Holmes County felony records are public court files that document serious criminal cases filed in Holmes County, Florida. These records cover every felony charge brought before the local circuit court, from the first arrest through the final sentence.
Any member of the public can request to see these records under Florida’s open records laws. The Holmes County Clerk of Court, located in Bonifay, serves as the main keeper of these files. This page explains how to search these records, what details they hold, what fees apply, and which laws govern public access.
What Are Holmes County Felony Records
Holmes County felony records are written accounts of serious criminal cases handled by the county court system. A felony is a crime that can carry a sentence of more than one year in state prison. These crimes range from drug trafficking and burglary to aggravated assault and homicide. Each felony case produces a file with many documents. The file tracks the full life of the case from start to end. Every hearing, motion, and order becomes part of the public file.
Definition and Scope
A felony record in Holmes County is a permanent file held by the court. It lists the charges, the defendant, the lawyers, the judge, and the outcome. The record grows as the case moves through each stage of the court process. The Clerk of Court adds new documents to the file after every hearing. The file stays on record even after the sentence is complete. Felony records do not expire or get removed because of age. The scope of the record covers every document filed in the case. This includes police reports, witness lists, evidence logs, and sentencing orders.
Florida law divides felonies into five main groups based on how serious they are:
- Capital felonies (most serious, can carry death or life)
- Life felonies (carry life in prison)
- First-degree felonies (carry up to 30 years)
- Second-degree felonies (carry up to 15 years)
- Third-degree felonies (least serious, carry up to 5 years)
Who Maintains These Records
The Holmes County Clerk of Court keeps all felony case files for the county. The office stores paper records and runs an online database. The clerk’s office also issues certified copies of records when needed. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps a separate statewide database of criminal history. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks people who serve prison time in the state system. The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office keeps arrest reports that start each case. The State Attorney’s Office for the 14th Judicial Circuit prosecutes felony cases in Holmes County. All these agencies work together to maintain complete felony records.
What Types of Crimes Appear in Felony Records
Felony records in Holmes County include many types of serious crimes. Common examples include drug trafficking, burglary of an occupied dwelling, aggravated assault, grand theft, fraud, robbery, sexual battery, and murder. Records also include white-collar crimes like identity theft and embezzlement when the amounts are large. Firearm crimes and weapons violations show up in felony files. Child abuse, neglect, and exploitation appear in felony records. Driving crimes like DUI manslaughter or fleeing and eluding are felonies. The exact list of felony crimes appears in the Florida Statutes under Chapter 775.08.
How to Search Holmes County Felony Records
You can search Holmes County felony records in four main ways. Each method gives a different level of detail. The four methods are online search, in-person visit, mail request, and statewide search through FDLE. Most people start with the online option because it works from home at any time. The online tool works on phones, tablets, and computers. You only need an internet connection to start your search. Public records searches cost nothing in most cases.
Online Search Through the Clerk of Court
The Holmes County Clerk of Court website at holmesclerk.org offers an online search tool. The tool works like a search engine for court cases. You type in a name or case number. The system shows matching cases along with basic details. You can see the case type, filing date, and current status. The online portal updates each business day with new filings. You can view documents filed in each case for free.
To use the online tool, follow these steps:
- Go to holmesclerk.org
- Click on the court records search link
- Enter the full legal name of the person
- Add a date of birth if you know it to narrow results
- Review the list of cases that match your search
- Click on each case to see full details
- Download or print any documents you need
In-Person Requests at the Bonifay Courthouse
You can visit the Holmes County Courthouse in person to search records. The clerk’s office sits on the first floor of the courthouse. Public computer terminals let you search the same database used online. Staff at the counter can help you locate files that are not yet online. The courthouse has free WiFi for visitors who bring their own devices. You can use the public terminals during normal office hours without an appointment.
Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. The clerk may ask for the full name and date of birth of the person you are searching. Knowing a case number speeds up the process. Old records from before 1990 may require staff help to locate. Most in-person searches take less than 30 minutes. The clerk can print copies of any documents on the spot. You pay copy fees at the counter when you request printed pages.
