Lauderhill City Felony Records are official court and police documents from the city of Lauderhill, Florida. These records cover all serious criminal cases handled in Broward County.
Anyone can search these records through online portals or by visiting local offices. The records include arrest details, charges, court dates, and final outcomes. Lauderhill is part of the 17th Judicial Circuit, which processes all felony cases from this area. You can look up cases by name, case number, or date. Most records are free to view, but certified copies cost a small fee. This page covers how to find, read, and request Lauderhill felony records in 2026.
What Are Lauderhill City Felony Records
Lauderhill City Felony Records are legal documents created during serious criminal cases in Lauderhill, Florida. Felonies are the most serious type of crime. They include offenses like burglary, drug trafficking, assault, fraud, and homicide. Each case generates paperwork at every step of the legal process. These papers stay on file with local, county, and state agencies.
Types of Felonies Tracked in Lauderhill
The Lauderhill court system handles several classes of felonies. Florida law splits felonies into five categories based on how serious the crime is. Capital felonies carry the harshest penalties. Life felonies and first-degree felonies follow. Second and third-degree felonies complete the list. Common felony charges in Lauderhill include theft over $750, aggravated assault, drug possession with intent to sell, and weapons offenses. Every felony case produces written records that law enforcement and courts keep.
What Each Felony Record Contains
A single felony case file holds many separate documents. The arrest report shows when police took the person into custody. Booking records include fingerprints and photographs. Charging documents list the exact crimes alleged. Court motions, orders, and judgments fill out the file. Sentencing papers show the final punishment. Probation records may continue for years after sentencing. Each piece tells part of the case story.
Who Keeps Lauderhill Felony Records
Three main agencies store Lauderhill felony records. The Lauderhill Police Department holds arrest reports and incident logs. The Broward County Clerk of Court keeps all court filings. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the statewide criminal history database. Each agency shares records with the others under Florida law. This setup makes sure the same case shows up in every official search.
How the Lauderhill Criminal Court System Works
Felony cases in Lauderhill follow a clear path from arrest to sentencing. Each step creates new records that become part of the permanent file. Knowing how the system works helps you read case records correctly.
The Arrest and Booking Stage
Police officers make arrests when they believe a felony happened. The suspect goes to the Broward County Jail for processing. Staff collect personal details, take fingerprints, and capture a mugshot. A medical check happens next. The jail decides where to house the person based on risk level. The whole booking process takes several hours. Booking records become the first official document in a felony file.
The First Court Appearance
Within 24 hours of arrest, a judge reviews the case at a first appearance hearing. The judge decides if the suspect can be released on bail. The formal charges get read aloud. A public defender may get assigned if the person cannot pay for a lawyer. The judge sets the next court date. Court minutes from this hearing become part of the public record.
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court Role
Lauderhill sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers Broward County. The circuit court handles all felony cases from Lauderhill. Circuit judges preside over trials, pleas, and sentencing. The Clerk of Court files every paper from these hearings. Most felony records you find will list the 17th Judicial Circuit as the source court.
Case Progression and Final Outcome
Felony cases can take months or years to finish. Pretrial motions, discovery, and plea talks happen first. Many cases end with a plea bargain. Others go to trial before a jury. After a verdict or plea, the judge hands down a sentence. The sentence can include prison, probation, fines, or a mix. The final judgment closes the case but stays in the record forever.
Where to Search Lauderhill Felony Records Online
Online searches are the fastest way to view Lauderhill felony records. Three main websites cover most needs. Each one shows different parts of a case file.
Broward County Clerk of Court Online Portal
The Broward County Clerk runs a free public search site. The portal works on any device with internet access. You can search by party name, case number, or citation number. The search shows case type, filing date, current status, and hearing schedule. Many court documents are available as PDF downloads. The system updates daily with new filings. You do not need an account to use the portal.
- Website: www.browardclerk.org
- Search types: Name, case number, date range
- Cost: Free to view, fees for certified copies
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers a paid criminal history check. This search covers every county in Florida, including Broward. The report shows all arrests, charges, and convictions tied to one person. You need the full legal name and date of birth to run a search. A Social Security number helps narrow results. The report comes back within minutes after payment.
- Website: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- Cost: $25 per search
- Payment: Credit or debit card
- Coverage: All Florida counties and circuit courts
Lauderhill Police Department Records Search
The Lauderhill Police Department keeps its own records system for arrests made in the city. You can request police reports through their online form or by email. Reports show the officer’s account of the incident, witness statements, and evidence lists. Some reports stay sealed if the case is still under investigation. The records office responds to most requests within 10 business days.
How to Request Lauderhill Felony Records in Person
Some records are only available at the physical office. In-person visits help when you need full case files or certified copies. Plan ahead to avoid extra trips.
Visiting the Broward County Courthouse
The main courthouse sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The address is 201 Southeast Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Public computers line the lobby for record searches. Staff at the help desk can guide you through the process. You can view documents on screen for free. Printed copies cost 15 cents per page. Certified copies with a raised seal cost $1 per page. Bring a photo ID to enter the building.
