Searching for Texas criminal arrest records can feel a bit like solving a puzzle, especially with all the different government websites.
Whether you are checking your own history or doing a background check for work, this guide will help you find official records easily.
In Texas, most criminal records are public because of the Texas Public Information Act. This means that unless a record is specially sealed, you have a right to see it.
1. Where to Find Official Records
There are two main places to look for records in Texas. One is for the whole state, and the other is for specific cities or counties.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
The TxDPS Crime Records Division is the main office for the entire state. They keep a huge database called the Computerized Criminal History (CCH).
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What is inside: It lists arrests, court cases, and final results (like “guilty” or “dismissed”) for serious crimes (Class B misdemeanors and higher).
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How to access it: Use the Official TxDPS Public Search Portal.
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Cost: Each search credit costs about $1.00.
County and District Courts
If you know which county the person was arrested in, you can go directly to that county’s website. This is often faster and can give you more details about the “docket” (the history of the case).
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Harris County (Houston): District Clerk Search
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Dallas County: Criminal Background Search
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Bexar County (San Antonio): Criminal Court Records
2. Understanding Public vs. Private Records
Not all records are “open.” Texas law protects certain information, often called NPP (Non-Public Personal Information), like social security numbers or home addresses.
Record Type |
Who can see it? |
Why? |
Public Conviction |
Everyone |
It is a part of the public record. |
Sealed Record |
Law Enforcement Only |
The court ordered it to be “non-disclosed.” |
Expunged Record |
Nobody |
It has been legally deleted or erased. |
3. How to Do a Search (Step-by-Step)
If you want to search the official Texas database today, follow these simple steps:
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Go to the Website: Visit the TxDPS Public Search page.
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Make an Account: You need to sign up with your email.
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Buy Credits: You must buy “credits” using a credit card. One credit = one search.
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Enter the Name: Type the person’s full name and Date of Birth (DOB).
Tip: If you aren’t sure of the spelling, use the “Soundex” option. It looks for names that sound similar.
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View the Results: If there is a match, you can view the “Rap Sheet” which shows the arrest date and the outcome of the case.
4. Helpful Terms to Know
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Disposition: This is the “final answer” of a case. It tells you if the person was convicted, found not guilty, or if the charges were dropped.
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Deferred Adjudication: This means the person completed probation, and the judge did not officially convict them. It still shows up on a background check but is not a “conviction.”
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Criminal History Record Information (CHRI): This is just the formal name for a criminal record in Texas.
Quick Note for Employers
If you are an employer, you must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). You cannot just peek at someone’s record without their permission if you are making a hiring decision.