Lehigh Acres city criminal records are public court files that show every criminal case filed against people who live in or have cases connected to Lehigh Acres, Florida. These records live at the Lee County Courthouse because Lehigh Acres sits inside Lee County in southwest Florida.
The Lee County Clerk of Court keeps the official files. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office handles arrest reports and jail records. Florida state law says most of these records stay open to the public. Anyone can look them up online or at the courthouse. This page shows you exactly where to go, what to search, what it costs, and what you get back from each search.
Where Lehigh Acres Criminal Records Are Stored
Lehigh Acres falls under the 20th Judicial Circuit of Florida. That means all court cases for people in Lehigh Acres get filed in Lee County courts. Three main offices hold different pieces of a criminal case file. Each one has its own search system. You may need to check more than one place to get a full picture of someone’s criminal history.
Lee County Clerk of Court
The Lee County Clerk of Court is the main record keeper for Lehigh Acres city criminal records. They store all court case files. This includes felony cases, misdemeanor cases, and traffic crimes that went through the court system. They also keep dockets, which are daily lists of what happened in each case. You can search their online database for free. The system runs all day, every day. You can also visit the courthouse to look at paper files in person. Their main office sits in Fort Myers, which is about 15 miles from Lehigh Acres.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office runs the county jail and handles arrests. They keep arrest reports and booking photos. If you want to know if someone got arrested recently, the sheriff’s office is the place to check. They also run the inmate search for the Lee County Jail. Lehigh Acres residents who get arrested go to this jail unless they post bond quickly. The sheriff’s office keeps arrest records separate from court records. You may need to check both places to get a full criminal history.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, also called FDLE, keeps statewide criminal history records. Their database covers every county in Florida, including Lee County. This is the best place to search if you need records from multiple counties at once. They charge a fee for each search. The search shows arrests, convictions, and dispositions. FDLE records work well for background checks because they pull from all Florida counties in one search.
How to Search Lehigh Acres Criminal Records Online
You can search most Lehigh Acres city criminal records from your computer or phone. The Lee County Clerk of Court runs a free online portal. You do not need an account to do basic searches. The system shows case numbers, charges, court dates, and the final outcome of each case. Some records have scanned documents you can view right on the screen. Other records only show basic facts and require a trip to the courthouse for full copies.
Search by Person’s Name
Name searches work best when you know the full legal name. Type the last name first, then the first name. If the name is common, you will get many results. You can narrow the search by adding a date of birth. The system shows cases that match the name and birth year. Click on a case number to open the full record. The case detail page shows charges, court dates, pleas, and sentences. You can see if the case is still open or closed.
Search by Case Number
Case number searches give you the exact file right away. You need the case number, which looks like a series of letters and numbers. For example, felony cases start with “CF” and misdemeanor cases start with “MM.” Traffic cases that became criminal charges start with “CT.” If you have any old paperwork with a case number on it, use that number. The search will pull up that one specific case without showing other people with the same name.
Search by Court Date
Court date searches help if you want to see what cases are set for a specific day. The Lee County court calendar is public. You can look up the docket for any given day. This helps lawyers, witnesses, and people with cases scheduled. The docket shows the time, courtroom, and type of hearing. It also shows the name of the judge assigned to the case.
Types of Criminal Records You Can Find
Several types of Lehigh Acres city criminal records exist. Each one shows a different part of the criminal justice process. Some records come from the police. Others come from the courts. You may need to check more than one type to get a full picture of someone’s case history.
Felony Case Records
Felony case records show serious crimes like burglary, drug trafficking, and assault. These cases go through the Circuit Court in Lee County. Felony records include the arrest affidavit, charging documents, plea deals, and final sentences. They also show if the person went to prison or got probation. Felony cases stay on a person’s record forever unless they get sealed or expunged. The Lee County Clerk keeps these files for the entire life of the case plus a set number of years after it closes.
Misdemeanor Case Records
Misdemeanor case records show less serious crimes like petty theft, simple assault, and DUI first offense. These cases go through the County Court in Lee County. Misdemeanor records follow the same format as felony records. They show charges, pleas, and sentences. The main difference is the possible punishment. Misdemeanors carry up to one year in county jail. Felonies carry more than one year in state prison.
Court Docket Records
Court docket records show what happened at each hearing. A docket entry is a short note about each event in a case. For example, a docket might show “Arraignment held, defendant pleads not guilty” or “Sentencing hearing held, 5 years probation granted.” Dockets help you track the progress of a case over time. They also show exact dates and times for future hearings. You can search dockets on the Lee County Clerk website.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest and booking records come from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, not the courts. These records show when someone got arrested, where it happened, and what the arrest report said. Booking records also show a mugshot, physical description, and the charges at the time of arrest. Booking records update faster than court records because arrests happen before court cases start. If you want to know about a recent arrest, the sheriff’s office is the best place to check.
Fees for Getting Criminal Records
Most online searches for Lehigh Acres city criminal records are free. You only pay when you need copies or official documents. The fees are set by Florida law and do not change much from year to year. The table below shows what you can expect to pay for each type of record request.
Copy and Certification Fees
Regular copies of court documents cost a set fee per page. Certified copies cost more because they have an official court seal. The seal proves the copy is real and can be used in legal matters. Most people need certified copies for court filings, immigration cases, or background checks for jobs. You can order copies online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office. Payment methods include credit card, check, and cash for in-person orders.
| Record Type | Cost | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|
| Regular copy per page | $1.00 | Same day for online, 1-3 days for mail |
| Certified copy per document | $3.00 to $5.00 | Same day for online, 3-5 days for mail |
| FDLE statewide criminal history search | $25.00 | Instant online results |
| Additional copies of same record | $1.00 each | Same day for online |
FDLE Statewide Search Costs
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges $25 for each name you search. This fee covers the cost of pulling records from all Florida counties. The search results come back right away when you do it online. You need a credit card and a user account to use the FDLE system. The account is free to set up. You only pay when you actually run a search. The results show arrests, charges, and final outcomes for any case in Florida.
