The Clerk of the Circuit Court is an Elected Constitutional Officer & Independent Custodian of the Court Record
Criminal, Juvenile & Traffic Case Information
To look up your future court case records or appearance dates, navigate to Court Records (select the Court Calendar option for hearing date information).
A felony is the most serious type of crime. According to Florida law, for an offense to be a felony, it must have a possible sentence of more than one year. The definition of a felony may be slightly different in each state. When asked to identify a felony, one usually thinks of drug-related crimes, murder, sex-related crimes, armed robbery and other types of violent crimes.
Misdemeanors and most criminal traffic cases are handled in county court. In County Court, first-degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1000.00 fine. Second degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500.00 fine.
If you need inmate information, please visit the Pinellas County Sheriff's website for more information.
Criminal Court Customer Services:
Criminal Court Records is responsible for filing, processing and maintaining felony, misdemeanor and other types of charges, as well as juvenile dependency and delinquency, traffic, ordinance violations and non-criminal payable infractions. Circuit Criminal handles cases that are appealed to the Circuit Court, the 2nd District Court of Appeals in Lakeland and the Florida Supreme Court.
This department also takes appropriate action when the Court approves a petition to seal or expunge a case file.
The main function of the Criminal Court Customer Services Department is to assist the public, the State Attorney's Office, the Public Defender's Office, Salvation Army Probation officers, Department of Correction Probation Officers, and Private Attorney's for Misdemeanor, Traffic, Felony, Juvenile, Domestic Violence, Payment Plans* and Public Defender Appointments**.
*Financial Obligation Agreement (Payment Plan):
Beginning July 01, 2004, the Clerk of the Court began accepting payments for any court-ordered fines/costs and filing fees in accordance with the terms of an established payment plan pursuant to s. 28.246 Florida Statutes, except if the fines/costs are a condition of probation, this service requires payment of a one-time fee of $25.00 pursuant to s. 28.24(26) (b) (c) Florida Statutes.
**Public Defender Appointment:
Beginning July 01, 2004, the Clerk of the Court began determining if a person applying for appointment of a Public Defender, private attorney, or any other due process service is indigent pursuant to s. 27.52 Florida Statutes. The Clerk’s determination of indigent status is a ministerial act based on information provided by the Defendant on a form developed by the Supreme Court. The Court can make a provisional appointment of the Public Defender, private attorney, or any other due process services on an interim basis, pending the Clerk’s determination of indigent status. The Affidavit of Indigent Status must be filed with the Clerk’s Office even if a provisional appointment has been made.
The provision of a Public Defender or court-appointed Attorney is not free. An application fee of $50 will be assessed whether the Public Defender is appointed or not, pursuant to s. 27.52 Florida Statutes. The Clerk’s Office may allow up to 7 days to pay this fee. If the fee is not paid within the 7 days, it will be added to any costs that may be assessed at the conclusion of the case.
To request a Public Defender appointed to your case, you will need to complete an Application for Determination of Criminal Indigent Status and pay the $50 application fee.
Pinellas County Justice Center 14250 49th Street, North Clearwater, FL 33762 Phone: (727) 464-7000 North County Customer Information & Service Center 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33761 Phone: (727) 464-7000
Pinellas County Justice Center 14250 49th Street, North Clearwater, FL 33762 Phone: (727) 464-7000
North County Customer Information & Service Center 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33761 Phone: (727) 464-7000
The Juvenile Section of the Criminal Court Records Department manages case files for both juvenile delinquency and dependency cases. The Juvenile Section works in conjunction with the Unified Family Court by scheduling court hearings, processing documents and maintaining the case files.
A Juvenile Delinquency case is a violation of law or a delinquent act which would be a misdemeanor or a felony, or a violation of a county or municipal ordinance which would be punishable by incarceration if the violation were committed by an adult. Our office manages case files for both juvenile delinquency and dependency cases. All Juvenile Delinquency cases are confidential and are available only to attorneys, court staff or parties to the case. Due to the nature of the cases, they cannot be discussed on the telephone. You may appear in person where the electronic file is maintained and request to view specific documents. Please make sure that you have an identification card with your photograph available when requesting the file.
A Juvenile Dependency case is initiated when it is suspected a child is the victim of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Juvenile Dependency cases may also include other types of cases such as emancipation cases and truancy violations. The Clerk's Juvenile Dependency section is responsible for processing various types of documents and maintaining records for children who need help from the court system.
This program is a diversion program for first time juvenile misdemeanor offenders. The program was developed, and is maintained, by the Sixth Judicial Circuit of Florida. More information is available, from the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court website.
You may link directly to their Juvenile Arbitration Program page. The Sixth Judicial Circuit's Teen Court information.
