Lake County Criminal Records
What Is Lake County Criminal Records
Lake County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Lake County jurisdiction. These records include arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions. They are maintained by various county agencies, including the Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office (19 E Main St, Tavares, FL 32778) and the Lake County Sheriff's Office (360 W Ruby St, Tavares, FL 32778). These records serve as the official documentation of a person's interactions with the criminal justice system in Lake County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Lake County
Yes, criminal records in Lake County are generally considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This means that most criminal records can be accessed by any member of the public. However, certain exceptions exist for sealed or expunged records, juvenile records, and cases involving sensitive information. The Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office (19 E Main St, Tavares, FL 32778) maintains these public records and makes them available through various search methods, both in-person and online.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Lake County in 2025
In 2025, there are several methods to look up criminal records in Lake County:
- Visit the Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office (19 E Main St, Tavares, FL 32778) in person to request records.
- Use the online court records search portal provided by the Lake County Clerk's Office.
- Contact the Lake County Sheriff's Office (360 W Ruby St, Tavares, FL 32778) for arrest records and booking information.
- Request records from the State Attorney's Office, Fifth Judicial Circuit (550 W Main St, Tavares, FL 32778) for prosecution records.
- Use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) (2331 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308) for statewide criminal history checks.
For the most comprehensive search, combining these methods may be necessary as different agencies maintain different aspects of criminal records.
How To Find Criminal Records in Lake County Online?
Finding Lake County criminal records online is straightforward through these official channels:
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Lake County Clerk's Online Court Records: Access through the Lake County Clerk's website, which requires accepting a user agreement before searching by name, case number, or citation number.
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Lake County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search: Check current inmate information and recent booking data through the Sheriff's Office website.
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Fifth Judicial Circuit Case Search: The State Attorney's Office provides a case search tool for prosecutions in Lake County.
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Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search: For information on individuals currently serving sentences or on probation.
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Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Criminal History Search: For official statewide criminal history information (requires a fee).
These online resources have modernized in 2025, offering more user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive search capabilities.
Can You Search Lake County Criminal Records for Free?
Yes, you can search some Lake County criminal records for free, but with limitations. The Lake County Clerk's Office (19 E Main St, Tavares, FL 32778) provides free basic online access to court records through their public portal. Similarly, the Lake County Sheriff's Office (360 W Ruby St, Tavares, FL 32778) offers free inmate searches and basic arrest information.
However, comprehensive searches or certified copies typically involve fees. As of 2025, standard fees include:
- Certified copies: $1-2 per page plus certification fee
- Comprehensive background checks: $24 through FDLE
- Record searches requiring staff assistance: Hourly research fees may apply
For the most complete and official criminal history information, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (2331 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308) charges a fee for statewide criminal history searches.
What's Included in a Lake County Criminal Record?
A typical Lake County criminal record contains:
- Personal identification information (name, date of birth, address)
- Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency)
- Charges filed (including statute numbers and charge descriptions)
- Case numbers and court information
- Plea information
- Court proceedings and hearing dates
- Judgment and sentencing details
- Probation or parole information
- Fines, court costs, and restitution orders
- Case disposition (dismissed, convicted, acquitted)
More serious offenses may include additional documentation such as pre-sentence investigations, victim impact statements, and special conditions imposed by the court. The Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office (19 E Main St, Tavares, FL 32778) maintains these comprehensive records.
What Are the Penalties for a Lake County Criminal Trespass Charge?
In Lake County, criminal trespass penalties vary based on the specific circumstances and whether the trespass was to property or a structure:
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Trespass on Property (Second-Degree Misdemeanor):
- Up to 60 days in jail
- Up to $500 fine
- Up to 6 months probation
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Trespass in Structure or Conveyance (First-Degree Misdemeanor):
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $1,000 fine
- Up to 1 year probation
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Armed Trespass (Third-Degree Felony):
- Up to 5 years in prison
- Up to $5,000 fine
- Up to 5 years probation
Additional penalties may include community service, trespass warnings, restraining orders, or restitution for any damage. The State Attorney's Office, Fifth Judicial Circuit (550 W Main St, Tavares, FL 32778) prosecutes these cases, and sentences are imposed at the Lake County Courthouse (550 W Main St, Tavares, FL 32778) by county judges.
How Long Does Lake County Keep Criminal Records?
Lake County maintains criminal records indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged through a court order. Florida law requires permanent retention of felony and misdemeanor records. Even after a case is closed, the records remain accessible through the Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office (19 E Main St, Tavares, FL 32778) and other agencies.
The only way to limit public access to criminal records in Lake County is through:
- Expungement: Complete removal of records from public view (eligible only for arrests that did not lead to convictions)
- Sealing: Records still exist but are confidential and not accessible to the general public
Both processes require meeting strict eligibility requirements and filing a petition through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (2331 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308) and the courts. Without these actions, Lake County criminal records remain permanent and publicly accessible.
Lookup Criminal Records in Lake County
For comprehensive access to Lake County criminal records, utilize these official resources:
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Online Court Records - Lake County Clerk - Access the county's court records database after accepting the user agreement.
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Lake County Clerk - Records Search - Search official records by case number, name, or document type through the Clerk's portal.
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Office of the Sheriff - Lake County Sheriff's Office - Find information on incident reports, arrests, and current inmates through the Sheriff's records division.
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Case Search - Office of The State Attorney, Fifth Judicial Circuit, Florida - Access prosecution records and case information for Lake County criminal cases.
These resources provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on criminal records within Lake County jurisdiction. For in-person assistance, visit the Lake County Courthouse or contact the respective agencies directly.