Levy County felony records are official court files that track serious criminal cases in Levy County, Florida. These records are kept by the Levy County Clerk of Court in Bronson, the county seat.
Anyone can search these records online or visit the clerk’s office in person. This page explains how to find felony case records, what they contain, and who can see them under Florida law.
What Are Levy County Felony Records
Levy County felony records are court files about serious crimes charged in the county. Felonies are crimes that can lead to more than one year in state prison. Florida law treats felonies as the most serious type of criminal charge. Each felony case creates a paper and digital file that follows the case from arrest to final sentence.
Definition of a Felony in Florida
Florida law lists felony crimes in the Florida Statutes. A felony is any crime that can be punished by death or by time in state prison. Common felonies include drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, robbery, fraud, and sexual battery. Misdemeanors are less serious and usually carry county jail time or fines. Levy County felony records only cover felony-level cases.
Types of Felonies Heard in Levy County
The Levy County Courthouse handles felony cases under the 8th Judicial Circuit of Florida. The circuit covers felony trials, plea deals, sentencings, and appeals. Common felony case types include:
- Drug crimes such as trafficking, sale, or possession of controlled substances
- Property crimes such as burglary, grand theft, and fraud
- Violent crimes such as aggravated assault, battery, and robbery
- Sexual crimes such as sexual battery and lewd acts
- Weapons crimes such as illegal firearm possession
- DUI felonies for repeat offenders or those who cause serious injury
What Information Felony Records Contain
Levy County felony case records hold the full life of a criminal case. Each file shows who was charged, the crime, and how the court handled it. The records also list attorneys, judges, court dates, pleas, and final outcomes. Public viewers can see bond amounts, motions filed, evidence rulings, and sentence details.
The Levy County Clerk of Court Office
The Levy County Clerk of Court is the main place where felony records are stored. The clerk is an elected official who runs the county’s court records system. This office keeps all felony filings, court orders, and judgments. The clerk also runs the online portal where people can search records from home.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Levy County Clerk of Court office sits in the town of Bronson. Bronson is the county seat of Levy County and lies about 25 miles southwest of Gainesville. The clerk’s office is easy to reach by road and has free parking for visitors.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office Name | Levy County Clerk of Court |
| Street Address | 355 S. Court Street, Bronson, FL 32621 |
| Phone Number | (352) 486-5266 |
| Official Website | www.levyclerk.org |
| County Seat | Bronson, Florida |
| Judicial Circuit | 8th Judicial Circuit |
Office Hours and Visiting Information
The clerk’s office is open on weekdays during normal business hours. Most visits take place between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Visitors should bring a photo ID and any case details they already have.
Role in Maintaining Felony Records
The clerk’s office creates new files when felony charges are filed. Staff add new papers as the case moves through court. The clerk stamps and stores filings, court orders, and judgments. The office also runs the public search system used by citizens, lawyers, and employers.
How to Search Levy County Felony Records
There are three main ways to search Levy County felony records. You can use the online portal, visit the office in person, or contact the clerk by phone or mail. Each method gives you access to the same public files.
Online Search Through Clerk Portal
The fastest way to search Levy County felony records is the online portal at www.levyclerk.org. The site lets you search by name, case number, or filing date. Results show the case type, parties, charges, and hearing schedule. The portal works 24 hours a day from any device with internet access.
In-Person Record Requests
You can visit the clerk’s office in Bronson to search felony records in person. Staff will help you use the public terminals at the front counter. You can also ask for printed copies or certified copies. Bring a photo ID and any case details you already know.
Phone and Mail Requests
You can call the clerk’s office at (352) 486-5266 to ask about felony case records. Staff can check basic case facts like upcoming court dates. For full copies or certified copies, you may need to send a written request by mail. Mail requests should include the case number, party names, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Search by Name, Case Number, or Date
Levy County felony case searches work with three main search tools. Each one gives you different results depending on what you know about the case.
- Name search: Use a full legal name and birth date to find a person’s felony cases
- Case number search: Use the case number to pull up a single felony file fast
- Date search: Pick a filing date range to see all felony cases filed in that window
Florida Statewide Felony Record Tools
Florida also offers statewide search tools that cover Levy County felony cases. These tools help you check felony records across the whole state. They are useful when a person may have cases in more than one county.
