Criminal FAQs

In order to request a record to be expunged or sealed, you must first apply through F.D.L.E. (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. Visit the Florida Department of Law Enforcement site to obtain the application and instructions. Note: You will need a certified disposition of your case from the Clerk when submitting your application.

After obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from F.D.L.E., you may file your Petition and supporting documents with the Clerk along with paying your filing fee. In addition, you may be required to obtain a court date to go before the judge.

Q. How do I expunge or seal my record

An arraignment is a court date at which the defendant is advised of charges against him or her. A plea of not guilty or guilty is entered. The court also addresses the defendant's ability to obtain an attorney.

Q. What is an arraignment

The cost for a criminal record search is $1.00 for each year to be searched, $1.00 for each copy, and $2.00 for certification.

Q. What is the cost for a criminal record search

No, the clerks are record keepers only. Any legal advice must be obtained by contacting an attorney.

Q. Can the clerks of the Criminal department help me with my case

Sentences imposed for criminal offenses can vary from paying a fine, probation, community control, jail/prison time or a combination of such.

Q. What kinds of sentences can be imposed for criminal offenses

If you fail to appear for court, the Judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. You may contact the Judge’s office in the event you fail to appear. Contact information for each Judge in the 19th Judicial Circuit can be found at http://circuit19.org. Any motions or pleadings you file before the court must include your name, current address, phone number, and case number.

Q. What happens if I fail to appear for court

Only the Judge has the authority to reset or excuse you from a court appearance in a criminal case. Contact information for each Judge in the 19th Judicial Circuit can be found at http://circuit19.org.

Q. How can I change my court date

Transcriptions can be obtained through Digital Court Reporting. Their instructions and request form are on their website: http://www.circuit19.org/programs-services/forms/transcript-request-form. If you need to reach them by phone their number is 772-807-4370

Q. I would like to request my case/hearing to be transcribed. How can I obtain this?

Please review the FAQ’s listed on the circuit website, http://www.circuit19.org/programs-services/court-programs/court-interpreters/faqs

Q. I am worried that there will not be a spoken language interpreter in the courtroom. How can I request one?

The online link/form is http://www.circuit19.org/programs-services/court-programs/court-interpreters/sign-language-interpreter-requestcancellation or contact court administration at (772) 807-4370

Q. I am worried that there will not be a spoken language interpreter in the courtroom. How can I request one?

If you are arrested or charged with a crime, the charges will reflect on your record indefinitely even if the court dismisses the charges or the state attorney decides not to prosecute by filing a nolle prosequi or no information. A case has to be expunged to be permanently removed from your record.

Q. My charges were dismissed/dropped. Why are they showing up on a background check