Lake County Criminal Records
What Is Lake County Criminal Records
Lake County criminal records are official documents maintained by various government agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within Lake County, Florida. These records document interactions with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions. The primary custodians of these records include:
Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
550 West Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-4100
Lake County Clerk of Courts
Lake County Sheriff's Office
360 West Ruby Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 343-2101
Lake County Sheriff's Office
Criminal records serve multiple purposes within the justice system and broader society. These documents:
- Provide a historical account of an individual's criminal activity
- Assist law enforcement agencies in investigations
- Enable background checks for employment, housing, and licensing
- Support judicial decision-making regarding bail, sentencing, and probation
- Facilitate statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
Pursuant to Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes), most criminal records are considered public information and are accessible to citizens, businesses, and organizations, with certain exceptions for sealed or expunged records as provided by law.
Are Criminal Records Public In Lake County
Criminal records in Lake County are generally public documents in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This legislation, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," establishes a presumption of openness for government records, including criminal justice information. Members of the public may access these records through various channels, subject to specific limitations.
The Florida Constitution, Article I, § 24, further reinforces this right of access by declaring that "every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf."
Exceptions to public access include:
- Records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to § 943.0585 and § 943.059, Florida Statutes
- Information related to ongoing investigations as provided in § 119.071(2)(c)
- Juvenile records in certain circumstances under § 985.04, Florida Statutes
- Victim information protected by Marsy's Law (Article I, § 16 of the Florida Constitution)
- Records containing social security numbers, bank account information, and other sensitive personal data
The Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains court records related to criminal cases and provides public access through both in-person requests and online record searches. Individuals seeking criminal record information may visit the clerk's office during regular business hours:
Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Public Records Department
550 West Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
(352) 742-4100
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Lake County in 2025
Multiple methods are available for accessing Lake County criminal records in 2025, each offering varying levels of detail and convenience. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller at 550 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Bring identification and complete a public records request form
- Staff will assist with searches and provide copies for a nominal fee pursuant to § 28.24, Florida Statutes
Online Access:
- The Clerk's public records search portal provides 24/7 access to court records
- Registration may be required for certain detailed information
- Case searches can be conducted by name, case number, or citation number
- Document images may be available for viewing and downloading
Mail or Email Requests:
- Submit written requests to: Records Management, Lake County Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, FL 32778
- Include specific information about the records sought and contact information
- Email requests can be sent to publicrecords@lakecountyclerk.org
Lake County Sheriff's Office:
- For arrest records and booking information, contact the Sheriff's Office Records Division at 360 West Ruby Street, Tavares, FL 32778
- Available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Call (352) 343-9500 for information on required documentation
Pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.07, agencies must acknowledge requests promptly and respond within a reasonable time. Fees for copies and extensive research may apply in accordance with established fee schedules.
How To Find Criminal Records in Lake County Online?
Lake County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online, offering convenience and efficiency for researchers, employers, and the general public. The primary online resources include:
The Lake County Clerk's Official Records Search serves as the central repository for court-related criminal records. This comprehensive database allows users to:
- Search by defendant name, case number, or citation number
- Access case summaries, docket information, and court calendars
- View charging documents, judgments, and sentencing information
- Download or print available documents for a fee
For inmate and custody information, the Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate lookup system accessible through their website. This resource provides:
- Current custody status of individuals held in Lake County detention facilities
- Booking information and charges
- Scheduled court dates
- Bond amounts when applicable
The Florida Department of Corrections offender search complements local resources by providing information on individuals sentenced to state prison or under state supervision. This database includes:
- Offender location and custody status
- Sentence information and projected release dates
- Supervision details for those on probation or parole
For comprehensive background checks, users may need to consult the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Criminal History Information service, which provides statewide criminal history records for a fee.
When conducting online searches, users should note that:
- Some records may require registration or payment to access
- Not all documents are available electronically, particularly for older cases
- Certain information may be redacted pursuant to privacy laws
- Records should be verified through official channels for employment or legal purposes
Can You Search Lake County Criminal Records for Free?
Limited free options exist for searching Lake County criminal records, though comprehensive access may require payment of statutory fees. The Florida Public Records Act (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes) permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for duplication and extensive clerical services, while still providing basic inspection rights at no cost.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection of non-confidential records at the Lake County Clerk's office (550 West Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778) during regular business hours
- Basic case information through the Clerk's online records search, which provides case numbers, party names, and filing dates without charge
- The Lake County Sheriff's Office inmate lookup tool for current detention information
- Public access terminals at the Lake County Courthouse for on-site electronic record viewing
Fee-based services provide enhanced access:
- Certified copies of court documents ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page, pursuant to § 28.24, Florida Statutes)
- Comprehensive background checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement ($24.00 per search)
- Subscription services to the Clerk's premium online access with expanded search capabilities
- Document reproduction fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
Pursuant to § 119.07(4), Florida Statutes, agencies may waive fees when doing so serves a public purpose. Individuals with limited financial resources may request fee waivers by submitting an affidavit of indigency to the records custodian.
For assistance with free record searches, contact:
Lake County Law Library
Lake County Judicial Center
550 West Main Street, 2nd Floor
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-4323
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
What's Included in a Lake County Criminal Record?
Lake County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as mandated by Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.420 and relevant statutes.
The core elements of a Lake County criminal record include:
- Demographic information (name, date of birth, address, and identifying characteristics)
- Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency, and officer)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots") and fingerprint data
- Charging documents (information, indictment, or complaint)
- Case numbers and court assignment details
- Hearing dates and appearance records
- Plea information and trial proceedings
- Judgment and sentencing documents
- Probation or parole terms when applicable
- Fine and restitution payment records
- Case disposition and completion status
Supplementary documents may include:
- Probable cause affidavits
- Search and arrest warrants
- Witness statements and evidence inventories
- Pre-sentence investigation reports (access restricted under § 945.10, Florida Statutes)
- Court transcripts (may require separate request)
- Post-conviction motions and appeals
Certain information may be redacted from public records pursuant to § 119.071, Florida Statutes, including:
- Social security numbers
- Bank account and credit card information
- Medical and mental health records
- Information identifying sexual offense victims
- Home addresses of certain protected classes (judges, law enforcement officers)
For complete criminal history information, interested parties should contact:
Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
Criminal Division
550 West Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-4319
Court Records Search
What Are the Penalties for a Lake County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Lake County is prosecuted under Florida Statute § 810.08 (trespass in structure or conveyance) and § 810.09 (trespass on property other than structure or conveyance). The penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant's criminal history.
For standard trespass violations:
- First-degree misdemeanor trespass (basic trespass): Punishable by up to 1 year in county jail, 12 months probation, and/or a fine not exceeding $1,000 (§ 775.082 and § 775.083, Florida Statutes)
- Second-degree misdemeanor trespass (certain circumstances): Punishable by up to 60 days in county jail, 6 months probation, and/or a fine not exceeding $500
Enhanced penalties apply when:
- The trespasser is armed with a firearm or dangerous weapon during the offense, elevating the charge to a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine
- The trespass occurs on a construction site with proper signage, resulting in a first-degree misdemeanor
- The trespass involves agricultural property, resulting in heightened penalties under § 810.09(2)(e)
- The defendant has prior trespass convictions, potentially leading to enhanced sentencing
Additional consequences may include:
- Court costs and fees
- Restitution to property owners for any damages
- Community service hours
- No-contact or stay-away orders
- Impact on employment opportunities and housing applications
The Lake County Probation Office supervises individuals sentenced to probation for trespass offenses:
Lake County Probation Services
315 West Main Street, Suite 200
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-6565
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals charged with criminal trespass should consult qualified legal counsel to understand their rights and potential defenses under Florida law.
How Long Does Lake County Keep Criminal Records?
Lake County maintains criminal records in accordance with Florida's records retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and Rule 1B-24.003, Florida Administrative Code. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various categories of criminal justice records.
For court records, the following retention periods apply:
- Felony case files: Permanently maintained by the Clerk of Court
- Misdemeanor case files: Maintained for a minimum of 5 years after final judgment
- Criminal court minutes and judgments: Permanently maintained
- Traffic cases: Retained for a minimum of 3 years after final disposition
Law enforcement records are subject to these retention requirements:
- Arrest records: Minimum 100-year retention from date of arrest
- Criminal investigative records: Minimum 4-year retention after case closure
- Offense reports: Minimum 4-year retention
Records may be maintained beyond these minimum periods at the discretion of the custodial agency. Digital preservation initiatives have expanded the practical retention of many records indefinitely.
Important exceptions to standard retention include:
- Sealed records: Removed from public access pursuant to § 943.059, Florida Statutes, but maintained by agencies
- Expunged records: Physically destroyed pursuant to § 943.0585, Florida Statutes
- Juvenile records: Subject to special confidentiality provisions under § 985.04, Florida Statutes
For information regarding record retention policies, contact:
Lake County Records Management
315 West Main Street
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 253-6130
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Florida Department of State
Division of Library and Information Services
Records Management Program
500 South Bronough Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 245-6750
Florida Department of State
Lookup Criminal Records in Lake County
Lake County Court Records Search
Lake County Probation Services