Walton County Criminal Records
What Is Walton County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Walton County, Florida constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple government agencies and contain information pertaining to arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions of criminal cases. The Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller serves as the primary custodian of court-related criminal records pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.222.
Criminal records typically include:
- Arrest reports and booking information
- Criminal charges filed by the State Attorney's Office
- Court proceedings and hearing dates
- Case dispositions and sentencing information
- Probation and parole records when applicable
- Warrant information
The maintenance and accessibility of these records are governed by Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), which establishes the public's right to access government records unless specifically exempted by statute.
Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller
571 US Highway 90 East
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-8115
Walton County Clerk of Courts
Are Criminal Records Public In Walton County
Criminal records in Walton County are generally considered public records in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This statute establishes a presumption of openness for government records, including those related to criminal proceedings. Members of the public may access most criminal records without demonstrating a specific purpose or relationship to the case.
However, certain exceptions and limitations apply:
- Records pertaining to juvenile offenders may be confidential or have restricted access under Florida Statutes § 985.04
- Records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.0585 or § 943.059 are not accessible to the general public
- Active criminal intelligence information and active criminal investigative information are exempt from public disclosure under Florida Statutes § 119.071(2)(c)
- Information that would reveal the identity of victims of certain crimes, including sexual offenses, is protected from disclosure
The Walton County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and booking information, while the Clerk of Courts maintains records of court proceedings, judgments, and case dispositions. Both agencies provide public access to non-exempt records in accordance with state law.
Walton County Sheriff's Office
752 Triple G Road
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
(850) 892-8111
Walton County Sheriff's Office
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Walton County in 2025
Walton County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several official channels. The methods available in 2025 reflect the county's ongoing commitment to transparency and public access while maintaining compliance with Florida's public records statutes.
In-person requests may be submitted at the following locations:
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Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller - For court case records, judgments, and dispositions
- Main Office: 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
- South Walton Annex: 31 Coastal Centre Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Identification is required for certain sensitive records
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Walton County Sheriff's Office - For arrest records, incident reports, and booking information
- Records Division: 752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
- Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
For remote access, requestors may:
- Submit written requests via mail to either agency
- Complete online request forms through the Walton County government website
- Access the Clerk's online court records portal for publicly available case information
- Utilize the Walton County Jail Inmate Inquiry system for current inmate information
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07, agencies may charge reasonable fees for duplication of records. Current fee schedules are available on the respective agency websites.
How To Find Criminal Records in Walton County Online?
Walton County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online. These resources allow members of the public to conduct research remotely in accordance with Florida's commitment to government transparency under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.
The primary online resources include:
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Walton County Clerk of Courts Public Records Search - This comprehensive database allows users to search court cases by name, case number, or filing date. The system provides access to docket information, party details, and in many instances, digital copies of court documents. This resource is accessible through the Clerk's Court Records portal.
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Walton County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search - The Sheriff's Office maintains a current database of individuals in custody at the Walton County Jail. This system provides booking information, charges, and custody status through the Walton County Jail Inmate Inquiry system.
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Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search - For individuals sentenced to state prison or under state supervision, records can be accessed through the Florida Department of Corrections website.
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement Resources - The FDLE maintains statewide databases including the Sex Offender Registry and Wanted Persons database.
When utilizing these online systems, users should note that certain information may be redacted in accordance with exemptions under Florida Statutes § 119.071. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in public searches.
Can You Search Walton County Criminal Records for Free?
Walton County provides multiple options for free access to criminal records in compliance with Florida's Public Records Law. These no-cost options ensure that financial constraints do not impede the public's right to access government information.
Free access options include:
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Online Court Records Portal - The Walton County Clerk's Court Records search provides free access to basic case information including party names, charges, case status, and scheduled hearings. This resource is available 24 hours a day without charge.
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Public Access Terminals - Computer terminals are available for public use at both Clerk of Courts locations in DeFuniak Springs and Santa Rosa Beach. These terminals provide more comprehensive access to court records than the online portal and can be used during regular business hours at no cost.
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Walton County Sheriff's Office Online Resources - Basic arrest information and inmate status can be viewed without charge through the Sheriff's Office website and inmate inquiry system.
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In-Person Record Inspection - Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a) guarantees the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours. While copying fees may apply, viewing records incurs no cost.
While basic record searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Extensive research requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time
- Large volume copying or specialized document reproduction
The current fee schedule is established pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.07(4) and is available at each agency's public counter.
What's Included in a Walton County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Walton County agencies contain comprehensive information about an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Florida Rules of Judicial Administration and state statutes governing public records.
A typical Walton County criminal record contains:
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Demographic Information - The subject's full name, date of birth, address at time of arrest, and physical descriptors including height, weight, and identifying marks
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Arrest Details - Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; officer information; and probable cause narrative
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Charging Information - Formal charges filed by the State Attorney's Office, including Florida statute citations, offense levels (felony/misdemeanor), and degree classifications
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Court Proceedings - Chronological case history including arraignment, pre-trial conferences, motion hearings, and trial information
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Disposition and Sentencing - Final outcome of the case, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial verdicts, and imposed sentences such as incarceration, probation, fines, or community service
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Post-Conviction Information - When applicable, probation violation hearings, modification of sentences, and completion of court-ordered programs
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 119.071, certain information may be redacted from public records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information identifying victims of certain crimes. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged under Florida Statutes § 943.0585 or § 943.059 will not appear in standard criminal record searches.
What Are the Penalties for a Walton County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Walton County is prosecuted under Florida Statutes § 810.08 (trespass in structure or conveyance) and § 810.09 (trespass on property other than structure or conveyance). The penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant's prior criminal history.
The standard penalties for criminal trespass include:
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Trespass without Warning (First Degree Misdemeanor)
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Up to 12 months of probation
- Maximum fine of $1,000
- Court costs and fees
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Trespass after Warning (Second Degree Misdemeanor)
- Up to 60 days in county jail
- Up to 6 months of probation
- Maximum fine of $500
- Court costs and fees
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Aggravated Circumstances
- Trespass while armed with a firearm or dangerous weapon is elevated to a third-degree felony
- Penalties include up to 5 years imprisonment and $5,000 in fines
- Potential designation as a convicted felon with associated loss of civil rights
The Walton County Court typically handles misdemeanor trespass cases, while the First Judicial Circuit Court processes felony charges. Defendants may be eligible for pre-trial diversion programs for first-time offenses at the discretion of the State Attorney's Office.
First Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office - Walton County
571 US Highway 90 East
DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
(850) 892-8080
State Attorney's Office
How Long Does Walton County Keep Criminal Records?
Walton County maintains criminal records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services pursuant to Florida Statutes § 257.36. These schedules ensure the preservation of important legal documents while allowing for the eventual disposition of records that no longer serve an administrative purpose.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in Walton County are:
- Misdemeanor Case Files - Maintained for a minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Felony Case Files - Maintained for a minimum of 10 years after final disposition
- Capital Felony Cases - Permanently retained
- Arrest Records - Maintained by law enforcement for a minimum of 4 years
- Booking and Intake Records - Retained for 3 years after last discharge
- Court Judgments and Sentences - Permanently retained as part of the Official Records
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after the retention period expires, electronic indices and basic case information are often maintained indefinitely. Additionally, records that have been microfilmed or digitized may be retained in that format permanently, even after physical copies are destroyed.
Records that have been sealed pursuant to Florida Statutes § 943.059 or expunged under § 943.0585 are removed from public access but may still be maintained for limited official use as permitted by statute.
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