Criminal Department

The Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all defendants accused of committing crimes that have been designated by the State Legislature as felonies. A felony is a criminal offense punishable by death or imprisonment in a state penitentiary.

The Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over all cases in which a child is alleged to have committed a delinquent act or violation of the law. A delinquent complaint is filed by a law enforcement officer when a juvenile is alleged to have committed a felony, misdemeanor, contempt of court, or violation of a local ordinance.

The County Court has jurisdiction over all defendants accused of committing crimes that have been designated as misdemeanors. A misdemeanor is a criminal offense that is punishable by imprisonment in a county correctional facility.

The County Court also has jurisdiction over criminal traffic cases. Criminal Traffic Laws are defined by the Florida Rules of Court as a violation that may subject a defendant upon conviction to incarceration.

Sealing or Expunging a Record

Please refer to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s website at http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/ for instructions on sealing or expunging a record.