Mail and Phone Requests
You can request felony records by mail or phone. Send a written request to the clerk’s office. The request should include the full name, date of birth, and known case number. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of copies. Add a check or money order to cover copy fees. The clerk’s office processes mail requests in the order they arrive. Most mail requests get a response within 10 business days.
Phone requests work for simple questions about case status. Call (850) 547-1100 during office hours. Staff can confirm case numbers and hearing dates. They cannot provide full document copies over the phone. You need to visit in person or send a mail request for copies. Phone support runs from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time. The clerk’s office gets many calls each day, so wait times vary.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history search. This search covers all 67 Florida counties, including Holmes County. The cost is $24.00 per name search. You pay by credit card through the secure FDLE website. The search takes a few minutes to complete. You get results by email or you can view them online.
To run an FDLE search, visit web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. Enter the full name, date of birth, and race. The system checks records from every Florida county. Results show arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentences. Sealed or expunged records do not show up in this search. The FDLE search gives you a wider view than the local county search. It works well for background checks and pre-employment screening.
Documents in Holmes County Felony Case Files
Holmes County felony case files contain a wide range of documents. The exact contents depend on the type of case and its complexity. All felony files share some common documents. These documents paint a clear picture of the case from arrest to sentence. Every document in the file is part of the public record. The clerk can produce copies of any document in the file upon request.
Charges and Indictments
Each felony case starts with a charging document. This document names the defendant and lists each charge. The document shows the statute number for each crime. It shows the date and place of the alleged offense. A felony charge in Holmes County must come from a formal indictment by a grand jury or a prosecutor’s information. The charging document lists every count the defendant faces. Each count has its own statute number and maximum penalty. The prosecutor signs the charging document to make it official.
Court Dates and Hearing Schedules
The clerk tracks every court date in the case. The schedule includes arraignments, pre-trial hearings, motion hearings, trial dates, and sentencing hearings. Each date shows what happened at the hearing. The record lists the judge who presided over each hearing. You can see whether the defendant showed up for each date. The record also shows if the hearing was canceled, continued, or moved to a new date. Court minutes provide a written summary of what took place in the courtroom.
Plea Deals and Verdicts
Most felony cases end with a plea deal or a trial verdict. The case file shows which one happened. A plea deal lists the charges the defendant agreed to. The deal shows the sentence the prosecutor asked for. A trial verdict shows whether the jury found the defendant guilty or not guilty. The file lists each count of the verdict. The plea or verdict document has the judge’s signature. It becomes the final outcome in the case.
Sentencing Details
If the defendant is convicted, the file shows the full sentence. The sentence lists prison time, probation, fines, and court costs. The file shows credit for time served before trial. It lists any special conditions like drug testing or counseling. The sentence document has the judge’s signature and court seal. Probation terms appear in the sentencing order. Restitution orders to victims also appear in the file. Any appeals filed after sentencing show up in the record too.
Holmes County Felony Case Lookup by Case Number
A case number is the fastest way to locate a felony record in Holmes County. Each case gets a unique number when it enters the court system. The number stays the same for the life of the case. Knowing this number saves time during your search. The clerk’s office can pull a case in seconds when you provide the number. Case numbers never get reused, even after a case ends. The number is the permanent ID for the case.
Locating the Case Number
You can locate a Holmes County case number in a few ways. The clerk assigns the number when the prosecutor files the case. The number appears on every court document. It shows on the charging document, the arraignment notice, and all orders. The number format uses the year, court type, and sequence number. For example, a 2024 felony case might be 2024-CF-000123. The clerk’s office can search by name to give you the case number. Court notices mailed to parties also list the case number.
Using Case Numbers for Quick Searches
Type the case number into the online search tool at holmesclerk.org. The system jumps straight to the case file. You skip the name search process. The result page shows the full docket, all parties, and the case status. You can view each document in the file through the same portal. The system also lets you download PDF copies of filed documents. The case number search gives you the most complete view of the file.
