Walton County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Walton County

Arrest records in Walton County are considered public records pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Members of the public may access these records with certain limitations established by state law. The Florida Constitution and statutory provisions establish a right of access to records made or received in connection with official government business.

Under Florida Statute § 119.07, most arrest records maintained by the Walton County Sheriff's Office are available for public inspection and copying. These records include:

• Arrest reports
• Booking photographs (mugshots)
• Incident reports
• Arrest affidavits
• Jail booking information

The Walton County Sheriff's Office maintains these public records and provides access in accordance with Florida law. Certain exemptions may apply to specific information within arrest records, particularly in cases involving:

• Active criminal investigations
• Juvenile offenders (with exceptions)
• Victims of certain crimes
• Confidential informants
• Personal identifying information such as social security numbers

Walton County Sheriff's Office 752 Triple G Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Phone: (850) 892-8111 Walton County Sheriff's Office

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

What's in Walton County Arrest Records

Walton County arrest records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during and following an arrest. These records are maintained by the Walton County Sheriff's Office and typically include several standard components as required by Florida Statute § 119.011(3)(c).

Standard information contained in Walton County arrest records includes:

• Arrestee's full legal name and any known aliases
• Date of birth and demographic information
• Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
• Date, time, and location of arrest
• Criminal charges filed (including Florida statute numbers)
• Arresting agency and officer information
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprint information
• Case/incident number
• Bond information and current custody status

Additional documentation that may be included in complete arrest records:

• Narrative reports from arresting officers
• Witness statements (with possible redactions)
• Property/evidence inventories
• Miranda rights acknowledgment
• Medical screening information (with possible redactions)
• Court appearance dates
• Disposition of charges

The Walton County Jail maintains booking records as part of the county's arrest documentation system. These records are accessible through the Walton County inmate search portal and provide real-time information about individuals currently in custody.

Walton County Jail 796 Triple G Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Phone: (850) 892-8196 Walton County Jail Information

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Walton County in 2025

Walton County provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in 2025, in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

The Walton County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian of arrest records and offers several options for record retrieval:

1. Online Inmate Search Portal: The Sheriff's Office maintains a real-time database of current inmates and recent arrests accessible through their inmate inquiry system.

2. In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Records Division at the Sheriff's Office headquarters to submit requests for arrest records.

   Walton County Sheriff's Office Records Division 752 Triple G Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Phone: (850) 892-8186

3. Written Requests: Individuals may submit public records requests via mail or email. Written requests should include:

   • Requestor's contact information
   • Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
   • Date of arrest (approximate if exact date unknown)
   • Case number (if available)
   • Specific records being requested

4. Clerk of Court Records: For arrest records that have proceeded to court action, the Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains case files.

   Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court 571 US Highway 90 East DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Phone: (850) 892-8115 Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(4), fees may apply for copies of records. The standard fee structure includes:

• $0.15 per one-sided copy (letter size)
• $0.20 per two-sided copy (letter size)
• $1.00 per certified copy
• Additional special service charges may apply for extensive requests requiring significant staff time

How To Find Walton County Arrest Records Online

Walton County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official government websites. The primary online platforms for retrieving arrest information are maintained by county law enforcement and judicial agencies in compliance with Florida's public records statutes.

The Walton County Sheriff's Office offers an online inmate search portal that provides real-time information about current inmates and recent arrests. This searchable database includes:

• Arrestee's name and booking photograph
• Booking date and time
• Current charges
• Bond information
• Custody status
• Next scheduled court appearance

For broader criminal history information, the Walton County Clerk of Court maintains an online case search system that allows users to access:

• Criminal case records
• Court dockets
• Case status updates
• Judgment and sentencing information
• Court dates and hearing schedules

The Florida Department of Corrections provides supplementary information for individuals who have been transferred to state custody through their Offender Information Search. This resource is particularly useful for locating individuals who have been sentenced to state prison following conviction in Walton County.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, complete arrest records with detailed narratives and supporting documentation typically require formal public records requests. Additionally, pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.071, certain information may be redacted from online records to protect confidential information.

Can You Search Walton County Arrest Records for Free?

Walton County provides several no-cost options for accessing basic arrest record information in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain fundamental arrest data without incurring fees.

The following free search options are available:

• Walton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online inmate inquiry system that provides current booking information and recent arrest data. This resource is updated in real-time and requires no payment or subscription.

• In-Person Record Inspection: Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(1)(a), individuals have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no charge. The Walton County Sheriff's Office Records Division accommodates in-person inspection of arrest records at:

  Walton County Sheriff's Office Records Division 752 Triple G Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

• Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search: For individuals transferred to state custody following arrest in Walton County, the Florida DOC offender database provides free access to basic custody information.

• Florida Department of State Resources: The Florida Department of State maintains links to county jail information and inmate searches throughout Florida, including Walton County.

While basic searches are free, fees may apply for:

• Copies of records ($0.15 per page for single-sided copies)
• Certified copies ($1.00 per document)
• Extensive research requests requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time (special service charge based on lowest paid employee capable of performing the work)

These fees are established pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07(4) and are intended to recover the actual cost of duplication rather than to generate revenue.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Walton County

Arrest records in Walton County cannot be deleted in the conventional sense, but Florida law provides specific legal mechanisms for sealing or expunging qualifying records. These processes are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 943, specifically sections 943.0585 and 943.059.

Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public view must follow these established procedures:

1. Determine Eligibility: Not all arrest records qualify for expungement or sealing. Eligibility requirements include:

   • No prior sealed or expunged records in Florida
   • No convictions for any criminal offense
   • Case disposition favorable to the defendant (dismissal, nolle prosequi, acquittal, etc.)
   • No adjudication of guilt for specified offenses listed in Florida Statute § 943.0585

2. Certificate of Eligibility: Applicants must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This requires:

   • Completed application form
   • Fingerprint submission
   • $75 processing fee
   • Certified disposition of the case

3. Petition the Court: Upon receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, individuals must file a petition in the Walton County Court where the case was handled:

   Walton County Courthouse 571 US Highway 90 East DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Phone: (850) 892-8115 Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

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

Important considerations regarding this process:

• Expungement physically destroys records, while sealing removes them from public view but maintains them for certain government agencies.
• Even after expungement, some agencies (including law enforcement and the courts) may still access sealed or expunged records.
• The process typically takes 6-9 months to complete.
• Legal assistance is recommended but not required.

Pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.0585(4), individuals who successfully expunge records may lawfully deny the arrest occurred except in specific circumstances outlined in the statute.

What Happens After Arrest in Walton County?

Following an arrest in Walton County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process established by Florida law and local procedures. This process includes several key stages that occur in a prescribed sequence.

The post-arrest procedure typically unfolds as follows:

1. Booking Process: Arrestees are transported to the Walton County Jail where they undergo:

   • Photographing and fingerprinting
   • Personal property inventory
   • Medical screening
   • Background check
   • Initial charge documentation

   Walton County Jail 796 Triple G Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Phone: (850) 892-8196

2. First Appearance Hearing: Within 24 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judge who:

   • Reviews probable cause for the arrest
   • Considers pretrial release conditions
   • Determines bond amounts
   • Appoints public defender if defendant qualifies
   • Advises defendant of charges

3. Formal Charging Decision: The State Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:

   • File formal charges
   • Modify charges
   • Decline prosecution

4. Arraignment: Defendants are formally presented with charges and enter a plea of:

   • Guilty
   • Not guilty
   • No contest

5. Pretrial Proceedings: May include:

   • Discovery exchange
   • Motion hearings
   • Pretrial conferences
   • Plea negotiations

6. Case Resolution: Cases conclude through:

   • Trial (jury or bench)
   • Plea agreement
   • Dismissal
   • Diversion program completion

Throughout this process, defendants have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a speedy trial. These proceedings are conducted at the Walton County Courthouse:

Walton County Courthouse 571 US Highway 90 East DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Phone: (850) 892-8115

Individuals convicted of felonies may be transferred to state custody at facilities such as:

Walton Correctional Institution 691 Institution Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Phone: (850) 951-1300

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Walton County?

Arrest records in Walton County are maintained indefinitely in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. These retention policies are governed by Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes and specific schedules outlined in Rule 1B-24.003, Florida Administrative Code.

The retention periods for various components of arrest records are as follows:

• Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Permanent retention required. These records are never destroyed and remain accessible throughout an individual's lifetime and beyond.

• Criminal History Information: Maintained permanently by both the Walton County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

• Fingerprint Records: Retained permanently in both physical and digital formats.

• Booking Photographs (Mugshots): Preserved indefinitely as part of the permanent arrest record.

• Case Files: Maintained according to the following schedule:

  • Capital/Life Felonies: Permanent retention
  • Other Felonies: 25 years after case closure
  • Misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
  • Juvenile Records: Special rules apply under Florida Statute § 985.04

These records are maintained by multiple agencies including:

Walton County Sheriff's Office Records Division 752 Triple G Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Phone: (850) 892-8186

Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court 571 US Highway 90 East DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 Phone: (850) 892-8115

Florida Department of Law Enforcement 2331 Phillips Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone: (850) 410-7000

The only legal mechanism to remove arrest records from public access is through the sealing or expungement process outlined in Florida Statutes §§ 943.0585 and 943.059, which requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and obtaining court approval.

How to Find Mugshots in Walton County

Booking photographs, commonly known as mugshots, are considered public records in Walton County pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.011(3)(c). These photographs are taken during the booking process at the Walton County Jail and become part of the official arrest record.

Members of the public may access mugshots through several official channels:

1. Online Inmate Search: The Walton County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate inquiry system that includes booking photographs of current inmates and recently arrested individuals. This database is updated in real-time and provides:

   • Current booking photographs
   • Basic arrest information
   • Custody status

2. Public Records Request: For mugshots not available in the online system or for historical bookings, individuals may submit a formal public records request to:

   Walton County Sheriff's Office Records Division 752 Triple G Road DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435 Phone: (850) 892-8186 Public counter hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

   Requests should include:

   • Subject's full name
   • Date of birth (if known)
   • Approximate date of arrest
   • Case number (if available)

3. In-Person Inspection: Individuals may visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours to view and request copies of mugshots.

Standard fees apply for copies of mugshots:

• $0.15 per page for standard copies
• Additional fees may apply for certified copies or extensive research

It should be noted that Florida Statute § 119.071 provides certain exemptions that may restrict access to mugshots in specific circumstances, such as:

• Active criminal investigations
• Undercover personnel
• Victims of certain crimes
• Juvenile offenders (with exceptions)

The Walton County Sheriff's Office provides detailed information about requesting these and other public records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Walton County

Walton County Sheriff's Office

Walton County Inmate Search

Walton County Government

Florida Courts - Walton County

Florida Department of Corrections

Florida Department of State - County Jails and Inmate Searches