Lehigh Acres City Felony Records are public court files that document serious criminal cases filed in this Lee County community. Anyone can search these records to see felony charges, court dates, plea deals, and final verdicts.
Lehigh Acres is an unincorporated area with over 127,000 residents. The Lee County Clerk of Court keeps all felony case files for this area. This page explains every legal way to look up these records in 2026.
The Lee County Court System That Handles Lehigh Acres Felony Cases
Lehigh Acres falls under the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers five counties. Felony cases from Lehigh Acres go to the Lee County Justice Center in Fort Myers. Two main agencies control these records. The Clerk of Court files and stores case documents. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office makes arrest reports and runs the county jail.
Role of the Lee County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for every felony case. Linda Doggett serves as the current Clerk. Her office creates the case number, files every motion, and stores the final judgment. The Clerk also runs the public website where people can search docket entries. The office charges small fees for copies. Florida law makes nearly all these files open to the public.
Role of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office answers 911 calls in Lehigh Acres. Deputies write the initial police report for every felony. They arrest suspects and transport them to the main jail. The Sheriff also runs the Lehigh Acres substation at 2070 Leonard Boulevard North. Arrest reports become part of the felony case file after the State Attorney files formal charges.
The 20th Judicial Circuit Court
Felony trials take place at the Lee County Justice Center on Monroe Street in Fort Myers. Circuit Court judges hear all felony cases. Sentencing for serious felonies happens in the same building. Appeals from this court go to the Florida District Court of Appeal in Tampa. Every step in the process creates a public document.
Online Search Methods for Lehigh Acres Felony Records
Three main online tools let you search felony records from home. The Lee County Clerk site shows live court cases. The FDLE site shows statewide criminal history. Each tool has its own search limits and costs. You will need a full legal name plus a date of birth for the best results.
Lee County Clerk Official Online Search Portal
The Clerk’s website at leeclerk.org offers a free public search tool. Select “Official Records Search” for filed documents. Select “Court Case Search” for active and closed felony cases. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and final judgments. The site works on phones and computers 24 hours a day.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal History Search
FDLE runs the state’s criminal history database. Go to the public search page at web.fdle.state.fl.us. Each name search costs $25 plus a small credit card fee. Results show all Florida arrests, including those from Lehigh Acres. You receive a sealed or expungement check at no extra cost. Results are ready in minutes and printable as a PDF.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office Arrest Search
The Sheriff posts recent arrests on their public site. The tool shows people booked into the Lee County Jail. You can see booking photos, charges, and bond amounts. Records stay online for several weeks. Older records come off the public list but stay on file at the Clerk’s office.
Fee Schedule and Processing Times for Record Requests
Public agencies charge small fees for copies and certified records. The table below lists the current 2026 fees for the most common record types. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted in person. Online orders only accept credit cards.
| Record Type | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular printed copy | $0.15 per page | Same day |
| Certified copy | $1.00 per document | Same day |
| FDLE state criminal history | $25.00 per search | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Audio recording of hearing | $5.00 per CD | 3 business days |
| Full case file reproduction | $0.15 per page + $1.00 certification | 5 to 7 business days |
In-Person Access at the Lee County Clerk of Court
Some felony files hold documents that are not scanned online. You can view these records in person at the main Clerk’s office. The staff can pull files from storage. Public computers let you print what you find. Bring a valid photo ID and cash or a credit card for copy fees.
Main Clerk Office Location and Hours
The Lee County Clerk of Court main office sits at 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on federal and state holidays. Self-service public terminals stay open during all business hours. A branch office serves the Lehigh Acres area at 25550 Trost Boulevard.
What You Need to Bring for a Records Search
Bring the full legal name of the person you are researching. Add a date of birth if you have it. A case number speeds up the search. Staff cannot search using only a nickname. Photo ID is required for access to the public terminal area. Lockers are provided for bags and personal items.
Ordering Certified Court Documents in Person
Certified copies carry the Clerk’s official seal. Courts and government agencies require certified copies. Request them at the customer service desk. Pay the $1.00 per document fee plus page charges. Staff print and stamp the documents while you wait. Most requests finish in under 30 minutes.
Types of Felony Records You Can Obtain
Felony case files contain many document types. Each type serves a different legal purpose. Knowing what exists helps you request the right paperwork. Records cover the full life of a case from arrest to final appeal.
Arrest Reports and Booking Records
The Lee County Sheriff writes the arrest report after taking someone into custody. The report lists the charges, time of arrest, and location. Booking records include fingerprints, photos, and personal property logs. Arrest reports become public after the State Attorney files formal charges.
Court Filings and Docket Entries
Docket entries show every action taken in a case. They list motions filed by lawyers, orders signed by judges, and hearing dates. Filings include the charging document, called an Information or Indictment. Motions, responses, and evidence lists all become part of the docket.
Final Judgments and Sentencing Orders
The final judgment states the verdict and sentence. Sentencing orders list prison time, fines, and probation terms. Restitution orders show what the defendant must pay the victim. These documents stay public after the case closes. They often appear in background check reports.
