Martin County felony records are official court files that list every serious criminal case filed in Martin County, Florida. These files include charges, court dates, motions, plea deals, trial results, and final sentences.
The Martin County Clerk of Court keeps these records in Stuart, the county seat. Under Florida’s public records law, most felony files are open for anyone to view. You can search them online, visit the clerk’s office in person, or send a request by mail. This page explains how each option works, what each file contains, and where to get certified copies.
What Martin County Felony Records Include
Felony records in Martin County cover every step of a felony case from start to finish. They start when the State Attorney files a charging document and end when a judge signs a final order. Each file is a legal history of one case. You can use these files to check someone’s criminal past, confirm a court date, or gather proof for legal paperwork.
Definition of a Felony in Florida
A felony is any crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. Florida law breaks felonies into five levels. Capital felonies can bring the death penalty. Life felonies can lead to life in prison. First, second, and third-degree felonies carry set prison terms. Examples include drug trafficking, burglary, aggravated assault, and fraud over a set dollar amount. Martin County felony records show which level applies to each case.
Who Maintains Martin County Felony Records
Three agencies work together to keep felony records in Martin County. The Clerk of Court stores all court paperwork and docket sheets. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office writes arrest reports and incident logs. The State Attorney’s Office files charges and tracks prosecutions. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the statewide database that pulls data from all 67 counties.
What Each Felony File Contains
Each felony case file holds a set of standard documents. Knowing what to look for saves time during a search.
- Charging document or information filed by the State Attorney
- Arrest report and booking details from the sheriff
- Bond hearing notes and bond amount orders
- Arraignment record and plea entered by the defendant
- Motion filings from both the defense and prosecution
- Trial transcripts, witness lists, and exhibit logs
- Final judgment, sentence, and probation orders
How to Search Martin County Felony Case Records Online
Online search tools let you check Martin County felony cases from home. The clerk’s website runs the main portal. The FDLE site offers a statewide check. Both tools are free to search, but copies and full reports may cost a fee. Most recent cases appear within one business day of a court filing.
Using the Martin County Clerk Online Portal
Go to martinclerk.com and click the “Court Records Search” link. The portal opens a search page with several fields. You can enter a last name, first name, and date of birth. You can also search by case number or citation number. Results show case status, hearing dates, and judge names. The portal lists both open and closed felony cases.
Martin County Felony Case Search by Name
Name searches work best with a full legal name and a date of birth. Common names return many results. Adding a birth year narrows the list. The portal sorts results by filing date. Click any case number to open the full docket sheet. Docket sheets list every motion, order, and hearing in the case.
Martin County Felony Case Number Search
A case number search gives the fastest result. The clerk assigns a case number when the State Attorney files charges. The format for Martin County felony cases uses a two-digit year, the letters CF, and a six-digit sequence. For example, 2024-CF-000123. Enter the full number for one exact match.
Martin County Felony Docket Records and Court Filings
Docket records are short summaries of each court event. They list the date, type of hearing, and ruling. Court filings are the actual PDF documents filed in the case. The clerk’s portal links most filings directly to the docket entry. You can read or download these PDFs for free. Some older filings may only exist on paper at the Stuart office.
Martin County Clerk of Court Felony Records Services
The Martin County Clerk of Court is the main source for felony case records. The office sits in the Martin County Courthouse in downtown Stuart. Staff members help visitors search files, pull docket sheets, and order certified copies. The office serves the public during set business hours and by phone.
Office Location and Address
The Martin County Clerk of Court operates from the Martin County Courthouse at 100 Southeast Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, Florida 34994. The building sits one block from the Stuart waterfront. Public parking is available in the garage on Flagler Avenue. Visitors pass through a security checkpoint before reaching the clerk’s office on the first floor.
Phone Number and Contact Methods
Call the clerk’s main line at (772) 288-5576 for general felony record questions. The records department handles requests for certified copies. The phone system routes calls to the right staff member during business hours. Voicemail is checked each morning on weekdays.
Visiting Hours for In-Person Record Requests
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state and federal holidays. Visitors should arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for record pulls. Self-service public terminals stay open during all office hours.
Fees for Copies and Certified Felony Records
Standard copies of felony records cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost $2.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document. Search fees apply when staff must pull records by hand. Payments are accepted in cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards.
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard photocopy | $1.00 per page | Same day |
| Certified copy | $2.00 per page + $2.00 certification | 1 to 3 business days |
| Hand search fee | $2.00 per name per year | 1 to 5 business days |
| Online docket view | Free | Instant |
FDLE Statewide Felony Criminal Records Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state’s main criminal history database. This database includes felony records from Martin County and all other Florida counties. The database is open to the public for a fee. FDLE pulls data from county clerks, sheriff’s offices, and the Department of Corrections each day.
