Hernando County Arrest Records

A Hernando County law enforcement officer can arrest a person either when a warrant has been issued or without a warrant under the conditions outlined in Fla. Stat. § 901.15. Following the arrest, the officer will take the individual to the Hernando County Detention Center for booking. During this process, the officer will document the arrest and input the arrestee's details into the database. An arrest record is generated once the individual's record is added to the Detention Center's system. Like a Hernando County court record, this record becomes publicly accessible and can be obtained online or in person at the Sheriff's Office during business hours.

Are Arrest Records Public in Hernando County?

Yes. Per Florida Public Records Law, all arrest records are open for inspection and copying by anyone in the state. This gives residents the right to access arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Hernando County during regular business hours. Florida exempts some arrest records from public disclosure. Examples of confidential arrest records in Hernando County are:

• Juvenile arrest records
• An arrested person's protected health information
• Active Criminal intelligence or investigative information
• Information whose disclosure would jeopardize a person's safety
• Information regarding a person in the federal Witness Protection Program
• Any law enforcement geolocation record in the custody of a law enforcement agency
• Any arrest record revealing surveillance techniques, procedures, or personnel
• Any arrest record revealing the substance of a confession of an arrested person
• Any arrest record revealing undercover personnel of any criminal justice agency
• Any arrest record revealing the identity of a confidential informant or source
• Preplea, pretrial intervention, presentence, and post-sentence investigation reports, including supplements, addenda, and updates
• Blueprints, detailed physical diagrams, photographs, and security system plans of institutions and facilities (Fla. Admin. Code R. 33-601.901)

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

According to Florida Law, arrest information is generally public record. A public Hernando County arrest records may contain the following information:

• Mugshot
• Bond amount and conditions
• Report, MNI, and booking numbers
• Offense, statute, statute, and description
• Arrest, booking, and release date and time
• The arrested person's full name, date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, and hair and eye color
• Case sequence, court case number, agency case number, and arresting agency

Hernando County Crime Rate

Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Annual Uniform Crime Reports published a total crime index of 2,785 for Hernando County in 2020, a -10.4% index change from 2019's total of 3,107. The most recurrent crimes that year were larceny (1,764), aggravated assault (369), and burglary (365).

Hernando County Arrest Statistics

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement's UCR Arrest Data revealed that about 6,002 arrests occurred in Hernando County in 2020. Of this number, 5,630 were adult arrests, and 372 were juvenile arrests. Most of the arrests were for crimes like drug, simple assault, and larceny.

Find Hernando County Arrest Records

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) provides a state-wide arrest records search on inmates housed in state prisons. Members of the public can access arrest records online or in person. Online requests can be made through the Offender Search portal. The search criteria are first name, last name, or DC number. In-person requests can be made at any FDC institution during business hours.

Individuals seeking arrest records of Hernando County inmates housed in federal prisons can contact the following federal law enforcement agencies:

• The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues arrest records online and in person. Online requests can be made through the Inmate Locator using a number or name. In-person requests can be made at BOP facilities during business hours.
• The United States Capitol Police (USCP) permits members of the public to view or copy arrest summary reports online or by mail. Online requests can be made via the Arrest Summary Report using a CFN number, crime date, crime summary, or crime type. Mail requesters must complete a Request Form to the USCP. The turnaround time for such requests is between 7 and 10 days. The desired record will be delivered to the requester by fax, mail, or email, or the requester can pick it up in person at the office. The mailing address is:

United States Capitol Police
Reports Processing Section
119 D Street, Ne
Washington, DC 20510

• The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) disseminates arrest records online through the Online Detainee Locator System. The search parameters are by A-Number or biographical information. Alternatively, individuals can request arrest records in person at any of the ICE local field offices and detention facilities during business hours.
• Copies of arrest records can be obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) online, by mail, or through approved channelers. The requester must pay a fee of $18 by credit card using the Credit Card Payment Form, money order, or certified check. Mail applicants must submit a completed Applicant Information Form to:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

Free Arrest Record Search in Hernando County

Most Hernando County law enforcement agencies allow members of the public to conduct arrest record searches online without charges. For example, the Hernando County Sheriff's Office provides access to arrest records online through the Arrest Report portal. The search criteria are arrest date range, arrestee's first name, or arrestee's last name. Individuals can also use the Sheriff's Office Inmate Search portal to view arrest information of all persons booked into the Hernando County Jail. A search can be conducted by first name, last name, booking date range, or release date.