A CRIMINAL TRAFFIC CHARGE is a charge, such as Driving Under the Influence, which requires a court appearance as it carries with it criminal penalties which may include fines and costs, probation and/or the possibility of a jail term. Payment of the ticket cannot be automatically made to the Clerk's office. Persons charged with a criminal offense will have a court date shown on their traffic ticket and must appear in court. Many traffic cases requiring Court appearances may be transferred to the North County Branch Office depending upon where the offense occurred. The case will be transferred back to Pinellas County Justice Center to be heard by a judge if a public defender is appointed to the case or if there is a request for a jury trial.
Check in at our Traffic Information page for detailed information on traffic infraction (non criminal violations) payment, deadlines and other options.
Check here for Traffic Court Hearings Information
Traffic Court hearings are held at the following locations. Check your most recent notice of hearing or the original citation for the date, time and location:
Pinellas County Justice Center 14250 49th St. N. Clearwater, FL 33762
An appeal of a lower court decision is a legal process by which a higher court is asked to review the trial court's record and rule on the legal issues raised by the appellant, the person filing the appeal. All other parties in the case are the appellees.
Any party to the case may file an appeal. A Criminal case appeal, 9.140 (Traffic, County Criminal, Circuit Criminal, Juvenile Dependency, Juvenile Delinquency), must follow the Florida Rules of Court Appellate Rule 9.200 for the Record, 9.210 for the brief and 9.900 for the forms.
Traffic, County Court, Circuit Court, Juvenile Dependency or Delinquency cases are appealed to the 2nd District Court of Appeals.
Civil Traffic Infractions with a determination from a Hearing Officer may be appealed to the Circuit Court.
The Florida Bar Pro Se handbook also contains helpful information for doing your own appeal.
Note: The appeals process does not stay the disposition of the lower court including fine/costs due.
A Notice of Appeal must be filed with the Clerk within 30 days from the date the judgment or order being appealed is filed with the Clerk and must be in the form prescribed by Florida Rules of Court, Appellate Procedures, found in Rule 9.900.
The following is also required to be filed at the same time with the Notice of Appeal:
**Please note: The appellant will also be billed a service charge upon preparation of the Record on Appeal as follows:
Fees per instrument, per page, per certification and for postage. Failure to pay these fees may result in a dismissal of your appeal.
The Clerk will not prepare a record on a non final order unless directed by the Court to do so.
Directions to the Clerk, stating which documents are desired to be included in the Record of Appeal, must be filed within 10 days after the filing of the Notice of Appeal or Appellate Rules 9.200 will be followed when preparing the Record.
There are no hearings in the Appellate Division. All cases are reviewed through the filing of briefs as per Florida Rule of Appellate Procedures 9.210.
If appealing a Traffic, County Court, Circuit Court, Juvenile Dependency or Delinquency case, please submit briefs directly to the 2nd District Court of Appeals, 1700 N. Tampa Street, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33602.
If appealing a Small Claims or County Civil case, please review our Civil Court Records Appeals page.
Writs of Certiorari, Writs of Mandamus, and Writs of Prohibition should be filed with the 2nd DCA, with the exception of Traffic and County Criminal Cases.
Questions regarding Criminal, Juvenile, Traffic, Probate, and Civil appeals contact: Criminal and Civil Court Records 14250 49th Street North Clearwater, FL 33762 (727) 464-7000
The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office seeks to ensure compliance with all court orders that impose fees, fines, and costs. The Clerk’s Office utilizes all enforcement tools provided by statute to identify non-compliance and take action to address failure to pay. Significantly, staff provide information and assistance to all customers so they understand their financial obligations and the collections process, promoting voluntary compliance.
If you can afford to pay court-ordered financial obligations within ten days of the judgment, then you may avoid the $25.00 Payment Plan setup processing fee and problems associated with missing a payment.
You will be taken to a secure site to process your payment. You will be charged a non-refundable convenience fee by the credit card processor for using this service. The fee of 3.5% will be calculated for you BEFORE you enter your credit card information.
This site should not be used to pay Restitution. If you were court ordered to pay restitution as a condition of probation for a misdemeanor or traffic case call (727) 464-8100 or for a felony case call (727) 464-6349 for further assistance. For all other restitution related questions, please contact the Clerk's office at (727) 464-7000.
You should have your case number or citation number available if possible, and you will be required to enter the date of birth of the person associated with the case. If you do not have your case information, you may be able to locate it here.
If you are unable to pay in full, the Clerk’s Office accepts payments for any court-ordered financial obligations in accordance with the terms of an established payment plan pursuant to s. 28.246, Florida Statutes. There is a one-time fee of $25.00 to enter into a payment plan pursuant to s. 28.24(27)(c), Florida Statutes.
Payment plans are the best way to stay ahead of the consequences of default if payment cannot be made immediately.
