St Petersburg City Felony Records are official court files that show felony cases filed in Pinellas County, Florida. These records include arrests, charges, court hearings, plea deals, trial outcomes, and sentences.
The 6th Judicial Circuit Court handles all felony cases for St Petersburg residents. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court stores every document from these cases. Florida’s Sunshine Law makes most felony records open to the public. You can search these records by name, case number, or date. This page shows you exactly how to find, read, and request felony records in St Petersburg.
What Are St Petersburg City Felony Records
Felony records are formal documents that track serious criminal cases from arrest through final sentencing. In Florida, felonies are crimes that can lead to more than one year in state prison. St Petersburg falls under the jurisdiction of the 6th Judicial Circuit, which covers Pinellas and Pasco counties. Every felony arrest in St Petersburg creates a paper trail that grows as the case moves through the court system.
Types of Felony Offenses in Pinellas County
Florida law breaks felonies into five main categories based on the crime and the possible sentence. Each level carries different prison time and different effects on a person’s rights. The categories help judges decide on proper punishments. They also help the public understand the weight of a charge.
- Life felonies: Crimes like murder, kidnapping of a child under 13, or sexual battery. These carry a life sentence in prison and a $15,000 fine.
- First-degree felonies: Crimes like armed robbery, trafficking in large amounts of drugs, or arson. These carry up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Second-degree felonies: Crimes like aggravated assault, burglary of a dwelling, or selling drugs near a school. These carry up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Third-degree felonies: Crimes like DUI causing serious injury, cruelty to animals, or fraud over $20,000. These carry up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
- Capital felonies: The most serious crimes like first-degree murder. These carry the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
Who Maintains Felony Records in St Petersburg
Three main agencies create and store felony records for St Petersburg cases. Each agency handles a different part of the legal process. Knowing which agency holds which type of file saves time during your search.
- St Petersburg Police Department: Creates arrest reports and incident reports. Contact: (727) 893-7780. Website: www.stpete.org/police
- Pinellas County Clerk of Court: Stores all court filings, hearing minutes, and final judgments. Contact: (727) 464-7000. Website: www.pinellasclerk.org
- Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney’s Office: Files criminal charges and manages plea agreements. Contact: (727) 464-6221. Website: www.sao6.org
Where to Find St Petersburg Felony Records
You have several options when searching for felony records in St Petersburg. Each source gives different types of information. The right choice depends on what you need to find. Some searches work best for recent cases. Others cover older records or statewide history.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court Felony Records
The Pinellas County Clerk of Court is the official record keeper for all felony cases in St Petersburg. This office maintains docket entries, motions, orders, and final judgments. Their online search tool is called Pinellas County Records. The system updates daily with new filings. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. Basic searches are free. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee.
St Petersburg Police Department Records
The St Petersburg Police Department creates the first report in any felony case. These reports include arrest details, witness statements, and evidence lists. You can request police reports through the Records Division. Some reports are available online. Others require a visit to the station at 1300 First Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33705. Bring a valid photo ID. Most requests are processed within 3 to 5 business days.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs a statewide criminal history database. This system covers all 67 Florida counties. It shows arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentences. The search costs $24 plus a $1 processing fee. You pay by credit card. Results show on screen right away. The portal is at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. The FDLE site works day or night and works from any computer.
6th Judicial Circuit Court Felony Records
The 6th Judicial Circuit Court handles felony trials and major hearings. This court serves both Pinellas and Pasco counties. The main courthouse sits at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762. The clerk’s office there can pull felony files for St Petersburg cases. Some felony cases go to branch locations. The St Petersburg branch handles misdemeanor cases. Felonies always go to the main Clearwater courthouse.
How to Search Pinellas County Felony Court Records Online
The Pinellas County Clerk’s online search tool is the fastest way to find felony court records. The system covers cases from 1977 to the present. Older paper records need an in-person request. The online tool works on phones, tablets, and computers. No login or account is required for basic searches.
Step-by-Step Online Search Process
Searching the Pinellas County felony court records online takes about five minutes. Follow these steps in order for the best results.
