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Walton County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Walton County

Yes, arrest records in Walton County are public information under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes). This means that anyone can access these records without providing a reason for their request. The Walton County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them available to the public.

The Florida Constitution and state statutes establish a right of access to government records, including arrest records. However, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy, such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information about victims of certain crimes.

For official records requests, you can contact the Walton County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435.

What's in Walton County Arrest Records

Walton County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's arrest, including:

  • Full name and aliases
  • Booking photograph (mugshot)
  • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
  • Date of birth
  • Address
  • Booking date and time
  • Charges filed
  • Bond information
  • Court dates
  • Case numbers
  • Arresting agency
  • Location of arrest

Some records may also include additional information such as property held in evidence, personal property inventory, and medical screening information. However, certain sensitive information is typically redacted from public versions of these records.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Walton County in 2025

To look up arrest records in Walton County in 2025, you have several options:

  1. Online Inmate Search: Visit the Walton County Sheriff's Office website and use their inmate search tool.

  2. In-Person Request: Visit the Walton County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 during business hours.

  3. Mail Request: Send a written request to the Walton County Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address above.

  4. Walton County Clerk of Court: For case information related to arrests, contact the Clerk's office at 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433.

  5. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): For statewide criminal history information, contact FDLE at 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308.

When requesting records, be prepared to provide the full name of the person, their date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest to help narrow the search.

How To Find Walton County Arrest Records Online

Finding Walton County arrest records online is straightforward through these resources:

  1. Walton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: The official portal at https://nwscorrections.waltonso.org/NewWorld.InMateInquiry/WaltonCounty allows you to search for current inmates and recent bookings.

  2. Walton County Clerk of Court Records Search: Visit the Clerk's website at https://www.clerkofcourts.co.walton.fl.us to search court records related to arrests.

  3. Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search: For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison, visit the FDOC website.

  4. Florida Department of Law Enforcement: FDLE offers criminal history searches for a fee.

  5. Third-Party Background Check Websites: Various commercial websites aggregate public records, including arrest information, though their accuracy may vary.

When using these online resources, remember that the most current and accurate information comes directly from official county sources.

Can You Search Walton County Arrest Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Walton County arrest records for free through several channels:

  1. Walton County Sheriff's Office Website: Their inmate search tool is free to use and provides basic booking information.

  2. Public Access Terminals: Available at the Walton County Courthouse (571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433), these terminals allow free searches of court records related to arrests.

  3. In-Person Requests: Basic searches conducted in person at the Sheriff's Office Records Division may be provided at no cost, though fees may apply for copies.

While basic searches are free, there may be charges for:

  • Printed copies (typically $0.15-$0.25 per page)
  • Certified copies (additional fee)
  • Extensive research requiring staff time
  • Complete criminal history reports

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges a fee for official criminal history information, currently $24 per record search.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Walton County

Deleting arrest records in Walton County requires going through the expungement or sealing process under Florida law. Here's how to proceed:

  1. Determine Eligibility: Not all arrests qualify for expungement or sealing. Generally, cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or where adjudication was withheld may be eligible.

  2. Obtain Certificate of Eligibility: Apply through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308). This requires:

    • Fingerprints taken by a law enforcement agency
    • Certified disposition of the case
    • Application fee (currently $75)
    • Completed application form

  3. File a Petition: Once you have the Certificate of Eligibility, file a petition with the Walton County Clerk of Court (571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433).

  4. Court Hearing: The court may schedule a hearing where a judge will decide whether to grant the expungement or sealing.

  5. Notification: If granted, notifications will be sent to agencies holding the records.

Consider consulting with an attorney specializing in record expungement, as the process can be complex and requirements strict.

What Happens After Arrest in Walton County?

After an arrest in Walton County, the process typically follows these steps:

  1. Booking: The arrestee is taken to the Walton County Jail (752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435) where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded.

  2. First Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a judge who reviews probable cause, sets bail if applicable, and addresses legal representation.

  3. Bail/Bond: If eligible, the arrestee may be released after posting bail or through a bail bondsman.

  4. Arraignment: The formal reading of charges where the defendant enters a plea.

  5. Pre-Trial Proceedings: May include discovery, motion hearings, and plea negotiations.

  6. Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it will be held at the Walton County Courthouse.

  7. Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the appropriate sentence.

Throughout this process, the Walton County Public Defender's Office (571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433) may provide representation for those who cannot afford an attorney.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Walton County?

Arrest records in Walton County are typically kept indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged through court order. Florida's record retention policies follow these general guidelines:

  • Arrest Records: Maintained permanently by law enforcement agencies
  • Booking Photos (Mugshots): Retained indefinitely as part of the arrest record
  • Fingerprints: Submitted to FDLE and FBI databases and kept permanently
  • Court Records: Maintained permanently by the Clerk of Court

Even after a case is dismissed or a person is found not guilty, the arrest record remains unless specific legal action is taken to seal or expunge it. Juvenile records may be automatically sealed when the individual reaches adulthood, with certain exceptions for serious offenses.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308) maintains the central repository for all criminal history information in the state.

How to Find Mugshots in Walton County

Finding mugshots in Walton County can be done through several methods:

  1. Walton County Sheriff's Office Website: The inmate search function often includes booking photos of current inmates.

  2. Public Records Request: Submit a request to the Walton County Sheriff's Office Records Division (752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435) specifically asking for booking photographs.

  3. Walton County Jail Website: The jail may maintain an online database that includes mugshots of current and recently released inmates.

  4. Third-Party Websites: Various websites aggregate and publish mugshots from public records, though these sites may not always be up-to-date or accurate.

When requesting mugshots, be prepared to provide:

  • Full name of the individual
  • Date of birth (if known)
  • Approximate date of arrest
  • Case number (if available)

Note that Florida law allows individuals to request removal of their mugshot from a website if they were arrested but not charged, charges were dropped, or they were acquitted.

Lookup Arrest Records in Walton County

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about arrests in Walton County, use these official resources:

Inmate Search - Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL - The official inmate search tool for Walton County provides detailed information about current detainees, including booking details and housing information.

Walton County Sheriff Office, FL, Arrest Warrants Search - This resource offers information on arrest warrants issued in Walton County, including a warrant lookup service and details on how to access arrest records and criminal records.

These official channels ensure you receive the most reliable information about arrests and inmate status in Walton County.

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