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Miami-Dade Public Records / Miami-Dade County Arrest Records

Miami-Dade County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Miami-Dade County

Yes, arrest records in Miami-Dade County are generally public information under Florida's Sunshine Law. This means that most arrest records can be accessed by anyone, including:

  • Arrest reports
  • Booking information
  • Criminal charges
  • Court proceedings
  • Case dispositions

However, there are some exceptions to public access. Records may be restricted if they:

  • Involve ongoing investigations
  • Contain information about minors
  • Are sealed or expunged by court order
  • Involve victims protected under Marsy's Law

The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts maintains these public records and provides access through their Criminal Justice Information System.

Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts: 73 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130

What's in Miami-Dade County Arrest Records

Miami-Dade County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's arrest and subsequent processing through the criminal justice system. These records include:

  • Personal information (name, date of birth, address)
  • Physical description and mugshot
  • Date and time of arrest
  • Location of arrest
  • Arresting agency
  • Booking information
  • Criminal charges filed
  • Bond information
  • Court case numbers
  • Court dates and appearances
  • Case disposition (outcome)
  • Sentencing information (if convicted)

These records are maintained by both the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department and the Clerk of Courts.

Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department: 2525 NW 62nd St, Miami, FL 33147

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Miami-Dade County in 2025

There are several methods to look up arrest records in Miami-Dade County:

  1. Online Search: Use the Miami-Dade County Clerk's Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) to search for cases by name, case number, or citation number.

  2. In-Person Request: Visit the Miami-Dade County Clerk's Office Records Department to request physical copies of arrest records.

  3. Inmate Search: For current inmates, use the Miami-Dade Corrections Inmate In-Custody Search tool.

  4. Public Records Request: Submit a formal public records request to the Miami-Dade Police Department for arrest reports.

  5. Third-Party Background Check Services: Various commercial services compile and provide access to arrest records.

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, using the official county resources is recommended.

Miami-Dade Police Department: 9105 NW 25th St, Doral, FL 33172

How To Find Miami-Dade County Arrest Records Online

Finding Miami-Dade County arrest records online is straightforward through these official channels:

  1. Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS):

    • Visit the CJIS website
    • Search by name, case number, or citation number
    • View case information, charges, and court dates
  2. Miami-Dade Corrections Inmate Search:

    • Access the Inmate In-Custody Search tool
    • Search by name or booking number
    • View current custody status, charges, and booking information
  3. Miami-Dade Police Department Records Request:

    • Submit an online request for specific arrest reports
    • Pay any applicable fees
    • Receive documents electronically when available

These online resources provide convenient access to public arrest information without visiting government offices in person.

Can You Search Miami-Dade County Arrest Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Miami-Dade County arrest records for free through several official channels:

  1. Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts CJIS: Basic case information is available at no cost through their online portal.

  2. Inmate In-Custody Search: This free tool provides information on currently incarcerated individuals.

  3. Public Access Terminals: Available at the Clerk's Office for free in-person searches.

However, there may be fees for:

  • Certified copies of documents
  • Complete case files
  • Extensive record searches
  • Printed copies (typically $1 per page)

While basic information is free, obtaining detailed records or official copies often involves nominal fees.

Miami-Dade Clerk's Office Records Department: 111 NW 1st St, Miami, FL 33128

How To Delete Arrest Records in Miami-Dade County

In Miami-Dade County, arrest records can be removed from public view through sealing or expungement:

Sealing a Record:

  • Makes the record confidential
  • Available if charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty
  • You must not have been convicted of certain offenses

Expungement:

  • Physically destroys the record
  • Available if charges were dropped or dismissed
  • More restrictive eligibility requirements than sealing

The process involves:

  1. Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
  2. Filing a petition with the Miami-Dade County Court
  3. Attending a hearing (if required)
  4. Receiving a court order for sealing/expungement

You may want to consult with an attorney specializing in record sealing and expungement to navigate this complex process.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement: 2331 Phillips Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308

What Happens After Arrest in Miami-Dade County?

After an arrest in Miami-Dade County, individuals go through a standardized process:

  1. Booking: The arrestee is photographed, fingerprinted, and personal information is recorded at a detention facility.

  2. First Appearance: Within 24 hours, the arrestee appears before a judge who:

    • Reviews probable cause
    • Sets bail or conditions of release
    • Appoints a public defender if needed
  3. Arraignment: Formal charges are presented, and the defendant enters a plea.

  4. Pre-Trial Proceedings: May include discovery, motions, and plea negotiations.

  5. Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, evidence is presented before a judge or jury.

  6. Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the appropriate punishment.

Throughout this process, records are created and maintained by the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department and the Clerk of Courts.

Miami-Dade County Criminal Court: 1351 NW 12th St, Miami, FL 33125

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Miami-Dade County?

Arrest records in Miami-Dade County are typically kept indefinitely unless they are sealed or expunged. The retention schedule includes:

  • Arrest Reports: Permanently maintained by law enforcement agencies
  • Court Records: Preserved indefinitely by the Clerk of Courts
  • Booking Information: Retained permanently in the corrections database
  • Fingerprints and Photographs: Maintained in the Florida Department of Law Enforcement database indefinitely

Even if charges are dropped or the person is found not guilty, the arrest record remains unless specific legal action is taken to seal or expunge it. This permanent nature of arrest records is why many people pursue sealing or expungement when eligible.

How to Find Mugshots in Miami-Dade County

Mugshots in Miami-Dade County can be accessed through several channels:

  1. Miami-Dade Corrections Website: The Inmate In-Custody Search tool may display mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals.

  2. Public Records Request: Submit a request to the Miami-Dade Police Department or Corrections Department specifically asking for booking photos.

  3. Clerk of Courts: Some case files accessible through the Criminal Justice Information System may include booking photos.

  4. Third-Party Websites: Various commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots, though these may not always be current or accurate.

It's important to note that Florida law allows for the removal of mugshots from commercial websites under certain circumstances, and victims protected under Marsy's Law may have their images restricted from public view.

Lookup Arrest Records in Miami-Dade County

For comprehensive access to Miami-Dade County arrest records, utilize these official resources: