Hillsborough County Criminal Records
What Is Hillsborough County Criminal Records
Hillsborough County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Hillsborough County, Florida. These records are maintained by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts (601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602) and include information about arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions. Criminal records can include both misdemeanor offenses handled by the County Criminal Court and felony offenses processed through the Circuit Criminal Court.
Are Criminal Records Public In Hillsborough County
Yes, criminal records in Hillsborough County are generally considered public records under Florida's Sunshine Laws. This means that most criminal case information is accessible to the public, with certain exceptions for sealed or expunged records, juvenile cases, and other protected information. The public nature of these records allows citizens, employers, and other interested parties to access information about criminal proceedings in the county.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hillsborough County in 2025
In 2025, there are several methods to look up criminal records in Hillsborough County:
- Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts website (601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602) to access their online records system.
- Use the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Arrest Inquiry database (2008 E. 8th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605) for recent arrest information.
- Visit the courthouse in person to request physical copies of records.
- Submit a public records request for specific case information.
- Use the Circuit Criminal or County Criminal sections of the Clerk's website for specific types of offenses.
How To Find Criminal Records in Hillsborough County Online?
Finding criminal records online in Hillsborough County is straightforward:
- Visit the Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts website at hillsclerk.com.
- Navigate to either the County Criminal section (for misdemeanors) or Circuit Criminal section (for felonies).
- Use the online case search function by entering the defendant's name, case number, or other identifying information.
- For arrest information, visit the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Arrest Inquiry portal at webapps.hcso.tampa.fl.us/ArrestInquiry.
- Review the search results, which typically include case numbers, charges, court dates, and disposition information.
Can You Search Hillsborough County Criminal Records for Free?
Yes, searching Hillsborough County criminal records is free for basic information. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts and the Sheriff's Office provide free online access to basic criminal record information. However, there may be fees associated with obtaining certified copies of documents or accessing certain detailed records. The standard fee structure includes:
- Viewing records online: Free
- Certified copies: $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee
- Regular copies: $1 per page
- Research fees: May apply for extensive searches
What's Included in a Hillsborough County Criminal Record?
A typical Hillsborough County criminal record includes:
- Personal information of the defendant (name, date of birth, address)
- Case number and filing date
- Charges filed and their statutory references
- Arrest information and booking details
- Court proceedings and hearing dates
- Plea information
- Judgment and sentencing details
- Probation or parole information, if applicable
- Case disposition (dismissed, convicted, acquitted)
- Information about fines, court costs, or restitution
What Are the Penalties for a Hillsborough County Criminal Trespass Charge?
In Hillsborough County, criminal trespass penalties vary depending on the specific circumstances:
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Trespass on property other than a structure or conveyance (misdemeanor of the first degree):
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to 1 year of probation
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Trespass on property other than a structure or conveyance with a warning (misdemeanor of the second degree):
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Up to $500 in fines
- Up to 6 months of probation
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Armed trespass (felony of the third degree):
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- Up to 5 years of probation
Additional consequences may include a criminal record, potential impact on employment, housing, and education opportunities.
How Long Does Hillsborough County Keep Criminal Records?
Hillsborough County maintains criminal records indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged through a court order. Florida law provides specific procedures for eligible individuals to have their records sealed or expunged:
- Record sealing: Makes the record confidential and available only to specific government agencies
- Record expungement: Physically destroys the record, with only a confidential copy maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308)
Eligibility for sealing or expungement depends on factors such as the type of offense, prior criminal history, and case disposition. The process requires application through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and approval by the court.
Lookup Criminal Records in Hillsborough County
For comprehensive access to Hillsborough County criminal records, utilize these official resources:
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County Criminal - Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts - Access information on misdemeanor offenses and non-criminal infractions, including court files and post-arrest processes.
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Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts - The main portal for accessing various court services and records in Hillsborough County.
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HCSO Arrest Inquiry - Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office - Search for current jail inmates, including charges, bond amounts, and booking photos.
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Circuit Criminal - Hillsborough County Clerk of Courts - Find information on felony offenses, including circuit criminal files and the felony arrest process.
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Arrest Records on Public Website | HCSO, Tampa FL - Learn about correcting identity theft errors and sealing records, with Florida Department of Law Enforcement links.
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Arrest Inquiry (Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office) | City of Tampa - Access online arrest inquiries with links to related services like jail and warrant searches.