Miami-Dade County Court Records Search
From civil and criminal matters to family and probate cases, the Miami Dade Circuit Courts are a cornerstone of justice in the region. They effectively serve the community by holding impartial trials, enforcing state and county laws, and establishing public order. Accessing court case records, however, can often seem like navigating a labyrinth. We will provide you with an easy step-by-step guide to obtaining court records, and show you how to access all the publicly available judicial resources online.
The Role of Miami Dade Circuit Courts in the Florida Judicial System
The Miami-Dade Circuit Courts are the highest trial courts in the state, handling the most serious and complex cases for both civil and criminal cases. These courts have wide sweeping jurisdiction over a large geographical areas in the county. They oversee the most diverse and populous Miami Dade County, where trial cases and hearings are overseen by a number of judges, each assigned to specific types of criminal and civil cases. Their function of the Circuit Court extends well beyond the courthouse, providing services to local governmental agencies and the general public. The Clerk of the Courts is also part of this judicial division which is there to assist individuals with accessing court information and providing access to Circuit Court Records both online and in-person.
Types of Cases Heard by the Miami Dade Circuit Courts
The Circuit Courts hear a diverse array of cases, as their jurisdiction covers both criminal and civil matters. For civil cases, they handle disputes involving amounts greater than $30,000. They also oversee complex family and probate matters with the goal of reaching amicable solutions and outcomes. In criminal cases, they primarily deal with felonies jury trial cases, and other serious misdemeanor crimes. The felony cases can include everything from aggravated assault and armed robbery, to murder and drug trafficking.
Circuit vs. County Courts: What's the Difference?
Circuit and county courts in Miami Dade have distinct roles. The key difference lies in the types of cases they handle.
County courts, also known as "the people's courts," handle less serious matters. These include misdemeanors and civil cases under $30,000.
On the other hand, circuit courts handle more serious cases. As we've discussed, these include felonies and civil cases over $30,000.
How to Run a Miami Dade Circuit Court Case Search
When it comes to accessing Miami court records there is an easy solution. Online, you can use the Miami Dade Clerk of Courts official website to search for both criminal and civil court case information by court case number, names of the respective parties, or the hearing/trial dates. Here is a quick run-down of this process.
1). Visit the Miami Dade Clerk of Courts' website.
2). Click on the 'Online Services' tab.
3). Select 'Court Case Search'.
4). Enter the required information and then 'Search'
Remember, some records may not be available online. In such cases, especially older cases that have not been digitally transcribed, you may need to request them in person or by mail.
Are Miami Dade Circuit Court Cases Considered Public Record?
Yes, most all Circuit Court Case Records are considered public domain. This translates to them being publicly available upon request. You will need some basic information to access case records through the Clerk of the Courts website, such as a first and last name, or a specific case number.