Tom Green County Criminal Records
What Is Tom Green County Criminal Records
Tom Green County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Tom Green County, Texas. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.083, these records constitute the official history of arrests, prosecutions, and dispositions of criminal cases under county jurisdiction.
Criminal records in Tom Green County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office and San Angelo Police Department
- Booking Information: Details of processing into county detention facilities
- Court Records: Documentation of criminal proceedings in Tom Green County courts
- Disposition Records: Final outcomes of criminal cases, including dismissals, acquittals, or convictions
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding confinement in county correctional facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings resulted in a formal finding of guilt. Under Texas law, both types of records are generally considered public information, though with certain exceptions.
Criminal offenses in Tom Green County are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors:
- Felonies: More serious offenses punishable by state prison sentences exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by county jail terms of up to one year
Juvenile records receive special protection under Texas Family Code § 58.007, which generally restricts public access to criminal records of individuals under 17 years of age. These records are typically sealed from public view to protect minors' future opportunities.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Tom Green County:
Tom Green County Sheriff's Office
222 W. Harris Avenue
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 655-8111
Tom Green County Sheriff's Office
Tom Green County District Clerk
112 W. Beauregard Avenue
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6579
Tom Green County District Clerk
Tom Green County Clerk
124 W. Beauregard Avenue
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6556
Tom Green County Clerk
Are Criminal Records Public In Tom Green County
Criminal records in Tom Green County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be available for public inspection. This act, codified in Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code, states that "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."
The Texas Public Information Act defines public information as "information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business" by a governmental body. Under this definition, most criminal records maintained by Tom Green County agencies fall within the scope of public information.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available for public access:
- Adult arrest records
- Court dockets and proceedings
- Criminal case filings
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
However, certain categories of criminal records are subject to restrictions or exemptions from public disclosure:
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Juvenile criminal records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
- Information that would compromise the safety of victims or witnesses
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by statute
The Texas Attorney General has issued numerous opinions interpreting the Public Information Act as it applies to criminal records. In Open Records Decision No. 616, the Attorney General clarified that basic information about arrests is public information, even when an investigation is ongoing.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Tom Green County must follow established procedures for requesting such information, which may vary depending on the specific agency maintaining the records. At present, requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or in some cases, through online portals maintained by county agencies.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Tom Green County in 2026
Members of the public may access Tom Green County criminal records through multiple channels, depending on the specific information sought and its custodian agency. The following procedures outline the current methods for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests at the Tom Green County District Clerk's Office
- Visit the District Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by the Texas Administrative Code § 70.12
- Receive available records immediately or await notification for more complex searches
Mail Requests to the Tom Green County Clerk
- Prepare a written request specifying the records sought and subject's identifying information
- Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return correspondence
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order payable to "Tom Green County Clerk")
- Mail the complete package to:
Tom Green County Clerk
124 W. Beauregard Avenue
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6556
Tom Green County Clerk
Criminal History Searches Through the Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours
- Complete the designated request form with subject's name and date of birth
- Present valid identification and pay the established search fee
- Receive a local criminal history report for arrests within Tom Green County jurisdiction
Statewide Criminal History Through Texas Department of Public Safety
For comprehensive criminal history information beyond Tom Green County:
- Access the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search
- Create an account and select the appropriate search type
- Provide subject's full name, date of birth, and other identifying information
- Pay the required fee ($3.00 for name-based searches or $15.00 for fingerprint-based searches)
- Receive results electronically or by mail, depending on the search type
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, certain entities may have enhanced access to criminal history record information, including government agencies, educational institutions, and specific licensed professionals.
How To Find Criminal Records in Tom Green County Online?
Tom Green County provides several digital platforms that allow members of the public to access criminal records electronically. These online resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person visits, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
Tom Green County Judicial Records Search
The primary portal for accessing court records in Tom Green County is the Judicial Records Search system:
- Navigate to the Tom Green County Judicial Records Search
- No registration is required for basic searches
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- Results display case numbers, parties, filing dates, case types, and current status
- View limited case details at no cost; document copies may require fees
- Note that some sensitive cases may be restricted from public view
This system contains records from both the District and County Courts, including criminal cases filed within Tom Green County jurisdiction.
Tom Green County Jail Inmate Search
Current detention information is available through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup:
- Visit the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Search" function
- Search by name or booking number
- Results show current inmates, booking dates, charges, and bond information
- Information is updated daily but limited to current inmates only
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search
For statewide criminal history information that includes Tom Green County records:
- Access the Texas DPS Criminal History Search portal
- Registration and account creation required
- Conduct name-based or fingerprint-based searches
- Pay applicable fees ($3.00-$15.00 depending on search type)
- Receive comprehensive criminal history information from across Texas
Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records
The statewide court records system provides additional access to Tom Green County cases:
- Visit Texas Judicial Branch - Search Court Records
- Select Tom Green County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by name, case number, or attorney
- View case information, including hearings, parties, and dispositions
- Note that document images may not be available through this system
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete historical records, as digitization of older cases remains ongoing. Additionally, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.263, agencies may require payment of fees before processing requests that exceed certain cost thresholds.
