Tamarac City felony records are official court documents that show felony cases filed, heard, or decided in Tamarac, Florida. These records are kept by the Broward County Clerk of Court because Tamarac sits inside Broward County.
Anyone can look up these records for free or for a small fee. The records include arrests, charges, court dates, plea deals, and final sentences. They help residents, employers, landlords, and lawyers check a person’s criminal past. This page explains how to find these records, what they contain, and what the law says about who can see them.
What Tamarac City Felony Records Are and Why They Matter
Felony records are written proof of serious crimes charged in a court of law. In Florida, a felony is any crime that can be punished by more than one year in state prison. Tamarac felony case search requests pull data from the local court system. These records are different from police reports. Police reports come first. Court records come after charges are filed. The two work together but live in different places.
Definition of a Felony Under Florida Law
A felony in Florida is a crime that carries a possible prison sentence of more than twelve months. Felonies range from forgery to murder. Each felony gets a class based on how serious it is. The class affects the sentence a judge can give. Florida uses capital, life, and three regular degrees to sort felonies. Records show the class next to each charge so readers know the weight of the case.
What Information Appears in a Felony Record
A felony case file holds the full history of a criminal charge. It lists the defendant’s full legal name. It shows the case number assigned by the court. It includes the date the charge was filed. It names the crime and its degree. It tracks every court date. It records motions, pleas, verdicts, and sentences. It may also show restitution amounts and probation terms. These details let users see the full path of a case from start to finish.
Why These Records Are Public
Florida law treats court records as public property. The Florida Sunshine Law gives citizens the right to see documents made by government agencies. Court records fall under this rule. Public access helps people make safe choices. It helps journalists report on crime. It helps lawyers build cases. It helps families learn about relatives. The law also protects people by allowing the sealing or expungement of records in special cases.
The Broward County Court System That Handles Tamarac Cases
All Tamarac felony cases move through the Broward County court system. This system covers every city in the county, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach. Knowing how the court system works helps users find the right office and the right website for their search.
The 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida
Tamarac sits inside the 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida. This circuit covers all of Broward County. The chief judge oversees every courthouse in the circuit. Felony cases from Tamarac are assigned to circuit court judges. Circuit courts handle all felony trials and sentencings. They do not handle minor traffic tickets or small misdemeanors. Those go to county court. The Clerk of Court keeps files for both court types but stores felony files under circuit court records.
Courthouses That Process Tamarac Felony Cases
Most Tamarac felony cases are processed at the Broward County Main Courthouse. This building sits at 201 Southeast Sixth Street in Fort Lauderdale. Some cases start at the North Regional Courthouse at 1600 West Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach. Others start at the South Regional Courthouse at 3550 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood. The court assigns cases based on case type and judge availability, not on the city where the crime happened.
Felony Divisions Within the Court
The circuit court breaks felony cases into separate divisions. The criminal division handles most adult felony charges. The juvenile division handles felony charges against minors. Each division has its own judges, clerks, and file storage system. Users looking for a Tamarac felony case lookup should know which division they need. Adult felony records sit in the criminal division. Sealed and expunged records sit in a separate sealed records office.
How to Search Tamarac Felony Records Online
Online searches are the fastest way to find Tamarac felony records. Three main websites hold the data. The Broward County Clerk site shows local court files. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement site shows statewide criminal history. The Tamarac Police Department site shows local arrest reports. Users should try the court clerk site first for case-specific data, then move to the state site for full history.
Broward County Clerk of Court Online Portal
The Broward County Clerk of Court runs a free online case search at browardclerk.org. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. The system updates daily with new filings. Results show the defendant’s name, charge, court date, and current status. Users can view many documents for free. Some certified copies cost extra. The site works on phones and computers and does not require an account.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Records Search
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement runs the Computerized Criminal History system, also called CCH. This database lists every arrest and disposition in Florida since 1974. The public can run a name-based search for a fee. Each search costs twenty-five dollars. The user gets a report that shows arrests, charges, and final outcomes. The system searches all counties at once, which makes it useful for checking a person’s full state history.
