St Lucie County felony records are the official court files that show every serious criminal case filed in this part of Florida. These files hold the charges, the hearings, the motions, and the final outcome for each felony case heard at the local circuit court.
Florida law makes these court files open to the public. The St Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court acts as the main record keeper for all felony matters in the county. This office runs the public search portal and handles every in-person and mail request for felony case files. Residents, employers, attorneys, and background check companies can all request and view these files for free or for a small fee.
What St Lucie County Felony Records Include and How Courts File Them
St Lucie County felony records are full court files that begin with the first charging document and end with the final judgment. A felony is a crime that can lead to a prison sentence of more than one year under Florida law. The clerk’s office stores every paper filed in the case, from the arrest report to the sentence order. Anyone who needs to check a person’s felony history or the status of a case can use these records.
Categories of Felonies Filed in St Lucie County
St Lucie County courts process all classes of felony charges, from the least serious to the most serious capital cases. The clerk’s office files each case under a unique number and tracks every step of the legal process. The records list the exact charge, the date of the filing, the assigned judge, and the final outcome.
| Felony Class | Examples | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Third-degree felony | Possession of certain drugs, simple battery, petit theft | 5 years in prison |
| Second-degree felony | Burglary of a dwelling, aggravated assault, drug sale | 15 years in prison |
| First-degree felony | Robbery with a weapon, trafficking in large amounts of drugs, sexual battery | 30 years in prison |
| Life felony | Murder, kidnapping, sexual battery on a child under 12 | Life in prison |
| Capital felony | First-degree murder with aggravating factors | Death or life without parole |
Who Maintains the Official Felony Case Files
The St Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of all felony records in the county. The clerk’s office works under the 19th Judicial Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over felony cases in St Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. The clerk receives, scans, stores, and indexes every document filed in each felony case. The current clerk, Michelle R. Miller, leads the office and oversees record access for the public.
Why These Court Files Are Open to the Public
Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law and Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes make court records public. No agency can ask for a reason when someone requests a public record. Felony case files fall under this law, so they remain open unless a judge signs a valid order to seal or expunge the file.
How to Search St Lucie County Felony Court Records Online
The fastest way to search St Lucie County felony case information is through the clerk’s online portal. The portal is free to use for basic case searches and works from any computer or mobile device. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number.
Using the Clerk of Court Public Search Portal
The clerk runs a public search portal at stlucieclerk.gov that gives free access to felony case data. The portal covers criminal cases, civil cases, traffic cases, and family court cases. Users can pick the criminal division to see felony records only. The search results show the defendant name, the case number, the charges, the court date, and the current status of the case.
Searching by Defendant Name
Name-based searches work best when the user knows the full legal name of the defendant. The search field accepts last name and first name, and users can add a date of birth to narrow the results. The portal will return all matching felony cases with the same name. Users should check the date of birth field to make sure they view the right person and not someone with a similar name.
Searching by Case Number
Case number searches give the most accurate results. Each felony case in St Lucie County gets a unique case number that starts with the year, the court type, and a sequence number. For example, a 2024 felony case filed in circuit court might show as 2024CF001234. Users with the exact case number can skip the name search and go straight to the full case file.
The 19th Judicial Circuit Court and Felony Case Process in St Lucie County
St Lucie County is part of the 19th Judicial Circuit, which hears all felony cases for the region. The circuit court handles every felony charge filed in the county, no matter the class or severity. The judge assigned to the case makes the legal decisions, while the clerk’s office stores the records.
Role of the Circuit Court in Felony Cases
The circuit court holds the power to hear felony cases, accept pleas, and issue sentences. In St Lucie County, felony cases are heard at the main courthouse in Fort Pierce. The court also handles appeals from county court for misdemeanor cases. The clerk’s office supports the circuit court by managing the case files and providing public access to the records.
Stages of a Felony Case in St Lucie County
Every felony case in St Lucie County follows the same legal stages. The clerk’s office files documents at each stage of the process. Users searching for a case can check the docket to see which stage the case is in at any time.
- Arrest and booking at the St Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
- First appearance before a judge within 24 hours
- Filing of formal charges by the State Attorney’s Office
- Arraignment where the defendant enters a plea
- Discovery and pre-trial motions
- Plea negotiations or trial setting
- Trial, plea, or dismissal
- Sentencing and any post-trial motions
What Felony Court Documents You Can View and Request
The clerk’s office holds many types of felony court documents that the public can view or copy. Some documents are available online as PDF images, while others need an in-person visit to view the paper file. The clerk charges a small fee for printed copies and certified copies.