FDLE Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a paid statewide criminal history search. This search shows arrests, charges, and outcomes from all Florida counties, including Levy. The fee is $25 per name search. The search is available online at the FDLE website and works 24 hours a day.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
The Florida Department of Corrections has a free inmate search on its website. This search shows people who are in state prison, on parole, or on probation. The site lists inmate photos, facility locations, and release dates. You can use this tool to check if someone is serving a Levy County felony sentence in state prison.
8th Judicial Circuit Court Records
Levy County is part of the 8th Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers Levy, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Union counties. The circuit court system shares some record tools online. You can use the 8th Circuit portal to check felony cases that may have moved between counties.
What Felony Court Records Include
Levy County felony court records contain many papers that show the full case path. Each paper helps the public see how a case moved through the court system. The records follow the same format used by most Florida circuit courts.
Case Filings and Charging Documents
Every felony case starts with a charging document. This document is the formal list of crimes and laws the State of Florida accuses a person of breaking. The charging document includes the name of the defendant, the date, the law broken, and a short factual summary. This is the first paper filed in the case.
Court Proceedings and Hearings
Felony court records show every hearing held in the case. Each hearing entry lists the date, the judge, the lawyers present, and what happened. Common hearings include arraignment, pretrial motions, plea hearings, and trials. The records also note continuances, which are delays granted by the judge.
Sentencing and Final Judgments
When a felony case ends, the judge signs a final judgment. This paper lists the sentence, which can include prison time, probation, fines, or a mix. The judgment also lists any credit for time served, restitution to victims, and conditions of release. The clerk files this paper at the end of the case.
Bond and Bail Information
Most felony records include bond information from the start of the case. The bond is the amount of money a defendant must pay to be released before trial. The records show bond amounts, conditions, and any changes the judge made. Bond hearings are also listed in the court docket.
Fees and Copy Requests
Levy County charges fees for copies of felony records. The fees depend on the type of copy and how you ask for it. Most public searches are free, but certified copies cost more.
Standard Copy Costs
The clerk charges a fee per page for standard copies of felony records. The standard copy fee is set by Florida law and updated yearly. Regular copies have no raised seal and are often used for personal review or general reference.
Certified Copy Costs
A certified copy carries the official court seal and a clerk’s signature. Certified copies are often needed for legal filings, immigration papers, and name changes. The fee is higher than a standard copy because of the extra steps and the official seal.
Payment Methods Accepted
The clerk’s office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards. Online orders use a secure payment portal. In-person orders can pay at the front counter. Mail orders should include a check or money order for the exact amount.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
Some Levy County felony records are sealed or expunged by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. Expunged records are destroyed from public view. Florida law allows some people to seal or expunge their records under specific conditions.
Florida Sealing Law
Florida law allows some felony records to be sealed. A sealed record can only be seen by the person, certain courts, and law enforcement agencies. Most employers and the public cannot see a sealed felony record. The law lists which crimes can be sealed and which cannot.
How to Seal a Record
To seal a felony record in Levy County, you must file a petition with the clerk of court. The petition lists the case number, your full name, and the reason for the request. You must also get a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE. The court then holds a hearing to decide whether to grant the seal.
Expungement Process
Expungement is a stronger step than sealing. An expunged record is destroyed from public court files. Only a few agencies can still see an expunged record. To expunge a felony record, you must meet strict rules, such as never having been found guilty of another crime. The FDLE issues the certificate of eligibility needed to start the process.
Public Access Laws in Florida
Florida has strong public records laws that cover court files. These laws let citizens see most government records, including felony case files. The goal is to keep the court system open and honest.
Florida Sunshine Law
The Florida Sunshine Law gives the public the right to see government records. Court records, including felony case files, are covered by this law. Agencies must respond to records requests promptly. The law applies to all levels of government in Florida.
Chapter 119 Statutes
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes spells out public records rules. It lists what must be open, what can be closed, and what fees agencies can charge. The law also sets deadlines for agencies to respond. Felony court records fall under Chapter 119 and must be open unless a court has ordered them sealed.
Who Can Access Felony Records
Most people can view Levy County felony records. The law does not limit viewing to Florida residents. Employers, landlords, journalists, lawyers, and private citizens all have equal access. A small set of records is closed, such as sealed cases, expunged cases, juvenile cases, and certain victim details.
