across all state systems within 30 days after the court order.

Can an employer in Brevard County run a felony background check on me?

Yes, Florida employers can run a criminal background check through the FDLE and the FBI. The employer must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and Florida law. The employer must get your written consent first. The employer cannot ask about sealed or expunged records. You have the right to challenge any wrong data the employer receives. The employer must give you a copy of the report before taking any action based on it. The employer must also give you a chance to explain any old conviction. Florida law bars some employers from rejecting an applicant based only on old nonviolent felony convictions after a set waiting period.