Hillsborough County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hillsborough County

Yes, arrest records in Hillsborough County are public information under Florida's public records laws. The Florida Sunshine Law makes most government records, including arrest records, available to the public. This means anyone can access information about arrests made by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies in the county.

These public records include basic information about the arrested person, the charges filed, and other details related to the arrest. However, certain information may be redacted or restricted, especially in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or when a judge has ordered records sealed or expunged.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them accessible through their online arrest inquiry system.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office: 2008 E. 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

What's in Hillsborough County Arrest Records

Hillsborough County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested. These records include:

• Full name of the arrested person
• Date of birth and physical description
• Mugshot (booking photograph)
• Date and time of arrest
• Location of the arrest
• Charges filed (including Florida statute numbers)
• Bond information
• Case numbers
• Arresting agency
• Booking information
• Court dates (if scheduled)

These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement in Hillsborough County. They do not indicate guilt, as all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Hillsborough County in 2025

To look up arrest records in Hillsborough County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Online Search: Use the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrest inquiry system, which allows searches by name, booking number, or case number.

2. Visit in Person: Go to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Records Section to request arrest records. HCSO Records Section: 2008 E. 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

3. Clerk of Court: Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court for records related to criminal cases. Hillsborough County Clerk of Court: 419 N. Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602

4. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): Request a criminal history check through the FDLE for a more comprehensive background check. FDLE Headquarters: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308

5. Third-party Websites: Various online services aggregate public records, though these may not always be up-to-date or complete.

For the most current and accurate information, the official Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office website or in-person requests are recommended.

How To Find Hillsborough County Arrest Records Online

Finding Hillsborough County arrest records online is straightforward through these methods:

1. HCSO Arrest Inquiry System: The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database at their official website. You can search by name, booking number, or case number. Website: HCSO Arrest Inquiry

2. Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Website: Search for criminal cases and related arrest information through the clerk's online portal. Website: Hillsborough County Clerk of Court

3. Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search: For individuals who have been sentenced to state prison or are on state probation. Florida Department of Corrections: 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

4. Florida Department of Law Enforcement: For statewide criminal history information. Website: FDLE Criminal History Search

When searching online, you'll typically need the individual's full name. Including additional information like date of birth can help narrow results, especially for common names.

Can You Search Hillsborough County Arrest Records for Free?

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

1. HCSO Online Arrest Inquiry: The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office provides free access to their arrest database online.

2. Hillsborough County Clerk of Court Website: Basic case information is available at no cost through their online portal.

3. Public Access Terminals: Available at the courthouse and sheriff's office for free in-person searches. Hillsborough County Courthouse: 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602

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

• Certified copies of records
• Comprehensive background checks through FDLE
• Printed copies of documents (typically $0.15-$1.00 per page)
• Research assistance for historical records

These free resources provide sufficient information for most basic inquiries about arrest records in Hillsborough County.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Hillsborough County

In Hillsborough County, arrest records cannot be simply deleted, but they can be sealed or expunged under certain circumstances. Here's how to proceed:

1. Determine Eligibility: Not all arrests qualify for sealing or expungement. Generally, cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or where adjudication was withheld may qualify.

2. Obtain Certificate of Eligibility: Apply through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Website: FDLE Seal and Expunge Process

3. File a Petition: Once you have the certificate, file a petition with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.

4. Court Hearing: A judge will review your petition and may schedule a hearing.

5. Legal Assistance: Consider hiring an attorney specializing in record sealing/expungement. Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: 1610 N. Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602

The process typically takes 6-9 months and costs approximately $75 for the FDLE application plus court filing fees (around $42). If approved, the record will be sealed (hidden from public view) or expunged (physically destroyed), though certain government agencies may still access sealed records.

What Happens After Arrest in Hillsborough County?

After an arrest in Hillsborough County, the following process typically occurs:

1. Booking: The arrested person is taken to a Hillsborough County jail facility where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and their personal information is recorded. Hillsborough County Orient Road Jail: 1201 Orient Road, Tampa, FL 33619

2. First Appearance: Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a judge who reviews probable cause, sets bail if applicable, and may appoint a public defender. Hillsborough County Courthouse: 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602

3. Formal Charges: The State Attorney's Office decides whether to file formal charges, typically within 21 days for misdemeanors or 33 days for felonies. State Attorney's Office, 13th Judicial Circuit: 419 N. Pierce Street, Tampa, FL 33602

4. Arraignment: The defendant is formally presented with charges and enters a plea.

5. Pre-trial Proceedings: May include discovery, motion hearings, and plea negotiations.

6. Trial or Plea: Cases proceed to trial or are resolved through plea agreements.

7. Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the appropriate sentence.

Throughout this process, the arrest record is created and updated in the Hillsborough County criminal justice system.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hillsborough County?

Arrest records in Hillsborough County are typically kept indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged through legal processes. Here's what you should know:

• Standard Retention: Without intervention, arrest records remain in the system permanently.

• Juvenile Records: Generally automatically sealed when the person turns 24, provided certain conditions are met.

• Sealed Records: Remain in existence but are confidential and not accessible to the general public.

• Expunged Records: Physically destroyed, though the Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains a confidential record.

• Digital Records: Online arrest records through the Sheriff's Office typically display the past few years of arrests, but older records are still maintained in their database.

Even after considerable time has passed, these records may appear in background checks unless legally sealed or expunged. This is why many people seek to have eligible records removed from public access through the legal processes available in Florida.

How to Find Mugshots in Hillsborough County

Mugshots (booking photographs) from Hillsborough County arrests can be accessed through several methods:

1. HCSO Arrest Inquiry: The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office online system includes booking photos with arrest records. Website: HCSO Arrest Inquiry

2. Public Records Request: Submit a formal request to the Sheriff's Office Records Section. HCSO Records Section: 2008 E. 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

3. Jail Inmate Search: For currently incarcerated individuals, the jail inmate search may include booking photos.

4. Third-party Websites: Various mugshot websites aggregate and publish booking photos, though these sites may charge for removal and may not be up-to-date.

Important considerations regarding mugshots:

• Mugshots are taken during booking, before any determination of guilt
• Florida law allows for removal requests from certain websites
• Even if a case is dismissed, the mugshot remains part of the public record unless the record is sealed or expunged
• Recent Florida legislation has placed some restrictions on mugshot websites and their practices

For the most accurate and current mugshot information, using official Hillsborough County resources is recommended.

Lookup Arrest Records in Hillsborough County

For those needing to access arrest records in Hillsborough County, several official resources are available to help with your search:

• HCSO Arrest Inquiry - Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office - Search the official database for current and past arrest records maintained by the Sheriff's Office.

• Florida Department of Law Enforcement Seal and Expunge Process - Learn about the process for sealing or expunging eligible arrest records from public view.

• Hillsborough County Clerk of Court - County Criminal - Access county criminal records, including misdemeanor offenses and related court documents.

• HCSO First Appearance Victim Notification - Information about the notification process for victims regarding first appearances in court.

These resources provide comprehensive access to arrest information while following proper legal channels. Whether you're conducting a background check, researching your own record, or gathering information for legal purposes, these official sources offer the most reliable data available.