Common Uses of Levy County Felony Records
People search Levy County felony records for many reasons. The records help with jobs, housing, legal work, and personal safety checks. Each user has a specific reason, but the search process is the same.
Employment Background Checks
Many Florida employers run background checks before hiring. Felony records can affect jobs in childcare, healthcare, finance, security, and government. Florida law lets employers see convictions but limits how they can use old arrests that did not lead to a conviction.
Tenant Screening
Landlords often check felony records before renting a home or apartment. A felony conviction may affect a rental decision. Landlords must follow fair housing laws and apply the same rules to every applicant.
Personal Record Verification
People check their own felony records to make sure the files are correct. Errors in court records can cause problems with jobs, licenses, and travel. The clerk’s office can fix errors when you bring proof, such as court orders or official letters.
Legal Research
Lawyers and legal researchers use Levy County felony records to study case outcomes. Researchers look at plea rates, sentence trends, and motion results. Court records are a public source of facts about how the justice system works in Levy County.
Nearby Counties and Cross-Jurisdiction Searches
Levy County borders several other North Florida counties. A person may have felony cases in more than one county. Searching nearby counties can give a full picture of someone’s criminal history.
Marion County
Marion County sits east of Levy County. Marion is home to Ocala and handles many felony cases each year. The Marion County Clerk of Court runs a public record search on its website. You can check felony cases filed there using the same name search method.
Alachua County
Alachua County sits northeast of Levy County and contains Gainesville, home of the University of Florida. The Alachua County Clerk of Court keeps felony records for the county. The county uses the same online search tools as Levy County.
Gilchrist County
Gilchrist County borders Levy County to the north. Trenton is the county seat. Felony cases filed in Gilchrist County can be checked through the Gilchrist County Clerk of Court. The county shares some court services with Levy County under the 8th Judicial Circuit.
Dixie County
Dixie County lies west of Levy County along the Gulf Coast. Cross City is the county seat. The Dixie County Clerk of Court holds felony records for cases filed in the county. You can search Dixie County records through its own clerk portal.
Official Contact Information and Location
Use the details below to reach the Levy County Clerk of Court for felony record searches. You can call during business hours, visit the office in Bronson, or use the official website to search online. The office also accepts mail requests for copies.
The Levy County Clerk of Court is located at 355 S. Court Street, Bronson, FL 32621. The phone number is (352) 486-5266. The official website is www.levyclerk.org. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Visitors should bring a photo ID and any case numbers or names they have.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section answers common questions about Levy County felony records. The answers below cover searches, costs, sealed records, and more. Each answer gives clear facts so you can find the records you need.
How Do I Find Out If Someone Has a Felony in Levy County?
You can search the Levy County Clerk of Court online portal at www.levyclerk.org. Use the person’s full legal name and birth date for the best results. You can also call the clerk’s office at (352) 486-5266 to ask about open felony cases. For full statewide history, you can pay $25 for an FDLE criminal history search.
Are Levy County Felony Records Free to View?
Yes, public viewing of Levy County felony records is free at the clerk’s office and online portal. You only pay fees if you ask for printed copies or certified copies. Standard copies charge per page, and certified copies cost more due to the official seal.
What Is the Difference Between Sealed and Expunged Records?
Sealed records are closed to the public but still exist in court files. Only certain courts and law enforcement agencies can see sealed records. Expunged records are destroyed from public files and only exist in a limited form for a few agencies. Both options require a court order in Levy County.
Can I Remove a Felony From My Record in Levy County?
Florida law allows some felony records to be sealed or expunged. You must first get a certificate of eligibility from the FDLE. Then you file a petition with the Levy County Clerk of Court. A judge holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the request. Not all felonies qualify for sealing or expungement.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep Felony Records?
Florida law requires clerks to keep felony records for many years, often decades. Older paper records may exist only at the Bronson office. Newer records are also stored in the digital system. You can ask the clerk’s office if a specific old case file is still on file.
Can I Search Felony Records From Home?
Yes, the Levy County Clerk of Court website lets you search felony records from home. Go to www.levyclerk.org and open the public search portal. You can search by name, case number, or date. The portal works on computers, tablets, and phones.
What Happens If a Felony Record Has an Error?
You can ask the clerk’s office to fix errors in your felony record. Bring proof, such as a court order or other official paper. The clerk reviews the proof and updates the file. Some errors may need a court order to fix, while others can be corrected at the counter.