Melbourne City felony records are public court files that show serious criminal cases filed in Melbourne, Florida. These records are kept by the Brevard County Clerk of Court because Melbourne sits inside Brevard County.
Anyone can look at most felony case files using online tools, phone calls, or in-person visits. This page shows you how to find felony case numbers, dockets, charges, and outcomes for people charged with felonies in Melbourne.
What Felony Records Mean in Melbourne, Florida
A felony record is a file about a serious crime that can lead to a prison sentence of more than one year. In Florida, felonies include things like burglary, drug trafficking, robbery, and aggravated assault. When someone is charged with a felony in Melbourne, the case is sent to the Brevard County court system. Each felony case gets a unique case number. That number stays with the case from the first court date until the final outcome.
How Florida Law Defines a Felony
Florida law puts crimes into two main groups. Misdemeanors are small crimes with light punishment. Felonies are serious crimes with heavy punishment. Florida lists felonies in three levels. A third-degree felony can mean up to five years in prison. A second-degree felony can mean up to fifteen years. A first-degree felony can mean up to thirty years. Capital felonies can mean life in prison or even the death penalty. Melbourne felony records follow these same levels set by state law.
What a Felony Case File Contains
A felony case file in Melbourne holds many papers and digital entries. It starts with the arrest report from the Melbourne Police Department. It then shows the formal charges filed by the State Attorney. The file lists every court date, motion, and ruling. It includes the plea deal, trial transcript, or verdict. At the end, it shows the sentence and any appeals. Some files also include witness lists, evidence logs, and prosecutor notes.
Who Creates Felony Records
Many agencies work together to build a Melbourne felony record. The Melbourne Police Department writes the first report. The Brevard County Jail logs the booking. The State Attorney files the formal charges. The Brevard County Clerk of Court stores all court papers. The judge signs orders and verdicts. The Florida Department of Corrections tracks the sentence. Each agency adds its own piece to the full record.
Melbourne Police Department and Felony Case Reports
The Melbourne Police Department responds to felony crimes in the city. Officers write reports about what they see and find. These reports become the start of every felony case. The department is located at 650 North Apollo Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida 32935. You can call the records unit at (321) 608-6731 during business hours. Business hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
How Police Reports Become Felony Records
When an officer responds to a serious crime in Melbourne, they write a detailed report. The report lists the date, time, and place of the crime. It names the people involved. It lists any witnesses and victims. It describes what happened. If the crime is a felony, the report goes to the State Attorney’s Office. The State Attorney then decides if formal felony charges will be filed in Brevard County court.
Getting a Copy of a Melbourne Police Report
You can ask for a copy of a police report by visiting the Melbourne Police Department in person. You can also fill out a records request form on the city website. Some reports are ready in a few days. Others may take longer if the case is still under investigation. There is a small fee for each copy. The fee covers the cost of paper and staff time. You will need the case number or the date and location of the incident.
Brevard County Clerk of Court as the Main Felony Records Office
The Brevard County Clerk of Court is the main place for Melbourne felony case files. The Clerk keeps all court papers for every felony case in the county. The main Clerk office sits at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida 32940. You can call the Clerk at (321) 637-5413. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Clerk also runs a North Brevard office in Titusville and a South Brevard office in Palm Bay.
What the Clerk of Court Does With Felony Files
The Clerk of Court keeps the official felony case records for Brevard County. This means every felony case from Melbourne is stored there. The Clerk enters case data into a computer system. The Clerk scans all court papers. The Clerk stamps and files every motion, order, and judgment. The Clerk also issues certified copies of court documents. These certified copies are accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies.
Online Case Search Tool for Melbourne Felonies
The Brevard County Clerk runs a free online case search at www.brevardclerk.us. You can search by defendant name, case number, or citation number. The search shows open and closed felony cases. You can see the charges, court dates, and final outcome. You can also view the docket sheet, which lists every event in the case. The online tool works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Searching the Brevard Clerk Online Database
To search online, go to the Clerk’s website and click on the case search link. Pick the criminal case search option. Type the full legal name of the person you are looking for. You can also type a case number if you have one. The system will show a list of cases that match. Click on a case to see the full docket. You can print or save the docket for your records.
In-Person Records Request at the Viera Office
If you need a certified copy of a Melbourne felony case file, you can visit the Viera office in person. Bring a photo ID with you. Tell the clerk at the records window the name of the person or the case number. The clerk will pull the file from the records room. You can look at the file for free. Copies cost fifteen cents per page. Certified copies cost one dollar per page plus the copy fee.