Fees and Processing Times for Felony Records
The Holmes County Clerk of Court charges fees for felony records. The fees cover the cost of copies, certified copies, and staff time. Current Florida law sets the maximum fees clerks can charge. Most fees at Holmes County match the state maximums. Payment can be cash, check, money order, or credit card. The clerk provides a receipt for every paid request. Some services are free, like the online search tool.
Standard Copy Fees
Regular paper copies cost $1.00 per page. This fee covers black and white copies on standard paper. Color copies cost $1.50 per page. Copies on legal-size paper cost the same as letter-size copies. The clerk provides a receipt for every copy request. You can request single pages or full case files. The clerk prints copies on demand at the counter.
Certified Copy Costs
Certified copies carry a higher fee. A certified copy of a court document costs $3.00 per page. The certification stamp adds $2.00 to the total. The clerk’s seal and signature make the document legal proof. Courts and government agencies usually require certified copies for official use. A certified copy proves the document is a true copy of the original court record. You can use certified copies in court filings and legal proceedings.
Expected Wait Times
Online searches show results right away. In-person requests for copies take 5 to 15 minutes. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. Large requests for many files can take up to 30 days. The clerk’s office can give you a timeline for your specific request. Rush services may be available for an extra fee. The clerk’s office handles requests in the order received.
| Service Type | Fee | Wait Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online search | Free | Instant |
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.00 | 5-15 minutes |
| Certified copy (per page) | $3.00 | 15-30 minutes |
| Mail request processing | Copy fees plus postage | 5-10 business days |
| FDLE statewide search | $24.00 | Instant to 24 hours |
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
Not all felony records stay open to the public. Florida law allows some records to be sealed or expunged. A sealed record stays in the system but is hidden from public search. An expunged record is destroyed in the public system. Only certain people can see sealed or expunged records. The rules for sealing and expunging felonies are strict. A lawyer can help you decide if you qualify.
What Records Get Sealed
A court can seal a felony record in limited cases. The defendant must meet strict rules set by Florida law. The defendant must have completed the sentence and probation. The defendant must not have any other criminal cases. The court looks at the type of crime and the person’s record since the case. Crimes that hurt children or elderly people cannot be sealed. Sex crimes and violent crimes usually cannot be sealed. The court must approve every sealing request.
How Sealing Works in Florida
The process starts with a petition to the court. The petition explains why the record should be sealed. The prosecutor reviews the petition. The court holds a hearing to decide. If the court grants the petition, the clerk seals the file. FDLE gets a copy of the order. The record is hidden from public searches after the order is complete. Expungement goes one step further and destroys the public record. Expunged records cannot be seen even by most government agencies.
Public Access Limitations
Sealed records are not shown in public searches. You cannot locate them through the online portal. You cannot get them through the clerk’s office. Police agencies can still see sealed records for criminal justice purposes. The person whose record is sealed can tell others about the case. The record is not destroyed, just hidden from public view. Background check companies do not see sealed records in most cases.
Florida Laws Governing Public Felony Records
Several Florida laws control who can see felony records. The main law is Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This law is called the Public Records Law. It says all government records are open unless a specific law closes them. Florida’s Constitution also protects the right to see public records. The rules apply the same way across all 67 counties. Courts in Holmes County must follow these state laws.
Chapter 119 Public Records Law
Chapter 119 covers all records made or received by government agencies. Court records fall under this law. The law lists a few types of records that are not open. These include Social Security numbers, juvenile records, and some personal data. All other court records must be open to the public. You can read the full text at leg.state.fl.us. The law does not require a reason to request records. Any person can request any open record.
Sunshine Law Application
The Florida Government in the Sunshine Law works with Chapter 119. This law says government meetings must be open. It also says government records must be open. The law applies to all 67 Florida counties. Court hearings in Holmes County felony cases are open to the public under this law. You can attend any felony hearing in person. You can record public hearings in most cases.
