Orange County Arrest Records

When law enforcement officers have a reasonable belief, based on evidence, that someone has committed a crime in Orange County, they can make an arrest as outlined in Florida Statute § 901.15. An arrest can happen if officers see a crime occurring, an arrest warrant exists, or an investigation uncovers sufficient evidence. 

After an arrest, a suspect is typically taken to the Orange County Jail, also known as the Orange County Corrections Department, where they are processed and housed. Processing (also called "booking") creates the arrest record.

Arrest records are vital for prosecuting offenders. The records help courts, law enforcement, and other government bodies keep track of a person's criminal background and make informed legal decisions. Consequently, details from arrest records may appear in other public records in the county. For example, Orange County court records often include arrest data to complete criminal case files.

Are Arrest Records Public in Orange County?

Yes. Arrest records are publicly accessible in Orange County under the Florida Public Records Law, which stipulates that non-exempt records are open to inspection and copying by anyone.

However, certain types of arrest information may be exempt from public disclosure, such as:

Juvenile arrest records: Records involving individuals under 18 are typically confidential to protect their privacy.

Sealed or expunged records: Arrest records that have been sealed or expunged by a court order may not be readily accessible to the public.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Orange County carry the following information about an individual's arrest:

Basic Information

• Full Name: The legal name of the individual arrested.
• Aliases: Any known aliases or nicknames used by the individual.
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity of the individual
• Physical Description: Height, weight, hair color, and eye color.

Arrest Details

• Arrest Date and Time
• Arrest Location
• Arresting Agency: The law enforcement agency that carried out the arrest.
• Arresting Officer: The name or badge number of the officer who performed the arrest.

Charges

• Charge Description: A detailed description of each charge the individual is facing.
• Charge Classification: The charge level (e.g., misdemeanor, felony).
• Statute Number: The specific statute or law under which the individual is being charged.
• Bond Amount: The bail amount set for the individual, if applicable.

Booking Information

• Booking Date and Time: When the individual was formally booked into a detention facility.
• Booking Number: A unique identification number assigned during booking.
• Mugshot: The photograph taken at the time of booking.
• Detention Facility: The name of the facility where the individual is being held.

Court Information

• Court Case Number: The unique identifier for the individual's court case.
• Court Date: Scheduled date(s) for court appearances related to the arrest.
• Court Location: The courthouse where the individual's case will be heard.

Additional Information

• Warrants: Any outstanding warrants or information on warrants issued for the arrest.
• Previous Arrests: Information about prior arrests, if available in the public record.
• Release Information: Details on the arrestee's release status, such as whether the individual has been released on bail/bond or their own recognizance.

Orange County Crime Rate

The 2021 Florida Uniform Crime Report indicates a decrease in the total index crimes for Orange County, dropping from 39,690 in 2020 to 37,067 in 2021. According to the report, law enforcement in Orange County reported 96 murders, 741 rapes, 1,322 robberies, 5,414 aggravated assaults, 3,481 burglaries, 23,067 larcenies, and 2,946 motor vehicle thefts in 2021.

Comparatively, the 2020 report listed 111 murders, 659 rapes, 1,438 robberies, 5,634 aggravated assaults, 4,240 burglaries, 24,253 larcenies, and 3,355 motor vehicle thefts.

The data suggests an overall decline in crime, including slight reductions in murders, robberies, aggravated assaults, burglaries, larcenies, and motor vehicle thefts, although there was an increase in reported rapes.

Orange County Arrest Statistics

The Florida County and Municipal Arrest Report reveals that Orange County had 30,047 arrests in 2021, comprising 28,548 adult arrests and 1,499 juvenile arrests. This represents a slight increase from the figures reported in 2020, where total arrests amounted to 29,056, with 27,307 adults and 1,749 juveniles apprehended.

Find Orange County Arrest Records

Individuals can access arrest records through various channels, including county, state, and federal sources.

