Tarrant County Criminal Records

What Is Tarrant County Criminal Records

Tarrant County criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's criminal history within Tarrant County, Texas. These records are maintained by the Tarrant County Clerk's Office (100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) and include information about arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions for both misdemeanors and felonies that occurred within the county's jurisdiction.

These records serve as an important resource for law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, employers conducting background checks, and individuals researching their own criminal history. The records are systematically organized and preserved to ensure accurate documentation of criminal activities and judicial proceedings within the county.

Are Criminal Records Public In Tarrant County

Yes, criminal records in Tarrant County are considered public information under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act grants citizens the right to access government records, including criminal records, with certain exceptions for protected information.

The Tarrant County District Clerk's Office (100 N. Calhoun St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) maintains felony records, while the Tarrant County Clerk's Office handles misdemeanor records. Both offices provide public access to these records, though some information may be redacted to protect privacy or comply with legal restrictions.

There are exceptions to public access, including:

• Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
• Juvenile records (in most cases)
• Records containing sensitive personal information
• Cases under active investigation

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Tarrant County in 2025

In 2025, Tarrant County offers several methods to look up criminal records:

1. Online Database Access: The Tarrant County Criminal Courts website provides a searchable database of criminal cases. You can search by name, case number, or date range.

2. In-Person Requests: Visit the Tarrant County District Clerk's Office (100 N. Calhoun St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) for felony records or the County Clerk's Office (100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) for misdemeanor records. Staff can assist with locating specific records.

3. Mail Requests: Submit a written request with the required information and applicable fees to the appropriate clerk's office.

4. Tarrant County Justice Center: Visit the Justice Center (401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) where public terminals are available for searching court records.

5. Mobile Applications: Tarrant County has expanded its digital services to include mobile-friendly applications for accessing criminal record information.

When requesting records, be prepared to provide:

• Full name of the person
• Date of birth (if known)
• Approximate date of the offense
• Case number (if known)
• Valid identification

How To Find Criminal Records in Tarrant County Online?

Finding criminal records in Tarrant County online is straightforward through several official channels:

1. Tarrant County Criminal Court Records Search: Visit the official Tarrant County website and navigate to the Criminal Courts section. The Criminal Docket Search portal allows you to search by defendant name, case number, or attorney.

2. Tarrant County Clerk's Online Records System: The County Clerk's website provides access to misdemeanor criminal records. You'll need to create an account for full access.

3. District Clerk's Online Access: For felony cases, the District Clerk's Office (100 N. Calhoun St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) maintains an online portal where you can search for records by name or case number.

4. Justice of the Peace Records: For Class C misdemeanors, you can access records through the Justice of the Peace Courts' online system.

5. Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service: For statewide criminal history, the DPS (5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752) provides a criminal history search for a fee.

When searching online, note that:

• Some records may require registration or fees
• Certain case details may only be available in person
• The most recent cases may not appear immediately in online systems
• Some sensitive information may be redacted

Can You Search Tarrant County Criminal Records for Free?

Yes, you can search Tarrant County criminal records for free through several channels, though there are limitations:

Free Options:

• The Tarrant County Criminal Courts website offers basic case information searches at no cost
• Public access terminals at the Tarrant County Justice Center (401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) provide free on-site searches
• The County Clerk's Office offers limited free online searches for basic case information
• Public court dockets can be viewed online without fees

Fee-Based Services:

• Certified copies of documents require payment (typically $1 per page plus certification fees)
• Comprehensive background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety incur fees
• Third-party background check services charge for detailed reports
• Expedited or extensive record searches may involve service fees

While basic information is available for free, obtaining complete case files, certified documents, or comprehensive background checks typically requires payment of applicable fees. The Tarrant County District Clerk's Office (100 N. Calhoun St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) can provide current fee schedules for various record requests.

What's Included in a Tarrant County Criminal Record?