- Go to the official Pinellas County Clerk website at www.pinellasclerk.org
- Click on “Search Court Records” from the main menu
- Select “Criminal Records” from the case type list
- Enter the full legal name of the person you are searching
- Add a date of birth to narrow your results
- Click the search button and review the case list
- Click any case number to view the full docket
- Use the print or save buttons to keep a copy
Information Needed for a Search
You need specific details to get accurate search results. The more information you provide, the fewer false matches you will see. Prepare these facts before you start your search.
- Full legal name: First, middle, and last name as listed on the arrest report
- Date of birth: The exact date prevents confusion with people who share a name
- Case number: Found on court papers or police reports if you already have one
- Year of arrest: Helps narrow the search to a specific time range
- Charge type: Helpful when searching by court category
Costs and Fees for Records
Most felony records in St Petersburg are free to view. Fees only apply when you need copies or certified copies. The table below shows the current fee schedule.
| Record Type | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online search and view | Free | Instant |
| Printed page from clerk’s office | $0.15 per page | Same day |
| Certified copy | $1 per page plus $2 certification | 1 to 3 business days |
| FDLE statewide search | $24 plus $1 processing | Instant online |
| Exemplified record | $7.50 plus per-page fees | 5 to 7 business days |
Understanding Felony Case Information
Reading a felony case file takes some practice. The records use legal words and short codes. Once you learn the basic terms, the documents make sense. This section explains the most common entries you will see in a St Petersburg felony file.
Felony Case Status and Court Dates
Every felony case goes through several stages. Each stage produces a new entry in the court record. The status tells you where the case stands right now. Court dates show when hearings or trials will happen.
- Open or Active: The case is still moving through court. Hearings or a trial are still pending.
- Pending: Waiting for a court date or a decision from the judge.
- Disposed: The case has ended. The records show the final outcome.
- Arraignment: The first court appearance where the defendant enters a plea.
- Pre-trial conference: A meeting between lawyers and the judge to prepare for trial.
- Plea hearing: The court accepts a guilty or no contest plea.
- Trial: A full court case where witnesses testify and a jury decides the outcome.
- Sentencing: The judge issues the final punishment after a conviction.
Felony Conviction Records vs. Arrest Records
Arrest records and conviction records are not the same thing. An arrest shows police took someone into custody. A conviction shows a court found that person guilty. Many arrests do not lead to convictions. Charges get dropped, reduced, or resolved with a diversion program.
| Record Type | What It Shows | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest record | Date, time, location, and officer report | St Petersburg Police Department |
| Charge document | Formal charges filed by the State Attorney | Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney |
| Court docket | Every hearing and ruling in the case | Pinellas County Clerk of Court |
| Conviction record | Final guilty verdict or plea with sentence | Pinellas County Clerk of Court |
| State criminal history | All arrests and convictions statewide | FDLE |
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
Some felony records get sealed or expunged by court order. Sealed records still exist but the public cannot see them. Expunged records are physically destroyed by the clerk. Most sealing happens under Florida Statute 943.059. Common reasons include dropped charges, completed diversion programs, or wrongful arrests.
- Sealed records: Only the subject, certain agencies, and the courts can see these files.
- Expunged records: The clerk destroys the physical file. Only a one-page order remains.
- Automatic sealing: Florida law seals some misdemeanor records after 10 years. This rule does not apply to most felonies.
- Certificate of eligibility: Required before you can ask for sealing or expungement. Apply through the FDLE.
Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Felony Cases
The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney’s Office decides whether to charge someone with a felony. This office reviews police reports and evidence. Prosecutors then file formal charges. They also handle plea deals and try felony cases in court. The main office is at 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762.
How Prosecutors File Felony Charges
The State Attorney’s Office follows a strict process before filing felony charges. This process protects people from wrongful prosecution. Each step takes time and has legal requirements. The typical path from arrest to formal charges takes 30 to 60 days.
- Police arrest a suspect and write a report
- The report goes to the State Attorney’s Office
- A prosecutor reviews the evidence and witness statements
- The prosecutor decides whether charges are supported by facts
- Formal charges are filed with the clerk of court
- The suspect receives a court summons or is arrested again
- The case moves into the court system for hearings
Requesting State Attorney Case Records
Most State Attorney records are public under Florida law. You can request copies of charging documents and case summaries. The office responds to public records requests within 10 business days. Some documents may be exempt under Florida Statute 119.071. Witness names and active investigation files are often protected.
