Tarrant County Criminal Records
What Is Tarrant County Criminal Records
Tarrant County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county departments that document the arrest, prosecution, and disposition of criminal cases within Tarrant County, Texas. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 552, commonly known as the Public Information Act, and various provisions of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Criminal records in Tarrant County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:
Tarrant County District Clerk
100 N. Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196
817-884-1574
Tarrant County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tarrant County Clerk
100 W. Weatherford Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196
817-884-1195
Tarrant County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office
200 Taylor Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196
817-884-3099
Tarrant County Sheriff
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The District Clerk maintains records for felony cases processed through district courts, while the County Clerk maintains records for misdemeanor cases handled by county courts. The Sheriff's Office maintains booking and incarceration records for the county jail system.
Are Criminal Records Public In Tarrant County
Criminal records in Tarrant County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code § 552). Members of the public have the legal right to access and review most criminal records, with certain statutory exceptions.
Public access to criminal records is subject to the following conditions:
- Most adult criminal case information is available to the public through various search methods
- Records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are not accessible to the public
- Juvenile records are subject to restricted access under Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Cases involving certain sensitive matters, such as sexual assault victims or child victims, may have redacted information
- Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under § 552.108 of the Government Code
- Certain personal identifying information may be redacted from public records
The Tarrant County Criminal Courts maintain public dockets that can be accessed during regular business hours. Additionally, the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office provides guidance on which documents are available through open records requests.
Persons seeking access to criminal records may submit requests in person, by mail, or through designated online portals, depending on the specific record type and maintaining agency.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Tarrant County in 2025
Tarrant County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records in 2025. Individuals seeking criminal record information may utilize the following procedures:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Tarrant County District Clerk's office for felony cases at 100 N. Calhoun Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196
- Visit the Tarrant County Clerk's office for misdemeanor cases at 100 W. Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196
- Bring valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete the appropriate records request form
- Pay applicable fees ($1.00 per page for copies, $5.00 for certification)
- Standard processing time is 1-3 business days for most requests
Online Access:
- Access the Criminal Docket Search portal
- Search by name, case number, or date range
- Create a free account for enhanced search capabilities
- Download non-certified copies of publicly available documents
- Pay applicable fees for document access ($1.00 per document)
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate clerk's office
- Include case information, specific documents requested, and contact information
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 70.13, certain records may require additional verification or authorization before release. Requestors should note that the most current and comprehensive criminal record information is available through the Texas Department of Public Safety's Criminal History Record Information system, which requires fingerprint submission and additional fees.
How To Find Criminal Records in Tarrant County Online?
Tarrant County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms allow members of the public to search and retrieve criminal case information without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources include:
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Criminal Docket Search - This portal provides access to criminal case dockets, including case status, scheduled court dates, and basic case information. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or attorney.
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Tarrant County Inmate Search - This database allows users to locate current inmates in the Tarrant County jail system. Information typically includes booking date, charges, bond amounts, and next court appearance.
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County Courts Online Searches - This resource provides access to misdemeanor criminal cases handled by County Courts at Law.
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District Clerk Records Search - This system contains felony criminal cases processed through Tarrant County's district courts.
To effectively use these online systems:
- Select the appropriate database based on the type of record needed
- Enter search criteria (minimum of last name and first initial required)
- Review search results to identify the correct case
- Access available documents, noting that some may require payment
- Follow on-screen instructions for document retrieval or purchase
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, fees may apply for certain document retrievals. Additionally, users should be aware that not all case documents are available online due to statutory restrictions or court orders limiting public access to sensitive information.
Can You Search Tarrant County Criminal Records for Free?
Tarrant County provides limited free access to basic criminal record information, though comprehensive searches and document retrieval may incur fees. The availability of free criminal record searches is governed by Texas Government Code § 552.261, which permits governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for public information.
