Criminal records in Dallas County, Texas, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office. DallasCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information for Dallas County. Additional access points include the Dallas County District Clerk's office, the Texas DPS Crime Records Division, the Dallas County Sheriff's Department, and public terminals at the courthouse.
How to Search Criminal Records in Dallas
Several methods are available for searching criminal records in Dallas County. What you need to begin depends on the method, but generally you should have at least one of the following:
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth
- Case number
- SID (State Identification) number for state-level searches
Through DallasCourt.us
Start at DallasCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information in Dallas County. You can search by name or case number to locate criminal case details filed in county and district courts.
Online — State and County Portals
- Texas DPS Criminal History Search — The TxDPS Criminal History Name Search lets you look up conviction-based criminal history records statewide. A name-based search requires the person's full name and date of birth, and there is a fee per search.
- Dallas County District Clerk Case Search — The Dallas County District Clerk maintains an online case index for felony criminal cases filed in district courts. Search by defendant name or case number.
- Dallas County Jail Lookup — The Dallas County Online Jail Search shows current inmates, booking details, and charges. Search by last name, first name, or date of birth.
- Texas State Law Library — The Court Records guide provides links and instructions for searching court records across Texas, including criminal cases in county and district courts.
- Federal Cases — For federal criminal cases in Dallas, use the PACER system for the Northern District of Texas. A PACER account is required.
In Person
Visit the Dallas County District Clerk's office at the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building to use public access terminals or request assistance from staff. The County Clerk's office in the Records Building also handles certain records.
By Mail or Written Request
- District Clerk — Send a written request to the Dallas County District Clerk at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth, and case number if known. Include a check or money order for applicable copy fees.
- Texas DPS — You can submit a public information request to the Texas Department of Public Safety for criminal history records. Fingerprint-based searches are also available for a more thorough report.
Search Dallas Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you have a case number, searching is faster and more precise than a name search. In Dallas County, criminal case numbers follow Texas district and county court formatting conventions:
- District Court (Felony) cases — Typically begin with a prefix such as "F" followed by a two-digit year and a sequential number (e.g., F-2400123). The "F" indicates a felony case. The year digits reflect the year of filing.
- County Criminal Court cases — Often use a prefix like "MC" or "MA" followed by year and sequence digits, indicating misdemeanor cases handled in the county criminal courts.
Enter the full case number exactly as it appears on court documents. Partial numbers may return no results. The District Clerk's online case search and DallasCourt.us both accept case number searches.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Dallas
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Texas Penal Code section or other statute cited (e.g., Penal Code § 30.02 for burglary) |
| Severity | Felony (capital, first through third degree, state jail felony) or Misdemeanor (Class A, B, or C) |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced, enhanced, or changed through plea negotiations or grand jury action |
Case Status
- 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, acquittal)
- Closed — All proceedings and obligations are complete
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary Hearing — Court determines whether probable cause exists (less common in Texas where grand jury indictments are used for felonies)
- Pre-Trial Hearing — Motions, plea discussions, and scheduling occur
- Trial — Case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — Court imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — Court monitors probation compliance or other post-disposition conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty — Defendant acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the prosecution or court
- Deferred Adjudication — Common in Texas; defendant placed on community supervision without a final conviction, which may be eligible for nondisclosure upon completion
- Nolle Prosequi — Prosecution declines to pursue the case further
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Dallas
Certified copies of criminal records carry an official seal and are accepted for legal, employment, and licensing purposes. The office you contact depends on the type of record.
Dallas County District Clerk (Court Records)
The District Clerk handles certified copies of felony case records from district courts. Misdemeanor records from county criminal courts are also available through this office.
- In person — Visit the District Clerk's office, request the record by case number or defendant name, and pay the certification fee at the counter.
- By mail — Send a written request with the case details, a valid government-issued photo ID copy, and a check or money order to the District Clerk.
- Online — The District Clerk accepts online payment for certain court record requests.
Texas DPS (Statewide Criminal History)
For a statewide criminal history report, submit a request through the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. Options include:
- Name-based search — Available online; returns conviction records only
- Fingerprint-based search — More comprehensive; required for many licensing and employment purposes; submit through an approved channeler or DPS office
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- If requesting someone else's record: written authorization or a statutory right of access
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Dallas
| Service | Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard document copies (District Clerk) | $1.00 per page | Texas Government Code § 51.318 |
| Certified copy — first page | $5.00 | Texas Government Code § 51.318 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $1.00 | Texas Government Code § 51.318 |
| TxDPS Name-Based Criminal History Search | $3.00 per name | Online via TxDPS secure site |
| TxDPS Fingerprint-Based Criminal History | Varies (typically $24.95+) | Submitted through approved channeler |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the District Clerk — Often same-day or within 1–2 business days for standard records
- Mail requests — Typically 5–10 business days after receipt, depending on volume
- TxDPS online name search — Results are usually immediate
- TxDPS fingerprint-based search — Generally 5–10 business days
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current amounts with the District Clerk's office or the Texas DPS before submitting payment. For state-level fee schedules, refer to Texas Government Code Chapter 51 and the DPS fee schedule posted on the Crime Records Division website.