Clearwater City Felony Records are official court documents that show every felony case filed in Clearwater, Florida. These records include arrest details, charges, court dates, plea deals, trial results, and sentencing information.
The Pinellas County Clerk of Court keeps these files because Clearwater sits inside Pinellas County. Anyone can look up felony records from Clearwater using online portals, phone calls, or in-person visits to the courthouse. This page explains exactly how to search, what each record contains, and where to get copies.
What Are Clearwater City Felony Records
Clearwater City Felony Records are written accounts of serious criminal cases handled by courts in Clearwater. A felony is any crime that can result in more than one year in state prison. Florida law divides felonies into capital, life, first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree categories. Each felony charge in Clearwater creates a court file that follows the case from arrest to final resolution. These files stay open to public view unless a judge orders them sealed or expunged.
Types of Felony Cases Tracked in Clearwater
The Pinellas County court system tracks every felony type that happens in Clearwater. Common felony charges include drug trafficking, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, DUI causing serious injury, fraud, theft of large amounts, weapons offenses, and murder. Sex crimes and violent crimes carry the harshest penalties. White-collar crimes like identity theft and money laundering also appear often. Each case creates a unique court file with the same standard documents.
Who Maintains These Official Files
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the main keeper of Clearwater felony case files. The Clerk works under Florida Statute Chapter 28 to collect, store, and share court records. The Clearwater Police Department keeps arrest reports and incident records from the first stages of each case. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement holds statewide arrest data through its criminal history database. Together, these three agencies provide a full picture of any felony case.
Why These Records Stay Open to the Public
Florida law follows a strong public records policy under Florida Statute Chapter 119. Citizens, journalists, employers, and lawyers all have the right to see court files. Public access helps keep the justice system honest and lets people make informed decisions. Background checks for jobs, housing, and licensing often require felony record searches. The system works because the records are easy to reach and simple to read.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Records System
The Pinellas County Clerk runs the official online portal for Clearwater felony cases. This portal connects directly to the county court database. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. Results show current status, scheduled hearings, charges, and final outcomes. The portal updates daily with new filings and court actions. Most searches finish in under one minute.
How to Search Online by Defendant Name
Visit the Pinellas County Clerk website at www.mypinellasclerk.gov to start a name search. Click on the Court Records or Case Search link. Enter the full legal last name first, then the first name. Add a date of birth if you know it to narrow the results. The system returns a list of cases that match the name. Click any case number to see the full docket and documents.
Searching by Case Number or Citation
Direct case number searches return faster results when you already have the number. Case numbers follow a format like CRC-22-001234-CF, where CF means criminal felony. Enter the full number without spaces in the search box. The portal opens the exact case file on the first try. Citation numbers work the same way for traffic-related felony charges.
In-Person Access at the Clearwater Courthouse
The Pinellas County Courthouse stands at 315 Court Street in downtown Clearwater. Public terminals on the first floor let visitors search the full database. Staff members at the records counter answer questions and help locate older files. Bring a photo ID to enter the building. Files from cases closed more than ten years may sit in off-site storage and need a short request time.
Fees for Copies and Certified Documents
Regular paper copies cost fifteen cents per page at the Clerk office. Certified copies that carry the court seal cost one dollar per page. Online copies through the portal cost the same amounts plus a small convenience fee. Payments at the counter accept cash, money orders, and major cards. Online payments require a credit or debit card.
Clearwater Police Department Records
The Clearwater Police Department creates the first written reports in any felony case. Officers write arrest reports, incident narratives, and evidence logs. These records show what happened, who was involved, and what officers found. Police records feed into the court system once prosecutors file formal charges. Most police reports become public once the investigation closes.
How to Request a Police Report
Call the Clearwater Police Department records unit at (727) 562-4242 during business hours. Or visit the main station at 645 Pierce Street in Clearwater. The records team will confirm whether the report you want is open for release. Fill out a public records request form with the case number, date, and names. Most basic reports process in three to five business days.
