Martin County criminal history records are public files kept by the Martin County Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. These records show arrests, charges, court outcomes, and sentencing for people who had cases in Martin County, Florida.
Anyone can look up these records for legal, personal, or work reasons. This page explains what these records contain, where to find them, how much they cost, and what Florida law says about who can see them. The steps below work for both local Martin County searches and statewide Florida criminal history checks.
What Martin County Criminal History Records Include
A Martin County criminal history record is a full written history of someone’s contact with the local court and law enforcement system. These files pull data from the Sheriff’s Office, the court system, and the state criminal database. Each record gives a clear picture of what happened, when it happened, and how the case ended.
Types of Offenses Documented
Criminal history records in Martin County cover both misdemeanor and felony cases. Misdemeanors are smaller crimes that usually carry up to one year in jail. Felonies are more serious and can lead to state prison time. The records also show infractions handled in county court and any violations of local ordinances. Traffic crimes that lead to arrest, such as DUI, also show up in the criminal history file.
Personal Details in the Record
Each record lists the full legal name of the person, date of birth, race, gender, and any known aliases. The file also has a state identification number used by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Physical details like height, weight, and tattoos may also appear if the person was fingerprinted at booking.
Court Disposition Details
The disposition section of the record shows the final outcome of each case. This includes whether the person was found guilty, found not guilty, had charges dropped, or received a withhold of adjudication. The record also lists any sentence, fine, probation term, or court-ordered program. Sentences like jail time, prison time, community service, or fines all show up clearly in this part of the file.
How to Search Martin County Criminal History Records
People can search criminal history records in Martin County through three main methods. The Clerk of Court office in Stuart handles all local requests. The online portal gives 24-hour access from home. Mail requests work for people who cannot visit the office in person. Each method has its own steps and fees.
Searching at the Martin County Clerk of Court
The Martin County Clerk of Court keeps all criminal case files for the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. The office sits at 100 Southeast Ocean Boulevard in Stuart, Florida. Visitors can search public records on courthouse computers during business hours. Staff at the front desk can help locate specific case files when given a full name and date of birth. A valid photo ID is required to view certain sealed documents and certified records.
Online Public Records Portal
The Clerk of Court runs an online search portal through the official Martin County website. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. The portal shows case status, hearing dates, and document images for a small fee per page. Most basic case data is free to view, but certified copies cost extra. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers with no special software needed.
Mail and In-Person Request Methods
Mail requests for criminal history records require a written letter that includes the full name and date of birth of the person being searched. The request must also include a self-addressed stamped envelope and the search fee. The Clerk’s office processes mail requests within five to seven business days. In-person requests get same-day service in most cases. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for payment.
Required Information for Your Search
Anyone running a search must have the correct full legal name of the person. A date of birth helps narrow the results and prevents mix-ups with people who share the same name. A case number, if known, speeds up the search. Searchers should also bring a photo ID for in-person visits and for picking up certified copies.
FDLE Statewide Criminal History Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the central database for all criminal records across the state. This system is called the Criminal History Record System, or CHRS. FDLE records cover all 67 Florida counties, including Martin County. Statewide searches are useful when a person may have arrests or cases in multiple Florida counties.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Online Portal
FDLE operates the CCHInet portal for online criminal history searches. Users create an account, enter the person’s name and date of birth, and pay the search fee. The instant search option gives immediate results but produces non-certified reports. Certified records take longer but are accepted for legal and government use. The portal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Certified vs Non-Certified Results
Non-certified results are quick and cheap, but they cannot be used in court or for official licensing. Certified results include an official seal, signature, and stamp that prove the record is true and accurate. Employers, licensing boards, and immigration offices almost always require certified results. The extra step costs more and takes longer to process.
FDLE Fees and Processing Times
The standard FDLE search fee is twenty-four dollars per name. Add a small processing fee for credit card payments. Instant search results arrive within minutes. Mailed certified results take five to seven business days. Each name search is a separate fee, so searching two people costs double. There is no bulk discount under the standard public search program.
What FDLE Records Cover
FDLE records include all Florida arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by county clerks and law enforcement agencies. The database does not include federal arrests, out-of-state convictions, or sealed records. Juvenile records that were not transferred to adult court also do not appear. Some older records may be missing if the county failed to report them to the state system.
Martin County Clerk of Court Contact Details
The Martin County Clerk of Court is the main contact for local criminal history records. The office handles record requests, certified copies, and online account help. Staff can answer questions about search methods, fees, and document types. The office also keeps marriage records, property records, and other public files for the county.
Office Location and Hours
The Clerk of Court office sits at 100 Southeast Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, Florida 34994. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and federal holidays. Public terminals inside the lobby stay open during all business hours for free record searches.
Phone, Website, and Mailing Address
The Clerk’s office phone number is (772) 288-5576. The official website is martinclerk.com. Mail requests should be sent to the same Stuart address listed above. Email support is available through the contact form on the website. Response time for email questions is usually one to two business days.
Service Fees
Basic record searches at the Clerk’s office cost a small fee per page. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Credit card payments add a small convenience fee. Cash, checks, money orders, and major credit cards are all accepted. Fee waivers are available for indigent requesters who can show financial need with proper paperwork.
Florida Criminal History Laws and Public Access
Florida has strong laws that control who can see criminal history records and how they can be used. These laws balance the public’s right to know with the rights of people who have been arrested or convicted. The main law that covers this area is Florida Statute 943.053. Other laws deal with sealed records, expunged records, and how employers can use background checks.
Florida Statute 943.053
Florida Statute 943.053 sets the rules for sharing criminal history information. The law says that FDLE is the official keeper of all Florida criminal records. It also says that the records must be made available to the public for a small fee. The law lists who can get records and what information can be shared. It also sets penalties for people who misuse the records or share them in illegal ways.
