Union County Florida DUI records are public court files that show every DUI charge, arrest, plea, and outcome filed inside the county. These files live at the Union County Courthouse in Lake Butler, and they connect to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles when a driving privilege action also occurs.
Anyone can look up these records when they need to check a case status, request certified copies, or confirm court outcomes. Union County keeps DUI cases in the clerk’s office because DUI charges move through the county court system under Florida law. The clerk holds the docket, the case file, the disposition record, and the sentencing paperwork. Most people search these records for background checks, court preparation, insurance questions, or personal records.
What DUI Records Contain in Union County
A DUI record in Union County holds more than just a charge. It shows the full path of a case from arrest to final outcome. Knowing what is inside each record helps a person decide which office to contact and which documents to request.
Core Fields in a DUI Case File
Each DUI case file in Union County contains core case fields that the court and clerk track from start to finish. These fields allow a person to confirm a match and pull the right file.
- Defendant full legal name and date of birth
- Case number assigned by the clerk
- Uniform Traffic Citation number from the arresting officer
- Arrest date and charge level (misdemeanor or felony)
- Court division where the case is filed
- Charge statute reference under Florida law
- Hearing entries, pleas, and motions
- Final disposition such as conviction, acquittal, or dismissal
- Sentence details and probation terms
- Driver license action flagged by the clerk
DUI Record Levels in Florida
Florida separates DUI cases into three charge levels. Each level changes where the file lives, how long the case can stay open, and what the clerk releases to the public.
| DUI Level | Where Filed | Statute Reference |
|---|---|---|
| First DUI misdemeanor | County Court | Florida Statute 316.193 |
| Second DUI misdemeanor | County Court | Florida Statute 316.193 |
| Third or later DUI felony | Circuit Court | Florida Statute 316.193 |
| DUI causing injury or death | Circuit Court | Florida Statute 316.193 |
| Under 21 DUI (zero tolerance) | County Court | Florida Statute 322.2616 |
Union County Clerk of Court and Records Office
The Union County Clerk of Court is the main office that holds DUI records for the county. This office works with the court to file charges, track hearings, and store final outcomes. Every person who needs a DUI record in Union County should start at this office.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Union County Courthouse holds the clerk’s office and all DUI case files. Anyone who needs to visit in person can go to the address listed below during normal business hours.
- Office: Union County Clerk of Court
- Address: Union County Courthouse, 55 W Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054
- Phone: (386) 496-3711
- Website: https://www.unionclerk.com/
- Visiting Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
What the Clerk Office Handles
The clerk office handles every step of a DUI case once an officer files a citation or arrest report. The clerk enters the case into the docket, sets the first court date, and stores all paperwork that flows from the judge. When a person wants to pull a DUI record, the clerk team checks the case number, the defendant name, and the filing year before releasing any documents. They also issue certified copies, which courts and state agencies often require.
How to Search DUI Records in Union County
Searching DUI records in Union County works best when a person follows a clear order. Starting with the county system, then moving to the state, saves time and avoids mismatched results.
Step One: County Records Search
The first step in any DUI record search in Union County is the county clerk’s online search tool or in-person counter. This tool searches court dockets by defendant name, case number, or citation number. It shows every case filed in the county court and the circuit court. A person should enter the full legal name plus a date range to narrow the search. Adding a date of birth helps when two people share the same name. The county search returns the case number, charge level, court division, next hearing date, and disposition entry.
Step Two: Capture and Confirm the Case Number
Once the search returns matches, the case number becomes the key to pulling the full file. A case number in Union County follows a format that lists the court type, the year of filing, and the case sequence. Writing down the case number stops confusion when multiple cases show up for the same name. A quick call to the clerk office confirms which file belongs to the correct person.
Step Three: Use Florida State Systems When Needed
When a person needs the driving record side of a DUI case, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles holds that file. The state system shows the administrative actions like license suspension, hardship request, or interlock order. These records sit next to the court file but do not replace it.
Florida State DUI Record Systems
Florida runs more than one DUI record system. Each system holds a different piece of the case. Knowing which system holds what stops a person from missing a key part of the record.
FLHSMV Official Portal
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) portal is the main driver license system for the state. It shows every DUI-related action taken against a driving privilege, including suspension orders, revocation orders, and hardship eligibility. A person can order a certified driver record online or at a local tax collector office that offers driver license services. The FLHSMV portal works with the MyDMV account system, which lets a driver see their own record with a secure login.
MyDMV Portal for Personal Records
The MyDMV portal connects a Florida driver to their own license record. It shows points, suspension history, and DUI-related entries. A person who wants their own DUI driving record can log in, order a copy, and download the PDF. This portal does not show court outcomes, only license actions, which means it pairs with the county search for a full picture.
County Court Docket Search
The county court docket search shows the case progress in court. It tracks the arraignment, plea, trial, sentencing, and any postiction motions. This search is free through most Florida county clerk websites, including Union County. It also shows the case disposition, which the driving record does not always include.
