Criminal records in Putnam County, Florida, are publicly accessible according to the state Constitution and public records law. PutnamFLCourt.us allows quick access to open information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records are available through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the office of the county court clerk — each of these channels covers different categories of documents and varying depths of data.
How to Search Criminal Records in Putnam
Start your search with what you already know: the person's full name, date of birth, or case number. Even partial data can narrow down the results.
Online Tools
- PutnamFLCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view public information on county and district court criminal cases.
- JAIL View of the Putnam County Sheriff — search for current inmates by last name, first name, or booking date. The system shows charges, bail amount, and detention status.
- Florida Courts — the state court system portal provides access to appellate court case registers through the Appellate Case Information System (ACIS).
- Florida Department of Corrections — search for inmates serving sentences in state correctional facilities, including release date information.
- FDLE Sexual Offender Registry — allows filtering by county, city, zip code, and offender type.
In Person
The Clerk of the Circuit Court's office in Palatka is the primary place to view court cases. The courthouse usually has public access terminals where you can view registers without an appointment.
By Mail
Send a written request to the court clerk's address. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), type of record, and return address. For an official state-level criminal history, the request is submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) with a completed fingerprint form.
Search Putnam Criminal Cases by Case Number
A Florida case number consists of several parts, each carrying specific information:
- Year — two or four digits of the year the case was opened (e.g., 2025).
- Sequential Number — a consecutive number assigned to the case within the year.
- Letter Code for Case Type — determines the category: CF (circuit felony), MM (county misdemeanor), CT (circuit criminal traffic), TR (traffic), etc.
Typical format: 2025-000123-CF. The first group is the year, the second is the sequential number, and the third is the type. The sheriff's system may use a different format with an additional agency suffix, such as "2025-0063-DP (PUTNAM COUNTY SHERIFF)".
If the case number is known exactly, the search returns a single result with a complete chronology of events — from arrest to the last hearing.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Putnam
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the Florida Statutes under which the charge is brought (e.g., §893.13 — drugs) |
| Severity Degree | Felony (serious crime, degrees 1–3), misdemeanor (offense, degrees 1–2), or infraction (violation) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or drop individual charges during the proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made.
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, with hearings scheduled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, including sentence execution.
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first court appearance; the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary hearing — the judge assesses whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.
- Pre-trial conference — parties discuss procedural issues and possible plea agreements.
- Sentencing — punishment is determined after a guilty plea or verdict.
- Review hearing — checks compliance with probation or other court requirements.
Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty by jury verdict or plea |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted by jury |
| Dismissed | Case closed by prosecutor or judge without a verdict |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecutor declined to prosecute |
| Withheld Adjudication | Judge does not issue a formal verdict; may preserve the possibility of record expungement |
| Acquitted | Officially acquitted after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Putnam
Certified copies of criminal cases are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. These are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by employers, attorneys, and government agencies.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the clerk's office at the address below. Bring valid photo identification.
- By Mail — send a written request with the case number or full name and date of birth, a copy of identification, and payment (check or money order payable to Clerk of Court).
- Online — check on the official Putnam County website if an electronic request form is available for your document type.
Contact Information
For a complete state-level criminal history record, the request is submitted to FDLE. This process requires fingerprinting at a certified location and completing the appropriate application form.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Putnam
Copying and certification fees for court documents in Florida are regulated by §28.24 Florida Statutes. Specific amounts for county clerks may include additional service fees.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $1.00 for the first page, $0.15 for each additional page | According to §28.24, F.S. |
| Certification | $2.00 per document | Added to copying cost |
| Criminal history check via FDLE | Depends on the type of check; usually $24.00 and up | Includes fingerprint processing |
| Inmate register search (JAIL View) | Free | Sheriff's online tool |
Processing Times
- Document copies in person — usually the same day or within a few business days.
- Mail requests — 5 to 15 business days depending on volume.
- Criminal history check via FDLE — from a few days to several weeks, depending on the submission method.
If an urgent document is needed, check with the clerk if expedited processing is available. Payment is typically accepted in the form of money order, cashier's check, or — in person — cash or card. Separate rules and fees apply for court services in the Fifth Appellate District.