What are Florida Court Records?

Docket Sheets

Dockets are lists and summaries detailing the various documents from the trial itself, serving as the inventory record.

Judgment and Orders

These are official determinations by a jury or judge. Once the final judgment is determined, the selected judge fills out all the paperwork outlining all the terms, the punishments, and any responsibilities.

Transcripts

A transcript is a complete record that captures everything said throughout court proceedings. The name of every speaker, as well as what is said, is kept in transcripts, and these documents can be used for evidence for appeals or motions.

Evidence

This includes both documents and physical materials gathered from all police reports, as well as introduced by any of the parties during legal proceedings.

Court Minutes

They are official records of courtroom proceedings from the beginning to the completion of the trial. The minutes are composed of a summary detailing the testimonies, events, all official statements, and recesses.

Pleadings

These are records of statements made by each party in a case describing the party's request for the court.

Civil Cases

Civil cases are legal processes meant to handle any non-criminal issues between groups or individuals. These disputes may encompass a variety of issues, including contract disagreements, property disputes, and claims related to personal injuries. Notably, civil cases do not involve the participation of state prosecutors. The primary objective of such cases is to provide fair compensation to the victims through the relevant legal framework.

Examples for civil cases are:

• Bankruptcy filings
• Property Disputes
• Family law

A standard of proof that's known as the preponderance of evidence is utilized to resolve most civil cases. This requires a party to demonstrate that their version of the facts is more likely true than not.

Criminal Cases

A criminal case is a legal proceeding initiated by a government representative against an individual accused of committing a crime. These cases aim to maintain the law to ensure justice is administered, rather than resolving disputes between private parties. Consequently, the consequences of criminal cases can be significantly more severe, potentially resulting in imprisonment or, in certain jurisdictions, the death penalty.

Before a jury reaches a verdict, the prosecuting authority must establish that the defendant is guilty of the alleged crime beyond any reasonable doubts. This process is concluded when the jury decides unanimously and can confirm the individual's culpability in the matter.

Examples of criminal cases seen commonly are:

• Domestic violence
• Burglary
• Murder

State Supreme Court

The Florida Supreme Court maintains the highest level of authority in the state. It has the power to review final decisions, including death sentences, district court rulings that invalidate a state law or constitutional provision, bond validations, and specific orders from the Public Service Commission about utility rates and services.

The court can also issue special orders like prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus. Additionally, the Supreme Court gives advisory opinions to the Governor when asked. The court has seven Justices. To make a decision, at least five Justices must be involved, and at least four must agree. The court's main office is in the Supreme Court Building in Tallahassee.

Florida Circuit Courts

Circuit courts handle most trial cases that are not assigned to county courts and also review some appeals from county court cases. These courts can take on civil disputes where the amount involved is over $50,000. They deal with issues related to the estates of deceased individuals, minors, and people who are declared incapacitated.

Circuit courts also handle juvenile cases, criminal cases for all felonies, tax disputes, and cases that determine property titles and boundaries. Additionally, circuit courts can issue special orders, such as writs of certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus. They can also issue any other orders necessary to perform their duties fully.

District Courts of Appeals

The District Courts of Appeals typically hear appeals from final judgments of trial courts. They can also issue special orders, such as certiorari, prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, habeas corpus, and other necessary writs to exercise their authority fully. Additionally, these courts can review final decisions determined by state agencies when they perform their duties in the executive branch.

Florida County Courts

Florida County Courts handle civil disputes involving $50,000 or less. Much of their caseload includes traffic violations, ranging from minor infractions to more serious offenses. Additionally, they deal with misdemeanor cases, which are less severe than felonies but can still carry fines, community service, or short-term incarceration.

Furthermore, the courts address small claims disputes, allowing individuals to resolve relatively minor financial disagreements without requiring extensive legal representation. By managing these varied cases, Florida County Courts help facilitate a more efficient and accessible legal process for all community members.

Speciality Courts

Also known as problem-solving courts, these sessions are affiliated with the circuit courts and provide alternative sentencing options for qualifying non-violent offenders. The court mandates that defendants participate in treatment and monitoring, which includes therapy, rehabilitative programs, and regular drug testing. In Florida, specialty courts encompass various areas, including drug-related offenses, mental health issues, veterans' affairs, and early childhood concerns.