Palm Beach County Criminal Records

What Is Palm Beach County Criminal Records

Palm Beach County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Palm Beach County, Florida. These records are maintained by various county agencies, including the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's Office and the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. They document arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions for individuals who have interacted with the criminal justice system in the county.

Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's Office: 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office: 3228 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

Are Criminal Records Public In Palm Beach County

Yes, criminal records in Palm Beach County are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This means that most criminal records are accessible to the general public, with some exceptions for sealed or expunged records, juvenile records, and certain sensitive information.

The Florida Constitution and state statutes establish a right of access to government records, including court records and law enforcement documents. This transparency allows citizens to monitor the criminal justice system and access information about individuals' criminal histories.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Palm Beach County in 2025

In 2025, there are several methods to look up criminal records in Palm Beach County:

1. Online Court Records: Use the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's eCaseView system to search for criminal cases by name, case number, or citation number.

2. Sheriff's Office Records: Request records directly from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Central Records Division, either in person, by mail, or through their online portal.

3. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): For statewide criminal history information, you can request a background check through the FDLE.

4. In-Person Visits: Visit the courthouse or clerk's office to access public terminals for searching records.

5. Third-Party Background Check Services: Various commercial services compile and provide access to criminal records, though these may not always be complete or up-to-date.

Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Complex: 3228 Gun Club Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33406

How To Find Criminal Records in Palm Beach County Online?

Finding Palm Beach County criminal records online is straightforward through these official channels:

1. eCaseView: The Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller's online system allows public access to court records. Visit the official website, create an account if necessary, and search by name, case number, or other identifiers.

2. Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Website: The PBSO provides access to arrest records, inmate information, and other law enforcement data through their online portal.

3. Florida Department of Law Enforcement Website: For statewide criminal history checks, the FDLE offers an online system for requesting criminal history information for a fee.

4. Florida Court Access (FLCA): This statewide system provides access to court records across Florida, including Palm Beach County.

Remember that some records may require registration or payment of fees to access, and certain information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons.

Can You Search Palm Beach County Criminal Records for Free?

Yes, there are several free options for searching Palm Beach County criminal records:

1. eCaseView Public Access: Basic searches of court records through the Clerk & Comptroller's website are free, though some detailed documents may require payment.

2. Public Access Terminals: Computers available at the courthouse and clerk's office provide free access to search court records.

3. PBSO Inmate Search: The Sheriff's Office offers a free online inmate search tool that provides information about current inmates and recent arrests.

4. Public Records Requests: While there may be costs for copying documents, you can submit public records requests to view records without charge.

However, comprehensive background checks or certified copies of documents typically involve fees. Additionally, third-party background check services almost always charge for their services.

Palm Beach County Main Courthouse: 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

What's Included in a Palm Beach County Criminal Record?

A typical Palm Beach County criminal record may include:

1. Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, and sometimes physical description of the individual.

2. Arrest Information: Date of arrest, arresting agency, charges, and booking details.

3. Case Information: Court case numbers, filing dates, and jurisdiction.

4. Charges: Specific criminal charges filed, including statute numbers and descriptions.

5. Court Proceedings: Hearing dates, plea information, and trial details.

6. Disposition: Outcome of the case, such as conviction, acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi.

7. Sentencing Information: If convicted, details about the sentence imposed, including incarceration, probation, fines, or other penalties.

8. Criminal History: Sometimes includes prior arrests or convictions within the county.

The level of detail may vary depending on the source of the record and the nature of the case.

What Are the Penalties for a Palm Beach County Criminal Trespass Charge?

In Palm Beach County, criminal trespass penalties vary based on the specific circumstances and whether the trespass was to property or a structure:

1. Trespass on Property (Second-Degree Misdemeanor):

   • Up to 60 days in jail
   • Up to $500 fine
   • Up to 6 months probation

2. Trespass in Structure or Conveyance (First-Degree Misdemeanor):

   • Up to 1 year in jail
   • Up to $1,000 fine
   • Up to 1 year probation

3. Trespass on Construction Site (Enhanced Penalties):

   • Increased fines and potential jail time

4. Aggravated Circumstances: Penalties may be enhanced if the trespass involved:

   • Carrying a dangerous weapon
   • Trespassing on specifically protected locations
   • Prior trespass convictions

The court may also impose community service, restitution, or other conditions. First-time offenders might be eligible for diversion programs or reduced penalties.

Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office: 401 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

How Long Does Palm Beach County Keep Criminal Records?

Palm Beach County maintains criminal records indefinitely in most cases. Florida does not have automatic expiration dates for criminal records. Once created, these records remain in the public domain unless specific legal action is taken to remove them.

However, individuals may be eligible to have their records sealed or expunged under certain circumstances:

1. Record Sealing: If you were not convicted of the offense, you may be eligible to have your record sealed, which limits public access.

2. Record Expungement: If your charges were dismissed or you were acquitted, you might qualify for expungement, which physically destroys the records.

Both processes require meeting specific eligibility criteria and filing a petition through the court system. Not all offenses qualify for sealing or expungement, particularly violent crimes, sexual offenses, and certain other serious charges.

It's important to note that even sealed or expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain government entities.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Seal and Expunge Section: P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302

Lookup Criminal Records in Palm Beach County

For those seeking to access Palm Beach County criminal records, several official resources are available:

• eCaseView - The Palm Beach County Clerk's official court records search system that provides detailed information about civil, criminal, and traffic cases filed in the county.

• Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Arrest & Jail Information - Access information about arrests, jail records, inmate searches, and visitation details through the PBSO website.

• PBSO Central Records Division - The main repository for Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office records, handling public records requests and providing access to law enforcement documentation.

These official resources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding criminal records in Palm Beach County. When conducting searches, be sure to have as much identifying information as possible to ensure you locate the correct records.