Denton County Criminal Court Records

Denton County's criminal court system was designed to handle a large variety of criminal cases. Knowing which court handles each case is helpful knowledge when researching court case records.  The county's system is divided into different levels, with each level handling specific types of cases that are categorized into three main types: felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Each type has very different legal implications and is handled by different courts. In the following sections, we will provide a comprehensive overview of how to look up Denton County, Texas criminal court records. It will also explain how to interpret the information found within them.

Understanding Denton County's Criminal Court System

Each court has a judicial responsibility with specific roles, making sure that each case is handled by the appropriate division and expertise. Knowing which court your case belongs to can expedite looking up ongoing proceedings or adjudicated court cases. Having a basic understanding of how the criminal justice system is structured is helpful when looking up someone's criminal convictions. Here is a breakdown of the three different types of criminal offenses.

Felonies are the most serious offenses that can range from robbery and assault, to capital murder crimes. These are heard in District Courts. Sentencings include prison time over a year, hefty fines, and restitution.

Misdemeanors Which include less severe offenses than felonies, include crimes like petty theft or vandalism. These cases are commonly handled by the County Courts. The punishments can include fines, jail time up to a year, and probation.

Infractions are the most minor of criminal violations, such as traffic offenses and ordinance violations, which are almost exclusively handled by the Municipal Courts. These are punishable by fines, restitution, and sometimes probation.

How to Lookup Denton County Criminal Court Records

To run a Denton County criminal court records search you can either access the court case web-portal through the County's Judicial website, use a third party resource, or request them in person. Here are the various ways to access them.

County Judicial Website: To search for records online, start by visiting the County's Official Judicial Website. This site is your primary portal for accessing Denton county criminal court records. Once there, navigate to the "Case Records Search" section. This tool will allow you to perform detailed searches using various criteria. When using the search tool, input the necessary information, such as names or case numbers. Fine-tuning your search criteria will give you more accurate results.

In-Person Through the District Clerk:

The District Clerk is responsible for maintaining criminal court records. Their office offers assistance for those needing personal assistance for accessing criminal case records. For an in-person visit, check the District Clerk's website for office hours and location. Make an appointment at least a couple weeks out, then show up 10-15 minutes before your appointment.

Third Party Resources: Since most all Texas court records are considered public information, you can also lookup someone's criminal records via third party websites such as background check or court records sites. A benefit of using this type of resource is you can lookup someone's complete criminal history and find records from other Texas jurisdictions, as well as other states.

Requesting Official Court Records In-Person or By Mail

Requesting official court records in person is or by mail is a preferred method by most. This is the most secure way to receive accurate, official documents directly from the source. To obtain records offline, visit the District Clerk's office where staff members can guide you through the request process and necessary forms to fill out. 

If visiting in person is inconvenient, you can also request records by mail. To do so, make sure your request includes all pertinent details such as case number and party names, as well as proof of identification. You may need to take photocopies of your ID to be mailed in. You can also submit your request through the secure portal at the Clerk's Office. Their address is: Denton County District Clerk, 1450 E. McKinney Street, Denton, TX 76209. It's advisable to verify contact details on their official site for any updates.

Interpreting Criminal Court Records

Interpreting criminal court proceedings can be complicated without understanding the layout and terminology being used. Each record contains specific details about the case, including the charges, proceedings and outcomes.

Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic information such as the case number, court dates, and parties involved. Knowing how to locate this information is a good start. Then using various resources, including AI Tools such as ChatGPT or online resources such as the Texas State Library can be a big help in interpreting the terminology. The TX State Library resource also offers free legal aid to those that need it.

Expunging a Criminal Conviction in Denton County

The process of expunging a criminal conviction in any county in Texas can be life-changing. It gives people the ability to clear their criminal records from public view. Successfully expunging a record means it is erased from background checks and prying eyes. However, expunction is not available for everyone. Eligibility criteria determines who can apply and what convictions can be expunged. Generally, only certain arrests, misdemeanors, and infractions apply.

Types of cases eligible for expunction include those dismissed without a conviction. Also, cases where charges were not filed qualify. Additionally, some misdemeanor records are eligible as well. Felonies are for the most part not an option, as these are very serious convictions. The process begins by submitting the required documents to the court. The formal petition must include all required details about the case.

An attorney is recommended for this process as they have experience and they help guide applicants through each step. Having legal representation will help to make sure that the petition meets all statutory requirements. An attorney can also represent individuals in court hearings and can handle objections and provide necessary arguments in court.

Once everything is submitted and you've had your day in court, a judge will review the submitted petition. If approved, the order directs entities to remove records. This includes law enforcement, courts, and third-party websites. A successful expunction can offer up a fresh start and effectively removes barriers to employment and housing opportunities. It is important that once approved it still takes a while for everything to be processed and the respective conviction removed from a person's record. This can take weeks and even months depending on the case load the courts are dealing with.

How Can I Lookup Someone's Criminal Conviction in Denton County?

To find out about someone's criminal past and their conviction records in Denton County, or any county in Texas, there are a couple of options you can choose from. If you want to lookup a specific criminal conviction you can contact the Clerk of the Courts. However, if you want to find out about a person's complete criminal history you will want to run a criminal background check. You can do this through the Texas Department of Public Safety, or a third party background check website.

Can I Expunge a Criminal Court Record in Denton County?

It is possible to expunge some but not all criminal convictions. You will first need to verify that your conviction is eligible to be expunged with the courts. Then you will need to file a petition with the respective court that your conviction was handed down from. You may need to hire an attorney and plead your expunction case in court. If approved, your conviction record will be wiped from public view.