Arrest Records and Booking Information
Arrest records show the date, time, and place of each arrest. They list the arresting officers, the charges filed, and the suspect’s personal details. Booking photos, fingerprints, and medical screenings connect to the arrest record. These files stay with the police department even after court cases end. Some arrest records remain sealed if charges were dropped or the suspect was a juvenile.
Incident Reports for Felony Investigations
Incident reports describe the events that led to a felony charge. They include witness statements, officer observations, and physical evidence lists. Detectives add supplemental reports as the investigation moves forward. These reports stay restricted while the case is active. Once prosecutors file charges or close the case, the reports become public.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Searches
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s central criminal history system. FDLE collects arrest data from every county, including Pinellas. A statewide search through FDLE covers all of Florida at once. Employers, licensing boards, and individuals use this system for background checks. Results show every arrest, charge, and conviction on file.
Using the FDLE Public Search Portal
Go to web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default to reach the public search page. Create a free account or sign in as a guest. Enter the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and race. A Social Security number is optional but improves accuracy. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. Results display on screen within seconds after payment.
Search Fees and Processing Times
Each name-based search costs twenty-four dollars as of 2026. Payment must clear before results appear. The system runs the search across all sixty-seven Florida counties at the same time. Most results return in less than two minutes. A printed copy of the results costs an extra fee through the portal.
What the Results Show
FDLE results list every arrest on file with the state. Each entry includes the arrest date, agency, charges, and final court outcome. Guilty verdicts, plea deals, and dismissed charges all appear. Sealed or expunged records do not show up. The system flags outstanding warrants and pending cases clearly. Users can save or print the report for their records.
Felony Court Process in Pinellas County
Clearwater felony cases move through six main stages in the Pinellas County court system. Each stage creates new documents that become part of the public record. The Clerk files every motion, order, and judgment. Knowing the stages helps users read the docket entries and understand the case timeline.
Stage One: Arrest and Formal Filing
Police arrest a suspect and book them into the Pinellas County Jail. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the case and files a formal charging document called an Information. The Information names the charges and the laws the defendant broke. This filing opens the court case and assigns a unique case number. The Clerk enters the filing into the public docket.
Stage Two: Arraignment
The defendant appears before a judge within a short time after the Information is filed. The judge reads the charges and asks how the defendant pleads. Defense lawyers usually enter a not guilty plea at this stage. Bond conditions get set during the arraignment. The docket records the plea and bond decision.
Stage Three: Pretrial Motions and Discovery
Both sides exchange evidence and file motions before trial. Defense lawyers challenge the evidence, request dismissals, or suppress statements. Prosecutors respond with their own motions. The judge rules on each motion and enters orders. Pretrial hearings happen several times before a trial date is set.
Stage Four: Plea Agreements
Many Clearwater felony cases end with a plea deal rather than a trial. The defendant pleads guilty or no contest in exchange for a lesser sentence or reduced charges. The judge reviews the deal during a change-of-plea hearing. Sentencing happens later unless the plea deal sets it immediately. The docket marks the case as resolved once the judge accepts the plea.
Stage Five: Trial
Cases that do not end in a plea deal move to trial. Jury selection happens first, followed by opening statements. Both sides present evidence and witness testimony. The jury deliberates and returns a verdict. A guilty verdict leads to sentencing. An acquittal closes the case with no conviction. Trial transcripts become part of the record.
Stage Six: Sentencing and Appeals
A judge sets the sentence after a guilty verdict or plea. Sentences include prison time, probation, fines, and court costs. The Clerk enters the sentence into the judgment document. Defendants have a set time to file an appeal. Appeals create new court records in the District Court of Appeal. Final appellate decisions return to the Clerk for filing.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in Clearwater
Florida law allows certain felony records to be sealed or expunged under Florida Statute Section 943.059. Sealed records stay hidden from public view but still exist in the system. Expunged records get destroyed for most purposes. Both options require a court order from a Pinellas County judge. Not every case qualifies for sealing or expungement.
