Walton County Felony Records are official court files that document serious criminal cases filed in Walton County, Florida. These records are kept by the Walton County Clerk of Court in DeFuniak Springs.
Anyone can view them under Florida public records law. This page explains what these records contain, how to search them, and where to get certified copies.
What Are Walton County Felony Records
Walton County Felony Records are written accounts of felony cases handled by the Walton County court system. A felony is a serious crime that can lead to a state prison sentence. These records differ from misdemeanor files. They track the full life of a case from the first filing to the final outcome.
Definition and Scope
Walton County Felony Records cover every felony case opened in the county. They include charges, court dates, plea deals, trial results, and sentencing. The records are stored in both paper and digital form. They remain open to the public unless a court orders them sealed or expunged.
What Felonies Are Tracked
Walton County Felony Records track crimes such as burglary, drug trafficking, assault, robbery, and homicide. They also include white-collar crimes, fraud, and certain weapons charges. Any crime Florida law lists as a felony appears in these files. Juvenile felony records follow separate rules and stay closed to the public.
How the Walton County Court System Organizes Felony Cases
Walton County Felony Records sit under the jurisdiction of the First Judicial Circuit Court. The circuit court handles all felony cases in the county. The clerk’s office files and stores every document in the case file. This system keeps each case organized and easy to locate.
Circuit Court Jurisdiction
The First Judicial Circuit Court covers Walton, Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties. In Walton County, felony cases are heard at the main courthouse in DeFuniak Springs. The courthouse address is 100 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433. All felony case records stay with the Walton County Clerk of Court even when the defendant moves to another county.
Case Number Format
Each Walton County felony case has a unique number. The number starts with the year, followed by a case type code, then a sequence. For example, a 2024 felony case might look like 2024-CF-000123. The “CF” stands for “Criminal Felony.” This number helps the clerk pull up the exact file you need.
Official Sources for Walton County Felony Records
Walton County Felony Records come from three main sources. Each source holds a different type of data. Using all three gives you the fullest picture of a person’s felony history in Florida.
Walton County Clerk of Court
The Walton County Clerk of Court is the primary source for Walton County Felony Records. The clerk runs the county’s official records system. You can search online, visit the office, or send a mail request. The clerk’s website is www.waltonclerk.org. The office phone number is (850) 892-8115.
The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Staff help you locate specific case files. They issue certified copies of court documents for a fee.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs a statewide criminal history database. This database pulls in Walton County Felony Records along with records from all 67 Florida counties. A statewide search costs $24. You can run this search at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default.
The FDLE search returns felony charges, convictions, and pending cases. It updates on a regular schedule. You need the full legal name and date of birth of the person you are searching.
Florida Department of Corrections
The Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) tracks people serving state prison time. This database connects to Walton County Felony Records when a defendant receives a prison sentence. You can search the DOC database for free at dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx. It shows current inmates and people on supervision.
How to Search Walton County Felony Records Online
Walton County Felony Records can be searched online through the clerk’s website and the FDLE portal. Each tool works in a slightly different way. Below are the steps for each search option.
Using the Clerk’s Online Portal
To search Walton County Felony Records through the clerk’s online portal, start at www.waltonclerk.org. Click on the public records or court records link on the main page. The search tool lets you look by name, case number, or filing date. Results show the case number, party names, charges, and hearing dates.
Online records are free to view. The portal covers most cases from the early 2000s to today. Older cases may require a visit to the clerk’s office or a mail request.
Statewide FDLE Search
For a statewide check that includes Walton County Felony Records, use the FDLE portal. Go to web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. Create an account or log in as a guest. Enter the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and gender. Pay the $24 fee with a credit or debit card.
Results come back right away. The report lists every felony charge, the county where the case was filed, and the final outcome. It also shows pending cases. Sealed or expunged records do not appear in this search.
DOC Inmate Database
If you only need to know if someone is in state prison, use the DOC database. This is a free search that pulls from Walton County Felony Records when the person received a prison sentence. Go to dc.state.fl.us/OffenderSearch/Search.aspx. Enter the first and last name.
The DOC site shows the inmate’s current location, offense, and release date. It also lists people on probation or parole through the Department of Corrections.
Source Comparison for Walton County Felony Records
Different search sources serve different needs. The table below shows the main features of each tool that provides Walton County Felony Records.
| Source | Coverage | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walton County Clerk Portal | Walton County only | Free to view | Local case details and documents |
| FDLE Statewide Search | All 67 Florida counties | $24 per search | Complete Florida criminal history |
| Florida DOC Offender Search | State prison inmates | Free | Current incarceration status |
In-Person Records Requests at the DeFuniak Springs Courthouse
Walton County Felony Records are also available for in-person viewing at the courthouse. In-person visits let you see paper files that are not yet scanned. You can also get certified copies the same day in most cases.
