Wakulla County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Wakulla County detail information about individuals apprehended by law enforcement within the county's jurisdiction. Arrests are typically based on probable cause, such as when evidence supports allegations of a crime, or pursuant to an arrest warrant issued by a judge. Individuals taken into custody are held at the Wakulla County Detention Facility managed by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.

The Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office generates and maintains arrest records, often coordinating with other judicial agencies. Arrest records may also intersect with court records when charges proceed to court. In that case, additional information will be available in Wakulla County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Wakulla County?

Yes. Under Florida’s Sunshine Law, arrest records in Wakulla County are public records. This law provides unrestricted access to most government records, including those maintained by law enforcement. It exists to promote transparency and accountability in government operations. In accordance with this law, record custodians are required to make records available to interested individuals who may inspect them and make copies as needed.

However, there are exemptions outlined in F.S. 119.07. The following information and documents are not publicly available:

• Juvenile arrest records
• Active investigations
• Sensitive victim information
• Sealed or expunged records
• Health records
• Social security numbers.

These exemptions ensure that while the public has access to most arrest records, sensitive information remains protected in compliance with state laws.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Wakulla County provide detailed information about the arrested individual and the circumstances of the arrest. These records commonly include the following:

Personal Information

• Full name, aliases, date of birth, and place of birth.
• Physical description, including height, weight, race, sex, eye color, hair color, scars, tattoos, and other distinguishing features.

Arrest Details

• Date, time, and location of the arrest.
• Charges brought against the individual.
• Name of the arresting officer and the agency responsible.
• Mugshot and fingerprints.
• Crime committed.
• Location of the incident.
• Arrest and release dates.

Booking Information

• Booking photo/mugshot
• Booking number, date, and time.
• Arrest status, such as whether the individual was released, detained, or held for another agency.

Legal and Court Information

• Case number, arraignment details, and court location.
• Bail or bond amount, along with any conditions of release.

These records may also contain additional remarks or relevant details regarding the arrest or detention.

Wakulla County Arrest Statistics

According to the FDLE annual report on 2023 arrests, 376 arrests were recorded in Wakulla County. This consists of 27 violent crimes, 114 property crimes, and 235 in other categories. The latest arrest statistics for Wakulla County can be obtained from the police department by submitting an email request.

How to Find Wakulla County Arrest Records

When law enforcement agencies in Wakulla County apprehend individuals, those suspects are subsequently processed and held at the Wakulla County Detention Facility. Inmates who have been booked into this correctional center can be located by using the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office smartphone application to perform a jail inmate search. Alternatively, in-person or mail requests can also be submitted to:

Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office
15 Oak Street
Crawfordville, FL 32327.

Individuals seeking arrest records can also contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the state's criminal history repository. Record retrieval requires specific personal identification, and a $24 processing fee is charged for state-level documentation.

Multiple search options exist, including electronic and email-based methods. Privacy regulations strictly limit public access to other individuals' criminal records, protecting personal information and maintaining legal confidentiality.

Free Arrest Record Searches

Arrest records can be obtained at no cost by contacting the Sheriff’s Office or police department. Requests for more than 10 pages may incur duplication fees. Use the Sheriff’s Inmate Search Tool to access booking date and custody status details. Searches can be conducted by name or booking number. Records can also be requested via email or the Sheriff’s Public Records Request online form. Certified copy payments are accepted in cash, check, credit card, or money order.

Meanwhile, some private websites offer free arrest record searches. However, these sources are independent of the Florida state government and the Wakulla County government, and their agencies. Hence, information obtained from third-party sources may be incomplete or less accurate. Detailed records often require account registration or payment.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Forever. In Wakulla County, arrest records are permanent unless sealed or expunged. Non-conviction records may have restricted access if charges are dropped or dismissed. However, employers and background check agencies can often see non-sealed arrest records unless explicitly expunged.

Expunging Wakulla County Arrest Records

Expunging arrest records in Wakulla County removes them from public access, offering a clean slate for individuals. Under Florida law, expungement or sealing is only available for certain cases.

To be eligible, the individual must not have been convicted of the crime, and the charges must have been dismissed, dropped, or resolved without a conviction. The person must also have no prior criminal convictions and must not have had a record expunged or sealed in the past. Certain offenses, such as violent crimes or sexual offenses, are ineligible for expungement.

The process begins by applying for a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This requires submitting fingerprints, a certified case disposition, and a $75 processing fee. Once the certificate is obtained, a petition for expungement must be filed with the Wakulla County Court. Supporting documents, including the FDLE certificate, must accompany the petition.

The court will review the application and, if approved, issue an order to expunge or seal the records. Once granted, the records will be removed from public databases, though law enforcement and certain agencies may still access them. Legal assistance is often recommended to navigate this process efficiently.

Wakulla County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal order authorizing the apprehension of a person suspected of committing a crime. In Wakulla County, warrants include the individual’s identifying details, the alleged offense, supporting evidence, and the judge’s signature.

Warrants are issued when law enforcement provides sufficient evidence of a crime or when individuals fail to comply with legal obligations, such as missing a court appearance. Bench warrants, issued for non-compliance, function similarly. Each warrant must clearly identify the defendant by name or description, specify the alleged offense, and include a judge’s signature.

Law enforcement prioritizes executing warrants for serious crimes. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) provides a free online database through the Crime Information Center, allowing the public to search for active warrants statewide using a person’s name, nickname, date of birth, or other identifying details.

Do Wakulla County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in Wakulla County remain active indefinitely unless executed, recalled by a judge, or the subject is deceased. Wakulla County arrest warrants are maintained according to the state’s public records laws and retention schedules. Law enforcement agencies maintain documentation related to arrests until they no longer serve an administrative purpose or become irrelevant.