Arraignment and First Appearance Records
Arraignment records show the date the defendant appeared in court and the plea they entered. First appearance records show the bond amount and any special conditions set by the judge. These records are public and available through the online portal within a few days of the hearing.
Hearing and Motion Records
Hearing records include transcripts, court orders, and minutes from each felony hearing. Motion records include any request filed by the defense or the state, along with the court’s ruling. These records show the legal arguments made in the case and how the judge decided each issue.
Sentencing and Disposition Records
Sentencing records show the final outcome of the case, including prison time, probation, fines, and restitution. Disposition records list the exact charge, the plea or verdict, and the sentence. These records are the most common type of felony record requested by employers and background check companies.
Felony Docket Sheets
A felony docket sheet is a chronological list of every event in a case. The docket shows the date of each filing, the type of filing, and the party who filed it. The clerk’s office offers docket sheets as a quick way to see the full timeline of a felony case without viewing every single document.
How to Request St Lucie County Felony Records in Person or by Mail
Online searches work for most basic felony case lookups, but some users need official certified copies of felony records. The clerk’s office accepts record requests in person, by mail, and through the online portal. Each method has its own fee and processing time.
Visiting the St Lucie County Clerk’s Office in Person
The main clerk’s office sits in the St Lucie County Courthouse at 201 South Indian River Drive in Fort Pierce. Visitors can use the public computers in the clerk’s office to search for felony cases. Staff at the public counter can help locate files, make copies, and certify documents. Visitors should bring a photo ID and as much case detail as possible to speed up the search.
Fees for Certified and Standard Copies
The clerk’s office charges set fees for felony record copies under Florida law. Standard copies cost less than certified copies, which carry the official court seal. The fee schedule is posted at the clerk’s office and on the official website.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy per page | $0.15 |
| Certified copy per document | $1.00 |
| Docket sheet copy | $0.15 per page |
| Record search with no records found | $2.00 |
| Fax filing fee | $1.00 first page, $0.50 each additional page |
Mailing a Felony Record Request
Users who cannot visit the office can mail a written request to the clerk’s office. The request should include the defendant’s full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. The user should also include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail requests take longer to process, but the clerk will mail the certified copies back to the requester.
Statewide Felony Record Databases and Federal Sources
St Lucie County felony records are part of a larger state and federal system. Users who need a complete criminal history that covers multiple counties should also check the state and federal databases. Each source has its own search process and fees.
FDLE Criminal History Search for Florida
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a state criminal history database that covers every county in Florida. The FDLE search costs $24.00 per person and returns a full report of all arrests and dispositions in the state. Users access the search at the official FDLE portal and get instant results after payment. The report shows felony convictions, pending charges, and sealed record flags.
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search
The Florida Department of Corrections tracks every inmate in the state prison system. The DOC Offender Search lets users look up inmates by name or DC number. The search shows the current facility, the sentence length, the release date, and the original county of conviction. St Lucie County felony convictions that led to a state prison sentence will appear in this database.
Federal Felony Records through PACER
Felony cases charged in federal court do not appear in the St Lucie County clerk’s system. Federal cases are filed at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Users can search federal felony cases through the PACER system at pacer.uscourts.gov. Federal felony records include drug trafficking across state lines, federal gun charges, and immigration crimes.
Sealed Records, Expunged Files, and Public Access Limits
Not every felony record is open to the public. Florida law allows some felony records to be sealed or expunged under set conditions. The clerk’s office removes sealed records from public access and marks them as confidential. Users who search for a sealed record will not see it in the online portal or in the public docket.
How Felony Records Get Sealed in Florida
A defendant can file a motion to seal or expunge a felony record after they complete their sentence. The court holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the request. If the judge grants the motion, the clerk’s office removes the case from public access. The FDLE also updates its database to reflect the sealed status.
What Records Stay Public
Records for certain serious crimes cannot be sealed or expunged. These include murder, sexual battery, kidnapping, and other violent felonies. Records for people who hold certain government jobs or who have prior convictions also cannot be sealed. The clerk’s office keeps these records open even after the defendant completes their sentence.