Can You Search Tom Green County Criminal Records for Free?
Tom Green County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes the public's right to inspect government records without charge. However, reproduction costs and certain search fees may apply in specific circumstances.
Free In-Person Inspection Options
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Tom Green County District Clerk's Office
112 W. Beauregard Avenue
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6579
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tom Green County District Clerk
- Felony criminal case files
- District court records
- Grand jury indictments (non-sealed)
Tom Green County Clerk's Office
124 W. Beauregard Avenue
San Angelo, TX 76903
(325) 659-6556
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tom Green County Clerk
- Misdemeanor criminal case files
- County court records
- Criminal court dockets
Free Online Resources
Several digital platforms offer free access to criminal record information:
-
Tom Green County Judicial Records Search
- Basic case information available without registration
- Search by name, case number, or filing date
- View case types, filing dates, parties, and current status
- No charge for viewing basic case information
-
Tom Green County Jail Inmate Search
- Current inmate information
- Booking details and charges
- Bond information
- Updated daily at no cost
-
Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records
- Statewide court records including Tom Green County
- Case information and status
- Hearing schedules
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
While inspection of records is generally free, reproduction costs may apply as authorized by Texas Administrative Code § 70.3, which establishes standard charges for copies of public information. Currently, these costs include:
- Standard paper copies: $0.10 per page
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page
- Electronic copies: Varies by file size and medium
Additionally, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge for labor costs when requests require extensive programming or manipulation of data, or when the request is for information that exceeds 50 pages.
What's Included in a Tom Green County Criminal Record?
Tom Green County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. The content and structure of these records adhere to standards established by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which governs the creation and maintenance of criminal justice information throughout the state.
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of offense
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Probable cause statement
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information
- Court case number and jurisdiction (District or County Court)
- Filing date and court assignment
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classifications
- Felony or misdemeanor designation
- Plea information
- Attorney of record (defense counsel)
- Prosecutor assigned
- Judge presiding over the case
Disposition and Sentencing
- Case outcome (dismissal, acquittal, conviction)
- Verdict details (jury or bench trial)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing information:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines and court costs assessed
- Restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Special conditions imposed
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective orders or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offense details
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Probation or parole status reports
- Modification of sentences
- Completion of court-ordered programs
The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service maintains standards for criminal history reporting that Tom Green County follows. These standards ensure consistency in record format and content across jurisdictions within Texas.
It should be noted that pursuant to various provisions of Texas law, certain information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of criminal records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical or mental health information
- Information identifying victims of certain offenses
- Information about juvenile co-defendants
How Long Does Tom Green County Keep Criminal Records?
Tom Green County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for various categories of government records. These schedules, authorized under Texas Local Government Code § 203.041, provide the legal framework for records management practices throughout the county.
Criminal records in Tom Green County are subject to the following retention periods:
Felony Case Records
- Case files for capital offenses: Permanent retention
- First-degree felony cases: 25 years after final disposition
- Second and third-degree felony cases: 20 years after final disposition
- State jail felony cases: 10 years after final disposition
Misdemeanor Case Records
- Class A and B misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
- Class C misdemeanors: 2 years after final disposition
- Cases dismissed without conviction: 2 years after dismissal
Arrest Records
- Arrest reports and booking information: 5 years
- Fingerprint cards and photographs: 75 years
- Arrest warrants: 2 years after execution or expiration
Jail Records
- Inmate confinement records: 5 years after release
- Jail population reports: 3 years
- Visitor logs and correspondence: 2 years
Prosecution Records
- District Attorney case files (felonies): Same as corresponding court case
- County Attorney case files (misdemeanors): Same as corresponding court case
- Declined prosecutions: 2 years after decision not to prosecute
Court Records
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Exhibits and evidence: Until all appeals exhausted plus 6 months
- Court reporter notes: 15 years for felonies, 5 years for misdemeanors
- Judgment and sentencing documents: Permanent retention
It is important to note that these retention periods represent the minimum time that records must be maintained. In practice, many criminal records in Tom Green County are retained for longer periods or permanently, particularly those related to serious offenses or cases of historical significance.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history information in the statewide repository indefinitely, even after local records may have been destroyed in accordance with retention schedules. This ensures that comprehensive criminal history information remains available for law enforcement and background check purposes.
Records that have reached the end of their retention period may be destroyed only after approval through formal processes established by the county records management officer and in compliance with state law. However, records subject to pending litigation, open records requests, or ongoing investigations must be preserved regardless of their scheduled destruction date.