Jackson County Arrest Records

Arrests in Jackson County, Florida, occur when law enforcement has probable cause that an individual has committed a crime. Inmates are usually held at the Jackson County Correctional Facility. Arrest records are created by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees law enforcement activities in the area. These records, part of Jackson County Court Records, are related to other public records like criminal histories and case files.

Are Arrest Records Public in Jackson County?

Under the Florida Sunshine Law, Jackson County arrest records are generally open and accessible to interested persons. The state law ensures that most arrest records are available for public inspection. However, there are certain restrictions and limitations on accessing specific types of arrest information. Confidential information, juvenile records, medical records, sealed records, and records that could compromise an active investigation or pose a security risk are exempt from public access.

Jackson County Arrest Statistics

In 2021, Jackson County recorded a total of 75 arrests based on data from the Florida Uniform Crime Report Program. Violent crimes accounted for 60 cases, including five murders, two rapes, one robbery, and 52 aggravated assaults. Property crimes totaled 25 cases, comprising 4 burglaries, 12 instances of larceny, and nine motor vehicle thefts.

Find Jackson County Arrest Records

Jackson County arrest records and inmate information are available at the county, state, and federal level, depending on the facility holding the inmate. To find Jackson County arrest records or inmate information, requesters may call the correctional facility at (850) 482-9651.

The Florida Department of Corrections offers various portals under the Corrections Offenders Network providing public access inmate-related information. This includes corrections offender databases, inmate population information search, inmate release information search, inmate escape information search, supervised population information search, and absconder/fugitive information search.

The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) offers an Inmate Locator for users seeking information on individuals who are in federal custody. Users may search by inmate name or BOP register number.

Jackson County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

In Jackson County, arrest records and criminal records serve different purposes. Jackson County arrest records document instances where individuals were detained by law enforcement, including the charges and circumstances of the arrest. These records do not necessarily indicate guilt and may not lead to convictions.

Jackson County criminal records, on the other hand, provide a more comprehensive history, including arrests, charges, court proceedings, convictions, and sentencing. They are often maintained by state or federal agencies and reflect an individual’s full legal history.

While arrest records are part of criminal records, not all arrests result in criminal records.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Florida, arrest records remain on a person’s record indefinitely unless they are legally expunged or sealed. Expungement or sealing eligibility depends on specific conditions, such as the nature of the offense and the individual’s criminal history.

The Florida Statute 943.0585 outlines the eligibility requirements and procedures for expunging arrest and criminal history records. An individual is eligible for expunction in Florida if:

• The record does not relate to a disqualifying offense (e.g., serious violent crimes, sex offenses, and other specified crimes as listed under Florida law).
• The case was resolved without a conviction. This includes cases where charges were dismissed, not prosecuted, or resulted in a withhold of adjudication.
• The individual does not have a a prior expungement or sealing of a criminal history record under Sections 943.059.
• The individual has not been adjudicated guilty of any criminal offense or comparable ordinance violation.
• There are no pending criminal charges.

An applicant that meets the criteria above should obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Fill out the Application for Certificate of Eligibility form and following the steps provided. The applicant will require a certified copy of the final disposition of the case and fingerprints for verification. The application costs $75 (or proof of waiver for indigent applicants). A certificate of eligibility for expunction is valid for 12 months after issuance.

Once the certificate of eligibility is issued, file a petition for expungement at the circuit court where the arrest occured or the case was handled. The petition should include the FDLE certificate of eligibility and a sworn statement affirming compliance with statutory requirements. The court reviews the petition and considers whether expungement serves justice and complies with statutory requirements. If granted, the court issues an order for expungement, directing relevant agencies to expunge applicable records.

Jackson County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are legal documents issued by a judge authorizing law enforcement officers to apprehend an individual suspected of committing a crime. In applying for an arrest warrant, the prosecutor or law enforcement agency must present sufficient evidence that demonstrates probable cause that the named-individual should be arrested.

Arrest warrants may be issued for various reasons, including but not limited to:

• When criminal investigation reveals evidence of a person’s involvement in a crime.
• If an individual fails to appear in court for a scheduled hearing or trial.
• If an individual violates the terms of their probation or parole.
• Individuals who are needed as witnesses in a trial but refuse to comply with subpoenas.

An arrest warrant generally contains specific information, including:

• Details of the person to be arrested - name, aliases, date of birth, and physical description.
• A description of the alleged offense(s) committed.
• A summary of the evidence or reasons justifing the issuance of the warrant.
• The name and signature of the issuing judge or magistrate, along with the date of issuance.

Do Jackson County Arrest Warrants Expire?

In Jackson County, arrest warrants do not have a set expiration date in the same way that some legal documents might. Arrest warrants remain valid indefinitely unless they are executed (the individual is arrested), annulled, or quashed by a court. This means that law enforcement may attempt to execute the warrant at any time until it is resolved.