Alternatively, record seekers can find arrest information on third-party databases. Users can conduct a search by name. The search result will return records on individuals bearing the searched name. The initial searches can be done for free, but a full arrest report costs a small fee.

Get Hernando County Criminal Records

Individuals who want to obtain criminal records can visit the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Records Section in person. The section is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The criminal records available at the sheriff's Office only contain local information. Criminal record requests can be made at:

Hernando County Sheriff's Main Office - Brooksville
18900 Cortez Blvd,
Brooksville, FL 34601
Phone: (352) 754-6830
Fax: (352) 796-0493

Comprehensive criminal history checks are available through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Division of Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS). Members of the public can retrieve certified and uncertified copies of criminal records via the following options:

• The instant search: Users can obtain uncertified copies of criminal history records from this portal immediately after a search is conducted. Each search costs $25 (the standard fee plus a $1 credit card processing fee). Search results can be printed or returned by email.
• Certified/non-certified search: Customers must provide demographic information while using this portal. The CJIS notarizes search results and returns them to the requester by regular US Mail. The processing time for noncertified copies is five (5) business days, whereas certified processing time is between 6 and 7 business days. The standard search fee is $24, payable by debit or credit card.
• The ORI search: A valid ORI is required to search this portal. Search fees vary depending on state statute, agency, or authorized entity.

Hernando County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records are a compilation of information law enforcement agencies maintain about a person's apprehension and temporary detention. In contrast, criminal records are nonjudicial records maintained by a criminal justice agency that include criminal history information (Fla. Stat. § 943.045). Criminal justice agencies collect criminal history information about individuals, including identifiable descriptions and annotations of arrests, detentions, indictments, formal charges, and dispositions.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrests can remain on a person's record forever unless they seal or expunge it. However, the Florida Department of State Division of Library and Information Services provides general records schedules for some arrest records. For example:

• Jail docket books are permanent.
• Warrant indexes are kept one (1) year after they are served.
• Warrant case files are kept until served or withdrawn.
• Physical force records are kept for four (4) years after the incident.
• Notices to appear in court are kept for 90 days after court date.
• Chemical analysis test reports are kept for three (3) years after they are submitted.
• Criminal investigative records (misdemeanor, 2nd degree) are kept for four (4) years.
• Evidence processing records are kept for 60 days after the disposition of the property.
• Arrest warrants are retained until satisfied, canceled, withdrawn, or otherwise disposed of.
• Booking records and commitment and release lists are kept one (1) year after release.
• Criminal investigative records of juvenile offenders are retained until the subject turns age 22.
• Criminal investigative records (fraud) are kept for eight (8) years after committing the offense.
• Criminal investigative records (misdemeanor, 1st degree) are kept for five (5) years after committing the offense.
• Criminal history summary records/rap sheets are kept until obsolete, superseded, or administrative value is lost.
• Criminal investigative records (capital/life felony) are kept for 100 years after committing the crime.
• Criminal investigative records (felony, destructive device) are kept for 13 years after committing the offense.
• Criminal investigative records (felony, environmental control) are kept for eight (8) years after committing the offense.
• Criminal investigative records (felony, 2nd and 3rd degree) are kept for six (6) years after committing the offense.
• Criminal investigative records (felony, 1st degree) are kept for seven (7) anniversary years after committing the offense.
• Criminal investigative records (non-criminal violation) are kept for four (4) years after committing the offense.
• Criminal investigative records (degree of crime unknown/no charges filed) are retained for four (4) years after committing the offense.
• Criminal investigative records (missing persons/runaway cases) are kept for 100 anniversary years after the initial report is filed.
• Disposition reports are kept for 180 days after arrest or other action or 30 days after submitting the report, whichever is later.
• Criminal investigative records (elders/disabled adults abuse, neglect, or exploitation) are kept for eight (8) years after committing the offense.
• Criminal investigative records (sexual battery, victim) under 18 years of age are kept for 100 anniversary years after committing the offense.
• Arrest records, including offender information such as an arrested person's full name, date of birth, physical description, arrest and offense dates, and offense committed, are retained until obsolete, superseded, or administrative value is lost.
• Criminal investigative records concerning child abuse or neglect are kept for seven years following the age of majority, or four years after the victim ceases to be dependent on the abuser, or four years from when the injured party discovers both the injury and its connection to the abuse, depending on which of these scenarios happens last.

