Walton County Criminal Records

What Is Walton County Criminal Records

Walton County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Walton County, Florida. These records are maintained by the Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller and include information about arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions. Criminal records serve as the official documentation of a person's interactions with the criminal justice system in the county.

These records are created when someone is arrested, charged with a crime, or processed through the Walton County court system. They form part of the public record and are used by law enforcement agencies, courts, potential employers, and other authorized entities to verify a person's criminal background.

Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller, 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

Are Criminal Records Public In Walton County

Yes, criminal records in Walton County are generally 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 laws establish a presumption of openness for government records, including court and criminal records. This transparency allows citizens to access information about the functioning of the criminal justice system and the activities of public officials and agencies.

However, certain information within these records may be redacted or restricted, such as social security numbers, financial account information, and information that could compromise ongoing investigations. Additionally, records that have been legally sealed or expunged are not available to the public.

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

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Walton County in 2025

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

1. Online through the Walton County Clerk of Courts website: The clerk's office maintains an online database where you can search for criminal records by name, case number, or other identifiers.

2. In-person at the Clerk's Office: Visit the Walton County Courthouse to request criminal records in person. Staff can assist with searches and provide copies of records for a fee.

3. Through the Walton County Sheriff's Office: For arrest records and current inmate information, the Sheriff's Office maintains its own records system.

4. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): For statewide criminal history information that includes Walton County records, you can request a background check through the FDLE.

5. Third-party background check services: Various commercial services aggregate public records, including criminal records, though these may not always be complete or up-to-date.

When searching for criminal records, you'll typically need the individual's full name and may benefit from having additional information such as date of birth or case numbers to ensure accurate results.

Walton County Sheriff's Office, 752 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

How To Find Criminal Records in Walton County Online?

Finding criminal records in Walton County online is a straightforward process:

1. Visit the Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller website: Navigate to their official records search or court records search section.

2. Choose the appropriate search option: The site offers different search tools for various types of records, including criminal cases.

3. Enter search criteria: You can search by the person's name, case number, filing date, or other identifiers. More specific information yields more accurate results.

4. Review search results: The system will display matching records with basic case information.

5. Access record details: Click on individual cases to view more detailed information, including charges, hearing dates, and case status.

6. Request copies if needed: Some documents may be viewable online, while others may require a formal request and payment of copy fees.

Alternatively, you can use the Comprehensive Case Information System (CCIS) through the civitekflorida.com portal, which provides access to court records across Florida counties, including Walton County. This system may require registration and possibly subscription fees for full access.

Comprehensive Case Information System, 500 South Duval Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Can You Search Walton County Criminal Records for Free?

Yes, you can search basic Walton County criminal records for free, but there may be costs associated with obtaining copies or detailed reports:

Free search options include:

• The public access portal on the Walton County Clerk of Courts website
• Basic inmate searches on the Walton County Sheriff's Office website
• Public terminals available at the courthouse for in-person searches

However, be aware of potential costs:

• Printed copies of records typically cost $1.00 per page
• Certified copies may have additional fees
• Background checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have processing fees
• Some detailed searches or bulk record requests may incur service charges

While the search itself is often free, the clerk's office and other agencies charge these fees to cover the costs of maintaining records systems and processing requests. If you need extensive records or certified copies for official purposes, it's advisable to check the current fee schedule on the clerk's website or call ahead to determine potential costs.

Walton County Courthouse, 571 US Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

What's Included in a Walton County Criminal Record?

A typical Walton County criminal record contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system within the county. These records generally include:

1. Personal identification information: Name, date of birth, address, and sometimes physical descriptors

2. Arrest information: Date of arrest, arresting agency, booking details, and mugshot (if available)

3. Charge details: Specific criminal charges filed, including Florida statute numbers and descriptions

4. Case information: Case numbers, filing dates, and the court handling the case

5. Court proceedings: Hearing dates, appearances, continuances, and other procedural events

6. Plea information: Whether the defendant pled guilty, not guilty, or no contest

7. Disposition: The outcome of the case (conviction, acquittal, dismissal, etc.)

8. Sentencing details: Any penalties imposed, including incarceration, probation, fines, or community service

9. Post-conviction information: Compliance with sentencing terms, probation status, or parole information

The level of detail available may vary depending on the age of the record, the stage of the criminal proceeding, and whether any information has been sealed or redacted according to Florida law.

Florida Department of Corrections, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

What Are the Penalties for a Walton County Criminal Trespass Charge?

In Walton County, criminal trespass penalties follow Florida state law and vary depending on the specific circumstances and classification of the offense:

Trespass on Property Other Than a Structure or Conveyance (Misdemeanor of the First Degree):

• Up to 1 year in county jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Possible probation up to 1 year

Trespass on Property Other Than a Structure or Conveyance (Misdemeanor of the Second Degree):

• Up to 60 days in county jail
• Up to $500 in fines
• Possible probation

Trespass in Structure or Conveyance (Misdemeanor of the Second Degree):

• Up to 60 days in county jail
• Up to $500 in fines
• Possible probation

Aggravating factors that may enhance penalties include:

• Trespassing while armed with a firearm or dangerous weapon
• Trespassing on construction sites
• Trespassing on agricultural property
• Prior trespassing convictions

Additionally, the court may order restitution if any damage occurred during the trespass. A criminal trespass conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and other opportunities unless it is later sealed or expunged if eligible.

State Attorney's Office, First Judicial Circuit, 571 Highway 90 East, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435

How Long Does Walton County Keep Criminal Records?

Walton County follows Florida state guidelines for criminal record retention, which generally means that most criminal records are kept permanently. Unlike some states with automatic expungement timelines, Florida maintains criminal records indefinitely unless specific action is taken to seal or expunge them.

Key points about criminal record retention in Walton County:

1. Permanent retention: Court records of criminal cases, including misdemeanors and felonies, are typically kept permanently in the county's record system.

2. Digital conversion: Many older paper records have been digitized for permanent electronic storage and easier access.

3. Sealed records: Records that have been sealed by court order remain in existence but are confidential and not accessible to the general public.

4. Expunged records: Records that have been expunged are physically destroyed or obliterated, though certain government agencies may maintain confidential records of the expungement.

5. Juvenile records: These may have different retention schedules and accessibility restrictions compared to adult criminal records.

If you're concerned about a criminal record in Walton County, it's important to understand that it will likely remain accessible to the public indefinitely unless you take legal steps to petition for sealing or expungement, assuming your case qualifies under Florida law.

Florida State Archives, 500 South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

Lookup Criminal Records in Walton County

For those seeking to access criminal records in Walton County, several official resources are available:

• Official Record Search - Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller - Search the official public records database for Walton County, which includes various criminal record documents.

• Court Records Search - Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller - Access the court records system specifically for case information, including criminal proceedings.

• Criminal Court - Walton County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller - Learn about the criminal court division, its processes, and how to navigate criminal records.

• Walton County OCRS - civitekflorida.com - Use the Online Court Records System for Walton County to access court documents.

• Walton County Sheriff Office, FL, Arrest Warrants Search - Check for active warrants and arrest information through the Sheriff's Office portal.

These resources provide comprehensive access to criminal records information in Walton County, from initial arrest data to final case dispositions.