Criminal records in Brown County, Texas, can be accessed through online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. BrownTXCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The Brown County Clerk's Office, the District Clerk's Office, the Brown County Sheriff's Office, and state-level repositories through the Texas Department of Public Safety all serve as additional access points for criminal record information.
How to Search Criminal Records in Brown County
Several methods are available to search for criminal records in Brown County. The approach you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need official or informal results.
Through BrownTXCourt.us
Start at BrownTXCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information. You can look up cases using a defendant's name or case number.
Online — State and County Portals
- Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search: The TxDPS Criminal History Search lets the public run a name-based search of the statewide criminal history database. A fee applies per search.
- Texas Judicial Branch: The Texas Judicial Branch website provides links to court records and case management systems used across Texas courts.
In Person
- Visit the Brown County Clerk's Office at the Brown County Courthouse to search misdemeanor criminal case records (County Court and County Court-at-Law cases).
- Visit the Brown County District Clerk's Office for felony criminal case records filed in the 35th District Court.
- Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse. Ask the clerk's office for assistance.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Brown County Clerk or District Clerk for copies of specific court records. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number.
- For statewide criminal history records, submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. Fingerprint-based searches provide the most complete results.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if available)
- Offense date or approximate date range (helpful for narrowing results)
Search Brown County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by that number is the fastest and most precise method. In Texas, criminal case numbers are assigned by the clerk's office when a case is filed. The format varies by court level:
- District Court cases (felonies) in Brown County are filed in the 35th Judicial District Court. Case numbers typically begin with a prefix or code identifying the court, followed by a sequential number and the year of filing (e.g., CR-12345 or a similar local format).
- County Court cases (misdemeanors) use a separate numbering sequence maintained by the County Clerk.
When searching by case number, enter the number exactly as it appears on any court documents you have. Even a minor variation — such as omitting a dash or prefix — may return no results. If you are unsure of the format, contact the appropriate clerk's office to confirm.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Brown County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Texas Penal Code section or other statute the defendant is charged under (e.g., Penal Code § 22.01 for assault). |
| Severity | Classified as a felony (capital, first through third degree, or state jail felony) or misdemeanor (Class A, B, or C). |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced, upgraded, or modified by the prosecution during the case. The docket will reflect both original and amended charges. |
Case Status
- Pending: The case is open and awaiting further court action.
- Active: Court proceedings are underway (hearings scheduled, motions filed).
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome — conviction, dismissal, acquittal, or deferred adjudication.
- Closed: All court obligations, including sentencing and probation, have been completed.
Hearings
- Arraignment: The defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea.
- Preliminary Hearing: A judge determines whether probable cause exists (primarily in felony cases).
- Pre-Trial: Motions, plea negotiations, and scheduling matters are addressed.
- Sentencing: The court imposes a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction at trial.
- Review Hearing: Used to monitor compliance with probation or other court orders.
Court Results
- 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.
- Deferred Adjudication: The defendant is placed on community supervision; if completed successfully, a conviction is not entered (common in Texas).
- Acquitted: A formal finding of not guilty, typically after a jury or bench trial.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Brown County
Certified copies carry an official seal and signature, making them suitable for legal proceedings, employment verification, and licensing applications.
Where to Submit Requests
- Misdemeanor records: Request from the Brown County Clerk's Office.
- Felony records: Request from the Brown County District Clerk's Office.
- Statewide criminal history: Request from the Texas DPS Crime Records Services.
How to Submit
- In person: Visit the appropriate clerk's office at the Brown County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the defendant's name, date of birth, case number (if known), and the documents needed. Include a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Online (state level): Use the TxDPS Criminal History Name Search for a name-based public search. Fingerprint-based requests go through DPS directly.
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- If requesting your own record from DPS, a fingerprint submission may be required for a complete history
Office Contact Information
Brown County Clerk's Office
Brown County District Clerk's Office
Brown County Sheriff's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Brown County
Fees for criminal record copies in Texas are governed by the Texas Local Government Code and the Government Code. The following table reflects standard statutory fees. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as local fees may vary slightly.
| Service | Fee | Source / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 | Texas Local Government Code § 118.052 (standard clerk copy fee) |
| Certified copy — first page | $5.00 | Texas Local Government Code § 118.052 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $1.00 | Texas Local Government Code § 118.052 |
| TxDPS name-based criminal history search | $3.00 | Per search via the online TxDPS portal |
| TxDPS fingerprint-based criminal history | Varies | Contact DPS Crime Records for current fee schedule |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day or within one to two business days, depending on volume and record availability.
- Mail requests: Allow approximately one to two weeks for processing and return mailing.
- TxDPS online name search: Results are typically returned immediately after payment.
- TxDPS fingerprint-based search: May take several business days to several weeks.
Under the Texas Public Information Act, government bodies must respond to records requests promptly. If a record requires review for confidential information, the office has 10 business days to request an attorney general ruling.