Visiting the Lee County Courthouse in Person
You can visit the Lee County Courthouse to search Lehigh Acres city criminal records in person. The courthouse has public computers you can use for free. Staff at the clerk’s office can help you if you get stuck. Some old records are not online yet. For those records, you need to visit the courthouse to look at paper files. The main courthouse sits in downtown Fort Myers, which is a short drive from Lehigh Acres.
Courthouse Location and Hours
The Lee County Justice Center is the main courthouse for Lehigh Acres cases. It sits at 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Fort Myers, Florida 33901. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office closes on weekends and federal holidays. You can call the clerk at (239) 533-5000 to ask questions before you go. Parking is available near the building for a small fee.
What to Bring to the Courthouse
Bring a valid photo ID when you visit the clerk’s office. You will need the full name of the person you are searching for. A date of birth helps narrow down results. If you have a case number, bring that too. Bring cash or a credit card for copy fees. Leave large bags, weapons, and food at home. Dress neat because you will go through a security checkpoint at the entrance.
Sealing and Expunging Lehigh Acres Criminal Records
Florida law lets some people seal or expunge their criminal records. Sealing means the record is hidden from public searches. Expungement means the record gets destroyed in most cases. These options help people who qualify get jobs, housing, and professional licenses. Not everyone qualifies. You must meet specific rules set by Florida law to apply.
Who Can Seal or Expunge a Record
You can apply to seal or expunge a Lehigh Acres city criminal record if you meet all the rules. You must not have been convicted of the charge. Acquittals, dismissals, and withholds of adjudication may qualify. You cannot have any prior felony convictions. You can only seal or expunge one case in your lifetime, with some exceptions. You must get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE before you file anything with the court.
How the Process Works
The process starts with FDLE. You fill out an application and pay a fee. FDLE checks your record and decides if you qualify. If you qualify, they send you a Certificate of Eligibility. You then take that certificate to the Lee County Clerk of Court and file a petition. A judge reviews your petition and decides whether to grant it. If the judge signs the order, the clerk seals or expunges the record. The whole process takes about 6 months to complete. A lawyer can help you with the paperwork and the court hearing.
Official Contact Information
Use the contact details below to reach the offices that handle Lehigh Acres city criminal records. Call during business hours for help with searches, copies, or general questions. The clerk’s office handles court records. The sheriff’s office handles arrest and jail records. FDLE handles statewide background checks.
Lee County Clerk of Court
Address: 2075 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: (239) 533-5000
Website: leeclerk.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 14750 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Phone: (239) 477-1000
Website: sheriffleefl.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (records division)
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 410-7000
Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common things people ask about Lehigh Acres city criminal records. Each answer gives you clear facts you can use right away. If you have a question not listed here, call the Lee County Clerk of Court for help.
Are Lehigh Acres criminal records free to search online?
Yes, the Lee County Clerk of Court lets you search criminal case records online for free. You can look up cases by name, case number, or court date without paying anything. The search results show case numbers, charges, court dates, and the final outcome of each case. You only pay a fee if you want to download or print copies of the actual court documents. The FDLE statewide search costs $25 per name because it pulls records from all Florida counties in one search.
How long does it take to get certified copies of criminal records?
Certified copies from the Lee County Clerk take about the same day if you order them online or in person. Mail orders take 3 to 5 business days. You can pay extra for expedited shipping if you need the copies faster. The clerk’s office processes requests Monday through Friday during business hours. The FDLE statewide criminal history results come back right away when you order online. In-person orders for statewide records take a few hours to process.
Can I find out if someone is in jail in Lee County right now?
Yes, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office runs a free inmate search on their website. The search shows current inmates at the Lee County Jail. You can search by name or booking number. The results show the charges, bond amount, and next court date. The search updates every few hours. If you do not see someone in the search, they may have already posted bond or been released. The search only shows people currently in custody.
What is the difference between sealed and expunged records in Florida?
Sealed records stay on file but become hidden from public searches. Only certain government agencies can see sealed records. Expunged records get destroyed in most cases. The court order directs all agencies to delete their copies of the record. Florida law only lets you seal or expunge one case in your lifetime. Some cases like acquittals and dismissals qualify for both options. Serious felony convictions do not qualify for either option under any circumstances.
Do Lehigh Acres criminal records show juvenile cases?
No, juvenile records are not public in Florida. They stay confidential and sealed from public view. Only the minor, their parents or guardians, their lawyer, and certain court officials can see juvenile records. Juvenile cases do not show up in regular Lee County Clerk searches. They also do not show up in FDLE statewide searches. If a juvenile case gets transferred to adult court, the record becomes public at that point. Otherwise, juvenile records stay sealed forever.
Can I remove old arrest records that did not lead to a conviction?
Yes, you may be able to seal or expunge old arrest records that did not lead to a conviction. If the case ended in a dismissal, acquittal, or nolle prosequi, you can apply. You must first get a Certificate of Eligibility from FDLE. Then you file a petition with the Lee County Clerk of Court. A judge reviews the petition and decides whether to grant the request. The process takes about 6 months from start to finish and costs around $300 to $500 in total fees.
How far back do Lehigh Acres criminal records go online?
The Lee County Clerk online system goes back to the early 1990s for most case types. Older cases may only exist in paper files at the courthouse. You can visit the clerk’s office to look at paper files for cases that are not online. Some cases from the 1980s and earlier may have been destroyed according to state record retention rules. The clerk can check their archive index to see if an old case still exists. FDLE statewide records go back to the 1970s for most Florida counties.