Criminal records in Tom Green County, Texas, are available through several channels. TomGreenCourt.us allows you to search for public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the county's official court systems, the sheriff's office, the county clerk's office, and the district clerk's office. Below are practical instructions on how to search, understand, and obtain these records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Tom Green
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth
- Case number
Online Search
- TomGreenCourt.us — enter a name or case number to find public information about criminal cases in the county.
- Official County Website — the Tom Green County portal offers a "Court and Jail Search" feature that allows you to search court records and inmate information.
- Texas DPS Crime Records — the Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history database. Name-based searches are available for a fee; results include arrests for Class B misdemeanors and above.
- TDCJ Inmate Search — if the person is serving time in a state prison, use the TDCJ inmate search.
- San Angelo Municipal Court — for city-level violations (traffic tickets, Class C misdemeanors), check the Municipal Court or the warrant information page.
In-Person Visit
The District Clerk maintains records of criminal cases heard in the District Court — these are felonies and serious offenses. Visit the office at:
The County Clerk serves the County Court and maintains records of misdemeanor cases. The office is located in the same courthouse.
Written Request
To obtain an official statewide criminal history, send a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division by mail. You need to complete the appropriate form, include fingerprints, and payment. For more details, see the Criminal History Records section of the Texas State Law Library.
Search Tom Green Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Texas, the format of a criminal case number usually includes several elements:
- Letter Prefix — indicates the type of case or court (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases in District Court, "CRA" or "M" for misdemeanor cases in County Court).
- Year — two or four digits indicating the year the case was opened.
- Sequential Number — a sequential number assigned by the clerk's office upon registration.
Example: a case may have a number like CR-12345 or B-23-0567. The exact format depends on the court. Several District Courts operate in Tom Green County, including the 119th District Court, and each may have slight variations in numbering.
If you know the case number, enter it into the search system on the county's website or on TomGreenCourt.us. This will allow you to go directly to the desired record without the need to filter results by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Tom Green
Each criminal record contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Texas Penal Code or other code under which the charge is filed |
| Severity Level | Felony (from Capital to State Jail Felony), Misdemeanor (Class A, B, C) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the case — the new charge is reflected in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case in Tom Green County:
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where the defendant learns about the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial — parties discuss procedural issues and possible agreements
- Trial / Sentencing — the case is heard on its merits, and if found guilty, sentencing is imposed
- Review Hearing — checks compliance with probation or other court requirements
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court acquitted the defendant |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — often at the prosecutor's initiative |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration after the case is heard |
| Deferred Adjudication | The court postpones sentencing; if probation is completed, the charge may be dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Tom Green
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — employment, immigration, legal proceedings. The procedure for obtaining them depends on the type of record.
District Court Records
Felonies and serious criminal cases are maintained by the District Clerk. Vicki Vines holds this position. Requests can be made in person or by mail.
What is needed for the request:
- Full name of the defendant
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo ID
- Payment of required fees
County Court Records
Misdemeanor cases are maintained by the County Clerk's office. The procedure is similar — in-person visit or written request.
Statewide Criminal History
A complete criminal history can be ordered through the Crime Records Division of Texas DPS. This usually requires fingerprints and a completed request form. Law enforcement agencies and some licensed organizations have access to full information; individuals can request their own history.
The right to access public records is guaranteed by Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code (Texas Public Information Act). Some records — including juvenile cases and sealed cases — are not subject to disclosure.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Tom Green
Fees for copies and certification are set according to the Texas Local Government Code and the fee schedule approved by each clerk's office. The amounts below are typical for Texas counties; check directly with the office for exact costs.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court document copy (per page) | $1.00 | Standard rate for uncertified copy |
| Document certification | $5.00 | In addition to copy costs |
| Criminal history search (Texas DPS, by name) | $3.00 | Online via DPS portal |
| Criminal history search (Texas DPS, by fingerprints) | $24.95+ | Includes FBI processing if required |
| Police report (San Angelo PD) | Depends on type | Clearance letter — $7.00; fingerprinting — $10.00 |
Processing Time
- In-person visit to the clerk — copies are usually prepared the same business day if documents are in electronic format. Older paper cases may take several days.
- Mail request — from 5 to 15 business days depending on the volume and complexity of the request.
- Texas DPS (online) — name-based results are available within minutes. Fingerprint-based requests take longer to process.
For current fees and office hours, contact the appropriate office directly or check the information on the official Tom Green County website.