Expunge Hernando County Arrest Records

Per Fla. Stat. § 943.045(16), an expungement or expunction is a court-ordered physical destruction or obliteration of an arrest record or portion of it by any criminal justice agency. The Fla. Stat. §943.0585 set forth eligibility criteria for having an adult arrest record expunged by a court. Eligible individuals can Follow the steps below to expunge their arrest records in Hernando County:

Step 1: Obtaining and Completing the Application: Eligible individuals must first apply to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for a Certificate of Eligibility before petitioning the court to expunge their arrest records. The FDLE has an application for a Certificate of Eligibility form that can be downloaded online, or requesters can email the FDLE Expunge Section at SEinfo@fdle.state.fl.us to request an application be mailed or emailed to them. Applicants must complete the application and sign it under oath in the presence of a notary.

Step 2: Submit the Application to the State Attorney's Office: The applicant must apply either by mail or in-person to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office. The Attorney will complete their portion of the application, which might take weeks, and return it to the applicant by U.S. Mail.

Step 3: Submit the completed application to FDLE: Submit the application alongside everything included in the Application Checklist and Instructions. If the application is successful, the FDLE will send the applicant a Certificate of Eligibility.

Step 4: Complete and File the appropriate form. After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, complete a Petition To Expunge Form.

Step 5: Filing the Petition: File the original completed Petition to Expunge Form and the Certificate of Eligibility with the Hernando County Clerk of the Court. Petitioners must also send copies of these documents to the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office.

Once the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office receives the necessary documents, it will respond to the petition. If the Attorney's Office objects to the request, the court may arrange a hearing, and the Clerk of the Court will inform the requester of the hearing's date and time. If there are no objections to the petition, the Clerk will send all the documents to the Court, and the Court will issue an Order to Expunge within a few weeks. The requester will then receive a copy of the signed Order by mail.

Hernando County Arrest Warrants

Per Fla. Stat. § 901.02, a judge will issue an arrest warrant after examining a complaint and determining that probable cause exists that an offense has been committed and the defendant has committed it. A judge is deemed to have issued an arrest warrant when they affix their signature or electronic signature to the warrant. Per Fla. R. Crim. P. 3.121, an arrest warrant must:

• Be in writing and issued in the name of the State of Florida
• Set forth the nature of the offense
• Command that the defendant be arrested and brought before the issuing judge
• Specify the name of the person to be arrested. If the name of the person is unknown, the judge can designate the person by any name or detailed description of the person
• State the issuing date and the county where it was issued
• Have the judge's signature with the title of the judge's office. The warrant can also be electronically signed by the judge
• Include the bail amount and the return date (if the offense is bailable)

Hernando County Arrest Warrant Search

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office gives out arrest warrant information online and in person. The Local Warrants Report is the portal for conducting online searches. The search parameters are by state date, end date, first name, last name, street, or city. The portal will return results that include the case number, warrant type, name, date of birth, current age, height, weight, sex, addresses, and charge information. In-person requests can be made at the Sheriff's Office Records Unit from Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Do Hernando County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Arrest warrants issued in Hernando County do not expire. They remain active indefinitely until the person against whom the complaint was made is arrested or the warrant is recalled and quashed.