Miami City felony records are official court and law enforcement files that document serious criminal cases handled within Miami, Florida. These records include arrest reports, formal charges, court hearings, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentencing information.
Anyone can look up these records because Florida law treats criminal court files as public documents. The main places that keep these records are the Miami Police Department, the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Each office holds different parts of the same case file. Together, they give a full picture of every felony case that moves through the Miami criminal justice system.
What Are Miami City Felony Records
Felony records in Miami cover any criminal charge that can lead to more than one year in state prison. These are the most serious types of crimes tracked by Florida law. Local police write the first report. Then the State Attorney’s Office decides if formal charges will be filed. After that, the case moves to the Miami-Dade County court system. Every step creates a paper trail. The complete file includes the arrest, the charges, the hearings, and the final outcome. These files stay on file unless a judge orders them sealed or destroyed through expungement.
Definition of a Felony Under Florida Law
Florida law divides crimes into two main groups: misdemeanors and felonies. A felony is any crime that can result in a state prison sentence of more than one year. Florida splits felonies into five levels based on how serious they are. The least serious is a third-degree felony, which can mean up to five years in prison. The most serious is a capital felony, which can result in life in prison or the death penalty. Murder, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and large-scale fraud all fall under felony law in Miami.
Common Felony Charges Filed in Miami
Miami prosecutors file many types of felony cases each year. Some of the most common charges include drug trafficking, aggravated assault, burglary, robbery, sexual battery, and felony DUI. White collar crimes like fraud and identity theft also appear in Miami felony files. Federal crimes handled in Miami federal court are kept in a separate system. State felony cases stay with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court. Each charge creates a new case number. Each case number leads to its own file.
Felony Records vs. Misdemeanor Records
Felony records and misdemeanor records look very different. Felony records involve serious crimes and higher courts. Misdemeanor records involve less serious crimes and county court. Felony cases are heard in circuit court. Misdemeanor cases are heard in county court. Both are public records. Both can be searched online. But felony records carry more legal weight. A felony conviction can take away voting rights, gun rights, and certain job options. Misdemeanor convictions usually carry smaller fines and shorter sentences.
How the Miami Felony Court System Works
The Miami felony court system follows a clear path from arrest to sentencing. Each step creates records that become part of the public file. Learning how the system works helps anyone searching for records know where to look. The process starts with an arrest and ends with a final court order. Many steps happen in between. Each step has its own paperwork.
Step One: The Arrest Report
When a Miami police officer makes an arrest, the officer must write a report within hours. This report includes the date, time, place, and reason for the arrest. It lists the suspect’s name, date of birth, and physical description. The report also names any victims and witnesses. Officers file the report with the Miami Police Department. The report then goes to the State Attorney’s Office. This first report becomes the basis for the entire case file.
Step Two: State Attorney’s Review
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office reviews every arrest report. Prosecutors decide whether to file formal charges. They can drop the case, file lesser charges, or proceed with the felony charge. If they file charges, the case goes to the Miami-Dade County court system. If they drop the case, the arrest record stays on file but no court case begins. This decision affects what shows up in a public records search.
Step Three: Arraignment and Hearings
After formal charges are filed, the suspect appears before a judge. This first court hearing is called an arraignment. The judge reads the charges and asks for a plea. The suspect can plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. After the arraignment, the case moves through several hearings. Pretrial motions, plea negotiations, and trial dates all become part of the court record. Each hearing adds new documents to the file.
Step Four: Trial and Sentencing
If the case goes to trial, a jury hears the evidence. The jury then decides if the suspect is guilty or not guilty. If found guilty, the judge sets a sentencing date. The sentence can include prison time, fines, probation, or a mix of these. If the suspect pleads guilty, the judge sets a sentence right away. All of this is written into the court record. The final judgment becomes a permanent part of the felony file.
Where to Search Miami City Felony Records
Three main offices hold Miami felony records. Each office gives access to a different part of the case. Most searches start with the county clerk’s office. Statewide searches go through FDLE. Police reports come from the Miami Police Department. Knowing which office holds which records saves time and effort.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
The Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court is the main keeper of court records for felony cases. The clerk’s office keeps files for all cases heard in the 11th Judicial Circuit. The clerk offers an online search tool at miamidadeclerk.gov. The search lets users look up cases by name, case number, or court date. Basic searches are free. Printed copies and certified copies cost a small fee per page. The clerk’s office also takes in-person requests at the courthouse.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the state criminal history database. This database covers arrests and dispositions from all 67 Florida counties. The online search costs $24 plus a $1 processing fee. The search uses the person’s name and date of birth. Results show on the screen right away. Users can print or save the report. The FDLE database works well for statewide background checks. The official site is fdle.state.fl.us.