How the FDLE Statewide Search Works
Visit the FDLE Criminal History Search page at web.fdle.state.fl.us. Enter the person’s full name, date of birth, and race. Pay the $25.00 fee with a credit card. The system checks the name against the statewide database. Results show arrests, charges, and final outcomes from all Florida counties.
Cost and Processing Time for FDLE Checks
The online name check costs $25.00 and gives instant results. Official certified copies of the report cost $25.00 each. A fingerprint-based check costs $43.25 and requires a visit to an approved LiveScan provider. Results from fingerprint checks arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
Sealed records do not appear in public searches. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. A person who had a record sealed must apply to the court to open it. FDLE removes sealed and expunged entries from its public database. Background checks for law enforcement, teaching, and childcare jobs may still see sealed records under state law.
Correcting Errors in a Felony Record
Anyone who spots a mistake in an FDLE record can file a challenge. The challenge form is on the FDLE website. Send proof of the error with the form, such as a court order or dismissal paper. FDLE reviews the challenge and updates the record within 30 days if the proof checks out.
Martin County Circuit Court Felony Docket Records
The 19th Judicial Circuit Court handles all felony cases in Martin County. The court sits in Stuart at the same courthouse as the clerk’s office. Felony cases move through three stages in circuit court: arraignment, pretrial hearings, and trial. Each stage creates new docket entries that the clerk records and posts online.
Circuit Court Felony Case Stages
A felony case in Martin County starts with an arraignment. The judge reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea. Pretrial hearings cover motions, discovery, and plea offers. Trial cases move to jury selection, evidence hearings, and final verdict. Sentencing happens after a guilty plea or trial verdict. Probation violation cases also go through circuit court.
Viewing Trial Records and Transcripts
Trial transcripts are written records of what was said in court. They are kept by the court reporter. A written request and a deposit are required to order a transcript. Costs vary by page count. Transcripts are public once the case ends. You can read them at the clerk’s office or order certified copies.
Felony Conviction Records and Sentencing Documents
When a felony case ends in a guilty plea or verdict, the judge signs a sentencing order. This order lists the prison term, fine, restitution, and probation terms. The clerk files the order in the case record. You can view sentencing documents on the clerk’s portal under the case docket. Certified copies are available for legal use.
Accessing Court Filings and Motions
Filings and motions are the written papers that each side sends to the judge. They include motions to suppress, motions in limine, and sentencing memoranda. Most filings are public. The clerk’s online portal lists each filing as a PDF link. Older filings from before 2000 may need a paper request at the Stuart office.
Florida Public Records Law and Martin County Felony Access
Florida’s public records law gives every person the right to view most government files. This law is called Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. It applies to county clerks, sheriff’s offices, and all state agencies. The law’s goal is to keep government work open to the citizens it serves.
Chapter 119 Florida Sunshine Law
Chapter 119 sets the rules for public record access in Florida. It states that all records made or received by a public agency are open for inspection. The law lists a small number of exemptions, such as active criminal investigation files and personal ID numbers. Felony case files fall under the open records rule with few exceptions.
What Records Stay Closed to the Public
Some felony records stay closed. Active grand jury files remain secret until the term ends. Juvenile felony records are not open to the public. Expunged records are destroyed. Sealed records require a court order to open. Records that reveal the identity of a confidential informant or a crime victim may be redacted.
Fee Limits and Reasonable Charges
Florida law limits charges for public records to the actual cost of copying and staff time. Clerks may charge for paper, ink, and the time it takes to pull records. They may not add a surcharge or extra fee for the right to view records. You can ask for a written estimate before a large request.
How to Request Martin County Felony Case Records
You can request felony case records three ways: online, in person, or by mail. Each method works for different needs. Online requests work for current cases and docket checks. In-person visits help when you need help from staff. Mail requests suit people who live outside the area or need certified copies for legal use.
Requesting Records Online Through the Clerk Portal
Go to martinclerk.com and open the Court Records Search. Run a name or case number search. Click the case to open the docket sheet. Use the print or download button to save a copy. For certified copies online, use the eCertifiedDocs service on the clerk’s site. Pay the fee with a credit card. Most certified copies arrive by email within 24 hours.
Requesting Records in Person at the Clerk’s Office
Visit the clerk’s office at 100 Southeast Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994. Bring a photo ID and the case name or number. Staff at the public counter can help you search and pull files. Pay for copies at the cashier window. You leave with paper copies the same day in most cases.
Requesting Records by Mail
Send a written request to the Martin County Clerk of Court, 100 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994. Include the full name of the person, date of birth, and the type of records you want. Add a check or money order for the search and copy fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. Allow 5 to 10 business days for a mail response.
Processing Times for Felony Record Requests
Online docket views are instant. Standard copies are ready the same day at the counter. Certified copies take 1 to 3 business days. Hand searches of older paper files take 1 to 5 business days. Mail requests can take up to two weeks. Large bulk requests may take longer based on staff workload.