Florida DUI Laws and Statute References
Florida DUI law creates the legal backbone for every DUI case filed in Union County. Knowing the statute numbers helps a person read a case file with more clarity and verify that the right charge was filed.
Florida Statute 316.193
Florida Statute 316.193 is the main DUI statute. It defines what counts as driving under the influence, sets the BAC limit at 0.08 for adults, and lists the penalties for each conviction level. A person who reads a Union County DUI record will see this statute number on most charges.
Florida Statute 322.2615
Florida Statute 322.2615 covers the administrative suspension of a driver license after a DUI arrest. This law runs through FLHSMV and explains how a driver can challenge the suspension, request a hearing, or qualify for a hardship license. This statute shows up on the driving record but not always on the court docket.
Florida Statute 322.2616
Florida Statute 322.2616 covers drivers under 21 who register a BAC above 0.02. This law is the zero-tolerance rule for underage drivers. It triggers an automatic suspension and shows up on the record as an under-21 DUI action.
Requesting Certified Copies of DUI Records
Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and serve as proof of a record for court, employer, or insurance use. Anyone who needs a certified copy must follow the clerk request process.
What to Bring for In-Person Requests
A person who visits the clerk office in person should bring a valid photo ID, the case number or defendant name, and the filing year. Payment for the copy fee happens at the counter. The clerk team pulls the file, makes a certified copy, applies the seal, and hands it back the same day in most cases.
How to Mail a Record Request
When a person cannot visit in person, a mail request works. The request letter must include the defendant name, date of birth, case number if known, and the specific documents needed. A self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fee must come with the letter. The clerk office mails the certified copy back once the request clears the records team.
Online Certified Copy Requests
Some Florida clerks accept online certified copy requests through their website portal. Union County offers access through https://www.unionclerk.com/. A person can pay the fee by card and receive a digital or mailed copy depending on the record type.
Fees, Processing Times, and Document Types
Fees and timelines depend on the record type and how the request is made. Knowing the costs ahead of time stops delays and rejected requests.
Standard Fee Schedule
The Union County clerk follows the fee schedule set by Florida statute for court records. The fee covers the search, the copy, and the certification stamp.
| Document Type | Standard Fee | Certified Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Court docket printout | $1.00 per page | $2.00 per page |
| Case summary | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Certified arrest record | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Certified disposition record | $5.00 | $10.00 |
| Driver record (FLHSMV) | $8.00 | $10.00 |
Processing Times
Most in-person requests for Union County DUI records clear the same day when the case is closed. Open cases may take longer because some documents sit in the court file until the judge signs off. Mailed requests usually clear within five to ten business days. Online requests clear as soon as the payment posts and the clerk team pulls the file.
Accepted Payment Methods
The clerk office accepts cash, check, money order, and card payments for in-person requests. Online portals take card payments. Mailed requests must use a check or money order to avoid cash loss in the mail.
DUI Dispositions and Case Outcomes
A DUI disposition is the final court outcome of a case. It tells a person whether the case ended in a conviction, a dismissal, an acquittal, or a withhold. Each disposition carries a different weight on a person’s record.
Common Disposition Types
Florida courts use a set of standard disposition codes that show up on the docket and the clerk record. A reader can check the disposition field on any Union County DUI search result.
- Conviction: The court found the defendant guilty or the defendant pleaded guilty or no contest.
- Dismissal: The court dropped the case before trial because of a legal reason.
- Acquittal: The court found the defendant not guilty after trial.
- Withhold of adjudication: The court held back a formal conviction but kept the case open.
- Nolle prosequi: The state dropped the charge before the court ruled.
- Deferred prosecution: The defendant completed a program and the case was dismissed.
How Dispositions Affect a Driving Record
A DUI conviction goes onto the FLHSMV driving record for at least 75 years under Florida law. A dismissal or acquittal does not add a conviction to the driving record but may still leave a hearing entry on the court docket. A withhold of adjudication can still trigger license points and insurance penalties. Anyone who checks a record should read both the court disposition and the FLHSMV record to see the full picture.
Common Search Problems and How to Solve Them
People often hit roadblocks when searching DUI records in Union County. Most problems come from small details that are easy to fix.
Name Mismatch Problems
A name search can fail when the spelling used in the search does not match the name on the court file. Court records store legal names exactly as they appear on the arrest report. Trying alternate spellings, adding middle names, or searching by date of birth often fixes the issue.
Record Not Posted Yet
Some records take days or weeks to show up online. A clerk office needs time to enter the citation, set the first court date, and post the entry to the website. If the record does not appear after a fresh arrest, waiting five business days and trying again usually works.
Sealed or Expunged Records
Florida allows some DUI records to be sealed or expunged under specific conditions. Once sealed, the record no longer appears on public searches. A person who needs a sealed record must go through the court that issued the seal order.
