Washington County Arrest Record Search

Washington County arrest records are maintained by the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 1293 Jackson Avenue in Chipley. This small Florida Panhandle county processes all arrests through its single jail facility. The sheriff's office provides an online search for current inmates. You can also access Washington County arrest records through statewide FDLE databases that pull data from all 67 Florida counties. Whether you call the jail, search online, or file a formal request, the Sunshine Law gives you the right to see these records without explaining your reason.

Washington County Sheriff's Office Jail

The Washington County Sheriff's Office operates the jail at 1293 Jackson Ave, Chipley, FL 32428. Call (850) 638-6110 for jail questions. All arrests in Washington County come through this one facility. The booking staff record the charges, take fingerprints and a photo, and enter the information into the system. That data then goes to FDLE as part of statewide criminal history reporting.

Washington County has an online inmate search through the sheriff's office. You can enter a name and check who is currently in the jail. The results show charges and bond status. For people who have already been released or for older arrest records, you will need to call the jail or submit a written public records request. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives you the right to get these records.

Washington County is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit. Interstate 10 runs through the county, and traffic-related arrests along the highway contribute to the booking volume. The clerk of court in Chipley manages case records once charges are formally filed.

Statewide Search for Washington County

FDLE runs the criminal history check that covers all 67 counties. It costs $25. Results come back right away. This is the easiest way to find arrest records from Washington County if you are not near the jail in Chipley. The search shows all arrest records tied to the name you enter, not just Washington County.

The FDLE Public Access System is another option. It taps into the Florida Crime Information Center for warrant and criminal history data. Section 943.053 of the Florida Statutes makes these records public unless sealed or expunged. For court case records tied to a Washington County arrest, the CCIS database has over 150 million cases from all Florida counties.

FDLE's Public Access System pulls criminal history information from all Florida counties, including arrest records from Washington County.

Washington County Arrest Record Access

Florida's Sunshine Law makes arrest records from Washington County available to the public. You do not need to provide a reason. Just ask the sheriff's office.

A Washington County arrest record will contain the person's name, the charges, the arrest date and time, and which agency handled it. A mugshot may be included. An arrest is not a conviction. People get arrested and charges get dropped. Cases go to trial and end with not guilty verdicts. The arrest record remains in the system unless a judge orders it sealed or expunged. Juvenile arrest records are restricted across all of Florida. Victim names can be taken out. Personal data like Social Security numbers and home addresses are removed before release. Active investigation files may be held back.

Note: Washington County sits along Interstate 10, which brings in arrests from travelers passing through the area.

Removing Washington County Records

If you have an arrest record from Washington County that you want cleared, Florida gives you the option to seal or expunge it. Start by applying to FDLE for a Certificate of Eligibility. Visit the seal and expunge program page for the forms. The fee is $75 and processing takes about 12 weeks. Get the application at the Washington County Clerk of Courts in Chipley.

Expungement under Section 943.0585 requires all agencies to destroy the record except FDLE. They keep one confidential copy. Sealing under Section 943.059 blocks the public from seeing the record but does not destroy it. After the Washington County court issues the order, the record will no longer appear in public searches. The certificate lasts 12 months. File the petition before it runs out.

The FDC Offender Search lets you check whether someone arrested in Washington County was later sentenced to state prison.

Nearby Counties

Washington County is surrounded by other Panhandle counties. If you are not sure where the arrest took place, check with the neighboring sheriff's offices.