Local Resources for Arrest Records

The Orange County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) is a primary source for obtaining arrest records in Orange County. Individuals can access these records as follows:

• Online: Visit the OCSO Records Request Center to submit arrest records requests. (Under "Services" on the sheriff's website homepage, select "Records Request".)
• In Person/Mail: Visit or send a request to:

Orange County Sheriff's Office
Records Section
2500 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
Phone: (407) 254-7280

The Orange County Clerk of Courts is another relevant resource, as the office maintains court records that include arrest information. Individuals can access these records as follows:

• Online: Use the Orange County Clerk of Courts online case search tool to find criminal case information easily.
• In Person: Visit the Clerk's office at:

Orange County Courthouse
425 North Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801

State Resources for Arrest Records

Individuals can turn to state-level resources that provide comprehensive criminal history information for a broader search of arrest records.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) offers a statewide database for criminal history searches, including arrest records. However, a fee applies. Alternatively, one can submit a request by mail to:

Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Criminal Justice Information Services
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302

Federal Resources for Arrest Records

Individuals can use the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) resource to find persons in federal custody.

Free Arrest Record Search in Orange County

Individuals seeking free access to arrest records can navigate to the Orange County Clerk of Courts case search website. Users can select the case type they are interested in, such as criminal felony (CF), and enter the necessary search criteria, such as a name or case number, to find relevant arrest information.

Moreover, third-party websites provide access to arrest records. These public record aggregators compile data from various sources, making it easier for users to find the necessary information in one place. Some sites offer free access to basic arrest records, but others may charge for more detailed reports.

Get Orange County Criminal Records

Criminal records are official documentation detailing an individual's encounters with law enforcement, including arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences. These essential documents are maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and corrections departments. They are useful for background checks and legal proceedings.

One can start with the Orange County Clerk of Courts to obtain criminal records in Orange County. Court records often provide a full picture of a person's dealings with the criminal justice system, from charges and plea deals to trials and sentences. Individuals can access these records online via the Clerk's Case Search website. Nonetheless, people can visit the Orange County Courthouse during regular business hours, where public access terminals and assistance from the Clerk's office are available.

Another resource for Orange County criminal records is the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which provides statewide criminal history information, including records from Orange County. One can access these records online by visiting the FDLE Criminal History Information webpage, creating an account, and following the instructions to request a criminal history report for a fee ($24).

The Orange County Sheriff's Office also provides criminal records or background checks specific to arrests made by their department. An individual can access these records online via the Orange County Sheriff's Office Records Request Center or visit their office to request from the records section.

Orange County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest and criminal records are two distinct documents. An arrest record logs an individual's initial interaction with law enforcement. In contrast, a criminal record provides a comprehensive view of an individual's criminal history—including subsequent legal proceedings, court outcomes, or convictions.

It is important to note that an arrest record does not necessarily imply guilt, as individuals may have been arrested but not convicted of a crime. On the other hand, a criminal record is a more definitive account of an individual's criminal past. Thus, it can affect opportunities available to the offender, such as employment and housing.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrests stay on a person's record indefinitely unless the individual takes specific legal action to have the record sealed or expunged in Orange County. However, Florida law allows for sealing or expunging certain arrest records, i.e., not all arrests are eligible. Generally, misdemeanor arrests that did not result in a conviction may be eligible for sealing after a specified waiting period. Meanwhile, felony arrests may be eligible for sealing or expungement under more limited circumstances.

Expunge Orange County Arrest Records

Expungement of arrest records in Orange County is a legal process that allows individuals to have certain qualifying arrest records removed from public view. However, to carry out this process, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria per the Florida Statutes Chapter 943, which are:

• No Conviction: The individual must not have been convicted of the offense for which they were arrested. This means that if the arrest led to a conviction, the individual is typically not eligible for expungement. However, there are exceptions for certain misdemeanor offenses that were later dismissed or resolved through pretrial diversion programs.
• Qualifying Offenses: Only certain offenses are eligible for expungement in Florida. Generally, minor offenses such as misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies may be eligible, provided they meet specific criteria.
• Waiting Period: A waiting period exists before an individual becomes eligible to apply for expungement. This waiting period varies depending on the outcome of the case and the type of offense.

