Denton County Criminal Records
What Is Denton County Criminal Records
Denton County criminal records constitute official documentation maintained by county law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities regarding criminal activities within county jurisdiction. These records document the criminal justice process from arrest through final disposition of cases.
Criminal records in Denton County typically include:
- Arrest reports generated by the Denton County Sheriff's Office
- Booking information from the Denton County Jail
- Court proceedings from the Denton County District and County Courts
- Disposition information detailing case outcomes
- Sentencing records for convicted individuals
- Probation and parole documentation when applicable
The Denton County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary custodian for arrest records and jail bookings, while the Denton County District Clerk maintains felony case records, and the County Clerk maintains misdemeanor case records. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, these records are maintained in accordance with state retention schedules and public information laws.
Denton County Sheriff's Office
127 N. Woodrow Lane
Denton, TX 76205
(940) 349-1600
Denton County Sheriff's Office
Are Criminal Records Public In Denton County
Criminal records in Denton County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Members of the public may access the following criminal record information:
- Court dockets and case filings
- Arrest records and booking information
- Criminal case dispositions
- Sentencing information
- Public notices related to court proceedings
However, certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Texas law:
- Records sealed by court order pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02
- Juvenile records protected under Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations as provided in Texas Government Code § 552.108
- Information deemed confidential by other state or federal statutes
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information and provides access to certain records through its Crime Records Division. Requestors seeking criminal records may be required to provide identification and pay applicable fees as established by state law and county ordinances.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Denton County in 2025
Denton County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records in 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests:
-
Denton County District Clerk's Office (for felony cases)
1450 E. McKinney St., Suite 1200
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 349-2200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Denton County Clerk's Office (for misdemeanor cases)
1450 E. McKinney St., Suite 1100
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 349-2010
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Electronic Access:
- Denton County Records Search Portal - Available 24/7 through the county's official website
- Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search - For statewide criminal history information
Written Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, written requests may be submitted to the appropriate records custodian:
- For arrest records: Denton County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- For court records: Denton County District or County Clerk
Requestors must provide sufficient identifying information, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and if available, case numbers or dates of incidents. Fees for record searches and copies are established by the Denton County Commissioners Court in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 118.011.
How To Find Criminal Records in Denton County Online?
Denton County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information via the internet. These resources allow for remote searches of public criminal justice data maintained by county agencies.
The primary online resources include:
- Denton County Criminal Case Records Search - The county's official portal for searching criminal case information by name, case number, or filing date
- Denton County Public Notices Portal - Contains information about certain court proceedings and legal notices
- Denton County Jail Inmate Search - Provides current booking information for individuals in county custody
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search offers a statewide database of criminal records. Users of this system must:
- Create an account with the Texas DPS
- Pay the required statutory fee ($3.00 per name search as of 2025)
- Provide proper identifying information for the subject of the search
When conducting online searches, users should note that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.263, certain information may be redacted from public view, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifying information. For assistance with online searches, the Denton County Department Phone Directory provides contact information for relevant county offices.
Can You Search Denton County Criminal Records for Free?
Denton County provides limited free access to certain criminal records information in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.267, which allows for inspection of public records without charge. However, comprehensive searches and document copies typically involve fees.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection of non-confidential criminal court records at the Denton County District or County Clerk's offices during regular business hours
- Basic inmate searches through the Denton County Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup
- Limited case information available through the county's public access terminals located at:
- Denton County Courts Building
1450 E. McKinney St.
Denton, TX 76209
- Denton County Courts Building
Fee-based services include:
- Certified copies of court documents ($1.00 per page plus certification fee)
- Background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety ($3.00 per name search)
- Comprehensive criminal history reports ($10.00 per report)
The Denton County Commissioners Court establishes fee schedules for record searches and copies in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 118.011. Certain statutory exemptions from fees exist for indigent individuals and governmental agencies as provided in Texas Government Code § 552.267.
What's Included in a Denton County Criminal Record?
Denton County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the county's criminal justice system. These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 60.01 and include standardized information across multiple agencies.
A complete Denton County criminal record typically contains:
- Demographic information (name, date of birth, physical description)
- Arrest data (date, location, arresting agency, charges)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records
- Court case information (case numbers, filing dates, assigned courts)
- Hearing schedules and outcomes
- Plea information
- Verdict or disposition details
- Sentencing information
- Probation or parole status when applicable
- Property records related to criminal cases (forfeitures, liens)
Criminal records may also reference associated documents such as:
- Arrest warrants and affidavits
- Indictments or information filings
- Court transcripts
- Victim impact statements
- Pre-sentence investigation reports
The completeness of records varies based on case status and applicable confidentiality provisions. Certain information may be redacted or restricted pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.1175 for protected classes of individuals or under court orders sealing specific information.
What Are the Penalties for a Denton County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Denton County is prosecuted under Texas Penal Code § 30.05, which defines the offense as entering or remaining on property without effective consent of the owner and with notice that entry was forbidden or receiving notice to depart but failing to do so.
The penalties for criminal trespass in Denton County are as follows:
Class B Misdemeanor (standard criminal trespass):
- Maximum fine of $2,000
- Up to 180 days in the Denton County Jail
- Potential probation terms
- Court costs and fees
Class A Misdemeanor (if committed in a habitation, shelter center, or on a critical infrastructure facility):
- Maximum fine of $4,000
- Up to one year in the Denton County Jail
- Increased probation requirements
- Court costs and fees
Enhanced Penalties may apply under Texas Penal Code § 30.05(d) for:
- Carrying a deadly weapon during the trespass
- Multiple prior convictions
- Trespass on certain protected locations
Individuals charged with criminal trespass in Denton County will have their cases processed through:
Denton County Criminal Court Administration
1450 E. McKinney St., Suite 3300
Denton, TX 76209
(940) 349-2100
Defendants may be eligible for diversion programs or deferred adjudication under certain circumstances as determined by the Denton County District Attorney's Office in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 42A.101.
How Long Does Denton County Keep Criminal Records?
Denton County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's retention schedules and the provisions of Texas Government Code § 441.158. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various categories of criminal justice records.
Standard retention periods for Denton County criminal records include:
- Misdemeanor case files: 5 years after final disposition
- Felony case files: 50 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Arrest records without prosecution: 5 years from date of arrest
- Jail booking and custody records: 5 years after release
- Probation records: 10 years after termination of probation
Certain records may be subject to earlier destruction or sealing under specific circumstances:
- Expunged records pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55
- Records sealed under an order of non-disclosure as provided in Texas Government Code § 411.081
- Juvenile records subject to sealing under Texas Family Code § 58.003
While records may be eligible for destruction after the minimum retention period, many Denton County criminal records are maintained for longer periods due to their historical value or administrative needs. Digital conversion has enabled the county to preserve many older records beyond their required retention periods.
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