Criminal records in Denton County, Texas, are accessible through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office. DentonCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Denton County. You can also search through the Denton County Clerk's public records portal, the Texas Department of Public Safety's criminal history database, and the district clerk's office at the courthouse.
How to Search Criminal Records in Denton
You can search Denton County criminal records using several methods. To begin, you'll typically need at least one of the following:
- The defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth
- Case number
- Offense type or date range
Through DentonCourt.us
Start at DentonCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information tied to criminal cases filed in Denton County. Enter the person's name or case number to pull up matching results.
Online — County and State Portals
- Denton County Public Records Portal — The Denton County Clerk's public records search allows you to look up recorded documents and case information online at no charge.
- Texas DPS Criminal History Search — The Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search lets you check statewide criminal history records. This is a name-based search and requires a fee.
- Texas Judicial Branch — The Texas Judicial Branch website provides links to court case search tools across the state, including appellate-level records.
- PACER — For federal criminal cases filed in the Eastern or Northern District of Texas, use PACER to search federal court records.
- Sex Offender Listings — The Denton County Sheriff's Office maintains sex offender listings searchable by zip code.
In Person
Visit the Denton County District Clerk's office at the Denton County Courts Building. Public access terminals are available for searching criminal case records. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can help you locate specific cases or direct you to the correct court division.
Denton County District Clerk
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for criminal records to the Denton County District Clerk at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), case number (if available), and a return address. For statewide criminal history, mail requests to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division in Austin. Include the required fee and a completed request form.
Search Denton Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, this is the fastest way to pull up a specific criminal record. In Texas, criminal case numbers follow a format assigned by the filing court. Denton County case numbers generally include:
- A prefix or letter code indicating the court type (e.g., "CR" for criminal, "F" for felony in some district courts)
- A year indicator (two or four digits representing the filing year)
- A sequential number assigned by the clerk's office
For example, a case number like CR-2024-12345 would indicate a criminal case filed in 2024. The exact format can vary between county courts at law and district courts. Enter the full case number into the county's online search portal or provide it to the clerk's office for the most precise results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Denton
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The specific section of the Texas Penal Code or other statute the defendant is charged under (e.g., § 49.04 for DWI) |
| Felony | Serious offenses — capital, first, second, third degree, or state jail felony — handled by Denton County district courts |
| Misdemeanor | Class A, B, or C misdemeanors — Class A and B are handled by county courts at law; Class C by justice of the peace or municipal courts |
| Amended charges | The original charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or grand jury action |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution
- Active — Court proceedings are ongoing (hearings scheduled, trial set)
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Closed — All proceedings, including sentencing and post-trial motions, are complete
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-trial hearing — Motions, evidence disputes, and plea discussions occur before trial
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — The court imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review hearing — Follow-up hearings for probation compliance or other post-disposition matters
Court Results (Dispositions)
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict |
| Not guilty | The defendant was acquitted at trial |
| Dismissed | The prosecution dropped the charges or the court dismissed the case |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecutor chose not to pursue the case further |
| Deferred adjudication | The defendant is placed on community supervision; if completed successfully, the case may be eligible for nondisclosure |
| Acquitted | A formal finding of not guilty, typically after trial |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Denton
Certified copies of criminal court records carry an official seal and can be used for legal proceedings, background checks, and employment verification. In Denton County, the office that handles your request depends on the record type.
Court Records — District Clerk
For certified copies of felony or misdemeanor case documents filed in district or county courts at law, contact the Denton County District Clerk.
Denton County District Clerk
You can request certified copies in person or by mail. Bring or include:
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- The case number or enough identifying information to locate the record (defendant name, approximate filing date)
- Payment for copy and certification fees
Statewide Criminal History — Texas DPS
For a certified criminal history report covering all Texas jurisdictions, submit a request through the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. Fingerprint-based background checks provide the most complete results and are required for certain licensing and employment purposes.
Public Information Requests
Under the Texas Public Information Act, you can submit a written request for criminal justice records to any government body that holds them. The agency must respond within 10 business days. Some records may be withheld if they fall under statutory exceptions (e.g., juvenile records, sealed or expunged cases).
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Denton
Fees for criminal record copies in Denton County are set by state statute and local fee schedules. Below are the standard costs based on Texas Government Code Chapter 118 and the Texas DPS fee schedule.
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 | Standard rate for court document copies under Tex. Gov't Code § 118.052 |
| Certified copy — first page | $5.00 | Includes clerk's certification and seal |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $1.00 | Same document, additional pages |
| Texas DPS name-based criminal history search | $3.00 | Online via the DPS Criminal History Name Search |
| Texas DPS fingerprint-based background check | Varies (typically $24.95+) | Submitted through approved channelers; required for certain licensing |
| PACER federal court records | $0.10 per page | Capped at $3.00 per document; free if charges are under $30 per quarter |
Processing Times
- In-person requests at the District Clerk's office — Often processed the same day or within 1–3 business days, depending on the volume of records
- Mail requests — Allow 1–2 weeks for processing and return mailing
- Texas DPS online name search — Results are typically available within minutes
- Texas DPS fingerprint-based checks — Generally processed within 1–5 business days
- Public Information Act requests — The agency must respond within 10 business days; complex requests may take longer if the agency seeks an Attorney General ruling
Payment methods accepted at the Denton County District Clerk's office typically include cash, money order, and credit or debit cards. For mail requests, include a money order or cashier's check payable to the Denton County District Clerk. Contact the Denton County department directory to confirm current accepted payment methods and any recent fee changes before submitting your request.