Criminal records in Walton County, Florida, are available through several channels. WaltonCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the county's official court system, the sheriff's office, and the Clerk of Court. Online tools, personal visits, and written requests are all viable methods for accessing criminal records in Walton County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Walton
There are several practical ways to find criminal records in the county.
Through WaltonCourt.us
Start with WaltonCourt.us — enter the person's first and last name to view publicly available court case information. This is a convenient way for an initial search that does not require registration.
Online through Official Portals
- Visit the Official Records portal of Walton County to search for official documents.
- Use the Florida court records portal or a similar portal for the Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court to search by name, date of birth, or case number.
- The Walton County Sheriff's Office website may contain information about arrests and inmates.
For the search, you will need:
- Full first and last name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number, if you have it
In Person
The Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court provides access to public records. Visit the office at:
Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court
Public computer terminals for self-search are usually available in the courthouse.
By Mail or Written Request
Send a written request to the court clerk's office, specifying the person's full name, date of birth, and type of document requested. To obtain an official criminal history at the state level, a request can be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Search Walton Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Florida, a court case number has a standard format that helps understand the nature of the case before opening it. The typical structure looks like this:
- Year of Filing — the first two or four digits indicate the year the case was opened.
- Case Type Code — a letter designation of the category: CF (circuit felony), MM (county misdemeanor), CT (circuit criminal traffic), etc.
- Sequential Number — a sequential number assigned to the case within the year.
For example, the number 2024-CF-000123 means: a felony filed in 2024, sequential number 123. If you have the case number, use it in the search field on WaltonCourt.us or the court clerk's portal — this is the most accurate way to find a specific case.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Walton
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of Florida law under which the charge is brought |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime), Misdemeanor (less serious crime), Infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge to another — less or more serious |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is awaiting consideration
- Active — the case is in process
- Disposed — the court has made a decision on the case
- Closed — the case is completed and closed
Hearings
Various types of hearings are held in county criminal cases:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant learns about the charges and states their plea (guilty/not guilty)
- Preliminary Hearing — preliminary review of evidence
- Pre-Trial Conference — a meeting of parties before the trial
- Sentencing — announcement of the sentence
- Review Hearing — a control hearing, often related to probation conditions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | The prosecutor declined to pursue the charge |
| Withheld Adjudication | The judge suspended the adjudication — often with probation conditions; formally, this is not a conviction |
| Acquitted | Acquitted by the court or jury |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Walton
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies.
Where to Apply
The main body is the Walton County Clerk of Circuit Court. The office keeps the original court documents and issues certified copies.
For a complete state-level criminal history, contact the FDLE. They conduct fingerprint-based background checks.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person: visit the court clerk's office with valid ID (driver's license or passport). Provide the case number or the full name and date of birth of the defendant.
- By Mail: send a written request specifying the name, date of birth, type of document, and return address. Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee.
- Online: some documents can be ordered through the court clerk's portal if such a service is available.
A valid ID is usually required. For third-party requests, a notarized consent from the record subject or a court order may be needed.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Walton
Fees for copies and certification of documents in Florida are regulated by state law, specifically Florida Statutes § 28.24.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $2.00 per document (in addition to copy costs) |
| FDLE criminal history check (fingerprint-based) | From $24.00 (depends on the type of check and purpose) |
Processing Time
- In Person: simple copy requests are usually processed the same day or within a few business days.
- By Mail: from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and the current workload of the office.
- FDLE (fingerprint check): electronic results are received within 1–3 business days; paper results take longer.
Check current fees directly with the court clerk's office, as rates may change. Payment is usually accepted in cash, check, or money order; some offices also accept credit cards.