Florida Department of Corrections Inmate Search
Felony convictions that lead to state prison time move to the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC). The FDC runs a free online inmate search tool. This search shows people in state prison, on parole, or on felony probation. It does not show county jail inmates.
How to Use the FDC Inmate Search
Visit dc.state.fl.us and click the “Offender Search” link. Enter the last name and first name. Optional fields include race, sex, and date of birth. Results show a photo, current location, and release date. Each result links to a full inmate profile. The profile lists charges, sentences, and prison history.
Information Available in Inmate Profiles
Inmate profiles show the Florida Department of Corrections number, current facility, and sentence details. They also list aliases, prior prison terms, and parole status. Victims of crime can sign up for automatic release alerts through the same portal. The search is free and runs 24 hours a day.
Martin County Felony Records Contact Details
Save these official contacts for your felony record search in Martin County. Call during business hours for the fastest answer. Mail requests should include payment and a self-addressed envelope. Online tools are open all day, every day.
- Martin County Clerk of Court: 100 SE Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994
- Main phone: (772) 288-5576
- Official website: martinclerk.com
- Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- FDLE Criminal History: web.fdle.state.fl.us
- FDC Inmate Search: dc.state.fl.us
Frequently Asked Questions About Martin County Felony Records
These questions cover the most common felony record searches in Martin County. Each answer gives clear steps, real costs, and the right contact to use. Read all questions to cover background checks, sealed records, and certified copy rules. The answers below apply to felony case files from any Florida county, with a focus on Martin County procedures and office hours.
How Do I Check if Someone Has a Felony Record in Martin County?
Run a name search on the Martin County Clerk portal at martinclerk.com. The portal lists all open and closed felony cases tied to that name. For a full statewide check, use the FDLE criminal history search at web.fdle.state.fl.us. The statewide check costs $25.00 and shows arrests and convictions from all 67 Florida counties. The clerk’s search is free, but only covers Martin County cases. For prison history, check the FDC inmate search at dc.state.fl.us. Combining all three sources gives the most complete picture of a person’s felony record in Florida.
Are Martin County Felony Records Free to View Online?
Yes, the clerk’s online docket sheets are free to view. You can read case details, hearing dates, and ruling orders at no cost. Downloading and printing docket sheets is also free. Only certified copies and formal record searches carry a fee. The FDLE criminal history search costs $25.00 per name check. The FDC inmate search is free. Martin County follows Florida law, which limits public record fees to actual copying and staff costs. The clerk may charge a $2.00 search fee per name per year for hand searches of paper files.
What Information Do I Need to Search Martin County Felony Records?
A name search needs the full legal last name, first name, and date of birth. A case number search needs the exact number, such as 2024-CF-000123. Common names return many results. Adding a birth year and middle name narrows the list. You can also search by attorney name, judge name, or filing date range. The clerk’s portal sorts results by filing date. Click any case to open the full docket sheet. Each docket entry links to the original filing PDF for free download.
Can I Remove or Expunge a Felony Record in Martin County?
Florida law allows sealing or expungement of some felony records. You must meet set criteria, such as completing a diversion program or having the case dismissed. Certain felonies cannot be sealed, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and DUIs. Apply to the Martin County Clerk of Court for a certificate of eligibility. Then file a petition with the circuit court. A judge reviews the petition and signs an order. Once sealed, the record no longer appears in public searches. Expunged records are destroyed by court order.
How Long Does Martin County Keep Felony Records on File?
Martin County keeps felony case files permanently. Paper files from before 1990 are stored at the courthouse archive. Digital records from 1990 to the present are kept on the clerk’s servers. The clerk does not destroy felony records under any state rule. Sealed records are kept but hidden from public view. Expunged records are destroyed by court order. The FDLE removes sealed and expunged entries from its public database within 30 days of receiving a court order.
Can I Get a Copy of a Felony Record From a Different County?
Yes, every Florida county clerk keeps felony records for cases filed in that county. The FDLE criminal history search pulls data from all 67 counties. You can also contact the clerk of court in the other county for direct records. Out-of-state felony records require a check through that state’s law enforcement agency. The FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) holds nationwide records but only law enforcement agencies can run those checks. For most personal background checks, FDLE plus a county search is the standard approach.
What Is the Difference Between an Arrest Record and a Felony Record in Martin County?
An arrest record is a report from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. It shows the arrest, booking details, and initial charges. A felony record is the full court file that follows the case through court. An arrest does not mean a felony conviction. The State Attorney may drop charges, file lesser charges, or proceed to trial. Only a court record shows the final outcome. Background checks for jobs, housing, and licensing use both records. Employers often need the full court file, not just the arrest log, to make fair decisions.