Miami Police Department Records Unit
The Miami Police Department keeps arrest reports and incident reports. These reports are the first documents in any felony case. The records unit can provide copies of police reports for a small fee. Some reports can be requested online. Others must be picked up in person. Active investigations may keep some reports sealed. Closed cases are usually open to the public. The main phone number for records is 305-603-6640. The official site is miami-police.org.
Third-Party Public Records Sites
Several private companies offer Miami felony record searches. These sites pull data from official sources. They often charge a fee for full reports. Some sites offer free basic lookups. Private sites can help when official sources are slow. Users should check the data against official records. Private sites are not always up to date. Official sources remain the most reliable choice for legal matters.
How to Run a Miami Felony Case Search
Running a Miami felony case search takes a few simple steps. The process works best when the user has key details ready. A full legal name is the most important piece of information. A date of birth helps avoid mix-ups between people with the same name. A case number makes the search even faster. The steps below show the standard search process.
Step 1: Gather the Required Details
Before starting any search, the user should collect all known facts. A full legal name is required. A date of birth is helpful. A case number speeds up the search. A rough date range also helps. Users should write down all details before starting. More details give better results. The clerk’s office and FDLE both ask for these basic facts.
Step 2: Pick the Right Search Source
Different sources answer different questions. The county clerk covers court files. FDLE covers statewide criminal history. The police department covers arrest reports. For most users, the county clerk is the best starting point. For background checks across Florida, FDLE is the best option. For arrest details, the police department is the right call.
Step 3: Run the Search Online
Most searches can be done online. The county clerk’s site has a public records search tool. FDLE has a criminal history search portal. The police department has a public records request form. Users type in the name, date of birth, or case number. The system pulls up matching files. Results show on the screen in seconds.
Step 4: Review and Request Copies
Once the search returns results, the user can review the basic case data. Basic data includes charges, court dates, and outcomes. Full documents require a copy request. Copy requests can be made online or in person. The clerk’s office charges a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more. Certified copies are often needed for legal use.
What Information Is in Miami Felony Case Files
Miami felony case files contain a wide range of information. The exact content depends on the type of case and the stage of the court process. Most files share a common set of core data. Knowing what to expect helps users read the records they find.
Arrest and Booking Details
Every felony file starts with arrest data. This includes the arrest date, arrest location, and arresting agency. The booking record lists the charges at the time of arrest. It also shows the suspect’s booking photo and fingerprints. Bond information is part of the file too. The booking record is part of the public record unless sealed by a judge.
Court Filings and Motions
After charges are filed, the court creates new records. These include the charging document, the arraignment record, and any motions filed by lawyers. The defense and prosecution can file many motions. Each motion becomes part of the public file. The judge rules on each motion. The ruling is recorded in writing.
Plea Agreements and Verdicts
If the suspect pleads guilty or no contest, the plea deal is filed with the court. The plea deal shows what the suspect agreed to. It lists the charges, the sentence, and any conditions. If the case goes to trial, the verdict is filed. The verdict shows the jury’s decision. The judge’s final order is also filed.
Sentencing and Probation Orders
After a conviction or plea, the judge issues a sentence. The sentence is part of the public record. The sentence can include prison time, fines, probation, or treatment programs. Probation orders are filed too. The probation terms list the rules the person must follow. Violations of probation create new records. All of this is open to the public.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records in Miami
Not all felony records stay open to the public. A judge can order records sealed. A person can also ask the court to expunge certain records. Sealed records stay on file but are not open to the public. Expunged records are destroyed in some cases. These orders can change what shows up in a search. Users searching for records should know how sealing and expungement work.
What Does Sealing Mean
When a court seals a felony record, the record stays in the system. But the public cannot see it. Only certain agencies can view sealed records. These include law enforcement, the courts, and some government offices. The person whose record is sealed can also view it. Employers and the general public cannot. Sealing is a common outcome for first-time offenders who complete probation.
What Does Expungement Mean
Expungement is different from sealing. An expunged record is physically destroyed in some cases. The arrest and court file are removed from public access. The person can legally say they were never arrested for that case. Expungement is harder to get than sealing. Florida law limits who can ask for expungement. Most people who get expungement have had their charges dropped or dismissed.
How to Tell If a Record Is Sealed
Sealed records do not show up in normal public searches. If a search returns no results, the record may be sealed. Users can ask the clerk’s office to confirm if a case exists. The clerk will not share the file content. The clerk will only confirm if the file is sealed or open. This step helps users know why a search came back empty.
