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:
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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.
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In-Person Request: Visit the Miami-Dade County Clerk's Office Records Department to request physical copies of arrest records.
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Inmate Search: For current inmates, use the Miami-Dade Corrections Inmate In-Custody Search tool.
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Public Records Request: Submit a formal public records request to the Miami-Dade Police Department for arrest reports.
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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:
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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
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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
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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:
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Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts CJIS: Basic case information is available at no cost through their online portal.
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Inmate In-Custody Search: This free tool provides information on currently incarcerated individuals.
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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:
- Obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement
- Filing a petition with the Miami-Dade County Court
- Attending a hearing (if required)
- 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:
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Booking: The arrestee is photographed, fingerprinted, and personal information is recorded at a detention facility.
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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
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Arraignment: Formal charges are presented, and the defendant enters a plea.
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Pre-Trial Proceedings: May include discovery, motions, and plea negotiations.
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Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, evidence is presented before a judge or jury.
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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:
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Miami-Dade Corrections Website: The Inmate In-Custody Search tool may display mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals.
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Public Records Request: Submit a request to the Miami-Dade Police Department or Corrections Department specifically asking for booking photos.
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Clerk of Courts: Some case files accessible through the Criminal Justice Information System may include booking photos.
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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:
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Criminal Records - Miami-Dade Clerk: Access information on criminal records, including instructions for sealing and expungement.
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Inmate In-Custody Search - Miami-Dade County: Search for currently incarcerated individuals and view their booking information.
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Miami-Dade County Clerk Criminal Justice: Use the Criminal Justice Online System to access case information for criminal cases.
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Request Reports & Records - Miami-Dade County: Learn how to request police reports and background checks from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
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Miami Dade Clerk of Courts Marsy's Law Information Brochure: Information on Marsy's Law, which protects crime victims' rights in Florida.
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Miami Dade Clerk of Courts Notice of Crime Victim Opt-In to Prevent Disclosure of Records: Form allowing crime victims to prevent disclosure of their records.