Houston County Public Records / Houston County Arrest Records

Houston County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Houston County in 2026

HoustonTXRecords.us provides publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Houston County, Texas. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and case disposition records. Access to specific records may vary depending on the jurisdiction, case status, and applicable legal restrictions.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Houston County Sheriff's Office, the Houston County District Clerk, public access terminals at the courthouse, and state-level online tools. The following sections outline each available method in detail.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Houston County Sheriff's Office maintains a jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may visit the Houston County Sheriff's Office website to search current inmates and recent bookings. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis, with new bookings reflected within hours of processing.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Crockett Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Houston County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information from the Crockett Police Department may submit a written public information request pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act.

Crockett Police Department 200 N. 5th St. Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-5512 Crockett Police Department

3. County District Clerk Case Search

The Houston County District Clerk maintains criminal court case records linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search case records through the Texas Judicial Branch case search portal. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated criminal case numbers, charge information, court dates, and case disposition. This resource is particularly useful for identifying the court proceedings that followed an arrest.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains the statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history search through the Texas DPS Crime Records Service. The database includes arrests from all Texas jurisdictions. A standard name-based public criminal history search currently costs $3.00 per request, payable online. The results include arrest records, charge information, and disposition data where available.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Houston County Sheriff's Office 401 E. Houston Ave. Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-3255 Houston County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above.
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Persons requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full name of the subject, date of arrest, and booking number.
Copy fees apply per page; see the fee schedule section below.

Clerk of Court:

Houston County District Clerk 401 E. Houston Ave., Suite 202 Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-3255 Houston County District Clerk

Criminal records division handles case file inspection and certified copy requests.
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Members of the public may inspect case files at the clerk's office during regular business hours.
Copy fees: $1.00 per page for standard copies; $5.00 for certified copies.

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to the Houston County Sheriff's Office at 401 E. Houston Ave., Crockett, TX 75835. Each request should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for copies must be included with the request. Processing time for mailed requests is typically five to ten business days from receipt.

By Phone:

Members of the public may call the Houston County Sheriff's Office at (936) 544-3255 to inquire about current inmate status and recent bookings. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record copies are not provided by phone and require an in-person visit or written request. The Sheriff's Office may direct callers to the online jail roster for current custody information.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports, witness statements, and evidence inventories are accessible through the discovery process rather than standard public records requests.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Crockett PD, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Houston County

Arrest records in Houston County are public records under Texas law. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.001, the Texas Public Information Act establishes that government records, including law enforcement records, are presumed open to the public unless a specific exception applies. Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Texas Family Code provisions
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain offense categories
Participants in witness protection programs are excluded from public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Texas Constitution and the Texas Public Information Act together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public accountability. Courts have consistently recognized that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges do not result in conviction. Due process considerations inform the distinction between an arrest record and a record of conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General members of the public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies conducting background reviews
Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers using third-party background check services must comply with FCRA notice and authorization requirements. Texas does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though certain municipalities have adopted local ordinances. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and carries different legal weight in employment and housing decisions.

What's in Houston County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be partially redacted

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Crockett Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, or other)
Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges as filed
Texas Penal Code statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts per charge
Domestic violence designation, where applicable
Gang-related designation, where applicable

Booking Information:

Name and location of booking facility
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in standard public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if the subject has been released
Conditions of release, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following arrest
Court jurisdiction (district court, county court, or justice of the peace court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within Houston County may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charge information. Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record and may require a separate records request or criminal history search.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Full residential address or personal phone number
Social Security number, which is redacted from public records
Financial account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Houston County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Houston County varies by record type and the office processing the request. Members of the public may inspect records at no charge during regular business hours at the applicable office. Fees apply when copies are requested.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (per page)	$0.10 per page
Certified copies	$5.00 per document
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by office
Texas DPS name-based criminal history search	$3.00 per request
Booking photograph copy	Varies; contact Sheriff's Office

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge for the actual cost of producing copies of public records. Charges for labor, overhead, and materials may apply when a request requires more than one hour of staff time to process. The Texas Office of the Attorney General publishes a cost rules schedule that governs permissible charges.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests)
Money order (mail requests)
Credit or debit card (online requests through Texas DPS portal)
Personal check (accepted at some offices; confirm in advance)

Fee Waivers:

A fee waiver may be requested when the requestor demonstrates that providing the records primarily benefits the general public rather than a private interest. Waiver requests must be submitted in writing and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the applicable governmental body.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online jail roster inspection through the Sheriff's Office website
Online case search through the Texas Judicial Branch portal
In-person inspection of public records at the clerk's office or Sheriff's Office (no copy fees for inspection only)

How To Delete Arrest Records in Houston County

Texas law provides two primary legal mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expunction (also referred to as expungement) and orders of nondisclosure. These are distinct legal remedies with different eligibility requirements and effects.