Sealed and Expunged Records
Sealed records are hidden from the public but still exist in the system. Only certain government agencies and employers can see sealed records. Expunged records are physically destroyed in the public system, though some law enforcement agencies keep a copy for their own use. A person must file a petition with the court to seal or expunge a record. The court holds a hearing and decides based on the case facts and the person’s criminal history.
Record Challenge and Correction Process
Anyone who finds an error in their criminal history record can file a challenge with FDLE. The challenge form is available on the FDLE website. The person must show proof that the record is wrong, such as a court order showing a case was dismissed. FDLE has 30 days to review the challenge and fix any confirmed errors. If FDLE refuses the challenge, the person can appeal to the court.
Using Criminal History for Employment and Licensing
Many Florida employers and licensing boards require criminal background checks before hiring or granting a license. The rules for these checks depend on the type of job and the industry. Florida law gives employers the right to check criminal records, but also limits how they can use the information. Job applicants have rights too, including the right to challenge wrong information.
Florida Background Check Requirements
Jobs that work with children, the elderly, or vulnerable adults require Level 2 background checks. These checks include fingerprints and a search of both state and FBI databases. Other jobs only need a Level 1 check, which is a name-based search of Florida records. Some jobs, like school teachers and healthcare workers, must pass these checks before starting work and at regular intervals after hiring.
FBI Federal Background Checks
The FBI runs the federal criminal database called the National Crime Information Center, or NCIC. Federal background checks show arrests and convictions from all 50 states and federal agencies. These checks cost more than Florida-only checks and take longer to process. They are required for federal jobs, military service, and certain licensed positions like armored car drivers.
Employer Rights Under Florida Law
Florida employers can ask about criminal history on job applications and during interviews. The law says employers cannot automatically reject every applicant with a criminal record. They must look at the nature of the crime, how long ago it happened, and how it relates to the job. Ban-the-box laws in some Florida cities add extra rules for government job applications.
Free vs Paid Criminal Record Search Options
Several free and paid options exist for searching criminal records in Martin County. Free options include courthouse public terminals and some state websites. Paid options include online third-party services and certified record requests. The best choice depends on how the records will be used and how fast they are needed.
Official Free Search Methods
The Martin County Courthouse has free public search terminals in the lobby. Anyone can use them during business hours to look up basic case data. The Florida Supreme Court also runs a free online portal for some court records. The FDLE public portal offers a free name search option that shows limited case data without payment.
Third-Party Search Services
Many private companies offer criminal record searches for a fee. These services pull data from public sources and combine it into easy-to-read reports. They charge per search or sell monthly subscription plans. Some services also offer monitoring that alerts users when new records appear. Pick services that use official data sources and show clear fee structures.
Avoiding Scam Websites
Some websites charge high fees for records that are free from official sources. Always check the source of the data before paying. Official government websites end in .gov or .us. The Martin County Clerk and FDLE both run official .gov websites. Avoid sites that ask for payment before showing basic search results or that require monthly fees for one-time searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Martin County criminal history records. These answers cover local search methods, state database rules, record corrections, and legal rights. Each question addresses a specific issue that people often face when looking for criminal history data in Martin County, Florida.
How Long Does It Take to Get Martin County Criminal History Records?
The time depends on the search method. In-person searches at the Clerk’s office give same-day results in most cases. Online searches through the Clerk portal show results within minutes. Mail requests take five to seven business days to process. FDLE statewide searches give instant results online, but certified mailed results take five to seven business days. The fastest method for certified records is in-person at the Clerk’s office.
Are Sealed or Expunged Records Shown in a Criminal History Search?
No, sealed and expunged records do not appear in public criminal history searches. Once a court orders a record sealed, it is removed from the public system. Expunged records are physically destroyed in the public database. Only certain law enforcement agencies and government offices can still see sealed records. Regular employers and the public cannot see them through any standard search method.
Can I Check My Own Criminal History Record in Martin County?
Yes, anyone can request their own criminal history record. The FDLE offers a special self-check service that lets you see what is in your own record. You can also visit the Martin County Clerk of Court to view your own case files. This is a good idea if you plan to apply for a job, a license, or an expungement. Self-checks help you spot errors before they cause problems.
What Is the Difference Between an Arrest Record and a Criminal History Record?
An arrest record only shows that someone was taken into custody by police. A criminal history record is broader and shows the full case history. It includes the arrest, the charges filed, court hearings, and the final disposition. An arrest does not always lead to a conviction, so the criminal history record gives the full story of what happened with the case.
How Much Does a Certified Criminal History Record Cost in Florida?
Certified criminal history records from FDLE cost twenty-four dollars per name, plus a small processing fee for online payments. The Martin County Clerk charges a separate fee for certified local records, which usually costs a few dollars per document. Third-party services charge more, often between thirty and one hundred dollars per search. Always confirm the fee before placing an order.
Can an Employer in Florida Reject Me Based on My Criminal Record?
Florida law allows employers to consider criminal history when making hiring decisions. The law does not ban this practice, but it does require employers to look at the facts of each case. They must consider the nature of the crime, how long ago it happened, and how it relates to the job. Some Florida cities and counties have local rules that add more protection for job applicants.
What Should I Do If I Find Wrong Information in My Criminal Record?
File a challenge with FDLE right away using the official challenge form on their website. Include proof that the record is wrong, such as a court order or signed affidavit. FDLE has 30 days to review the challenge and correct any errors. If FDLE denies the challenge, you can file a petition with the court to fix the record. A lawyer can help with this process if needed.