Pasco County Criminal Records
What Is Pasco County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Pasco County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Florida Statute § 119.021, which establishes requirements for public records maintenance and preservation.
Criminal records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Pasco County Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Court Records: Documentation of criminal proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, and trials
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding an individual's detention in the Pasco County Detention Center
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody but do not indicate guilt, while conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense either through trial or plea agreement.
Criminal offenses in Pasco County are categorized as:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Less serious offenses typically punishable by up to one year in county jail
- Infractions: Minor violations usually punishable by fines
Adult and juvenile records are handled differently. While adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, juvenile records are typically sealed under Florida Statute § 985.04 to protect minors' privacy and facilitate rehabilitation.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Pasco County:
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
8700 Citizens Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8102
Pasco County Sheriff's Office
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
7530 Little Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8199
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
2331 Phillips Road
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 410-7000
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Criminal Justice Information Services division of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state, including records from Pasco County.
Are Criminal Records Public In Pasco County
Criminal records in Pasco County are generally accessible to the public under Florida's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law." This law, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, establishes that most government records, including criminal records, are available for public inspection and copying.
Florida Statute § 119.01(1) explicitly states: "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person. Providing access to public records is a duty of each agency."
While the presumption favors disclosure, certain criminal records are exempt from public access:
- Active criminal investigations: Records pertaining to ongoing investigations are temporarily exempt until the investigation concludes
- Sealed or expunged records: Records that have been legally sealed or expunged by court order
- Juvenile records: Most records involving minors are confidential, though exceptions exist for serious offenses
- Victim information: Personal identifying information of crime victims is protected under certain circumstances
- Confidential informant information: Details that could reveal the identity of confidential informants
The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller maintains court records related to criminal cases, which are accessible through the Pasco County Official Records Search. This access is mandated by Florida Statute § 28.2221, which requires clerks of court to provide electronic access to official records.
For law enforcement records, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office processes public records requests in accordance with state law. While certain investigative techniques and sensitive information may be redacted, arrest reports, incident reports, and booking information are generally available to the public.
It is important to note that while criminal records are public, the use of these records for certain purposes, such as employment or housing decisions, may be regulated by other state and federal laws.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Pasco County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Pasco County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for accessing these records, depending on the specific information needed and the requesting party's preferences.
To request criminal records in person:
- Visit the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller's office during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form, specifying the information sought
- Provide identification if requesting certified copies
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
West Pasco Government Center
7530 Little Road, Suite 106
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8199
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
For law enforcement records, individuals may:
- Visit the Pasco Sheriff's Records Department
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case numbers or identifying information to facilitate the search
- Pay applicable fees for copies
Pasco County Sheriff's Records Department
8700 Citizens Drive
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-8102
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
To request records by mail:
- Download and complete the appropriate records request form from the Pasco County website
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail the request to the appropriate agency
For email requests:
- Submit requests to the designated email address for the appropriate agency
- Include all relevant information to identify the records sought
- Provide contact information for follow-up questions
- Arrange for payment of applicable fees
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office accepts public records requests through their online portal, which streamlines the process for obtaining law enforcement records.
For statewide criminal history information, individuals may contact:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Criminal History Services
P.O. Box 1489
Tallahassee, FL 32302
(850) 410-8109
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
How To Find Criminal Records in Pasco County Online?
Pasco County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient access to various types of criminal records without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
The primary online resources include:
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Records Search This comprehensive database allows users to search for:
- Criminal court cases
- Traffic citations
- County civil cases
- Circuit civil cases
- Probate cases
To use this system:
- Visit the Pasco County Clerk's Records Search
- Select the appropriate search type
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review search results
- View or download available documents
Pasco County Jail Inmate Search For information on current inmates in the Pasco County Detention Center:
- Visit the Pasco County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Inmate Search function
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review inmate information, including charges, booking date, and bond information
Florida Department of Corrections Offender Search For information on individuals currently under state supervision or previously incarcerated in state facilities:
- Visit the Florida Department of Corrections website
- Use the Offender Search function
- Enter the individual's name or DC number
- Review offender information, including current status, location, and release date
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Sexual Offender/Predator Search For information on registered sexual offenders and predators:
- Visit the FDLE website
- Use the Sexual Offender/Predator Search function
- Search by name, neighborhood, or other criteria
- Review registration information and compliance status
The Florida Department of State maintains a comprehensive directory of county jail inmate search resources, including Pasco County.
Some limitations of online searches include:
- Older records may not be digitized
- Certain confidential information is redacted
- Some detailed documents may require in-person requests
- Registration may be required for certain search functions
Can You Search Pasco County Criminal Records for Free?
Pasco County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records at no cost, in accordance with Florida's Public Records Law. Florida Statute § 119.07(4) establishes that agencies may charge only the actual cost of duplication for copies of records, with the first 15 minutes of labor typically provided at no charge.
Free inspection of criminal records is available at:
Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
West Pasco Government Center
7530 Little Road, Suite 106
New Port Richey, FL 34654
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
East Pasco Government Center
38053 Live Oak Avenue
Dade City, FL 33523
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Several online resources provide free access to criminal record information:
- The Pasco County Clerk's online records search allows free searches of court records, including criminal cases
- The Pasco County Sheriff's Office provides a free inmate search function on their website
- The Pasco County government website offers access to various public records at no cost
While inspection is free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies (typically $0.15 per page for standard copies)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Extensive research requiring more than 15 minutes of staff time
- Special document formats or media
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges a fee for official state criminal history checks. However, the County Jails and Inmate Searches resource provided by the Florida Department of State offers free access to basic inmate information.
Individuals seeking their own criminal history information may request one free copy annually for review and possible correction of errors, as provided by state law.
What's Included in a Pasco County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Pasco County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney information
- Hearing dates and outcomes
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions
- Appeal information
- Probation or parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations
- Pending charges
The level of detail in criminal records may vary depending on the source. Court records maintained by the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller typically contain the most comprehensive case information, while law enforcement records from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office focus on arrest and booking details.
State-level records maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement compile information from multiple sources to create a comprehensive criminal history profile.
How Long Does Pasco County Keep Criminal Records?
Pasco County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services. These schedules, mandated by Florida Statute § 257.36, specify minimum retention periods for various types of government records, including criminal records.
Key retention periods for criminal records in Pasco County include:
Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests: 75 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests: 25 years from date of arrest
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 5 years from date of arrest
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 5 years after case closure
- Traffic case files: 5 years after case closure
- Domestic violence cases: 5 years after case closure
Incarceration Records:
- Inmate files: 7 years after release from custody
- Jail booking records: 5 years after release from custody
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after last entry
Law Enforcement Records:
- Incident reports: 4 years after case closure
- Criminal investigative records: 4 years after case closure or statute of limitations
- Evidence records: Until case closure plus applicable retention period
It is important to note that these are minimum retention periods. In practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly those with historical or legal significance. Felony court records, for example, are permanently retained by the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller.
Digital records management systems have expanded the county's capacity to store records indefinitely. The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller maintains digital court records dating back several decades, providing historical access to case information.
While records may be maintained according to these schedules, sealed or expunged records are removed from public access pursuant to court orders as provided by Florida Statute § 943.0585 and Florida Statute § 943.059.
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