Free search options include:
- Basic case information through the Criminal Docket Search portal, which provides case numbers, filing dates, charge information, and current status
- Current inmate information via the Tarrant County Inmate Search database
- Public terminal access at the District Clerk's office (100 N. Calhoun Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196) and County Clerk's office (100 W. Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196)
- Basic case status information through the County Courts Online Searches
Fees are typically assessed for:
- Document copies ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Complete case file reviews ($5.00 research fee plus copy costs)
- Background checks ($10.00 per name search)
- Expedited processing ($10.00 additional fee)
The Tarrant County District Attorney's Office provides detailed information about document request fees. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.267, though proper documentation of financial hardship is required.
What's Included in a Tarrant County Criminal Record?
Tarrant County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 60, which establishes standards for criminal history record information.
A typical Tarrant County criminal record contains:
- Defendant's full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Arrest information, including date, location, and arresting agency
- Booking photographs and fingerprint records
- Criminal charges filed, including statute citations and offense descriptions
- Case numbers and court assignment information
- Bond information and pretrial release conditions
- Court proceedings chronology, including hearing dates and outcomes
- Plea information and trial results
- Sentencing details, including incarceration, probation, or fines
- Post-conviction information, such as appeals or probation violations
- Final disposition of all charges
The Tarrant County District Clerk maintains felony records, while the County Clerk maintains misdemeanor records. Case information may also include documents such as:
- Indictments or information filings
- Probable cause affidavits
- Motions filed by prosecution or defense
- Court orders and judicial rulings
- Witness lists and evidence inventories
- Transcripts of certain proceedings
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public criminal records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and victim identifying information in specific case types.
What Are the Penalties for a Tarrant County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass charges in Tarrant County are prosecuted under Texas Penal Code § 30.05, which defines the offense as entering or remaining on property without effective consent of the owner, with notice that entry is forbidden or after receiving notice to depart. Penalties vary based on the specific circumstances of the offense and the defendant's criminal history.
Standard penalties for criminal trespass in Tarrant County include:
Class B Misdemeanor (standard criminal trespass):
- Maximum fine of $2,000
- Up to 180 days in county jail
- Possible probation terms
- Court costs and fees (approximately $300-$500)
Class A Misdemeanor (aggravated circumstances):
- Maximum fine of $4,000
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Enhanced probation conditions
- Court costs and fees (approximately $300-$500)
Criminal trespass charges are elevated to Class A misdemeanors when the trespass occurs:
- In a habitation or shelter center
- On a critical infrastructure facility
- While carrying a deadly weapon
The Tarrant County Criminal Courts process these cases through the County Criminal Courts at Law. First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs, including:
- Pretrial diversion with community service requirements
- Deferred adjudication with probationary terms
- Conditional dismissal with restitution to property owners
Defendants facing criminal trespass charges may file appeals through the Second Court of Appeals if convicted. Multiple criminal trespass convictions may result in enhanced penalties under Texas Penal Code § 12.43, potentially increasing jail time and fines for repeat offenders.
How Long Does Tarrant County Keep Criminal Records?
Tarrant County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's retention schedules, specifically Local Schedule PS (Public Safety Records) and Local Schedule DC (District Clerk Records). These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
Criminal record retention periods in Tarrant County include:
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Felony case files: Minimum of 20 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Dismissed cases: 5 years from date of dismissal
- Arrest records without prosecution: 5 years from date of arrest
- Jail booking and incarceration records: 5 years after release
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
- Probation records: 10 years after termination of probation
The Tarrant County District Clerk and County Clerk maintain these records according to Texas Local Government Code § 203.042, which authorizes the establishment of records management programs.
Records that have been expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are physically destroyed or returned to the subject of the records. Records that have been sealed under an order of nondisclosure pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.081 are maintained but restricted from public access.
Digital records maintained in county databases may be retained indefinitely, though access to older records may require special requests. Historical criminal records may be transferred to the Tarrant County Archives after their active retention period expires.
Lookup Criminal Records in Tarrant County
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