Tamarac Police Department Records Request
The Tamarac Police Department keeps arrest reports and incident reports. These documents are not the same as court records. Police reports show what officers saw at the scene. Court records show what the judge decided. Users who need police reports can file a public records request with the department. The department has a records unit that handles all written requests. Some basic reports are free. Detailed reports or body cam footage may carry a fee.
Searching by Name Versus Case Number
A Tamarac felony case number search gives the most exact results. The case number is a unique code that follows a single case from start to finish. Users with the case number can pull up every document tied to that case. A Tamarac felony case search by name works best when the user knows the full legal name. The system may return multiple results for people with common names. Adding a date of birth helps narrow the results.
Types of Felony Records You Can Find
Tamarac criminal felony records come in many forms. Each form shows a different part of a case. Knowing the types helps users pick the right document for their needs. Some records cost money. Some are free. Some are open to the public. Others are sealed by court order.
Arrest Records and Booking Reports
An arrest record shows when and where police took a person into custody. It includes the arrest date, location, and the agency that made the arrest. Booking reports show personal data collected at the jail. This data includes height, weight, fingerprints, and mugshots. Arrest records alone do not prove guilt. They only show police action. Court records show the final legal outcome.
Court Case Files and Dockets
Court case files are the full set of papers filed in a felony case. Dockets are short summaries that list every action in a case. Dockets show filing dates, hearing dates, motion filings, and rulings. Most users start with dockets because they give a quick timeline. Full case files include every motion, exhibit, and order. Files take longer to read but show every detail of the case.
Felony Conviction Records
A conviction record shows a guilty verdict or guilty plea. It lists the crime, the date of conviction, and the sentence. Felony conviction records follow a person for life unless the record is sealed or expunged. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often ask for proof of convictions. A conviction record is the most common background check document in the United States.
Sentencing and Probation Records
After a conviction, the court issues a sentence. The sentence may include prison time, fines, probation, or community service. Sentencing records show the exact terms. Probation records track the defendant’s compliance with court rules. Violations of probation create new court entries. These records help probation officers and judges decide on early release or new penalties.
Step-by-Step Process to Request Felony Records
Requesting felony records takes a few clear steps. Users can complete most requests in a single day. Some requests take longer if files are large or stored off-site. The steps below work for online and in-person requests.
Gather the Basic Facts You Need
Before you start, write down the full legal name of the person you are searching. Add the date of birth if you know it. A case number helps if you have it. The more facts you gather, the faster the search will be. Wrong or missing names can return no results. Always double-check spelling before you run a search.
Choose the Right Office for Your Search
Pick the office that holds the records you need. The Broward County Clerk holds court files. The Tamarac Police Department holds arrest reports. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement holds statewide history. For a single Tamarac case, start with the Clerk. For full state history, use FDLE. For local arrests, use the police department.
Submit Your Request Online or in Person
Online requests go through each agency’s website. Fill out the request form. Add your contact details. Pay any fees by credit or debit card. In-person requests require a visit to the agency office. Bring a valid photo ID. Bring cash or a card for fees. Staff will help you run the search on public access computers.
Pay Any Required Fees
Most public searches cost little or nothing. The FDLE charges twenty-five dollars for a statewide search. The Clerk charges fifteen cents per page for printed copies. Certified copies cost more. Payment methods vary by office. Check the fee schedule on the agency’s website before you go.
Receive and Review Your Records
Online results appear within minutes. Mailed or printed records take a few business days. Review the records as soon as you get them. Check for errors. Report any wrong data to the agency that issued the record. Correcting errors takes time, so act fast.
Felony Classes Used in Florida Courts
Florida sorts felonies into five classes. Each class has its own maximum sentence. The class appears on every court record. Knowing the class helps users understand the seriousness of a case.
Capital Felonies
Capital felonies are the most serious crimes under Florida law. They include first-degree murder and certain sex crimes against children. The punishment can be death or life in prison without parole. Capital felony records get the highest level of court attention and security.
