Pinellas County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Pinellas County

Yes, arrest records in Pinellas County are public information under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This means that anyone can access and view arrest records, booking photos, and related information. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court maintain these records and make them available to the public through various platforms.

The transparency of arrest records serves several purposes, including:

• Ensuring accountability in the criminal justice system
• Allowing the public to stay informed about local law enforcement activities
• Providing necessary information for background checks and public safety

However, certain records may be exempt from public disclosure, particularly those involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or cases that have been sealed or expunged by court order.

What's in Pinellas County Arrest Records

Pinellas County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested within the county. These records include:

• Personal information: Full name, date of birth, gender, race, and physical description
• Arrest details: Date and time of arrest, location, arresting agency, and officer information
• Booking information: Booking number, booking date, and processing details
• Criminal charges: Specific charges filed, including statute numbers and charge descriptions
• Case status: Current status of the case (pending, dismissed, convicted)
• Bond information: Bail amount, if bond was posted, and release conditions
• Court information: Scheduled court dates, assigned judge, and case numbers
• Mugshot: Booking photograph taken during the arrest processing

These records are maintained by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (10750 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33778) and the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller (315 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756).

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pinellas County in 2025

In 2025, Pinellas County offers several methods to access arrest records:

1. Online Databases: The most convenient method is using the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office online inmate search or the Clerk of Court's online records system.

2. In-Person Requests: Visit the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Records Division (10750 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33778) or the Clerk of Court's office (315 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756) to request physical copies of arrest records.

3. Mail Requests: Submit a written request to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Records Division with the required information and applicable fees.

4. Third-Party Services: Various commercial websites offer arrest record searches, though these may include additional fees and might not have the most up-to-date information.

For the most current and accurate information, it's recommended to use official county resources directly.

How To Find Pinellas County Arrest Records Online

Finding Pinellas County arrest records online is straightforward through these official channels:

1. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Inmate Booking Search:

   • Visit the official website at pinellassheriff.gov
   • Use the "Who's in Jail" search feature
   • Enter the individual's name or booking number
   • Review the results for arrest details and booking information

2. Pinellas County Clerk of Court Records Search:

   • Access the court records portal at mypinellasclerk.gov
   • Select "Court Records" or "Criminal Records" search
   • Enter the individual's name or case number
   • Review case information, including arrest details and court proceedings

3. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE):

   • Visit the FDLE website (2331 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308)
   • Access the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system
   • Pay the required fee for a comprehensive criminal history check
   • Receive official state records that include Pinellas County arrests

These online resources are regularly updated and provide reliable information directly from official sources.

Can You Search Pinellas County Arrest Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Pinellas County arrest records for free through several official channels:

1. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Website: The Sheriff's Office provides free access to current inmate information and recent arrest data through their "Who's in Jail" search feature.

2. Clerk of Court Online Records: Basic searches of court records, including criminal cases, are available at no cost through the Pinellas County Clerk of Court's website.

3. Public Access Terminals: Free access to court records is available at public terminals located in the Pinellas County Justice Center (14250 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762) and other courthouse locations.

While basic searches are free, there may be fees for:

• Certified copies of records
• Extensive research requests
• Complete criminal history reports
• Printed copies of documents (typically $0.15-$1.00 per page)

The availability of free records makes it possible for individuals to conduct basic background checks and research without incurring costs.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Pinellas County

Completely deleting arrest records in Pinellas County is not typically possible, but there are legal remedies to limit their accessibility:

1. Expungement: If you qualify, you can petition to have your arrest record expunged, which removes it from public view. To qualify:

   • Your case must have been dismissed or you were acquitted
   • You cannot have been previously adjudicated guilty of any criminal offense
   • You cannot have previously had a record sealed or expunged

2. Sealing: If you don't qualify for expungement, sealing your record may be an option. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public but remain available to certain government agencies.

The process involves:

1. Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (2331 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308)
2. Filing a petition with the Pinellas County Clerk of Court (315 Court St, Clearwater, FL 33756)
3. Attending a court hearing where a judge will decide on your petition

It's highly recommended to consult with an attorney who specializes in record sealing and expungement to navigate this complex legal process.

What Happens After Arrest in Pinellas County?

After an arrest in Pinellas County, individuals go through a standardized process:

1. Booking: The arrestee is taken to the Pinellas County Jail (14400 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762) where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded.

2. First Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a judge who:

   • Reviews probable cause for the arrest
   • Determines if the person qualifies for pretrial release
   • Sets bail amounts if applicable
   • Appoints a public defender if the person qualifies

3. Formal Charges: The State Attorney's Office (14250 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762) reviews the case and decides whether to file formal charges.

4. Arraignment: The defendant is formally presented with charges and enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).

5. Pretrial Proceedings: This may include discovery, motion hearings, and plea negotiations.

6. Trial or Plea: The case proceeds to trial or is resolved through a plea agreement.

7. Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the appropriate sentence based on Florida sentencing guidelines and other factors.

Throughout this process, the arrest record is updated to reflect the current status of the case.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pinellas County?

Arrest records in Pinellas County are typically maintained indefinitely unless they are legally sealed or expunged. The retention policies include:

• Active Records: Current arrest and booking information is maintained in easily accessible databases by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

• Historical Records: Older arrest records are archived but still maintained by the Clerk of Court and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

• Juvenile Records: Records for juvenile offenders may be treated differently, with some being automatically sealed when the individual reaches adulthood, depending on the nature of the offense.

Even after a case is closed or a sentence is completed, the arrest record remains part of the public record unless legal action is taken to seal or expunge it. This permanent nature of arrest records underscores the importance of understanding the expungement and sealing processes for those who qualify.

How to Find Mugshots in Pinellas County

Mugshots (booking photographs) from Pinellas County arrests can be accessed through several channels:

1. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Website: The most direct source for recent mugshots is the Sheriff's Office inmate search feature, which displays booking photos along with arrest information.

2. Public Records Request: For older mugshots not available online, submit a public records request to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Records Division (10750 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33778).

3. Clerk of Court Records: Some mugshots may be included in court case files, accessible through the Clerk of Court's online system or in person at the courthouse.

4. Third-Party Websites: Various commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots from Pinellas County. However, these sites may:

   • Charge fees for removal of photos
   • Not update their information when cases are dismissed
   • Contain inaccurate or outdated information

It's important to note that Florida law has placed some restrictions on websites that publish mugshots and then charge fees for removal, though enforcement varies.

Lookup Arrest Records in Pinellas County

For comprehensive access to Pinellas County arrest records, utilize these official resources:

• View Records - mypinellasclerk - Access various types of records including court records and official records from the Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller.

• Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Arrest Inquiry - Search for specific arrest records and inmate booking information in Pinellas County.

• PCSO - Who's in Jail - Find information on current inmates in the Pinellas County Jail, including booking details and charges.

• Criminal Court - mypinellasclerk - Access criminal court records, including information on felony and misdemeanor cases in Pinellas County.

• PCSO - Home - The official website of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office with information on law enforcement services and public safety.

These resources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information directly from official Pinellas County sources.