Statewide Felony Search Through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also called FDLE, runs the statewide crime database. This database has arrest records and felony conviction records from all sixty-seven Florida counties, including Brevard County. Anyone can pay to search this database. The search shows results right away on the screen. FDLE also runs the state sex offender registry and the missing child database.
What the FDLE Criminal History Search Shows
The FDLE search shows arrests, charges, and convictions across Florida. It lists the court where the case was handled. It shows the case number and the final outcome. It includes guilty pleas, verdicts, and sentences. It also shows cases that were dismissed. The search covers felonies and misdemeanors. It pulls from county, state, and federal records. Results stay available for a set time after the search.
What the FDLE Search Does Not Show
The FDLE search does not show sealed or expunged records. It does not show juvenile records from most cases. It does not show traffic tickets that are not criminal. It does not show federal charges outside the Florida system. It does not show pending charges that have not been entered into the system yet. You may see arrests that did not lead to a conviction. The search lists arrests, not just convictions.
How to Run a Statewide Felony Search
Go to web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default to start a search. Create a user account with your name and email. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The fee is twenty-five dollars per name searched. Type the full legal name and date of birth of the person. A Social Security Number helps narrow the results but is not required. The system will show the criminal history right away. You can print or save the report.
Types of Felony Records You Can Find in Melbourne
There are several types of felony records tied to Melbourne cases. Each type gives different facts. Some show arrests only. Others show full court results. The type you need depends on why you are searching. Some records are free. Others cost money. Some are public right away. Others take time to become public.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when a person was taken into custody by police. They list the agency that made the arrest. They show the charges at the time of arrest. They include booking photos in some cases. Arrest records are public in Florida unless the case is sealed. You can find Melbourne arrest records through the Brevard County Jail website, the Clerk’s online search, or FDLE’s statewide database.
Court Docket Records
Court docket records show every step in a felony case. They list the first appearance, arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and trial dates. They show every motion filed by either side. They list the judge, prosecutor, and defense lawyer. They show the verdict or plea. They show the sentence. You can see the full docket for any Melbourne felony case through the Brevard Clerk’s online search portal.
Conviction Records
Conviction records show the final result of a felony case. They show if the person pled guilty, was found guilty at trial, or had the case dismissed. They list the sentence, including prison time, probation, and fines. Conviction records are part of the court file. They are public unless sealed. You can see them through the Clerk’s office, online case search, or FDLE background check.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Sealed records are closed to the public by a court order. Expunged records are destroyed in most cases. Only a few people can see sealed records. These include the person who was charged, their lawyer, and some government agencies. You cannot find sealed or expunged Melbourne felony records through normal searches. FDLE searches will not show them either. Only the court order itself is part of the public file.
How to Search Melbourne Felony Records Step by Step
You can search for Melbourne felony records in several ways. The best way depends on what you need and how much detail you want. Some searches are free. Others cost money. Some take five minutes. Others take days. Pick the method that fits your needs.
Quick Online Name Search
For a fast check, use the Brevard County Clerk online case search. Type the full legal name of the person. Look at the list of cases that match. Click on any felony case to see the docket. This works well for checking if someone has a current felony case in Melbourne. It is free and available twenty-four hours a day.
Full Statewide Background Check
For a complete picture, pay for an FDLE criminal history search. This shows felony records from all of Florida. It works well for employment checks and tenant screening. The cost is twenty-five dollars per search. Results come back right away. You can print the report for your files.
In-Person Records Request
For certified copies of court papers, go to the Brevard County Clerk’s office in Viera. Bring a photo ID and the case number if you have it. Ask the clerk to pull the felony file. Look at the papers. Get certified copies of what you need. Pay the copy and certification fees before you leave.
Florida Public Records Law and Felony Case Files
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution gives every person the right to see government records. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes explains how to get those records. The law is called the Sunshine Law. It covers city, county, and state agencies. It applies to felony court records held by the Brevard County Clerk.
What the Sunshine Law Guarantees
The Sunshine Law says you do not need a reason to see felony records. You do not need to be a citizen. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to show ID unless you want certified copies. Agencies must respond to records requests quickly. Most requests get an answer in a few business days. Agencies can charge only the actual cost of making copies.
Records That Are Not Public
Some felony records are not open to the public. Active investigation files may stay closed. Sealed records stay closed. Expunged records are destroyed in most cases. Juvenile felony records have extra protections. Personal information like Social Security Numbers and home addresses of victims are redacted. Information that could harm an active case can be kept private until the case is closed.
Why People Search for Melbourne Felony Records
People search for Melbourne felony records for many reasons. Some searches are for jobs. Some are for housing. Some are for personal reasons. Knowing why you are searching helps you pick the right tool. It also helps you know what to do with the results.
