Criminal records in Bexar County, Texas, can be accessed through several channels, including online search tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. BexarCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The Bexar County District Clerk, County Clerk, Sheriff's Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety each maintain records that may be relevant depending on the type of search you need to conduct.
How to Search Criminal Records in Bexar
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Bexar County. What you need to get started depends on the method and the type of record.
What You'll Need
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required for court case searches)
- Case number (if known)
- SID (System Identification Number) for jail or booking searches
Online Search Options
- BexarCourt.us — Search for publicly available criminal court record information by name or case number.
- Bexar County Court Records Search — The County Clerk and District Clerk offer an online records search that covers criminal court case records filed in Bexar County.
- Justice Information Portal — Bexar County consolidated several search applications into one portal for easier access to case data.
- Central Magistrate Search — Search for individuals arrested for Class B misdemeanor offenses or higher. Results include booking and magistration details.
- Jail Activity Reports — View the last seven days of jail booking activity from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.
- Texas DPS Crime Records — The Crime Records Division maintains the statewide criminal history repository. You can request a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal history search through DPS.
In Person
Visit the Bexar County Courthouse to access criminal case records through the District Clerk's office. Public access terminals may be available during business hours.
For misdemeanor records, you can also call the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Central Filing at 210-335-2238. For inmate charges, bond amounts, and warrant information, call the Inmate Information Line at 210-335-6201 (full name and date of birth required).
By Mail or Written Request
- County Clerk: Submit an open records request through the County Clerk's portal or by mail.
- Texas DPS: Mail a completed fingerprint card and application to the Crime Records Division for a state criminal history check.
Search Bexar Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by that number is the fastest way to pull up a specific criminal case in Bexar County.
Texas criminal case numbers typically follow a format assigned by the clerk's office at the time of filing. In Bexar County, case numbers for criminal district court cases generally include a year indicator and a sequential filing number. For example, a case number might appear as 2024CR1234A, where:
- 2024 — the year the case was filed
- CR — indicates a criminal case
- 1234 — the sequential number assigned to the case
- A — a suffix that may designate the court section
County court criminal cases (typically misdemeanors) may use a slightly different prefix or numbering convention. When entering a case number into the Bexar County records search, use the exact format shown on any court documents you have. Partial numbers may return no results or multiple matches.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Bexar
Criminal case records in Bexar County contain several data points. Here is what each one means.
Charges
- Statute code: The Texas Penal Code section or other statute the defendant is charged under (e.g., Penal Code §30.02 for burglary).
- Severity: Texas classifies offenses as Class C misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors, Class A misdemeanors, state jail felonies, third-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, first-degree felonies, or capital felonies.
- Amended charges: The original charge may be modified by the prosecution. Amended charges replace or supplement the initial filing.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Case is open and awaiting resolution |
| Active | Case has ongoing proceedings or an active warrant |
| Disposed | Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.) |
| Closed | All proceedings and obligations are complete |
Hearing Types
- Magistration: Initial appearance after arrest where bond is set
- Arraignment: Formal reading of charges; defendant enters a plea
- Pre-trial hearing: Motions, discovery issues, and plea negotiations
- Trial: Bench or jury trial on the merits
- Sentencing: Court imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing: Follow-up on probation compliance or other post-disposition matters
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the prosecution or court |
| Nolle Prosequi | Prosecution elected not to pursue the case |
| Deferred Adjudication | Defendant placed on community supervision; no final conviction entered unless terms are violated |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Bexar
Certified copies of criminal court records carry an official seal and can be used for legal proceedings, background verifications, and other formal purposes.
District Clerk (Felony and District Court Criminal Cases)
The Criminal Court Division of the Bexar County District Clerk handles felony case records. You can request certified copies:
- By e-filing: Submit requests through eFileTexas.gov
- By mail: Send a written request with the case number, document description, and payment
- In person: Visit the District Clerk's office at the Bexar County Courthouse
Downloadable request forms are available on the District Clerk Forms page.
County Clerk (Misdemeanor and County Court Records)
The Bexar County Clerk's Office maintains misdemeanor criminal records filed in county courts. Requests can be made by e-filing, mail, or in person. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Bexar County Clerk.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- Written requests should include the requestor's name, address, and a description of the records sought
State Criminal History Records
For a comprehensive criminal history report, submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. Name-based searches and fingerprint-based searches are both available. Fingerprint-based results are more thorough.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Bexar
Fees vary depending on the type of record, the issuing office, and whether you need a certified or uncertified copy.
| Service | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) — County Clerk | $1.00 | Texas Local Government Code §118.060 |
| Certified copy — County Clerk | $5.00 for first page; $1.00 each additional page | Texas Local Government Code §118.060 |
| Certified copy — District Clerk | $1.00 per page plus certification fee | Texas Government Code §51.318 |
| Name-based criminal history (Texas DPS) | $3.00 | Texas DPS fee schedule |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history (Texas DPS) | Varies; typically $24.95+ depending on service level | Texas DPS / FBI fee schedule |
Processing Times
- Online court record searches: Immediate results for indexed records
- In-person certified copies: Often available same day, depending on volume
- Mail requests (County or District Clerk): Generally 5–10 business days after receipt of payment
- Texas DPS name-based search: Typically processed within 1–3 business days online
- Texas DPS fingerprint-based search: May take several weeks depending on submission method
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the issuing office before submitting payment. The Bexar County Clerk's certified copy FAQ provides additional guidance on accepted payment methods.