Sealed Records, Expungement, and Confidential Cases
Florida law allows some felony records to be sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from public search. Expunged records are destroyed for most purposes. Certain cases are always confidential. Juvenile felony cases fall under different rules than adult cases.
How Sealing and Expungement Work
A person must file a petition with the court to seal or expunge a felony record. The State Attorney must agree to the request. A judge signs the final order. After sealing, the FDLE system marks the record as confidential. Most public search portals stop showing the case. Law enforcement agencies keep internal access.
Records That Stay Public Forever
Some felony records never seal. Sex offense convictions stay public for life. Murder convictions stay public for life. Records of certain career criminal cases stay public. Court records of public officials charged with felonies stay public. Federal felony cases follow different rules than state cases.
Domestic Violence and Victim Protection Records
Records in domestic violence cases often have parts sealed to protect victims. Addresses and phone numbers of victims stay confidential. Photos of minors are blocked from public view. The Clerk’s office follows Florida Statute 119.071 to handle these protections.
Mail and Email Record Requests
People who live outside the Fort Myers area can request records by mail. Email requests work for simple document copies. Mail requests need a written letter, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Allow extra time for postal delivery and staff processing.
How to Write a Public Records Request Letter
Address the letter to the Lee County Clerk of Court. State the full name and date of birth of the person you are researching. List the case number if you know it. Describe the exact documents you want. Include a daytime phone number for questions. Add a check or money order for the copy fees.
Email Request Limits and Tips
Email requests work best for documents under 50 pages. Send your request to the public records email listed on the Clerk’s website. Staff reply within 3 business days. Pay by credit card over the phone once staff confirm the cost. Scanned documents arrive as PDF attachments.
Official Contact Details for Lee County Agencies
Below are the 2026 contact details for the main agencies that hold Lehigh Acres felony records. Call before visiting to confirm hours and fee amounts. Each agency has a public records unit ready to help with search questions.
Lee County Clerk of Court: 2115 Second Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Main phone: (239) 533-5000. Public records phone: (239) 533-5051. Website: leeclerk.org. Business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office handles all felony case files, court documents, and certified copies for Lehigh Acres.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office: 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Main phone: (239) 477-1000. Records phone: (239) 477-1340. Lehigh Acres Substation: 2070 Leonard Boulevard North, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971. Website: leesheriff.org. This agency handles arrest reports, booking photos, and current inmate searches.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement: PO Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302. Criminal history phone: (850) 410-8100. Website: fdle.state.fl.us. This state agency runs the official criminal history database covering all Florida arrests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lehigh Acres Felony Records
This section answers the most common legal questions about Lehigh Acres felony records. Each answer cites the current 2026 Florida law and Lee County procedures. Read all questions before starting your search to save time and money.
Are Lehigh Acres felony records free to view online?
Yes. The Lee County Clerk offers a free online case search through leeclerk.org. You can view charges, court dates, and docket entries at no cost. Printing documents from home may require a small fee. The FDLE statewide search costs $25 per name because it covers the entire state database and runs an official sealed-record check.
How long does a felony case stay on someone’s record in Lehigh Acres?
Most adult felony convictions stay on the public record for life. Florida law does not allow automatic removal after a set number of years. A person can file a petition to seal or expunge a record only if the law allows it. Murder and sex offense convictions cannot be sealed. Other felonies may be eligible 10 years after sentence completion if no other crimes occurred.
Can employers see Lehigh Acres felony records during a background check?
Yes. Florida law allows employers to run criminal background checks for most jobs. The FDLE search is the standard tool for this purpose. Some industries like healthcare and education require fingerprint-based FBI checks. Sealed and expunged records do not show up on standard employer background checks.
What is the difference between an arrest record and a conviction record?
An arrest record shows that law enforcement took a person into custody. A conviction record shows that a court found the person guilty. Many arrest records do not lead to convictions. Some charges get dropped. Some cases end in acquittal at trial. Both records stay public unless a judge orders them sealed.
Can I remove my own felony record from public search in Lehigh Acres?
You may be able to seal or expunge your record under Florida Statute 943.059. You must file a petition with the Lee County Clerk. The State Attorney must approve the request. A circuit court judge signs the final order. The process takes 4 to 6 months and costs about $75 in court fees plus attorney costs if you hire a lawyer.
What felony records from Lehigh Acres are available through the FDLE search?
FDLE records cover all Florida arrests for adults aged 18 and older. The report lists every arrest date, charge, and court outcome. It includes both felonies and misdemeanors. It covers arrests made by every Florida law enforcement agency, including the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Out-of-state arrests do not appear in the FDLE report.
How do I check if a Lehigh Acres felony case is still open or closed?
Search the case on the Lee County Clerk website. The docket page shows the current status. Open cases show upcoming hearing dates. Closed cases show a final judgment entry. You can also call the Clerk’s office at (239) 533-5000 during business hours. Staff can confirm the status using your case number or full name.