Tallahassee Arrest Records

In Tallahassee, criminal incidents often lead to the arrest of the individual(s) who committed the crime. When law enforcement officers make an arrest, the suspect is transported to the nearest law enforcement facility to be booked. The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) makes arrests inside city limits. The agency's Records Unit creates and maintains incident and arrest reports.

Booking involves collecting vital information about the arrestee, including a mugshot. This results in the creation of an arrest record. This record helps link suspects to past crimes, start criminal cases, guide sentencing, and support public safety.

However, an arrest record only indicates that an individual was detained for questioning concerning a criminal offense. It does not detail any ensuing court case against the individual or imply guilt. Individuals may also obtain Leon County arrest records to determine if an arrestee was charged or convicted.

Are Arrest Records Public in Tallahassee?

Yes. The Florida Public Records Act grants the public access to records maintained by law enforcement and other government agencies. Under the Act, the public may request arrest records from the Tallahassee Police Department and other local agencies. These agencies are required to provide records upon request. However, certain documents may be withheld to protect privacy and confidentiality. Records exempted from public disclosure include:

• Records involving minors
• Medical records
• Records of victims of child abuse
• Records that may deny an individual a fair trial
• Records about ongoing investigations
• Records containing sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers and bank account numbers
• Identities of informants assisting law enforcement
• Records that may disrupt an ongoing investigation

Tallahassee Arrest Statistics

According to a 2022 report, Tallahassee recorded 11 drug arrests, three arrests for fraud offences, and two for weapon law violations. The leading causes of arrest were drug offenses, driving under the influence/traffic violations, property crimes, and violent crimes.

Find Tallahassee Arrest Records

To find Tallahassee arrest records, interested parties may visit or contact the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD). The TPD is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for arrests within the city. Arrestees are typically transported to the Leon County Detention Center, located on Appleyard Drive and managed by the Leon County Sheriff's Office. This facility is where individuals apprehended are held until their court appearance or bail.

Interested individuals may make a Sunshine Law request to the records department of the County Sheriff's Office. They could also make a public records request to the Tallahassee Police Department or visit in person during office hours, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Visitors may call (850) 891-4221 to schedule a visit.

Tallahassee Police Department (Records Unit)
234 East 7th Avenue,
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: (850) 891-4221

Another way to find Tallahassee arrest records is to request a Florida criminal history report for a fee. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains these reports, which include arrests reported across the state.

Tallahassee Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

In Tallahassee, criminal records document an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system from arrest to conviction. They collate information from various criminal justice departments, such as local and state law enforcement agencies, the courts, correctional facilities, and prosecutors' offices. Criminal records capture information about charges, arrests, adjudications, dismissals, and other relevant details within the individual's records.

Conversely, arrest records are limited in scope to information generated when a suspect is detained in the correction facility and booked. This includes personal information about the arrestee and the incident. It does not cover the court disposition or other criminal information.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Tallahassee?

According to the Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule, arrest records must be kept permanently unless they become obsolete, are replaced, or are no longer needed for administrative use. Consequently, individuals may bear arrests on their record for a long time even when there are no charges or convictions. However, the law permits individuals to expunge or seal their records. These legal procedures restrict public access to the records.

Tallahassee Arrest Warrants

According to Rule 3.121 of the Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, an arrest warrant is a document issued by a judge stating the offense committed and commanding the individual to be arrested and brought before a judge.

In Tallahassee, Florida, several reasons may necessitate issuing an arrest warrant. These include failure to appear in court, breaching the terms of probation or parole, or involvement in a new crime.

Tallahassee arrest warrants usually contain the name of the individual, date of birth, signature of the issuing judge, charges against the individual and statutes violated, and the issuing date. Once signed, the warrant becomes active and law enforcement officers may apprehend the suspect at sight.

Do Tallahassee Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. In Tallahassee, arrest warrants do not expire. They appear on background checks and may surface during routine traffic stops. To resolve a warrant, the individual must appear in court or be taken into custody. Ignoring it may lead to arrest at any time and possible additional penalties.

Expunge Tallahassee Arrest Records

Florida Statutes § 943.0581 provides for the automatic sealing of records for individuals who were erroneously or illegally arrested in Tallahassee. However, individuals who do not meet the requirements to have their records expunged automatically may apply for expungement.

To be eligible to apply for expungement, the record subject must:

• Not be convicted of the offense they seek to expunge
• Have no previous criminal convictions
• Have no pending criminal investigations
• Never sealed or expunged a record in the past
• Not be involved in violent crimes, sexual offenses, or juvenile crimes

Interested parties seeking expungement would require a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE. The document certifies that an individual may petition the court for expungement. Requesters must pay a mandatory fee of $75.

Following the review process, if the FDLE deems the individual eligible, they may petition the Leon County Circuit Court to have their records expunged. If the court approves the petition, the records become accessible only to authorized individuals. On any inquiry about the arrest, the individual may legally deny the arrest.