Felony Classification System
Florida ranks felonies by how serious they are. The ranking affects the sentence. Capital felonies can bring the death penalty. Life felonies bring life in prison. 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 crime listed on the record shows the ranking. The clerk’s office can tell you the ranking for any case.
| Felony Level | Maximum Prison Time | Maximum Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Capital felony | Death or life | $15,000 |
| Life felony | Life | $15,000 |
| First-degree felony | 30 years | $10,000 |
| Second-degree felony | 15 years | $10,000 |
| Third-degree felony | 5 years | $5,000 |
Holmes County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Holmes County Clerk of Court serves as the main office for felony record requests. The office sits in the county seat of Bonifay in the Florida Panhandle. Staff at the clerk’s office answer questions about case status, copy fees, and record searches. You can reach the office by phone, mail, or in person. The office is open five days a week. The clerk’s office staff speaks English. Translation help may be available by request.
Office Location and Hours
The Holmes County Clerk of Court office is located at 201 North Oklahoma Street, Bonifay, Florida 32425. Office hours run from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time, Monday through Friday. The office closes on state holidays. Free public parking sits next to the courthouse building. The clerk’s office is on the first floor of the courthouse. Public restrooms and water fountains are available in the building.
Contact Information
You can reach the clerk’s office by phone at (850) 547-1100. The fax number is (850) 547-7301. The official website is holmesclerk.org. Mailing address is P.O. Box 397, Bonifay, FL 32425. Email contact is available through the website’s contact form. The office staff can help you in English. The clerk’s office responds to email within 1-2 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Holmes County felony records. The questions cover searches, fees, sealed records, and legal limits. Each answer gives clear facts to help your search. The answers reflect current Florida law and clerk’s office practices as of 2026. You can use these answers to plan your record search or background check.
Can I See Holmes County Felony Records for Free?
Yes, the online search at holmesclerk.org is free to use. You can search by name or case number without paying. You see basic case details, hearing dates, and case status at no cost. The free online search does not give you full document copies. You pay only when you need paper copies or certified copies of documents. The free search is a good way to start your research. Most people can answer basic questions with the free tool.
How Long Does Holmes County Keep Felony Records?
Holmes County keeps felony records forever. The clerk’s office stores paper files and electronic files for the life of the court system. There is no set date when felony records are destroyed. Older paper files from the 1900s still exist in storage. New records go straight into the electronic system for permanent keeping. The state of Florida requires felony records to stay forever. Other agencies like FDLE also keep permanent records.
What Shows Up on a Holmes County Felony Background Check?
A felony background check in Holmes County shows arrests, charges, plea deals, trial verdicts, and sentences. The check covers all felony cases in the county. The check also shows cases that were dropped or ended in not guilty verdicts. Sealed records and juvenile records do not show up. The check pulls from both clerk files and FDLE state files. A full background check gives you a complete picture of felony history.
Can I Remove My Holmes County Felony Record?
You can ask the court to seal or expunge your felony record in some cases. Florida law lists which crimes qualify for sealing. You cannot seal or expunge a felony if you have a prior conviction. You cannot seal or expunge a record for a crime listed in Florida Statute 943.059. A lawyer can help you file the right petition. The process takes several months to complete. You may need to pay filing fees and attorney costs.
Are Holmes County Felony Records Available in Other States?
Yes, other states can see your Holmes County felony record through the FDLE system. The FBI also runs a national crime database called the NCIC. Federal agencies can see Florida felony records through this system. Private background check companies pull data from these sources. Your Holmes County felony will follow you across state lines. The record is part of a national database shared between agencies.
What If I Spot a Mistake in My Felony Record?
You can ask the clerk to fix mistakes in your felony record. File a written request that shows the error and what the correct data should be. The clerk reviews the request and checks the original court file. The clerk updates the record if the request is valid. You can also file a correction with FDLE for the statewide database. Correcting mistakes can take a few weeks. The clerk’s office will tell you what documents you need to provide.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get Holmes County Felony Records?
No, you do not need a lawyer to get public felony records. Any person can search and view these files under Florida law. You only need a lawyer for legal help with your own case. A lawyer is needed to file motions, represent you in court, or seal a record. The clerk’s office staff cannot give you legal advice. They can answer questions about office procedures and fees.