Employment Background Checks
Many employers in Melbourne run background checks before hiring. They look at felony records to make safe hiring choices. Some jobs, like those with children or money, require a full check. Florida law says employers cannot ask about sealed or expunged records. They can ask about pending felony charges. The FDLE search is a common tool for employers.
Tenant and Rental Screening
Landlords in Melbourne often check felony records before renting a home. They want to know about serious criminal history. They look for violent crimes and drug offenses. A felony conviction does not always stop a rental. Each landlord has their own rules. The check uses the same databases as employment checks. The fee is usually paid by the landlord or the applicant.
Personal and Family Safety Checks
People search felony records to stay safe. Parents may check a new partner or caregiver. Family members may check on a relative’s legal troubles. People may check their own records to fix errors. Some searches help people find old court dates. Others help with name changes or background checks for school programs.
Official Melbourne Felony Records Resources and Contact Details
Below are the main offices that hold felony records for Melbourne, Florida. These are the official government sources. They are the most accurate and up-to-date places to find felony case information.
Brevard County Clerk of Court
The main office of the Brevard County Clerk of Court is located at 2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, Florida 32940. The phone number for the clerk’s office is (321) 637-5413. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official website is www.brevardclerk.us. The Clerk’s office handles all felony case filings, court dockets, and certified copies for Melbourne and the rest of Brevard County.
Melbourne Police Department Records
The Melbourne Police Department is located at 650 North Apollo Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida 32935. The records unit phone number is (321) 608-6731. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official website is www.melbourneflorida.org/police. The department holds original police reports, arrest records, and booking photos for felony cases that started in the city.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The FDLE headquarters is located at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. The public access phone number is (850) 410-7000. The statewide criminal history search is online at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. The main FDLE website is www.fdle.state.fl.us. FDLE runs the statewide database that includes all Melbourne felony arrest and conviction records.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melbourne City Felony Records
These are the most common questions people ask about felony records in Melbourne, Florida. The answers below cover the basic rules, search methods, and legal limits. They also explain what records show and what stays hidden. Read each answer for clear facts you can use right away.
How Do I Find Out If Someone Has a Felony in Melbourne?
You can search the Brevard County Clerk’s online case search at www.brevardclerk.us. Type the person’s full legal name. The system will show all felony cases filed in Melbourne. You can also run a statewide check through FDLE for twenty-five dollars. This shows felony cases from any Florida county. Police arrest reports are also public through the Melbourne Police Department. You can ask in person or by phone. The Clerk’s online search is the fastest free option.
Are Melbourne Felony Records Free to View?
Yes, viewing felony case dockets online through the Brevard County Clerk is free. You can search and read case data without paying. In-person viewing at the Clerk’s office is also free. You pay only for copies. Regular copies cost fifteen cents per page. Certified copies cost one dollar per page plus the copy fee. The FDLE statewide search costs twenty-five dollars per name. Police report copies have a small fee that varies by case.
Can I See Felony Records That Were Sealed in Melbourne?
No, you cannot see sealed felony records through normal searches. Sealed records are closed by a court order. Only the person who was charged, their lawyer, and some government agencies can see them. Expunged records are destroyed in most cases. The FDLE database does not show sealed or expunged records. The Clerk’s office will not show them either. To see a sealed record, you need a new court order.
What Shows Up on a Melbourne Felony Background Check?
A background check shows arrests, charges, court dates, pleas, verdicts, and sentences. It includes felony convictions and misdemeanor convictions. It lists cases that were dismissed. It shows time served, probation, and fines. It includes warrants if any are active. It does not show sealed records. It does not show expunged records. It does not show civil cases or traffic tickets. The report is based on state and county records.
How Long Does a Felony Stay on a Melbourne Record?
A felony stays on a Melbourne record for life unless it is sealed or expunged. Florida law lets some people ask for sealing or expungement after they finish their sentence. The waiting period depends on the charge. Some felonies can never be sealed. These include violent crimes and sex offenses. A sealed record is not visible to most employers. An expunged record is destroyed in most cases.
Can I Remove My Felony Record in Melbourne?
You may be able to seal or expunge your felony record in some cases. You must first finish your sentence, including probation and fines. You must apply through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The State Attorney’s Office must approve the request. A judge must sign the final order. Not every felony qualifies. Some violent felonies cannot be removed. Talk to a lawyer to see if you qualify.
What Is the Difference Between an Arrest Record and a Conviction Record in Melbourne?
An arrest record shows that police took someone into custody. It does not prove guilt. Many arrest records show charges that were later dropped. A conviction record shows that a person was found guilty or pled guilty. It includes the sentence. A conviction has more legal weight. Background checks for jobs and housing focus on convictions. Both records are public unless they are sealed or expunged by a court.