Pinellas County Circuit Court Case Search

The state of Florida does not use the term "superior court". Instead, it has Circuit Courts, which are the highest trial courts in the state and have general jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters, much like a superior court. The Pinellas County Circuit Court is responsible for dealing with major criminal and civil cases within Pinellas County.

What Kinds of Cases Are Heard in Pinellas Circuit Court?

As a court of general jurisdiction, the Pinellas County Circuit Court hears a wide range of cases. Here are some examples of cases that are heard in Pinellas Circuit Court:

• Felony Criminal Cases: A felony refers to a serious criminal offense with a punishment ranging from over one year of imprisonment to capital punishment. Felonies include very serious offenses such as homicides, sexual assault, major drug offenses, and grand theft auto.
• Major Civil Cases: These are civil claims involving large amounts of money. They typically include business or contractual disputes and can often result in the losing party paying heavy damages.
• Family Law Matters involve marriage and the family. The most popular type of family law case is divorce. Family law also includes child custody, adoption, child support, alimony, and domestic violence proceedings.
• Probate Proceedings: These are cases that involve administering the estate or property of the deceased, whether they died with a will or not. Probate proceedings involve determining estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and wills.
• Juvenile cases: These involve individuals who have not attained the age of adulthood. They range from cases involving delinquent behavior to cases of child welfare or social support systems.

The Pinellas County Circuit Court also has a range of specialized divisions or departments that use unique approaches to solve legal and social issues with specific demographics or certain issues. Pinellas Circuit Court has an Adult Drug Court, an Alternative Dispute Resolution Department, a Behavioural Evaluations Department, a Child Support Enforcement Department, a Unified Family Law Court, and a Juvenile Diversion Department.

Pinellas County Circuit Court

The Pinellas County Circuit Court is part of Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit and is the main trial court in the area. It has general jurisdiction, which means it can preside over criminal and serious civil cases. As the main trial court, the Pinellas Circuit Court is a court of first instance, meaning it is the first place to institute legal proceedings for serious civil and criminal cases.

Therefore, the Pinellas Circuit Court is essential for helping county residents resolve legal disputes and enforce their rights. It is also responsible for upholding the law and preserving peace and order in the area. The Pinellas County Circuit Court is presided over by one judge at a time, and appeals from this Court go to the Florida Second District Court of Appeal.

Pinellas County Circuit Court
315 Court Street,
Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-7000

Pinellas County Case Lookup

A county-wide case lookup involves searching through all the case records heard in a county, including those heard by specialized court divisions. Requesters can search for records using online, walk-in, or mail-in options.

Online Searches

Members of the public can search for various cases, including civil, criminal, traffic, and probate cases, using the Pinellas County Clerk’s online portal. You can search cases on this portal by name, date, case number, or the information of the attorney who handled the case. You may need to register or pay a fee to gain full access to certain types of case records. Due to their confidentiality, certain case records may be restricted or completely sealed off from public access. Ensure the correct spelling of names and other relevant details for an accurate search.

Walk-in Requests

Record seekers can also walk into the court clerk’s office with relevant information to do a case lookup. The Pinellas County Circuit Court’s Clerk's office opens all weekdays, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. To conduct a case lookup, the requester may need to provide a valid means of identification and relevant case details. Requesters may also need to book an appointment for certain services. In addition, inquirers may opt to use the public access terminals to conduct a self-search. Payment is generally required if you need copies of court records, either through cash or credit.

Mail-in Requests

Interested parties can request a case lookup by mailing the Circuit Court Clerk’s office at the address provided above. The processing time may vary depending on the nature and complexity of your request, but it’s usually between 5 and 10 business days. Parties must ensure that they include all relevant case details, like parties' names and case numbers. Inquirers may also need to pay extra fees for certified copies of court records.

Additional Considerations

You may also make case inquiries by phone at (727) 464-7000 for both case lookups and updates. Remember that some records may need special approval to be released.

Pinellas Circuit Court Case Search by Name

A name-based search involves searching for cases through the names of either or both parties. You can use this method online, in person, or by mail. When searching a case by name, ensure you use correct spellings to avoid wrong results. You may also include additional information like case types or dates of birth to narrow results.

Pinellas Circuit Court Docket Search

A court docket is an official record of a case’s timelines and all the activities in the case, including motions, hearings, and rulings. Dockets are essential for gaining insight into case progress and upcoming dates. You can get a court docket online, in person, or via mail or phone.

Lookup Pinellas County Circuit Court Online

Several online platforms allow you to look up court cases. Some online options include Floridacourtrecords.us. These websites offer archives of court records for fast and easy look-up. Unlike officially sourced court records, the accuracy of records obtained on such sites cannot be guaranteed.

Supreme Court vs. Circuit Court

The Florida Supreme Court is the highest appellate court in the state. It receives appeals from the Florida Court of Appeals and also handles constitutional matters at the state level. The Supreme Court is presided over by a panel of seven judges. On the other hand, the Circuit Court is the main trial court in Florida and presides over criminal and major civil matters. It is presided over by a judge at a time, and parties may appeal its decisions to the Florida Second District Court of Appeal.