Privacy and Legal Limits on DUI Records
DUI records are public in Florida, but the law sets clear limits on how they can be used. Knowing these limits protects a person from legal trouble.
Fair Credit Reporting Act Rules
The Fair Credit Reporting Act limits how background check companies can report old DUI records. A DUI conviction may stay on a background check for seven years under FCRA rules, even though it stays on the Florida record for 75 years. Employers using background checks for jobs paying under $75,000 per year must follow FCRA time limits.
Driver Privacy Protection Act
The Driver Privacy Protection Act limits who can pull personal information from a FLHSMV driver record. A person cannot use FLHSMV records to stalk, harass, or screen private citizens without a legal purpose. The law allows access for court use, insurance underwriting, and licensed background check companies.
Juvenile DUI Records
Florida treats juvenile DUI records differently from adult records. Juvenile DUI files stay sealed but can be accessed by judges, probation officers, and law enforcement. The records do not appear on public docket searches the same way adult records do.
Union County DUI Records by City and Area
Union County covers several cities and unincorporated areas. DUI cases filed in those areas all end up at the Union County Courthouse, but the arrest location can help narrow a search.
Lake Butler
Lake Butler is the county seat and the main city in Union County. Most DUI cases filed in Union County start with an arrest on a state road or county street inside or near Lake Butler. The Union County Courthouse sits in the center of the city.
Worthington Springs
Worthington Springs is a small town in southern Union County. DUI arrests from this area flow to the Lake Butler courthouse for filing.
Raiford
Raiford sits in eastern Union County and borders Bradford County. DUI cases from Raiford go through the Union County clerk office because the city sits inside Union County lines.
Starke Road and State Road 121 Corridors
Many Union County DUI arrests happen along U.S. Highway 301, State Road 100, and State Road 121. Cases from these corridors also file in Lake Butler at the Union County clerk office.
FAQ
The questions below cover the most common concerns people have when they search DUI records in Union County. Each answer gives a clear path based on Florida law and the clerk office process.
How long does a DUI stay on a record in Florida?
A DUI conviction in Florida stays on a person’s driving record for 75 years under Florida Statute 322.27. The court docket shows the case indefinitely because court records stay in the clerk system without an automatic purge date. Background check companies may limit how long they report the conviction based on the Fair Credit Reporting Act, but the official record itself does not go away on its own. A person can only remove a Florida DUI through a successful expungement petition, and Florida law limits expungement for DUI convictions. Most DUI records remain visible for life.
Can someone else pull my DUI record in Florida?
Yes, anyone can pull a court docket record in Florida because court records are public. A third party can search the Union County docket, see the case number, charge, and disposition. The Driver Privacy Protection Act limits access to FLHSMV driver records, which include personal details like address, date of birth, and license number. A third party can only pull a FLHSMV driver record with a lawful purpose under the law, such as court use, insurance, or a licensed background check company.
Is a DUI in Union County a felony or misdemeanor?
Most first and second DUIs in Union County are misdemeanors filed in county court. A third DUI within ten years becomes a felony under Florida Statute 316.193. A DUI that causes injury or death also becomes a felony. Felony DUI cases move to circuit court and carry heavier penalties, longer probation, and possible prison time. Reading the case file charge line shows the correct level.
Can I check DUI records for free in Union County?
The Union County clerk website offers free docket searches through its public portal. A person can search by name or case number without paying a fee. The free search shows the case status and docket entries. Certified copies, full case file printouts, and FLHSMV driver records do carry a fee. Anyone who only needs the case status and next hearing date can get that for free.
What is the difference between a DUI arrest record and a DUI conviction record?
A DUI arrest record shows the arrest event, the officer’s report, and the booking. A DUI conviction record shows the final court outcome after a plea or trial. The arrest record comes from law enforcement and the jail. The conviction record comes from the clerk of court. Both records exist for the same person and case, but they sit in different offices and serve different legal purposes. A background check uses the conviction record because the arrest alone does not prove guilt.
How do I fix a mistake on my Union County DUI record?
A person who spots a mistake on a DUI record must file a motion with the clerk office or the court. Common mistakes include wrong name spelling, wrong date of birth, or wrong charge level. The clerk office can correct clerical errors without a court order. Mistakes in the charge or disposition need a court motion with proof of the correct facts. FLHSMV driver record errors need a separate correction request through the FLHSMV portal or a tax collector office.
Do Union County DUI records show on background checks for jobs?
Yes, a Florida DUI conviction appears on most background checks for jobs. The conviction stays on the record for 75 years. Employers who run background checks through licensed screening companies will see the conviction. Some employers only look back seven years under FCRA rules for jobs paying under $75,000 per year. Government jobs, law enforcement jobs, and driving-related jobs can see the full record. A job applicant should be ready to explain the conviction during the hiring process.