Expunging arrest records requires that individuals follow the process as outlined below.

• Obtain Certificate of Eligibility: Before filing the petition, the individual must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This certificate confirms that the individual meets the eligibility requirements for expungement.
• Petition for Expungement: The individual must file a petition with the court in the county where the arrest occurred. The petition must include detailed information about the arrest, the charges, and the outcome of the case.
• Court Hearing: In some cases, a court hearing may be required as part of the expungement process. During the hearing, the judge will examine the petition and any supporting evidence to determine whether the individual is eligible for expungement.
• Order of Expungement: If the judge grants the petition for expungement, they will issue an order to expunge the arrest record. This order directs law enforcement agencies to seal or expunge the record and remove it from public view.
• Notification of Agencies: Once the expungement order is issued, copies are sent to relevant agencies, including the arresting agency, the clerk of court, and the FDLE. These agencies are responsible for implementing the expungement order and ensuring the arrest record is restricted.

It is important to note that there is a distinction between sealing and expungement in Orange County. Sealing a record means it is hidden from public view but still exists in a restricted capacity, typically accessible only to law enforcement agencies. On the other hand, expungement involves the physical destruction of the record, making it as though the arrest never occurred.

Orange County Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are legal documents issued by a judge or magistrate commanding law enforcement officers to arrest individuals suspected of committing a crime. In Orange County, these writs are issued based on probable cause, meaning there must be sufficient evidence to believe the individual is culpable under the law.

Arrest warrants are usually issued after law enforcement officials have investigated and gathered enough evidence to believe a specific individual should be prosecuted. This proof may include witness statements, surveillance footage, physical evidence, or other evidence linking the individual to the alleged crime.

Other circumstances that may necessitate the issuance of an arrest warrant in Orange County include:

• Failure to Appear: If a person neglects to appear in court as required by a subpoena or summons, a judge may issue a warrant for their arrest.
• Violation of Probation or Parole: If an individual on probation or parole violates the terms of their release, a warrant may be issued for their arrest.
• Indictment by a Grand Jury: If a grand jury indicts an individual of a crime, a warrant may be issued for their arrest.

An Orange County arrest warrant typically contains several key pieces of information, including:

• The name of the individual to be arrested (the defendant).
• A description of the alleged crime(s).
• The date the warrant was issued.
• The jurisdiction where the warrant was issued.
• The name of the judge or magistrate who issued the warrant.
• Any bail amount set by the judge.

Once an arrest warrant has been approved, law enforcement is permitted to apprehend the individual named in the warrant and bring them before the court to face the charges against them.

Orange County Arrest Warrant Search

To uncover active warrants in Orange County, individuals have several avenues to explore:

Firstly, they can contact the Criminal Process Section of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

425 North Orange Avenue
Suite 220
Orlando, Florida 32801
Phone: (407) 836-4520

This department executes criminal warrants as directed by the court and maintains associated records. Notwithstanding, warrant information can be accessed discreetly using online databases like that provided by the Orange County Clerk of Courts' office.

Alternatively, individuals can opt for an in-person inquiry by presenting proper identification at the Orange County Corrections Office or any local law enforcement agency to inquire about the warrant status.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) also maintains a comprehensive database listing active warrants nationwide. Individuals can search the website to ascertain if any outstanding warrants exist.

Do Orange County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No. Arrest warrants persist until served by law enforcement or revoked by the issuing judge in Orange County. Further, these warrants do not expire due to the statute of limitations. Thus, promptly addressing any outstanding warrant is crucial, as neglecting it can result in significant repercussions.