Hendry County Arrest Records

Hendry County arrest records document instances when individuals are detained by law enforcement for alleged involvement in criminal activities. These records serve as a detailed account of arrests, including the date, time, charges, and booking details of the individual. The Hendry County Sheriff's Office is the primary agency responsible for generating and maintaining these records, which play a critical role in the criminal justice system.

Arrest records are closely linked to Hendry County Court Records, which provide additional information about subsequent court proceedings, charges, and case dispositions.

In Hendry County, arrests become necessary under specific circumstances, including:

1. Probable Cause: Law enforcement may arrest an individual when sufficient evidence exists to believe they have committed a crime (Florida Statutes § 901.15).
2. Arrest Warrants: A judge or magistrate issues a warrant based on sworn affidavits or evidence, allowing law enforcement to legally detain the suspect.
3. On-Scene Offenses: Officers may make arrests without a warrant if they witness a crime being committed.
4. Failure to Appear or Comply: Individuals who fail to comply with court orders, such as appearing for hearings, may also face arrest.

Following an arrest, individuals are processed and held at the Hendry County Jail, where they undergo a formal booking process.

Hendry County Jail
101 South Bridge Street
LaBelle, FL 33935
Phone: (863) 674-4060

The booking process includes:

1. Recording Personal Details: Full name, date of birth, address, and contact information are logged.
2. Charges Documentation: Officers file detailed reports specifying the charges against the individual.
3. Photographs and Fingerprints: Mugshots and fingerprints are taken and added to state and federal databases like the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
4. Health Screening: Medical assessments ensure the individual is fit for detention.
5. Property Inventory: Personal belongings are cataloged and securely stored until release.
6. Individuals are informed of their rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney.
7. Pretrial Options: Depending on the offense, individuals may be eligible for bail, set according to Florida’s bond schedule or determined during a hearing.

The arrest records generated during this process are shared across various platforms, including state criminal history databases and local court systems, ensuring coordination between law enforcement and judicial entities.

Are Arrest Records Public in Hendry County?

• Arrest records in Hendry County are generally public under Florida’s Public Records Law (Florida Statutes § 119.01), which ensures transparency in government operations. However, certain expectations apply, including:
• Juvenile Records: Protected under Florida Statutes § 985.04 unless the juvenile is charged as an adult.
• Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been legally sealed or expunged are not accessible to the general public (Florida Statutes § 943.0585).
• Confidential Investigations: Arrest records related to ongoing investigations or that reveal sensitive information may be exempt from disclosure.

To access arrest records, individuals may contact the Hendry County Sheriff's Office:

Hendry County Sheriff's Office
101 South Bridge Street
LaBelle, FL 33935
Phone: (863) 674-5600

Hendry County Arrest Statistics

In 2022, 1815 inmates were booked into the Hendry County Jail, which has an average daily population of approximately 235 inmates. Florida’s incarceration rate is 795 per 100,000 people. Between 2013 and 2021, about 18,838 arrests were made, 80% of which were for Low-level non-violent offenses.

Find Hendry County Arrest Records

Residents may find arrest records through various state and federal resources, including:

1. Hendry County Sheriff's Office: Visit or contact the Sheriff's Office for records requests.
2. Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE): The FDLE Criminal History Information Search provides statewide arrest records for a fee
3. Federal Databases: Platforms like the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) provide comprehensive records. However, only authorized users may access these records.

Typically, the individual’s name, date of arrest, and relevant charges are required to perform a search.

Hendry County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records and criminal records in Hendry County are distinct in their scope and content:

• Arrest Records: These records document the details of an arrest, including charges filed, but they do not confirm guilt or indicate the outcome of the case. Arrest records are a subset of criminal records and contain details about the arrest only.
• Criminal Records: Provide a comprehensive history, including convictions, court proceedings, and sentencing, if applicable.

For instance, someone with an arrest record might not have a criminal record if the charges were dropped or they were acquitted.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrest records in Florida remain indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged under Florida Statutes § 943.0585. Eligibility for expungement typically includes:

• No convictions: The charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal.
• First-Time Offenses: Expungement is often limited to individuals with no prior criminal history.
• Court Approval: A petition must be filed and approved by the court.

Once expunged, the records are removed from public access, although limited access may still be available to law enforcement agencies.

Hendry County Arrest Warrants

Arrest Warrants in Hendry County are issued by judges or magistrates, authorizing law enforcement to detain a specific individual. These warrants are governed by Florida Statutes § 901.02 and require:

1. Probable Cause: Established through evidence or sworn affidavits.
2. Judicial Authorization: A judge must review and approve the warrant for it to be valid.

An arrest warrant includes:

• The suspect's name and identifying information.
• A description of the alleged offense with relevant statute citations.
• Instructions for law enforcement, including jurisdiction and timeframe for execution.

Arrest Warrants are issued for various reasons, such as failure to appear in court, felony investigations, or violations of probation.

Do Hendry County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Generally, arrest warrants in Hendry County do not expire. They remain active until executed or recalled by the issuing court. Factors influencing warrant validity include:

• Statute of Limitations: Under Florida law, certain offenses have time limits for prosecution, which affects the enforceability of related warrants.
• Nature of the Offense: Serious crimes like murder or Sexual offenses have no statute of limitations, ensuring warrants remain active indefinitely.

Understanding the policies surrounding arrest warrants ensures compliance with legal procedures and helps foster community awareness in Hendry County.