Lauderhill Police Department Records Division
The Lauderhill Police Department headquarters sits at 6279 West Broward Boulevard, Lauderhill, FL 33312. The records division handles all public records requests for the department. You can walk in during business hours to ask for reports. The office opens Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on weekends and holidays. Most simple requests get filled the same day.
Required Documents for In-Person Requests
You must bring the right papers to get records in person. The clerk or police staff will ask for these items. Without them, your request will be denied.
- Government photo ID (driver license or passport)
- Case number if you have it
- Full legal name of the person on the case
- Date of birth helps narrow results
- Cash or card for copy fees
- Signed written request for sensitive records
Costs and Fees for Lauderhill Felony Records
Most Lauderhill felony records are cheap or free to view. Fees only apply for printed copies, certified copies, and statewide background checks. Knowing the costs ahead of time helps you plan your search.
Free Record Search Options
The Broward County Clerk portal costs nothing to search. You can view case summaries, hearing dates, and basic outcomes for free. The Lauderhill Police website also shows some public logs at no cost. These free sources cover most everyday search needs. You only pay when you need paper copies or formal certifications.
Certified Copy Fees in Broward County
Certified copies carry an official court seal. Lawyers, employers, and government agencies often need certified copies. The fee is $1.00 per page for most documents. Some long documents may cost more. You must request certified copies in person at the Clerk’s office or by mail. The Clerk adds a $2.00 service fee for mail requests.
FDLE Background Check Pricing
The FDLE charges $25.00 for each criminal history search. You pay by credit or debit card during the online process. The fee is the same for residents and non-residents. There is no bulk discount. Each person you search requires a separate $25 payment. Results print right away or arrive by email within minutes.
| Service | Provider | Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Case Search | Broward Clerk | Free | Instant |
| Printed Copy | Broward Clerk | $0.15/page | Same day |
| Certified Copy | Broward Clerk | $1.00/page | Same day |
| Statewide Search | FDLE | $25.00 | Minutes |
| Police Report | Lauderhill PD | $0.15/page | 5-10 days |
What Records Are Sealed or Restricted in Lauderhill
Not every felony record is open to the public. Florida law seals certain records for privacy and safety reasons. Sealed records do not show up in normal searches.
Expunged Felony Records
A person can ask the court to expunge a felony record under Florida law. Expungement destroys the public record of an arrest or charge. Once a court grants expungement, the case disappears from public searches. Only law enforcement agencies can still see the record. FDLE removes expunged cases from its database. Expungement is rare for serious felonies but possible for some first-time offenders.
Juvenile Felony Cases
Felony cases involving minors follow different rules. Florida courts seal most juvenile records automatically once the person turns 21. These records stay hidden from the public. Only the courts, law enforcement, and the person themselves can view them. Juvenile felony records do not appear on standard criminal background checks. This rule protects young people from lifelong consequences.
Records Sealed During Active Cases
Police and prosecutors can ask a judge to seal records while a case is under investigation. Sealing prevents the public from learning details that could hurt the case. Witness names, informant identities, and undercover operations get sealed most often. Once the case ends, most sealed records reopen to the public. You can ask the court to unseal specific documents through a written motion.
Florida Public Records Laws and Your Rights
Florida has some of the strongest public records laws in the country. These laws give you the right to see most government documents, including felony records. Knowing your rights helps you push back if an agency denies your request.
Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes
Chapter 119 is the main public records law in Florida. It says all government records are open unless a specific law says otherwise. Police departments, courts, and clerks must follow this rule. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The agency must respond within a set time frame. Most felony case records fall under Chapter 119 and stay open to public view.
Florida Sunshine Law Basics
The Sunshine Law works with Chapter 119 to keep government open. It covers meetings and records of public agencies. Court proceedings are open to the public by default. Court records, motions, and orders are public unless sealed by a judge. The Sunshine Law applies to Lauderhill city offices, the Broward County courts, and the 17th Judicial Circuit. You have a legal right to see these records.
How to File a Records Request Properly
A proper records request helps you get a fast response. Follow these steps when you write your request.
- Address the request to the right agency (Clerk, Police, or FDLE)
- List each specific record you want
- Include case numbers or full names when you have them
- State you are requesting under Chapter 119
- Add your contact information
- Specify if you want paper or electronic copies
- Keep a copy of the request for your records
Common Search Types for Lauderhill Felony Cases
You can search Lauderhill felony records in several ways. The right method depends on the facts you already know. Each search type works best in certain situations.
Search by Full Legal Name
Name searches work when you only know who you are looking up. The Broward Clerk portal searches by last name, first name, and middle name. The system shows every case tied to that name. Multiple people with the same name will show up. You can filter by date of birth or case number to find the right person. Name searches are the most popular type of public record lookup.