A Tarrant County criminal record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. These records generally include:

Case Information:

• Full legal name and aliases
• Date of birth and demographic information
• Case numbers and filing dates
• Charges filed (including statute citations)
• Case status (pending, disposed, etc.)
• Court assignment information

Procedural Details:

• Arrest information and booking details
• Bond/bail information
• Court appearances and hearing dates
• Attorney information
• Plea information
• Trial outcomes (if applicable)

Disposition and Sentencing:

• Case disposition (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
• Sentencing details
• Probation terms
• Fine and court cost information
• Compliance status with court orders
• Appeals information (if applicable)

Additional Elements:

• Related case references
• Protective orders (if applicable)
• Probation violations
• Warrant information
• Victim information (often redacted)

The level of detail available may vary based on the nature of the case, its status, and whether you're viewing records online or in person at the Tarrant County Courthouse (100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196).

What Are the Penalties for a Tarrant County Criminal Trespass Charge?

In Tarrant County, criminal trespass is typically charged as a misdemeanor, with penalties varying based on the specific circumstances and location of the trespass. The Texas Penal Code Section 30.05 defines criminal trespass as entering or remaining on property without effective consent when the person had notice that entry was forbidden or received notice to depart but failed to do so.

Class B Misdemeanor (Standard Criminal Trespass):

• Up to 180 days in county jail
• Fine up to $2,000
• Probation possibility
• Potential restitution to property owner

Class A Misdemeanor (Aggravated Circumstances): Criminal trespass is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor if committed:

• In a habitation, shelter center, or Superfund site
• With a deadly weapon
• On certain critical infrastructure facilities
• Penalties include:
  • Up to 1 year in county jail
  • Fine up to $4,000
  • Longer probation terms

Additional Consequences:

• Criminal record affecting employment opportunities
• Potential immigration consequences for non-citizens
• Protective orders in domestic cases
• Increased penalties for repeat offenders

Cases are typically handled by the Tarrant County Criminal Courts (401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth, TX 76196), and defendants are advised to seek legal representation. The Tarrant County District Attorney's Office (401 W. Belknap St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) prosecutes these cases and may offer pre-trial diversion programs for first-time offenders in some circumstances.

How Long Does Tarrant County Keep Criminal Records?

Tarrant County maintains criminal records indefinitely unless they are specifically expunged or sealed through legal processes. These records become permanent parts of the county's judicial archives and remain accessible to the public with certain exceptions.

Record Retention Policies:

• Misdemeanor records: Permanently maintained by the County Clerk's Office
• Felony records: Permanently maintained by the District Clerk's Office
• Case files: Preserved according to Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules
• Digital records: Maintained in electronic systems indefinitely

Options for Limiting Public Access:

1. Expungement: Complete removal of records if eligible (typically for acquittals, dismissals, or arrests without conviction)
2. Non-Disclosure Orders: Sealing records from public view while remaining available to law enforcement and certain agencies
3. Juvenile Record Sealing: Special provisions for sealing juvenile records under specific circumstances

The Tarrant County District Clerk's Office (100 N. Calhoun St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) and County Clerk's Office (100 E. Weatherford St., Fort Worth, TX 76196) follow Texas state laws regarding record retention and destruction. While the physical storage methods may change over time, the legal obligation to maintain these records remains consistent.

Individuals seeking to limit access to their criminal records should consult with an attorney about eligibility for expungement or non-disclosure orders, as the processes require court filings and judicial approval.

Lookup Criminal Records in Tarrant County

For those needing to access criminal records in Tarrant County, several official resources are available:

• Online Searches for County Courts at Law - Access case records and calendars for County Courts at Law, Probate Courts, and Justice of the Peace Courts.

• Criminal Docket Search - Search for criminal court dockets by person to find information on court settings in Tarrant County.

• Criminal Courts Information - Learn about Tarrant County's criminal court system, including details on felony and misdemeanor courts.

• County Clerk's Criminal Courts Resources - Information about the County Clerk's role in maintaining records for County Criminal Courts where misdemeanors and appeals are filed.

These resources provide comprehensive access to criminal records maintained by Tarrant County's judicial system, allowing for efficient research of case information, court dates, and legal proceedings.