Criminal records in Bastrop County, Texas, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. BastropCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The Bastrop District Clerk's Office maintains felony and misdemeanor court records, while the County Clerk's Office handles misdemeanor County Court at Law records. The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety also serve as access points for criminal history information.
How to Search Criminal Records in Bastrop
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Bastrop County. What you'll need depends on the method you choose, but having a defendant's full legal name, date of birth, or case number will produce the most accurate results.
Through BastropCourt.us
BastropCourt.us allows you to search for publicly available criminal court record information. Start by entering the person's name or case number to locate relevant case details.
Online — County and State Portals
- Bastrop County Case Records Search — The county provides a public access case records portal powered by Tyler Technologies. You can search by party name, case number, attorney, or date filed. This covers both District Court and County Court at Law cases.
- Texas Judicial Branch — The Texas Courts website provides links to statewide court resources and case management systems.
- Texas DPS Crime Records — The Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the state's criminal history repository. You can request a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal history search through DPS.
- TDCJ Inmate Search — To look up someone currently or previously incarcerated in the Texas state prison system, use the TDCJ Inmate Information search.
In Person
Visit the Bastrop County Courthouse to search records at public access terminals or request assistance from the District Clerk or County Clerk. The District Clerk handles felony criminal cases and misdemeanors filed in District Court, while the County Clerk manages misdemeanor cases in County Court at Law.
By Mail or Written Request
- County-level records: Submit a written request to the Bastrop District Clerk's Office. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number (if available). Enclose any required fees.
- Statewide criminal history: Submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. Name-based searches can be requested online or by mail using DPS-approved forms. Fingerprint-based searches require a completed fingerprint card.
Search Bastrop Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching by that number is the fastest way to pull up a specific record. In Texas, criminal case numbers typically follow a format assigned by the filing court and may include:
- A numeric or alphanumeric prefix identifying the court (e.g., District Court or County Court at Law)
- A sequential filing number
- Sometimes a two-digit year indicator
For example, a Bastrop County felony case number might begin with a numeric code followed by a dash and a sequential number. The exact format can vary between the District Clerk and County Clerk filing systems.
To search by case number, go to the county's public access portal and select the case number search option. Enter the number exactly as it appears on any court documents you have. The results will display the case type, parties involved, charges, and hearing dates.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Bastrop
When you pull up a criminal case in Bastrop County, you'll typically see several categories of information. Here's what each means:
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The Texas Penal Code or Health & Safety Code section the defendant is charged under |
| Charge description | Plain-language description of the offense (e.g., "Assault Causes Bodily Injury") |
| Severity level | Felony (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree, or state jail) or Misdemeanor (Class A, B, or C) |
| Amended charges | If the prosecution modifies the original charge, the amended version replaces or supplements it |
Case Status
- Pending: The case is open and awaiting resolution
- Active: Court proceedings are currently underway
- Disposed: The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.)
- Closed: All proceedings and obligations (fines, probation) are complete
Hearing Types
- Arraignment: The defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary hearing: A judge determines whether enough evidence exists to proceed (felony cases)
- Pre-trial: Attorneys discuss motions, evidence, and potential plea agreements
- Trial: The case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing: The judge imposes punishment after a conviction or guilty plea
- Review: Follow-up hearing to check compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
| 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 |
| Deferred adjudication | The defendant is placed on community supervision; if completed successfully, no final conviction is entered |
| Nolle prosequi | The prosecution chose not to pursue the case |
Records that have been expunged or subject to an order of nondisclosure will not appear in public searches. For more information on eligibility, see the Texas State Law Library's expunction and nondisclosure guide.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Bastrop
Certified copies carry an official seal and signature, making them acceptable for legal proceedings, background checks, and other formal purposes. The office you contact depends on the type of case.
District Clerk's Office (Felony Cases)
The Bastrop District Clerk is the custodian of felony criminal records filed in District Court.
County Clerk's Office (Misdemeanor Cases)
The Bastrop County Clerk's Office maintains misdemeanor records from County Court at Law.
How to Submit a Request
- In person: Visit either clerk's office at the Bastrop County Courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the defendant's full name, case number (if known), the specific documents you need, and a check or money order for the applicable fees. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online: Some documents may be available for purchase through the county's online case records portal. Check with the appropriate clerk's office for current availability.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive Texas criminal history report, submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. Name-based checks can be completed online. Fingerprint-based checks require submission of a fingerprint card to DPS.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Bastrop
Fees for criminal record copies in Bastrop County are set by Texas statute (Texas Government Code, Chapter 118 for county clerks and Chapter 51 for district clerks). The following table reflects standard fees; confirm current amounts with the appropriate clerk's office before submitting payment.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of a court document (first page) | $1.00 |
| Each additional page | $0.25 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Name-based criminal history check (Texas DPS) | $3.00 (online) |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history check (Texas DPS) | Varies; check with DPS |
Processing Times
- In-person requests: Often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on the volume of requests and the age of the records.
- Mail requests: Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on the clerk's office workload. Older records stored off-site may take longer.
- Texas DPS online name-based checks: Results are usually available within minutes to a few business days.
- Fingerprint-based checks through DPS: Processing may take several weeks.
Contact the District Clerk at (512) 332-7244 or the County Clerk at (512) 332-7234 to verify current fees and estimated turnaround times before submitting your request.