Cost of Miami Felony Record Searches
The cost of searching Miami felony records depends on the source and the type of request. Some searches are free. Others cost a small fee. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Users should plan ahead for these costs. The table below shows the typical fees for common requests.
| Service | Cost | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Basic name search | Free | Miami-Dade Clerk of Court |
| Printed case file copy | $1 per page | Miami-Dade Clerk of Court |
| Certified copy of court record | $3 per document | Miami-Dade Clerk of Court |
| Statewide criminal history search | $24 + $1 fee | FDLE |
| Police report copy | $0.15 per page | Miami Police Department |
| Background check through third party | $20 to $100 | Private vendors |
Miami Felony Court Locations and Case Numbers
Miami felony cases are heard at a few main courthouses. Each courthouse handles different types of cases. Knowing the right courthouse helps users find the right clerk’s office. Case numbers also follow a standard format. Learning this format helps users search faster.
Main Courthouses for Felony Cases
The Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building handles most felony cases in Miami-Dade County. It sits at 1351 NW 12th Street, Miami, FL 33125. The Lawson E. Thomas Courthouse Center at 175 NW 1st Avenue also handles criminal cases. The Coral Gables Courthouse handles some felony cases from that area. Each courthouse has its own clerk’s office window for record requests.
Felony Case Number Format
Miami-Dade County felony case numbers follow a set pattern. A typical number looks like F-2024-012345. The F stands for felony. The four digits show the year the case was filed. The last digits are the case sequence number. This format helps users find files quickly. Users can also search by the full case number on the clerk’s website.
Official Contact Information for Miami Felony Records
Several government offices handle Miami felony record requests. The main offices are listed below. Each office has its own hours, phone number, and website. Users should call ahead to confirm hours before visiting in person. Office hours can change during holidays.
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The main phone number is 305-275-1155. The official website is miamidadeclerk.gov. The main office address is 73 W Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE’s headquarters is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main phone number is 850-410-7000. The official website is fdle.state.fl.us. The headquarters address is 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308.
Miami Police Department Records Unit
The records unit is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The main phone number is 305-603-6640. The official website is miami-police.org. The main address is 400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami City Felony Records
This FAQ section answers common questions about Miami felony records. The questions cover search methods, fees, sealed records, and background checks. Each answer gives clear, factual data based on current Florida public records law and clerk’s office policies. These answers help users solve real problems when searching for felony case files in Miami.
How Long Does It Take to Get Miami Felony Records
Online searches through the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court return results in seconds. Printed copies of court records are ready within 1 to 3 business days after a request. Certified copies may take up to 5 business days. FDLE criminal history searches show results on the screen right away. The FDLE mailed copy option takes 5 to 7 business days. Police department report requests usually take 3 to 7 business days. Old paper records stored off-site can take longer to pull. Users should plan ahead for time-sensitive requests.
Can Anyone Look Up Miami Felony Records
Yes, most Miami felony records are open to the public under Florida’s public records law. Any person can search the clerk’s online system. Any person can also order copies of court files. Some records are sealed by court order. Sealed records are not open to the public. Juvenile felony records are also kept private. Expunged records are destroyed in some cases. For all other felony cases, the records are open without restriction.
What Is the Difference Between a Felony and a Misdemeanor in Miami
A felony is a crime that can lead to more than one year in state prison. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime that carries up to one year in county jail. Felony cases are heard in circuit court. Misdemeanor cases are heard in county court. Felony convictions can take away certain rights. Misdemeanor convictions usually do not. Both are public records. Both can be searched online through the clerk’s website.
Are Federal Felony Records in Miami Different from State Records
Yes, federal felony records are kept in a separate system. Federal cases are handled in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The federal courthouse in Miami sits at 400 N Miami Avenue. Federal records are searched through PACER, the federal court system. Federal felony cases are not on the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s website. Users looking for federal felony files must use the federal court system.
How Can Someone Seal a Miami Felony Record
A person can ask the court to seal a felony record after completing their sentence. The person must file a petition with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court. A judge reviews the petition. The judge decides if the record qualifies for sealing. Not all felonies qualify. Sex offenses and certain violent felonies cannot be sealed. The process takes 3 to 6 months. A lawyer can help with the petition.
Can Employers See Expunged Miami Felony Records
No, employers cannot see expunged felony records in most cases. Once a record is expunged, the person can legally say they were not arrested for that case. Law enforcement agencies can still see the record for some purposes. But most employers, landlords, and schools cannot. The expungement order must be final. Users should keep a copy of the court order for their records.
How Accurate Are Third-Party Miami Felony Search Sites
Third-party sites can be helpful, but they are not always up to date. These sites pull data from official sources. The data may be days or weeks old. Some sites charge high fees for information that is free on government sites. Users should always check official sources for legal or job-related searches. The Miami-Dade Clerk and FDLE are the most accurate sources. Private sites work best for casual background checks.