Pinellas County Justice Center 14250 49th Street North Clearwater, FL 33762 Phone: (727) 464-7000 Google Map
North County Branch 29582 U.S. 19 North Clearwater, FL 33761 Phone: (727) 464-7000 Google Map
St. Petersburg Branch 545 1st Avenue North, Room 153 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: (727) 464-7000 Google Map
Or use the Payment Plan Inquiry Contact Form to receive an email response within 24-hours!
VICTIMS HAVE RIGHTS AS IDENTIFIED IN CHAPTER 960, FLORIDA STATUTES
Being a victim or a witness to a crime is often the first experience a person has with the criminal justice system. Knowing their guaranteed rights and knowing there is available assistance for the emotional, physical and financial crises often resulting from a crime will make the experience a little less traumatic.
The guaranteed rights of a victim of a crime or the next of kin of a homicide victim are:
THE RIGHT to be present, the right to be informed, and the right to be heard, when relevant, at all crucial stages of the criminal and juvenile justice system to the extent that these rights do not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused.
THE RIGHT to be free from threats, intimidation, or harassment and the right to information concerning the steps available to law enforcement and the State Attorney's Office to protect victims. It is against the law to cause a victim/witness to be placed in fear by force or threats, to make an assault on, or harm any victim/witness. If you are being threatened or intimidated, please contact the police.
THE RIGHT to be notified when an offender escapes or is released from a state correctional facility, county jail, juvenile detention facility or involuntary commitment facility.
THE RIGHT to restitution (payment for financial loss as a result of a crime) from the offender for certain expenses and information from the State Attorney if and when restitution is ordered.
THE RIGHT to request assistance from Law Enforcement and the State Attorney's Office to inform the victim's creditors and employer about serious financial hardship or necessary absences from work as a result of the crime.
THE RIGHT to a prompt, timely disposition of the court case, as long as this right does not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused.
THE RIGHT to receive advance notification, when possible, of judicial proceedings and notification of scheduling changes.
THE RIGHT to be consulted by the State Attorney's Office in certain felony cases in orde to obtain the victim or victims' family's views about the disposition of any criminal or juvenile case.
THE RIGHT to be accompanied by a Victim Advocate during any deposition of the victim. (Victims who are not incarcerated are not required to attend discovery depositions in any correctional facility).
THE RIGHT to review certain portions of a pre-sentence investigation report for an adult and/or youthful offender prior to the sentencing of the accused.
THE RIGHT to make an oral or written victim impact statement to the court prior to sentencing of the offender who pleads guilty, nolo contendere or who is convicted of a felony crime.
THE RIGHT to the prompt return of property collected by law enforcement or the State Attorney's Office for evidentiary purposes following the completion of the investigation and/or prosecution of the case unless there is a compelling law enforcement need to retain the property.
THE RIGHT to seek crimes compensation and restitution.
THE RIGHT to have their rights as outlined on this webpage enforced through the State Attorney's Office.
THE RIGHT to request, in certain sexual offense cases, HIV testing and to know at the earliest convenience, if the person charged with an offense involving the transmission of body fluids has tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
THE RIGHT, in certain circumstances, to request that the offender be required to attend a different school than the victim or siblings.
THE RIGHT, if you are a victim of domestic violence to be informed of the Address Confidentiality Program administered by the Office of the Attorney General. Please contact 1(800)226-6667 for further information.
THE RIGHT, if you are a victim in jail, to be informed and submit written statements at all crucial stages of the criminal and juvenile justice systems.
The victim or the next of kin of a homicide victim is obligated by Chapter 960, Florida Statutes unless necessary in pursuit of legal remedies, to not release any information in a case involving a juvenile. The victim, next of kin of a victim, or relative of a minor victim must receive advance notification of judicial and post proceedings relating to the case including the arrest, release, work release, or release to community control of the accused, and proceedings in the prosecution of the accused. The victim or next of kin of a victim cannot be excluded from any portion of a hearing, trial or proceeding based solely on the fact that such person is subpoenaed to testify, unless the court determines their presence is prejudicial.
It depends. The victims or relatives of deceased victims may be eligible for financial assistance from the State of Florida. If determined to be eligible by the Office of the Attorney General, assistance may be available for medical/dental expenses, burial expenses, lost wages, relocation money for domestic violence victims and mental health counseling. For more information, call the Office of the Attorney General at 1(850) 414-3300 or 1(800) 226-6667.
Rule 2.420 of the Florida Supreme Court Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration make confidential protected information regarding victims of child abuse or sexual offenses. See subs. 119.071(2)(h) and 119.0714(1)(h)., Fla. Stat. For additional and more detailed information, contact the State Attorney's Office at (727) 464-6090 for their booklet on Victims Rights.
If you would like to communicate with our office on a matter other than establishing a payment plan, please contact the Clerks Office at 727 464 7000 or select the CONTACT US menu item near the top of this page.
For a list of services provided by our office, choose the FIND A SERVICE menu item, also near the top of the browser window.
Thank you!