Eligibility Rules for Sealing Records
A defendant can ask to seal a felony record if they were not convicted, or if the court withheld adjudication. The defendant must have completed all sentence terms first. No other criminal charges can be pending. A waiting period applies after case closure. Violent felonies, sex crimes, and certain drug offenses do not qualify for sealing.
How to Expunge a Felony Record
Expungement completely removes the record from public access. The defendant files a petition with the Pinellas County Clerk. The State Attorney’s Office reviews the petition and agrees or objects. A judge holds a hearing and signs an order if the request is granted. FDLE then updates its database to reflect the expungement.
Fees and Processing Time for Sealing
The Clerk charges a fee for processing a sealing or expungement petition. FDLE also charges a separate fee for certificate requests. Total costs usually run over five hundred dollars for the full process. Processing takes several months from filing to final order. Most people hire an attorney to handle the paperwork and court hearing.
Official Contact Information for Clearwater Felony Records
Clearwater residents and outside requesters can reach the right agencies through the contact points listed below. Each office handles a specific part of the felony records system. Call during business hours for the fastest help. Online portals work any time of day for self-service searches.
Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court
Main Address: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-7000
Website: www.mypinellasclerk.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Clearwater Police Department
Main Address: 645 Pierce Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 562-4242
Website: www.myclearwater.com/government/departments/police
Records Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Headquarters: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Public Records Phone: (850) 410-7646
Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearwater City Felony Records
Users often have specific questions about Clearwater felony records that go beyond basic search steps. The answers below cover eligibility, costs, timing, and special situations. Each answer draws from current Florida law and Pinellas County procedures. Call the agencies listed above for case-specific advice.
How Long Does a Felony Stay on a Clearwater Record?
A felony conviction stays on a Clearwater record forever unless a judge orders it sealed or expunged. Florida does not have an automatic record-clearing law for felonies. The record appears in every FDLE search and Clerk search for life. Expungement is the only way to fully remove the entry. Sealing hides the record from most public searches but keeps it in the system for law enforcement use.
Can I Clear My Own Felony Record Without a Lawyer?
Florida law allows people to file sealing or expungement petitions on their own. The Clerk provides the required forms and FDLE offers a certificate of eligibility. The process still requires careful attention to detail and a court hearing. Many self-filers run into paperwork errors or State Attorney objections. Hiring an attorney improves the odds of approval but adds legal fees.
What Happens If I Find an Error in My Felony Record?
Anyone who spots a mistake in their Clearwater felony record can file a correction request with the Clerk or FDLE. Court documents can be corrected through a motion filed with the judge who handled the case. Arrest records need a written request to the arresting agency. Errors on the criminal history report go to FDLE through their challenge process. Corrected records update within weeks of approval.
Are Juvenile Felonies Shown in Clearwater Searches?
Juvenile felony records stay sealed in Florida under most circumstances. The Clerk portal hides juvenile cases from public name searches. FDLE also excludes juvenile arrests from its public search results. Law enforcement agencies can still see juvenile records for official purposes. Adult convictions that started as juvenile cases may show partial information.
Can I Look Up Someone Else’s Felony Record in Clearwater?
Yes, Florida public records law lets anyone search for felony records on another person. The Clerk portal does not require proof of identity or a stated reason. FDLE charges a fee but does not ask who is requesting the search. Background check companies run these searches every day for employers and landlords. Always follow fair credit reporting laws when using the results.
Do Out-of-State Felonies Show Up in a Clearwater Search?
Clearwater Clerk searches only cover cases filed in Pinellas County. Out-of-state felonies do not appear in local court searches. The FBI national database holds out-of-state records. FDLE works with the FBI to share some data. A full nationwide background check requires a federal search through an approved channel.