Life Felonies
Life felonies include second-degree murder, kidnapping, and certain drug trafficking crimes. The maximum sentence is life in prison. The minimum sentence depends on the crime and the defendant’s prior record. These cases also draw heavy media and public attention.
First-Degree Felonies
First-degree felonies can lead to up to thirty years in prison. They include armed burglary, large-scale drug sales, and aggravated assault with a weapon. These cases often go to trial because the stakes are high. Records show the full hearing history and trial transcripts.
Second-Degree Felonies
Second-degree felonies carry up to fifteen years in prison. They include burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, possession of certain drugs, and certain fraud crimes. Many second-degree felonies end in plea deals because the evidence is clear.
Third-Degree Felonies
Third-degree felonies carry up to five years in prison. They include certain theft crimes, simple drug possession, and driving with a suspended license after a felony. Records for these cases move faster through the system because the sentences are shorter.
Who Can See Tamarac Felony Records
Florida law lets most people see felony records. A few records are sealed by court order. Juvenile records have extra rules. Expunged records are removed from public view. Understanding these rules protects users from legal trouble.
Public Access Rights Under Florida Law
Any member of the public can see most felony records. You do not need to be a lawyer or a family member. You do not need to live in Florida. The law treats court files as open unless a judge orders them sealed. The Sunshine Law covers searches, copies, and certifications.
Sealed and Expunged Felony Records
A judge can seal a felony record. Sealed records are hidden from public search. Only certain agencies can see them. A person can also apply to expunge a record. Expungement destroys the public file. Both options require a court order. Most people can only seal or expunge a record once. Eligibility rules are strict.
Juvenile Felony Records
Juvenile felony records belong to minors under eighteen. These records are not public. Only the minor, the parents, and certain agencies can see them. Many juvenile records get sealed automatically when the minor turns eighteen. A judge can also order early sealing in special cases.
Background Checks for Employment and Housing
Employers and landlords often run background checks. They look for felony convictions that relate to the job or the lease. Florida law limits what employers can ask about old records. A person with a sealed or expunged record can legally say they have no felony record. Background check companies must follow these rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Costs and Fees for Felony Record Searches
Search costs vary by agency. Online searches are usually free. Statewide criminal history checks cost money. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. The table below shows typical fees for common searches.
Online Search Fees
The Broward County Clerk site lets users search for free. View fees do not apply for most documents. The FDLE charges twenty-five dollars per name search. Police department online searches may be free or may charge a small fee. Online payments go through secure portals with credit or debit cards.
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies come with a court seal. They prove the record is real. The Clerk of Court charges a fee for each certified copy. The fee covers the seal, the signature of the clerk, and the search time. Certified copies take longer to issue than regular copies. Users should order certified copies when they need records for court, immigration, or licensing.
In-Person Copy Costs
In-person copies cost fifteen cents per page at the Clerk of Court. Self-service copiers may cost more. Staff-assisted copies may include a search fee. The total cost depends on the size of the file. Large cases with hundreds of pages can cost dozens of dollars to copy.
| Service | Agency | Fee | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online case search | Broward Clerk | Free | Instant |
| Statewide criminal history | FDLE | $25.00 | Instant to 24 hours |
| Certified copy of court record | Broward Clerk | Fee per page plus certification | 1 to 3 business days |
| Regular copy of court record | Broward Clerk | $0.15 per page | Same day |
| Police arrest report | Tamarac Police | Free or small fee | 1 to 5 business days |
Common Uses for Tamarac Felony Records
People search felony records for many reasons. Each reason shapes the kind of record the person needs. Below are the most common uses and what they require.
Personal Background Checks
Many people run background checks on themselves. This helps them see what employers will see. It also helps them spot errors in their files. A personal check is the first step to fixing wrong data or starting a sealing request. Florida residents have the right to see their own criminal history once per year for free through FDLE.