Location and Hours
The Walton County Courthouse sits at 100 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433. The clerk’s office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to allow time for your search.
What to Bring
Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. The clerk’s staff will ask for the full name, date of birth, or case number of the person you are searching. The more details you provide, the faster they can pull the file. Pen and paper help you take notes on what you find.
Fees for Copies
Walton County Felony Records copies follow a set fee schedule. Standard photocopies cost $0.15 per page. Certified copies cost $1.00 per document. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. There is no fee to view records at the public terminal.
Mail and Email Record Requests
Walton County Felony Records can also be requested by mail. This method works well for people who live outside the area. Mail requests take longer but produce the same official documents.
Required Information
Your mail request must include the full name of the person you are searching. Add the date of birth if you have it. Include the case number if you know it. State what type of document you need, such as a certified copy of the judgment. Add your return address and a daytime phone number.
Processing Times
Mail requests for Walton County Felony Records take about 5 to 10 business days. Complex searches can take longer. The clerk contacts you when they need more details to find the file. Plan ahead when you need records for a court deadline.
Payment Methods
Mail requests must include payment. Checks and money orders are accepted. Make them out to the Walton County Clerk of Court. Do not send cash through the mail. The clerk returns your payment when they cannot locate the record you requested.
What Documents Appear in a Walton County Felony Case File
Walton County Felony Records contain many types of documents. Each document tells part of the case story. Reading the file from start to finish gives you the full picture.
Initial Filings
The first document in most Walton County Felony Records is the arrest report. The state attorney then files an information or indictment. This document lists the formal charges. A bond hearing record follows when the defendant stays in custody.
Court Orders and Motions
Court orders appear throughout the file. These include discovery orders, suppression motions, and continuance orders. Plea agreements also show up in the case file. Each motion has a hearing date and a judge’s signature.
Final Dispositions
The final document in Walton County Felony Records is the judgment. This document shows whether the defendant was found guilty, not guilty, or had the case dismissed. It lists the sentence, fines, and probation terms. Restitution orders also appear at the end of the file.
Sealed and Expunged Walton County Felony Records
Some Walton County Felony Records are not open to the public. A judge can order records sealed or expunged. This means the records are hidden from public searches. Sealing and expungement are two different actions with two different results.
What Sealing Means
When Walton County Felony Records are sealed, the files are removed from public view. Only the defendant, certain court staff, and law enforcement agencies can see them. The records still exist but are not searchable. A court order is required to seal any felony record.
Expungement Process
Expungement goes a step further. Expunged Walton County Felony Records are physically destroyed or deleted from public systems. The defendant can legally say they were never arrested or charged. Only certain felony cases qualify for expungement under Florida law.
Walton County Felony Record Retention and Archives
Walton County Felony Records stay available for a long time. Florida law sets specific retention rules. The clerk follows these rules for both paper and digital files.
Active vs Closed Records
Active Walton County Felony Records stay in the main clerk’s office. Closed cases move to long-term storage after a set period. The clerk maintains both physical and digital archives. Felony cases are kept longer than misdemeanor cases.
Older Records on Microfilm
Very old Walton County Felony Records may be stored on microfilm. These rolls of film hold cases from the 1970s and earlier. The clerk can pull these records with advance notice. Some very old files are kept off-site for safety.
Common Felony Case Types in Walton County
Walton County Felony Records cover a wide range of crimes. Some types appear more often than others. Knowing the common charges helps you search the right files.
Drug Offenses
Drug trafficking and drug possession charges make up a large part of Walton County Felony Records. Methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription drug cases are common. Many of these cases result from traffic stops on Interstate 10 and U.S. Highway 331.
Violent Crimes
Violent crimes such as aggravated assault, robbery, and homicide appear in Walton County Felony Records. These cases often go to trial. The clerk’s office keeps all evidence orders and witness lists for these serious charges.
Property Crimes
Burglary, grand theft, and fraud cases also fill Walton County Felony Records. Property crimes range from home burglaries to large-scale fraud schemes. Each case file includes police reports and restitution orders.
Sex Offenses
Sex offense cases are part of Walton County Felony Records. These cases follow special rules. Convicted sex offenders must register with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Their records stay on the public sex offender registry.
Walton County Courthouse Contact Details
The Walton County Courthouse is the main place to request Walton County Felony Records in person. The building sits in DeFuniak Springs. Use the contact details below to reach the clerk’s office during business hours.
Official Website: www.waltonclerk.org
Phone: (850) 892-8115
Address: 100 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time
Frequently Asked Questions About Walton County Felony Records
This FAQ section answers common questions about Walton County Felony Records. It covers search methods, fees, and what the records show. Use this section as a quick reference when you need specific details about felony case files in Walton County, Florida. Each answer below provides direct, detailed support for your search.
How Do I Check If Someone Has a Felony Record in Walton County?
To check if someone has a felony record in Walton County, use the Walton County Clerk of Court’s online portal at www.waltonclerk.org. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. The online portal shows case details, charges, and court dates for every felony case filed in the county. For a statewide check that includes other Florida counties, use the FDLE portal at web.fdle.state.fl.us/search/app/default. The statewide search costs $24 and needs the person’s full legal name, date of birth, and gender. You can also visit the courthouse in person at 100 Triple G Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. The clerk’s staff can pull paper files and help you find case numbers when you only have a name. The FDLE search covers all 67 Florida counties and returns results right away after payment.
Are Walton County Felony Records Free to Search?
Yes, basic online searches of Walton County Felony Records are free through the clerk’s website. You can view case details, charges, and court dates without paying any fee at the public portal. However, certified copies cost $1.00 per document. Standard photocopies cost $0.15 per page. The FDLE statewide search costs $24 per request and needs a credit or debit card for payment. Mail requests also need payment for copies and return postage. The clerk accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards for in-person requests. There is no fee to view records at the public terminal inside the courthouse. Free searches do not include certified copies that you can use in court or for legal purposes.
What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in Walton County?
In Walton County, a misdemeanor is a less serious crime with a maximum penalty of one year in county jail. A felony is a serious crime that can lead to state prison time. Felonies in Florida are divided into capital, life, first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree categories. Walton County Felony Records only cover felony cases. Misdemeanor records are kept in a separate file at the clerk’s office. The case number format also differs. Misdemeanor cases use the prefix “MM,” while felony cases use the prefix “CF” for Criminal Felony. Felony cases are heard in circuit court, and misdemeanor cases are heard in county court. The clerk’s office stores both types of records, but they sit in different databases.
Can Walton County Felony Records Be Deleted or Removed?
Yes, Walton County Felony Records can be removed from public view through sealing or expungement. Sealing hides the record from public searches but keeps the file in storage. Only the defendant, court staff, and law enforcement can see sealed records. Expungement destroys the public record and deletes it from public systems. Only certain cases qualify under Florida law. You must file a petition with the court and get a judge’s order to remove any felony record. The process takes several months and requires fingerprinting. Most felony convictions cannot be sealed or expunged. Charges that were dropped, dismissed, or led to a not guilty verdict may qualify for sealing or expungement.
How Long Does the Clerk Keep Walton County Felony Records?
The Walton County Clerk of Court keeps felony records for many years. Active cases stay in the main office during the case life. Closed felony cases move to long-term storage but stay available to the public. Felony records from the early 2000s are in digital form and searchable online. Older records exist on paper or microfilm at the courthouse. Felony case files are kept longer than misdemeanor records under Florida retention rules. Records from before the 1970s may be stored off-site and need advance notice to retrieve. The clerk follows the retention schedule set by the Florida Department of State.
Can I Get a Certified Copy of a Walton County Felony Record Online?
Certified copies of Walton County Felony Records are not available for download online. You must request them in person at the courthouse or by mail. The clerk will mail the certified copy to your address when you submit a written request with payment. You can also send a representative with a signed authorization letter and a copy of your photo ID. Each certified copy costs $1.00 plus postage when mailed. The certified copy has a raised seal and a clerk’s signature. This type of copy is accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies. Standard printouts from the public terminal do not count as certified copies.
What Shows Up in a Walton County Felony Background Check?
A Walton County Felony Records background check shows all felony charges, convictions, and pending cases. It includes the case number, filing date, charges, plea deals, and final sentence. The check also lists fines, restitution orders, and probation terms. Sealed or expunged records do not appear in background checks. Juvenile felony records follow separate privacy rules and are not part of the public file. The FDLE statewide check pulls in records from all 67 Florida counties. Background checks for employment or licensing may need a signed release from the person being checked. The results come back the same day for online searches and within days for mail requests.