Search by Case Number
Case number searches give you one exact result. Each felony case in Broward County has a unique number. The number starts with a two-digit year code. It then lists the case type and a sequence number. You can find the case number on old court papers or police reports. This search method works best when you already have paperwork from the same case.
Search by Date Range
Date range searches help when you only know when something happened. The Clerk portal lets you pick a start and end date. The system shows every case filed in that window. This search works well for background research or news investigations. Date searches return many results, so you need other details to narrow them down.
Official Contact Details for Lauderhill Felony Records
The three main agencies for Lauderhill felony records each have their own contact setup. Use the right office based on the type of record you need. Calling ahead can save you a trip.
Lauderhill Police Department
The Lauderhill Police Department handles arrest and incident reports from the city. Their headquarters sits in the heart of Lauderhill. Staff can answer questions about report availability, fees, and request procedures. The records division opens regular business hours during the work week. Call the main line during business hours for quick answers.
- Address: 6279 West Broward Boulevard, Lauderhill, FL 33312
- Phone: (954) 497-4700
- Website: www.lauderhillfl.gov/police
- Records Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Emergency Line: 911
Broward County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk of Courts holds all felony case files for Lauderhill and the rest of Broward County. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale but the clerk also has branch locations. Public computers in the lobby let you search without a login. Help desk staff can guide you through complex searches. Phone support is available during business hours for quick questions.
- Main Address: 201 Southeast Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Phone: (954) 831-6565
- Website: www.browardclerk.org
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Branch Locations: Multiple sites across Broward County
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database. Their headquarters is in Tallahassee but all searches happen online. The FDLE website is open 24 hours a day. Customer service staff answer email questions during business hours. The agency also runs regional offices that accept mail requests for background checks.
- Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Phone: (850) 410-7000
- Website: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- Search Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Customer Service: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About Lauderhill Felony Records
This section answers the most common questions people ask about felony records in Lauderhill, Florida. Each answer covers a specific topic with up-to-date information from 2026. The answers help you understand your rights, the search process, and what to expect from each agency.
How long does a felony stay on your record in Lauderhill?
A felony conviction in Lauderhill stays on your record for life unless you get it sealed or expunged. Florida law does not automatically remove felony convictions after a set time. The record appears in every background check you take for the rest of your life. Some employers, landlords, and licensing agencies will see it forever. You can only remove the record through a successful expungement petition to the court. Expungement is hard to get for serious felonies. The petition must show the court that you deserve relief. A lawyer can help you file the right papers.
Can I view Lauderhill felony records for free?
Yes, you can view most Lauderhill felony records for free through the Broward County Clerk website. The portal lets you search by name, case number, or date at no cost. You can read case summaries, hearing dates, and basic outcomes without paying. The free view does not include certified paper copies. You also cannot print or download documents without paying the copy fee. The FDLE statewide search costs $25 because it covers every Florida county. The free Clerk portal is enough for most personal searches.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records?
Sealed records still exist but the court hides them from public view. Only the person, lawyers, and some government agencies can see sealed records. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. Once a record is expunged, the person can legally say they were never charged with that crime. Both options require a court order in Lauderhill. You cannot seal or expunge a record on your own. You must file a petition and get a judge to approve it. Not every felony qualifies for either option.
Can employers see old felony records from Lauderhill?
Yes, employers can see old felony records unless the court sealed or expunged them. Florida law allows employers to run background checks on job applicants. The check pulls data from the FDLE and the Clerk of Court. Most private employers will see the full record. Government jobs, schools, and healthcare positions do even deeper background checks. A 20-year-old felony still appears on these reports. Some jobs ban anyone with a felony conviction. The only way to hide the record is to seal or expunge it.
What if I find wrong information in a Lauderhill felony record?
If you find wrong facts in a Lauderhill felony record, you can ask for a correction. The first step is to contact the agency that made the error. The Clerk of Court handles court record errors. The Lauderhill Police Department fixes arrest report mistakes. FDLE corrects statewide database issues. You must submit proof of the correct facts with your request. The agency has a set time to review and fix the record. You can also ask a judge to order a correction through a court motion if the agency refuses.
Can I search Lauderhill felony records by case number only?
Yes, the Broward County Clerk portal lets you search by case number alone. The case number starts with the year and includes a court code. For example, a 2024 felony case might show as CF-2024-001234. Type the full number into the search box for instant results. This search gives you the fastest and most accurate lookup. You need to know the exact number from old court papers or police reports. Name searches work when you do not know the case number.
Are out-of-state felony records shown in Lauderhill searches?
No, Lauderhill searches only show Florida cases. The Broward County Clerk portal only covers Broward County. The FDLE statewide search covers all 67 Florida counties. To find felonies from other states, you must run a federal background check through the FBI. The FBI maintains the National Crime Information Center database. Private background check companies also pull data from all states. Each state has its own public records laws for what shows up online. Florida records will not show crimes committed in Texas or California.