texas public criminal records guide for informed citizens

What these records include

Texas criminal history files can show arrests, charges, case dispositions, sentencing, and parole status. Availability varies by county and court level, and some sensitive details may be sealed or expunged.

Why people search

Transparency helps employers, landlords, and neighbors make safer choices, while individuals use records to verify their own history before a background check. Access is not absolute; privacy protections limit juvenile and restricted cases.

How to access responsibly

Start with the Texas Department of Public Safety name-based index, then check county clerk and district court portals for docket specifics. Confirm identities with multiple data points to avoid mismatches, and review final dispositions, not just arrests.

• Search statewide indexes, then local courts for detail
• Compare spelling, birth dates, and case numbers
• Read updates; cases can be dismissed or deferred
• Respect expunction and nondisclosure orders

Costs, turnaround times, and data freshness differ by source. If accuracy is critical, order certified court copies. For your own record, you can request a fingerprint-based check, which is more precise than a name-only search.