- Public records request: Submit through the SAO6.org website or in writing
- Required information: Case number, defendant name, or specific document type
- Fees: Standard copy fees apply for paper records
- Electronic records: Available at no charge when possible
Official Contact Information for St Petersburg Felony Records
Below is the official contact information for the agencies that handle St Petersburg felony records. Use these numbers and addresses when you need direct help with a search or request. Always call ahead to confirm hours before visiting in person.
Pinellas County Clerk of Court
The Clerk’s Office maintains all felony court records for St Petersburg. You can visit the main courthouse or any branch office. Staff can help you with searches, copies, and certified records.
- Address: 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
- Phone: (727) 464-7000
- Website: www.pinellasclerk.org
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
St Petersburg Police Department
The Police Department creates arrest and incident reports. Their Records Division handles public requests for these files. Bring a photo ID when picking up copies in person.
- Address: 1300 First Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL 33705
- Phone: (727) 893-7780
- Website: www.stpete.org/police
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney’s Office
The State Attorney’s Office handles felony prosecutions. You can request charging documents and case status updates through their public records portal.
- Address: 14250 49th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33762
- Phone: (727) 464-6221
- Website: www.sao6.org
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database. This is the best source for full background checks across Florida. Results are available instantly online.
- Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Phone: (850) 410-7000
- Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us
- Search Portal: web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions About St Petersburg City Felony Records
This section answers common questions about felony records in St Petersburg, Pinellas County. The answers cover searches, fees, sealing rules, and what different agencies handle. Each answer gives you clear facts you can act on right away.
Are all St Petersburg felony records open to the public?
Most felony records are public under Florida’s Sunshine Law. The law gives anyone the right to view most court and arrest records. Some files are sealed by court order and stay private. Active juvenile cases are also kept private. Witness protection cases get extra protection. Records that have been expunged are destroyed and no longer exist. You can check if a record is sealed by contacting the Pinellas County Clerk’s Office. Staff can tell you if a case is open, closed, or sealed before you pay any fees.
How long does a felony stay on your record in Florida?
Most felony convictions stay on your record forever in Florida. The state does not automatically remove them. You can ask the court to seal or expunge a record under specific conditions. First-time offenders who complete a diversion program may qualify. People whose charges were dropped or who were found not guilty can also ask. You need a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE before you apply. The application costs $75. A judge makes the final decision.
Can I search St Petersburg felony records for free?
Yes. You can search the Pinellas County Clerk’s online system for free. Basic name searches show case numbers, charges, and hearing dates at no cost. The FDLE statewide search costs $24 plus a $1 fee. Court viewing is free at any clerk location. You only pay when you request printed copies, certified copies, or statewide background checks. Visiting the clerk’s office in person is also free.
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor in St Petersburg?
Felonies are serious crimes that can lead to more than one year in state prison. Misdemeanors are less serious and lead to county jail time of less than one year. The St Petersburg Police Department handles both types. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court stores both types of records. Misdemeanor cases go to county court. Felony cases go to circuit court. The 6th Judicial Circuit Court handles all felony cases in Pinellas County.
How do I find out if someone is in jail in St Petersburg?
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail. You can search their inmate database online at pcsoweb.com. The search shows current inmates, charges, and bond amounts. You can also call the jail at (727) 464-6415. The system updates every 15 minutes. Bond information appears within one hour of booking. You can also use Vinelink.com for statewide inmate searches across Florida.
Can employers run a felony background check in St Petersburg?
Yes. Florida employers can run background checks on job applicants. They must get written permission first under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Most employers use the FDLE statewide search. Some also use private background check companies. Schools, healthcare employers, and government agencies have stricter rules. They often require fingerprint-based checks through FDLE or the FBI. Results usually arrive within 24 to 72 hours.
What should I do if I find incorrect information in a St Petersburg felony record?
Contact the Pinellas County Clerk of Court right away if you see errors. Bring proof of the correct facts, like a court order or dismissal notice. The clerk can file a motion to correct the record. For errors in arrest reports, contact the St Petersburg Police Department. For errors in state criminal history, contact FDLE at (850) 410-7000. You have the right to challenge any incorrect public record. Most errors get fixed within 30 days.