Bay County Criminal Records

What Is Bay County Criminal Records

Bay County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Bay County, Florida. These records are maintained by the Bay County Clerk of Court and include information about arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions. Criminal records serve as an important resource for law enforcement agencies, employers, and the general public seeking information about an individual's criminal background.

Bay County Clerk of Court, 300 E 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401

Are Criminal Records Public In Bay County

Yes, criminal records in Bay County are considered public records under Florida's Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes). This means that most criminal records are accessible to anyone who requests them. However, certain records may be exempt from public disclosure, such as those involving juvenile offenders, active criminal investigations, or cases that have been sealed or expunged by court order.

The Bay County Clerk of Court maintains these public records and makes them available through their office and online platforms.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2331 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Bay County in 2025

In 2025, there are several methods to look up criminal records in Bay County:

1. Visit the Bay County Clerk of Court office in person to request criminal records.
2. Use the Bay County Clerk of Court's online case search system.
3. Submit a written request for records by mail or email.
4. Use the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's criminal history search for statewide records.

For the most comprehensive search, it's recommended to use the official Bay County Clerk of Court website, which provides access to court cases and dockets.

Bay County Courthouse, 300 E 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401

How To Find Criminal Records in Bay County Online?

To find criminal records in Bay County online:

1. Visit the Bay County Clerk of Court website.
2. Navigate to the "Court Records" section and select "Case Search."
3. Accept the terms of use agreement.
4. Enter the search criteria, such as the individual's name, case number, or date range.
5. Review the search results, which will display basic case information.
6. For detailed information, you may need to create an account or visit the clerk's office in person.

The online system provides access to most public records, but some documents may require additional steps to view or obtain copies.

Bay County Sheriff's Office, 3421 N Highway 77, Panama City, FL 32405

Can You Search Bay County Criminal Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Bay County criminal records for free through several methods:

1. The Bay County Clerk of Court's online case search system offers free basic searches.
2. In-person searches at the Bay County Clerk of Court office are available at no cost.
3. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers limited free searches for public records.

While basic searches are free, there may be fees for obtaining certified copies of documents, comprehensive background checks, or accessing certain detailed records. As of 2025, certified copies typically cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.

Florida Department of Corrections, 501 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399

What's Included in a Bay County Criminal Record?

A typical Bay County criminal record includes:

1. Personal information of the defendant (name, date of birth, address)
2. Arrest information (date, location, arresting agency)
3. Criminal charges filed
4. Case numbers and court information
5. Hearing dates and court appearances
6. Plea information
7. Case disposition (outcome)
8. Sentencing details if convicted
9. Probation or parole information
10. Court costs and fines

The level of detail available may vary depending on the case status and how you access the records.

Bay County Probation Office, 225 McKenzie Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

What Are the Penalties for a Bay County Criminal Trespass Charge?

In Bay County, criminal trespass penalties vary based on the specific circumstances:

1. Trespass on property other than a structure or conveyance (second-degree misdemeanor):

   • Up to 60 days in jail
   • Up to $500 fine
   • Up to 6 months probation

2. Trespass in a structure or conveyance (first-degree misdemeanor):

   • Up to 1 year in jail
   • Up to $1,000 fine
   • Up to 1 year probation

3. Armed trespass (third-degree felony):

   • Up to 5 years in prison
   • Up to $5,000 fine
   • Up to 5 years probation

Penalties may be enhanced for repeat offenders or if the trespass occurs in certain locations like schools or construction sites.

Bay County State Attorney's Office, 421 Magnolia Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401

How Long Does Bay County Keep Criminal Records?

Bay County keeps criminal records indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged through a court order. Florida law requires the permanent retention of court records, including criminal cases. However, individuals may be eligible to have their records sealed or expunged if they meet specific criteria:

• For record sealing: The case must have been dismissed or the individual found not guilty, or they completed a diversion program.
• For expungement: The arrest record must first be sealed for at least 10 years, and the individual must have no prior convictions.

The process requires filing a petition with the court and obtaining approval from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Seal and Expunge Section, P.O. Box 1489, Tallahassee, FL 32302

Lookup Criminal Records in Bay County

For comprehensive access to Bay County criminal records, the following official resources are available:

• Search Court Cases & Court Docket - Access Bay County's court case search system to find information on criminal cases and court proceedings.

• Search Official Records - Search Bay County's official records database for public documents including final judgments and other criminal case-related documents.

• Criminal Court Information - Learn about Bay County's criminal court system, including definitions, jurisdiction, and procedures.

• Bay County Access Agreement - Download the required access agreement for secure online records access.

These resources provide the most up-to-date and accurate information for conducting criminal record searches in Bay County.