Employment Screening
Florida law allows employers to check felony records for most jobs. Some jobs require clean records. These include jobs with children, jobs with the elderly, and jobs in finance. Other jobs look at records only when the crime relates to the work. Employers must follow the rules in the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Tenant Screening
Landlords run background checks on rental applicants. Felony convictions for fraud, drug sales, or violent crimes may disqualify an applicant. Landlords must follow the federal Fair Housing Act. They cannot reject applicants based on race, religion, or other protected classes. They also must give applicants a copy of the background check and a chance to respond.
Legal Research and Case Preparation
Lawyers use felony records to prepare cases. They look at past charges, plea deals, and trial outcomes. They also look at how judges handled similar cases. Researchers use felony records to study crime trends. Journalists use them to write stories about public safety. All these users can access the same public records through the Clerk of Court and FDLE.
Official Contacts and Locations for Tamarac Felony Records
Below are the main offices that handle Tamarac felony records. Each office has its own hours, phone number, and website. Call ahead to confirm hours before you visit in person.
Broward County Clerk of Court
Address: 201 Southeast Sixth Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Phone: (954) 831-6565. Website: www.browardclerk.org. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on county holidays. The Clerk’s office runs the main public records search for the entire county, including Tamarac felony case information.
Tamarac Police Department
Address: 7501 North University Drive, Tamarac, Florida 33321. Phone: (954) 720-2225. Website: www.tamarac.gov/police. Hours: Records unit open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Emergency lines operate 24 hours a day. The police department handles arrest reports and incident reports for crimes that happened inside the city.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Address: 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. Phone: (850) 410-7000. Website: www.fdle.state.fl.us. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The FDLE runs the statewide criminal history database and processes seal and expunge requests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tamarac City Felony Records
Below are answers to the questions people ask most often about Tamarac felony records. These answers cover searches, costs, sealed files, and legal rights. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and current court practice. Use these answers to plan your search and protect your rights.
How do I find a Tamarac felony case by name?
Go to the Broward County Clerk of Court website at browardclerk.org. Click on the case search link. Type the full legal name of the person you are looking for. Add the date of birth if you know it. The system returns every felony case filed under that name. Results show case number, charges, and current status. Click on any case to see the full docket and available documents. The search is free and runs at any time of day.
Can I see Tamarac felony records for free?
Yes. The Broward County Clerk of Court lets the public search case data for free on its website. You can also visit the Clerk’s office in Fort Lauderdale and use the public access computers at no cost. Printed copies cost fifteen cents per page. The statewide criminal history search through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement costs twenty-five dollars per name.
How long does a felony stay on a person’s record in Florida?
A felony conviction stays on a person’s record for life unless a court orders it sealed or expunged. Sealed records stay in the system but are hidden from public view. Expunged records are destroyed. Florida law limits sealing and expungement. Most people can only use these options once. Certain crimes cannot be sealed or expunged at all.
What is the difference between a sealed and an expunged record?
A sealed record is hidden from the public. A judge can order it sealed if the defendant meets certain rules. A sealed record still exists in the system. Only certain agencies can see it. An expunged record is destroyed. The court physically removes the file from public access. Sealed records can sometimes be reopened. Expunged records cannot.
Can employers see sealed felony records in Tamarac?
Most private employers cannot see sealed records. Florida law says a person with a sealed record can say they do not have a felony conviction. Certain employers can still see sealed records. These include law enforcement agencies, schools, and employers who work with children or the elderly. Government agencies that issue professional licenses can also see sealed records in some cases.
Are juvenile felony records public in Tamarac?
No. Juvenile felony records are not public. They are sealed by Florida law. Only the minor, the parents or guardians, and certain agencies can see them. Most juvenile records are automatically sealed when the minor turns eighteen. A person can also ask a judge to seal the record earlier. Expungement is possible in some cases but rare.
What should I do if I find an error in my Tamarac felony record?
Contact the agency that issued the record as soon as possible. For court records, contact the Broward County Clerk of Court. For arrest records, contact the Tamarac Police Department. For statewide history, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Each agency has a process for correcting errors. You may need to file a written request and provide proof of the correct data. The agency has a set time to respond under Florida law.