Criminal records in Atascosa County, Texas, are accessible through several channels. AtascosaCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include official court systems such as the District Clerk's office, law enforcement agencies like the Atascosa County Sheriff's Office, and the County Clerk's office. Whether you need to look up a specific case, check for outstanding warrants, or obtain certified copies, the resources below explain how to navigate each option.
How to Search Criminal Records in Atascosa
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Atascosa County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official documentation or just a quick lookup.
Online Search Options
- AtascosaCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available court record information in Atascosa County. You can search by name or case number.
- Atascosa County District Clerk — The District Clerk's website allows free searches of court cases, including criminal, civil, and probate records. Purchasing case document images requires a fee after the first five images.
- Texas DPS Criminal History Search — The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Name Search provides statewide criminal history results. This is a name-based search and requires a fee.
- TDCJ Offender Search — For individuals sentenced to state prison, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offender lookup provides location, offense, and projected release date information.
- Outstanding Warrants — The Atascosa County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 publishes warrant information online.
In Person
- Visit the Atascosa County District Clerk's office at the courthouse in Jourdanton. Public access terminals or staff assistance may be available for case lookups.
- The Atascosa County Sheriff's Office can provide booking and inmate information by phone (ext. #2231) or in person.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Atascosa County District Clerk for copies of criminal case records. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number.
- For statewide criminal history reports, submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division by mail using their designated forms and fingerprint cards.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if available)
- Offense type or approximate date (helpful for narrowing results)
Search Atascosa Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Enter it directly into the District Clerk's online case search or provide it to staff at the clerk's window.
Texas district court case numbers typically follow a format like YY-MM-NNNNN-A, where:
- YY — Two-digit year the case was filed
- MM — A two-digit code identifying the month or court assignment
- NNNNN — A sequential number assigned to the case
- A — A letter suffix that may indicate the court division (e.g., criminal vs. civil)
Atascosa County falls within the 81st and 218th Judicial Districts, so felony cases carry designations tied to those courts. Misdemeanor cases handled at the county court level may follow a slightly different numbering convention. If you are unsure which court handled your case, the District Clerk's office can help you identify the correct number.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Atascosa
Criminal case records in Atascosa County contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Texas Penal Code or Health & Safety Code section the defendant is charged under (e.g., Penal Code § 22.01 for assault) |
| Severity | Felony (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree, state jail felony), Misdemeanor (Class A, B, C), or infraction |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or grand jury action; amended charges replace or supplement the original filing |
Case Status
- Pending — Case is open and awaiting resolution
- Active — Proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, motions filed)
- Disposed — Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Closed — All post-disposition requirements are complete
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally read the charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary Hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-Trial — Attorneys address motions, evidence disputes, and potential plea agreements
- Sentencing — Judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — Follow-up hearing to check compliance with probation or court orders
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or trial verdict
- Not Guilty — Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the prosecution or court
- Acquitted — Found not guilty after trial on the merits
- Deferred Adjudication — Common in Texas; the judge defers a finding of guilt while the defendant completes probation. Successful completion may allow the record to be sealed through a petition for nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Atascosa
Certified copies carry an official seal and can be used for legal proceedings, background checks, or employment verification. In Atascosa County, the office that handles your request depends on the type of record.
District Clerk (Felony Cases)
The Atascosa County District Clerk maintains records for felony criminal cases heard in the 81st and 218th District Courts.
Requests can be made in person at the courthouse or by mail. Include:
- Defendant's full name and case number
- A written request specifying the documents needed
- Payment for applicable copy and certification fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope (for mail requests)
County Clerk (Misdemeanor Cases)
The Atascosa County Clerk handles misdemeanor criminal records from county court.
Texas DPS (Statewide Criminal History)
For a comprehensive criminal history report covering all Texas jurisdictions, submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. Online name-based searches are available, or you can submit fingerprint-based requests for more thorough results.
A valid government-issued photo ID is generally required for in-person requests. Fingerprint submissions require a completed fingerprint card.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Atascosa
Fees for criminal records in Atascosa County are governed by the Texas Local Government Code and the fee schedules set by each clerk's office. The table below reflects standard charges; confirm current amounts with the relevant office before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee | Authority / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 | Texas Local Government Code § 118.052 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 | Texas Local Government Code § 118.052; includes certificate and seal |
| Texas DPS name-based criminal history search | $3.00 | Online via DPS secure site |
| Texas DPS fingerprint-based criminal history | $15.00+ | Varies; includes state and FBI processing if requested |
| Case document images (District Clerk online) | Varies | First 5 images free; fee applies thereafter per the District Clerk's site |
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often available the same day or within 1–3 business days
- Mail requests (county) — Typically 5–10 business days, depending on volume
- Texas DPS online search — Results are usually immediate for name-based searches
- Texas DPS fingerprint-based — May take several weeks
Payment methods accepted at the courthouse typically include cash, money orders, and checks payable to the relevant clerk's office. Contact the District Clerk or County Clerk directly to confirm accepted payment forms for mail-in requests.