Dallas County Criminal Records
What Is Dallas County Criminal Records
Dallas County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Dallas County, Texas. These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.083, which establishes guidelines for criminal history record information.
Criminal records in Dallas County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including booking information, fingerprints, and photographs. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing final judgments in criminal cases.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of more than one year in state prison facilities.
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or county jail sentences of less than one year.
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 17 years of age or older, which are generally accessible to the public.
- Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 17, which are typically sealed under Texas Family Code § 58.003 and not available for public inspection.
- Warrant Information: Documentation of active warrants for arrest versus historical warrant records.
Multiple agencies maintain different components of Dallas County criminal records:
Dallas County Sheriff's Office
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB-31
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 653-3450
Dallas County Sheriff's Office
Dallas County District Clerk
George Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce St., Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7149
Dallas County District Clerk
Dallas County Clerk
Records Building
509 Main Street, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7099
Dallas County Clerk
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
(512) 424-2000
Texas DPS Crime Records
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status.
Are Criminal Records Public In Dallas County
Criminal records in Dallas County are generally public documents accessible to citizens under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Section 552.021 of the Texas Government Code states: "Public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision forms the legal basis for public access to criminal records in Dallas County.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available for public inspection:
- Adult arrest records
- Court dockets and case files
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Probation and parole status
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as protected under § 552.108
- Juvenile records, which are generally sealed pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.003
- Records that have been expunged or ordered sealed by a court
- Information deemed confidential under other state or federal laws
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined in § 552.147
- Information that would compromise the safety of victims or witnesses
The Dallas County District Clerk maintains court records for felony cases, while the County Clerk maintains misdemeanor case records. Both offices provide public access terminals at their respective locations for in-person searches. Additionally, the Dallas County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records that are accessible through specific request procedures.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records must follow established procedures, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, and providing proper identification. Government agencies must respond to requests within the timeframes established by the Texas Public Information Act.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Dallas County in 2026
Members of the public may access Dallas County criminal records through multiple channels. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests:
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Visit the appropriate agency based on the type of record sought:
- For court records: Dallas County District Clerk (felonies) or County Clerk (misdemeanors)
- For arrest/jail records: Dallas County Sheriff's Office
- For background checks: Texas Department of Public Safety
-
Complete the required request form, providing:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of incident/case (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Valid government-issued photo identification
-
Pay applicable fees:
- Court records: $5.00 per name search plus $1.00 per page for copies
- Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
- Background checks: $25.00 per record search
Mail Requests:
- Download and complete the appropriate request form from the agency website
- Include a check or money order for applicable fees
- Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Mail to the appropriate agency:
Dallas County District Clerk
George Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce St., Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75202
Online Requests:
- Access the Dallas County Criminal Background Search portal
- Register for an account if required
- Enter search criteria (name, date of birth, case number)
- Pay applicable fees via credit card
- View or download available records
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers fingerprint-based background checks through their Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) program. This service requires:
- Scheduling an appointment
- Paying the $37.00 fee
- Providing fingerprints at an authorized location
- Receiving results via mail or secure electronic delivery
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, certain entities may have enhanced access to criminal history record information based on statutory authorization.
How To Find Criminal Records in Dallas County Online?
Dallas County provides several online portals for accessing criminal records electronically. Each system contains specific types of information and has unique search capabilities:
Dallas County Criminal Background Check The Dallas County Records Search portal allows users to search criminal case records by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Court number
This system provides access to:
- Case status
- Charge information
- Court dates
- Disposition information
- Attorney of record
- Bond information
Registration is required for full access, with fees applied for certain detailed records.
Dallas County Jail Inmate Search The Dallas County Jail Lookup System enables searches of current inmates by:
- Last name
- First name
- Date of birth
- Booking number
Information available includes:
- Current charges
- Bond amounts
- Next court date
- Physical description
- Booking date
No registration is required for basic inmate searches.
Dallas County Court Records The Dallas County Courts Records Search provides access to:
- Criminal court dockets
- Case schedules
- Document indexes
- Party information
- Case history
Users may search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney
- Filing date range
Registration is required for document viewing, with subscription options available for frequent users.
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History The Texas DPS Criminal History Search offers:
- Statewide conviction records
- Sex offender registry information
- Public criminal history data
This system requires:
- Creation of an account
- Payment of statutory fees
- Acceptance of terms of use
Certain records may only be available through in-person requests, including:
- Sealed records
- Juvenile records
- Expunged cases
- Records with special privacy protections
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. For comprehensive background checks, fingerprint-based searches through the Texas Department of Public Safety are recommended.
Can You Search Dallas County Criminal Records for Free?
The Texas Public Information Act, specifically Texas Government Code § 552.021, establishes the right of public inspection of government records, including criminal records. While inspection is generally free, reproduction costs and certain search fees may apply.
Free Inspection Locations:
Dallas County District Clerk
George Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce St., Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Public terminals available for searching felony cases
Dallas County Clerk
Records Building
509 Main Street, Suite 200
Dallas, TX 75202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Public terminals available for searching misdemeanor cases
Free Online Resources:
Several Dallas County online portals provide free basic criminal record information:
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Dallas County Jail Inmate Search
The Dallas County Jail Lookup System allows free searches of current inmates by name, date of birth, or booking number. This resource provides basic custody status, charges, and bond information. -
Dallas County Criminal Court Case Information
The Dallas County Criminal Court Records Search offers free access to basic case information, including:- Case numbers
- Charges filed
- Next court dates
- Case status
- Judge assignment
-
Dallas County Public Court Calendar
The public court calendar provides free access to scheduled court appearances searchable by date, court, or case type.
Fee-Based Services:
While basic searches are free, the following services incur fees:
- Document copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Name-based criminal history checks: $25.00
- Fingerprint-based background checks: $37.00
- Expedited processing: Additional $10.00
- Research assistance: $25.00 per hour (after first hour)
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge reasonable fees to recover costs associated with producing public information. However, fee waivers may be available for requests that serve the public interest, as determined by the custodian of records.
What's Included in a Dallas County Criminal Record?
Dallas County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.01, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of offense
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed
- Probable cause statement
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Pre-trial detention information
Court Case Information:
- Case/docket number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and statutory citations
- Classification of offense (felony class or misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Court appearance dates
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Probation terms and conditions
- Community service requirements
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole status reports
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on case age, record type, and maintaining agency. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of records, including:
- Social Security Numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical information
- Victim identifying information
- Information related to minors
- Confidential informant details
Records are maintained in compliance with the Texas Local Government Records Act, which establishes retention requirements for criminal justice records.
How Long Does Dallas County Keep Criminal Records?
Dallas County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under the Texas Local Government Records Act, specifically Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports and booking information: 75 years
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years from date of arrest
- Mugshot photographs: 75 years from date of arrest
- Jail records/inmate files: 5 years after release
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Class A and B misdemeanors: 12 years after case closure
- Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
- Dismissed misdemeanor cases: 5 years after dismissal
Felony Case Records:
- Capital felonies: Permanent retention
- First-degree felonies: 50 years after final disposition
- Second and third-degree felonies: 25 years after final disposition
- State jail felonies: 15 years after final disposition
- Dismissed felony cases: 10 years after dismissal
Court Records:
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Case files for felonies: According to felony classification schedule
- Case files for misdemeanors: According to misdemeanor classification schedule
- Grand jury records: 10 years
Probation/Community Supervision Records:
- Felony probation files: 10 years after termination of probation
- Misdemeanor probation files: 5 years after termination of probation
Specialized Records:
- Sex offender registration information: 75 years
- DNA records: Permanent retention
- Mental competency records: 20 years
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history information in the statewide database permanently, even after local records may have been destroyed according to retention schedules.
Records may be destroyed after the minimum retention period has elapsed, but many historical records are preserved for archival purposes. Certain records may be retained longer than the minimum period at the discretion of the records custodian.
Expungement and record sealing processes, governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, may result in the destruction or restricted access to records before the standard retention period expires.
Lookup Criminal Records in Dallas County
Dallas County Sheriff's Office