bexar county criminal records: what to know before you search

How access works

In Bexar County, Texas, criminal records arise from arrests, filings, dockets, and final dispositions. Felony case files are maintained by the District Clerk, while most misdemeanor records sit with the County Clerk and County Courts at Law. Recent arrest and magistration details can be found through the Central Magistrate, and jail status comes from the Sheriff’s inmate system. For broader history checks, the Texas DPS offers a name-based criminal history search, and certified copies are available at courthouse counters.

What you can and cannot see

Many matters are public, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, or nondisclosed records are restricted. Expect partial identifiers, like truncated dates of birth. Searches work best with a full name, date of birth, or a cause number. Fees may apply for copies and in-depth retrieval.

Practical tips

• Verify identities: confirm spelling variants and middle names.
• Get dispositions: arrests alone rarely tell the outcome.
• Consider fingerprints: for high-stakes screening, use fingerprint-based checks.
• Review eligibility: ask about expunction or orders of nondisclosure.
• Plan timing: older files may require archive pulls.

This overview is informational and not legal advice; consult an attorney for specific guidance.