Juvenile Felony Records in St Lucie County
Felony cases involving minors go through the juvenile division of the circuit court. Juvenile felony records are not open to the public in the same way as adult records. Only the minor, the parents or guardians, and authorized agencies can view most juvenile felony files. The clerk’s office can explain the access rules for juvenile records.
How Background Checks Use St Lucie County Felony Records
Many employers, landlords, and licensing agencies use felony records for background checks. The St Lucie County clerk’s office is one of the first places a background check company will search. A complete background check often includes searches at the county, state, and federal level.
Employment Background Checks
Florida law allows employers to check felony records for most job applicants. The employer must follow the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Florida Background Screening Act. The applicant must give written permission before the employer runs the check. The background check report must show the final disposition, not just the arrest.
Gun Purchase Background Checks
The FBI runs a National Instant Criminal Background Check System for every gun purchase from a licensed dealer. The NICS check includes a search of county, state, and federal felony records. A felony conviction will stop a person from passing a NICS check under federal law.
Immigration and Federal Background Checks
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services runs background checks on every visa, green card, and citizenship applicant. The check includes a search of county felony records through the FBI’s Identity History Summary. A felony conviction can affect the outcome of an immigration case, depending on the type of crime.
St Lucie County Clerk of Court Contact and Office Location
The St Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the main point of contact for felony record searches. The office is open to the public during regular business hours. The clerk’s office also answers phone questions about felony records and case status.
Address: 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Phone: (772) 462-6900
Website: stlucieclerk.gov
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About St Lucie County Felony Records
These questions cover the most common topics people ask about felony records in St Lucie County. The answers reflect current Florida law and the rules set by the St Lucie County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Users who need legal advice should contact a licensed attorney in the State of Florida.
How do I find out if someone has a felony record in St Lucie County?
The fastest way to check for a felony record in St Lucie County is to use the clerk’s online portal at stlucieclerk.gov. The portal lets you search by name and date of birth. The results will show the case number, the charge, the court date, and the current status. You can also visit the clerk’s office in Fort Pierce or run a statewide search through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for a $24.00 fee. The FDLE search covers all 67 Florida counties and returns an official state report.
Are St Lucie County felony records free to view?
Yes, basic felony case searches are free through the clerk’s online portal. The portal shows the case docket, the charge, and the current status at no cost. The clerk charges a small fee for printed copies, certified copies, and mail requests. Standard copies cost $0.15 per page, and certified copies cost $1.00 per document. Some detailed record requests may carry an extra search fee if the records cannot be located.
Can I get a felony record removed from public view in St Lucie County?
Florida law allows some felony records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. The defendant must file a petition with the circuit court and serve a copy on the State Attorney’s Office. The court holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the request. A judge cannot seal records for certain crimes, such as murder, sexual battery, and other violent felonies. A licensed attorney can help file the petition and represent the defendant at the hearing.
What is the difference between a felony arrest record and a felony conviction record?
A felony arrest record shows that the person was taken into custody and booked at the St Lucie County Jail. A felony conviction record shows that the person was found guilty or entered a guilty plea in court. Florida law treats arrest records and conviction records differently for background check purposes. An arrest without a conviction may still appear in the record, but employers must follow specific rules before they can use an arrest record to make a hiring decision.
How long does it take the clerk to process a felony record request?
The processing time depends on the type of request and the method used. Online searches return instant results for case status. In-person requests for public documents are often filled the same day. Mail requests take about 5 to 10 business days, depending on the volume of work at the clerk’s office. Certified copies and large record requests may take longer if staff need to pull paper files from storage.
Can I search St Lucie County felony records from another state?
Yes, the clerk’s online portal works from any state and any country. Users only need a computer, phone, or tablet with internet access. For official certified copies, out-of-state users can mail a request to the clerk’s office or use the online certified copy service. The clerk will mail the certified copies to the address provided in the request. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also accepts nationwide online requests for state criminal history reports.
What happens if a felony record has wrong information?
Users who find a mistake in a felony record can file a written request to correct the record. The request should go to the clerk’s office and the agency that filed the original document, such as the State Attorney’s Office or the St Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. The clerk will review the request and update the file if the correction is valid. For criminal history corrections at the state level, the user can file a challenge with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement through its public portal.