Miami-Dade County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Miami-Dade County

Yes, arrest records in Miami-Dade County are generally considered public information under Florida's public records laws. These records are maintained by the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts and can be accessed by anyone. However, certain information may be redacted or restricted if it falls under specific exemptions, such as cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or information protected under Marsy's Law, which safeguards victims' rights.

The public nature of these records means that anyone can request and view information about arrests that have occurred within Miami-Dade County, including details about the arrested individual and the charges filed against them.

What's in Miami-Dade County Arrest Records

Miami-Dade County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been arrested within the county. These records generally include:

• Personal information of the arrested individual (name, date of birth, address)
• Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
• Mugshot or booking photograph
• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Charges filed
• Case number
• Booking information
• Bond amount (if applicable)
• Court dates
• Disposition of the case (if resolved)
• Arresting agency information

Some sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of these records, particularly if it relates to protected categories of information under Florida law.

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

To look up arrest records in Miami-Dade County in 2025, you have several options:

1. Online Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS): The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts maintains an online database where you can search for criminal cases by name, case number, or citation number.

2. In-Custody Inmate Search: For individuals currently in custody, the Miami-Dade Corrections Department provides an online inmate search tool.

3. Visit the Clerk's Office: You can visit the Criminal Division of the Miami-Dade County Clerk's Office in person to request arrest records.

4. Third-party background check services: Various commercial services compile and provide access to arrest records, though these may charge fees and might not always have the most up-to-date information.

When searching, you'll typically need the individual's full name and, ideally, additional identifying information such as date of birth to ensure you're finding the correct records.

How To Find Miami-Dade County Arrest Records Online

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

1. Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS): Visit the official CJIS website at https://www2.miamidadeclerk.gov/cjis/CaseSearch.aspx to search for criminal cases. This system allows you to search by name, case number, or citation number.

2. Miami-Dade County Inmate Search: For individuals currently in custody, use the Inmate In-Custody Search service provided by Miami-Dade County at https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1491494549439906.

3. Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Website: The official website at https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/criminal-records.page provides information on accessing criminal records and obtaining certified copies.

When using these online resources, it's important to have accurate information about the person you're searching for, as common names may return multiple results.

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:

• The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) offers free basic searches for criminal cases.
• The Miami-Dade County Inmate In-Custody Search is available at no cost.
• Basic criminal record searches can be conducted for free on the Miami-Dade Clerk's website.

While basic searches are free, there may be fees associated with:

• Obtaining certified copies of records
• Comprehensive background checks
• Printed copies of documents
• Records that require staff assistance to locate

The fee structure is set by Florida Statutes and local ordinances, with typical charges ranging from $1 per page for copies to $2 or more for certified documents.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Miami-Dade County

Completely deleting arrest records in Miami-Dade County is generally not possible, but you may be eligible to have your records sealed or expunged under certain circumstances:

Sealing a Record: Makes the record confidential and unavailable to the general public.

Expungement: Physically destroys the record, though certain government agencies may still maintain access.

To qualify for sealing or expungement in Florida:

1. You must not have been convicted of the offense in question
2. You must not have certain prior convictions
3. The charge must be eligible for sealing/expungement under Florida law

The process involves:

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

For personal information that may be exempt from public disclosure, you can file a Request For Redaction of Exempt Personal Information From Public Record with the Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts.

What Happens After Arrest in Miami-Dade County?

After an arrest in Miami-Dade County, the process typically follows these steps:

1. Booking: The arrested person is taken to a police station or detention facility where their personal information is recorded, fingerprints and photographs are taken, and personal belongings are inventoried.

2. First Appearance/Bond Hearing: Within 24 hours of arrest, the individual appears before a judge who reviews the probable cause for the arrest, sets bail if applicable, and may appoint a public defender if the person qualifies.

3. Formal Charges: The State Attorney's Office reviews the case and decides whether to file formal charges, typically within 21 days for misdemeanors or 33 days for felonies.

4. Arraignment: The defendant is formally presented with charges and enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).

5. Pre-trial Proceedings: May include discovery, motion hearings, and plea negotiations.

6. Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it will be held before a judge or jury.

7. Sentencing: If convicted, the judge determines the appropriate sentence based on Florida sentencing guidelines and other factors.

Throughout this process, the individual's arrest record is updated to reflect the current status of the case.

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 through legal processes. Florida law does not provide for automatic expiration or removal of arrest records from public access after a certain period.

Even if a case results in dismissal, acquittal, or no formal charges being filed, the arrest record itself remains in the system and accessible to the public unless specific legal action is taken to seal or expunge it.

For juvenile records, there are some additional protections. Many juvenile records are automatically sealed when the individual reaches 21 years of age if they meet certain criteria, though serious offenses may be treated differently.

The permanent nature of these records underscores the importance of the sealing and expungement processes for those who qualify and wish to limit public access to their arrest history.

How to Find Mugshots in Miami-Dade County

Finding mugshots in Miami-Dade County can be accomplished through several methods:

1. Miami-Dade Corrections Department: Mugshots of currently incarcerated individuals may be available through the Inmate In-Custody Search tool.

2. Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS): While the primary CJIS database focuses on case information, associated mugshots may sometimes be accessible through linked records.

3. Public Records Request: You can submit a formal public records request to the Miami-Dade Police Department or Corrections Department specifically asking for booking photographs.

4. Third-party websites: Various commercial websites aggregate and publish mugshots from public records, though these sites may charge fees and the information may not always be current or accurate.

It's important to note that Florida's public records laws generally make mugshots available as public information, but recent legislation has placed some restrictions on commercial websites that publish mugshots and then charge fees for removal.

Lookup Arrest Records in Miami-Dade County

To access arrest records in Miami-Dade County, you can use these official resources:

• Criminal Records - Miami-Dade Clerk: Access information about criminal records, including how to obtain certified copies and conduct case searches.

• Inmate In-Custody Search - Miami-Dade County: Search for currently incarcerated individuals and view their booking information and charges.

• Miami-Dade County Clerk Criminal Justice: Use the Criminal Justice Online System to search for cases and access payment plans for court costs.

For information about privacy rights and record redaction, these resources may be helpful:

• Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts Marsy's Law Information Brochure: Learn about Marsy's Law and its implications for crime victims in Miami-Dade County.

• Request For Redaction of Exempt Personal Information From Public Record: Access the form needed to request redaction of exempt personal information from public records.