Hardee County Arrest Records

An arrest occurs in Hardee County when law enforcement officers apprehend or physically take someone into custody and submit that individual's arrest fingerprints to the department according to Florida Statute § 943.325(2)(a). Law enforcement officers exercise this right, as provided by law, when they witness illegal activity firsthand, receive dependable evidence, or follow a judge's warrant. County law enforcement agencies handle the arrest itself and compile the official records, which serve as the foundation for criminal proceedings and often reveal any prior encounters with the justice system. Arrested persons are usually kept at the Hardee County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility at 900 East Summit Street in Wauchula, Florida.

Beyond the records of the Sheriff's Office, arrest records integrate into broader public records the Hardee County court records and criminal history database so that multiple agencies can access the information for judicial and administrative purposes.

Are Arrest Records Public in Hardee County?

Yes. Florida's Public Records Act, found in Florida Statute § 119, opens most government documents, including Hardee County arrest records, to public inspection, reflecting the state's dedication to transparent governance. Anyone may request these records without explaining their reasons.

Certain exemptions, however, restrict disclosure to safeguard sensitive details. Under § 119.071, restricted information includes:

• Data that might jeopardize ongoing criminal investigations or legal proceedings.
• Information that could endanger witnesses or other individuals.
• Details exposing law enforcement investigative methods.
• Juvenile records, except for serious felonies involving minors aged 14 or older.
• Victim details in cases like sexual offenses or child abuse.
• Medical records or officer analyses that might bias a fair trial.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Florida Statutes § 119.011(3)(c) directs Hardee County authorities not to exclude specific details in public arrest records. Typically, these records present:

• The individual's full name and date of birth
• A physical profile, listing gender, height, weight, eye and hair color, plus any scars, tattoos, or other identifying marks
• The person's occupation, when available
• The date, time, and location where officers took the individual into custody
• Booking information—date, time, facility, and booking number
• A concise narrative describing the circumstances that led to the arrest

Hardee County Arrest Statistics

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) gathers arrest data for each county through its Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) program. The agency sorts offenses into Part 1 crimes—such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft—and Part 2 crimes, which include simple assault, drug violations, DUI, and vandalism.

While current data for Hardee County is limited, recent statistics provide insight. In 2020, Hardee County reported an arrest rate of 5,363.8 per 100,000 residents and a total arrest of 1,472. The top arrests were:

• Drug arrests: 198 instances, representing about 13.45% of all arrests.
• Simple assault arrests: 168 instances, making up approximately 11.41%.
• Burglary arrests: 69 instances, constituting about 4.68% and including different forms of burglary like dwelling, conveyance, and structure burglaries.
• Aggravated Assault arrests: 31 instances, roughly 2.10%, involving cases of serious physical harm or threats made with a weapon.

Find Hardee County Arrest Records

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Division of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) manages the state's arrest and criminal history records database. Those looking for Hardee County arrest information can access the FDLE's Computerized Criminal History on the Internet (CCHInet) portal for an immediate, non-certified search. This online tool allows users to input a subject's demographic details, such as name and date of birth, and instantly returns up to five possible matches. Each search costs $25, including a $1 credit card processing fee, and results can be printed or emailed, but are not certified for official purposes like immigration.

Alternatively, FDLE's SHIELD system offers certified or non-certified searches processed by staff. Users submit demographic information, and results are mailed within five to seven business days, excluding US Mail delivery time. The cost is $24 per search, payable by debit or credit card. For expedited delivery, individuals must purchase a prepaid USPS shipping label and email it with the FDLE Control Number on the same day as the request. These state resources provide reliable access to Hardee County arrest records, ensuring accuracy when users provide precise information.

Free Arrest Record Search in Hardee County

The Hardee County Sheriff's Office offers a no-cost online inmate lookup that displays current detainees' arrest information, such as charges and booking details. The system requires only a person's first and last name and refreshes its data continuously, though frequent updates can affect exactness. To access older arrest files, interested parties submit a public records request to the Sheriff's Office.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Item #32 of the Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS-2 directs criminal justice agencies to retain arrest files until those records become obsolete, get replaced, or lose administrative significance. As a result, an individual's arrest history stays on file indefinitely unless they pursue expungement or sealing. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement acts as the state's primary custodian of these records, and local bodies, such as the Hardee County Sheriff's Office, adhere to the same retention standards.

Expunge Hardee County Arrest Records

In Hardee County, applicants may seek either sealing or expungement of arrest records to restrict or remove public access. Sealing confines records to specified parties, while expungement destroys them, enabling the individual to deny the arrest in most circumstances. Florida Statutes §§ 943.0585 and 943.059 define the criteria and procedures.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a court order, the applicant must satisfy all of the following:

• No Conviction: The charges must have been dropped, dismissed, or resulted in a not-guilty verdict.
• No Prior Record Relief: The applicant must not have previously sealed or expunged a record under §§ 943.0585 or 943.059.
• Permitted Offense: The offense cannot appear on the ineligible list (for example, murder or sexual battery).
• Clean Record History: The applicant must lack prior adult felony convictions and certain juvenile adjudications or misdemeanor convictions.

Special provisions cover situations such as mistaken or unlawful arrests (administrative expungement), participation in juvenile diversion programs, lawful use of self-defense, and relief for victims of human trafficking.

Court-Ordered Process

• Certificate of Eligibility: The applicant submits a notarized FDLE application, along with fingerprints, a $75 fee, and a certified final disposition to FDLE. The department typically issues the certificate in about 12 weeks.
• State Attorney Review: For expungements, the applicant forwards the certificate to the Hardee County State Attorney's Office for approval.
• Petition Filing: Upon approval, the applicant files a Petition to Seal or Expunge with the Hardee County Clerk of Court, attaching the certificate and supporting documentation (e.g., proof of probation completion). A filing fee may apply.
• Judicial Hearing: A judge reviews the petition at a hearing and exercises discretion in granting or denying the order.
• FDLE Implementation: If the court issues the order, the Clerk of Court sends it to FDLE, which executes the sealing or expungement and notifies agencies such as the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court.

Hardee County Arrest Warrants

In Hardee County, a judge in the Circuit or County Court issues an arrest warrant once the Sheriff's Office or another agency presents evidence establishing probable cause. Florida Statute 901 and Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.121 require each warrant to contain:

• The designation "State of Florida"
• The suspect's name, or a physical description if the name remains unknown
• A clear statement of the alleged offense
• Instructions directing officers to arrest the individual and bring them before a judge
• The date and county where the warrant was issued
• The signature of the issuing judge

Law enforcement officers rely on these warrants whenever they suspect criminal activity that they did not witness firsthand. Once the court signs the document, officers may carry out the arrest anywhere in Florida and must promptly present the person in custody before a judge.

Do Hardee County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Arrest warrants in Hardee County do not expire. They remain active until the suspect is arrested, the warrant is recalled by the court, or the suspect dies