Criminal is comprised of both Circuit and County Criminal. Circuit Criminal maintains the records for all felony cases. County Criminal maintains the records for all misdemeanor, criminal traffic, municipal ordinance and county ordinance cases.
Criminal case information, including upcoming court dates and the judge assigned to your case, can be viewed online through the Court Case Search. For information regarding which court room to report to, please inquire with court security the day of the hearing. Court room assignments are subject to change daily.
To inquire about changing or resetting your court date you will need to contact the judge’s office. Only the judge has the authority to reset or excuse you from a court appearance in a criminal case. judge’s contact information and procedures can be found at http://circuit19.org.
Expunging and Sealing Records
Information on sealing or expunging a case can be found on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website. After you have received your Certificate of Eligibility, please download and complete the Petition to Seal and Expunge form or visit the third floor Criminal Department to purchase a hard copy.
See Fees & Costs for the current fees and accepted payments.
Cash Bond Refund Information
A bond is a promise to the court that a person charged with a crime will appear for their future court dates and remain within the jurisdiction of the court. There are two types of bail bonds used for this purpose:
- A surety bond is guaranteed by a bond agency and usually secured by a person's real property of some kind
- A cash bond is the total amount of the bond set in cash
Cash Bond Discharge Instructions
- Bond money will be refunded after the final disposition of the case or by order of the judge.
- All unpaid court fees, courts costs, and criminal penalties (for all cases associated to the defendant) will be deducted prior to any bond refund pursuant to Florida Statute 903.286.
- Refund checks will be mailed to the depositor or assignee within 10 days after the bond has been discharged, all applicable fees have been deducted, and a bond refund request form has been received from the depositor, along with the appropriate identification.
- There is no charge to receive your cash bond deposit refund balance.
Download the Bond Refund Request Form & Instructions
For additional information, please contact the Payment Center at 772-462-6950.
Criminal FAQs
How do I expunge or seal my record?
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.
What is an arraignment?
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.What is the cost for a criminal record search?
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.
Rosio Garcia
Criminal Administrative Manager
Rosio started as a Filing Clerk over 18 years ago. Before becoming the Criminal Administration Manager, she was the Head Criminal Clerk. As the Criminal Administration Manager, she is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the in-office Criminal procedures and day-to-day tasks, which include processing all criminal arrests, warrants, orders, and paperwork e-filed by attorneys and pro se filers.
Lesley Norman
Criminal Operations Manager
Lesley has been with the Clerk’s office for over 17 years. Originally starting as a County Court Clerk, she soon moved to Circuit Court before becoming the Assistant Manager of Criminal in 2015. In her current role as Criminal Operations Manager, she is responsible for overseeing the court side of Criminal's responsibilities, which include documenting case outcomes in court, maintaining evidence for cases, and providing assistance to judges.
Contact Us
Criminal Department
201 South Indian River Drive
3th Floor
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
Directions To This Location
Mailing Address
Clerk and Comptroller
ATTN: Criminal Department
P. O. Box 700
Fort Pierce, FL 34954
Call Criminal
Phone: 772-462-6900
Fax: 772-462-1174
Call Appeals
Phone: 772-462-6900
Fax: 772-462-2833
Hours of Operation
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday
(Excluding Holidays)