Expunction results in the physical destruction or return of arrest records held by law enforcement agencies, courts, and the state criminal history repository. Following a successful expunction, the subject may legally deny that the arrest occurred. Expunction is governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 and is available in circumstances including acquittal, dismissal of charges, completion of certain deferred adjudication programs, and arrests that did not result in charges being filed.

Orders of Nondisclosure seal criminal records from public access without destroying them. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to sealed records, but the records are not disclosed to the general public or most employers. Orders of nondisclosure are available to eligible individuals who successfully completed deferred adjudication community supervision for qualifying offenses.

Eligibility for Expunction in Texas:

The arrest resulted in acquittal at trial
The charge was dismissed and the statute of limitations has expired
The prosecutor declined to file charges and the applicable waiting period has passed
The individual completed a pretrial diversion program
The individual was convicted of a Class C misdemeanor and has met the waiting period
The individual received a pardon

Steps to Petition for Expunction:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and case information from the Houston County District Clerk
Confirm eligibility under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55
File a Petition for Expunction in the district court of the county where the arrest occurred
Serve all named respondent agencies with the petition
Attend the expunction hearing
If granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to destroy or return records

Steps to Petition for an Order of Nondisclosure:

Confirm eligibility based on offense type and completion of deferred adjudication
File a petition in the court that handled the original case
Pay the applicable filing fee
Attend the hearing
If granted, the order is served on the Texas DPS and all relevant agencies

Contact Information for Expunction Filings:

Houston County District Clerk 401 E. Houston Ave., Suite 202 Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-3255 Houston County District Clerk

Members of the public who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance through Texas Legal Services Center or the State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service.

What Happens After Arrest in Houston County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Houston County, the arrested person is transported to the Houston County Jail for booking. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The arrested person is handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

Houston County Jail 401 E. Houston Ave. Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-3255 Houston County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Houston County Jail, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. During booking, staff record personal information, photograph the arrestee, collect fingerprints, conduct a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventory personal property, issue a jail uniform, and complete medical and mental health screenings. A housing classification determination is made based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Texas law, a person arrested without a warrant must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours after arrest. At the initial appearance, the magistrate formally notifies the arrested person of the charges, advises the person of their rights, determines bond, and, where applicable, appoints counsel for indigent defendants. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Texas Judicial Branch.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the jail or court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. Bond amounts are set by the magistrate or according to a bond schedule.

Surety Bond: The arrested person or their family hires a licensed bail bondsman who posts the full bond amount. The bondsman charges a non-refundable premium, which in Texas is set at a maximum of 10% of the bond amount under Texas Insurance Code regulations.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The arrested person is released on a written promise to appear in court. No money is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk.

No Bond: The magistrate may deny bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, violations of probation or parole, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release:

Conditions of release may include regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted: Processing time following bond payment is typically one to eight hours. Upon release, the individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.

If Bond Is Not Posted: The individual remains in custody at the Houston County Jail, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail rules, commissary account procedures, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender: Indigent defendants in Houston County may apply for appointed counsel through the court at the initial appearance. Eligibility is based on income and assets. The court appoints counsel from the local appointed counsel list.

Houston County District Attorney's Office 401 E. Houston Ave. Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-8172 Houston County District Attorney

Private Attorney: Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Houston County Jail during designated visitation hours, and all attorney-client consultations are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Houston County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information (for misdemeanors) or present the case to a grand jury (for felonies). The prosecutor may also request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file charges different from those listed at booking.

Grand Jury (Felonies):

Felony charges in Texas require a grand jury indictment. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and determines whether probable cause exists to proceed. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings. A true bill results in a formal indictment; a no bill results in dismissal of the felony charge.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, preserving the right to negotiate or proceed to trial. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges may be dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies in the case. A dismissal may make the individual eligible to petition for expunction.

Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion of a diversion program results in dismissal of charges.

Plea Agreement: The defendant may accept a negotiated plea to agreed-upon charges with a recommended sentence, waiving the right to trial. A sentencing hearing is then scheduled.

Trial: The defendant may proceed to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution presents its case, followed by the defense. A verdict of guilty results in a sentencing hearing; a verdict of not guilty results in immediate release.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution to victims, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year in complex cases
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the Texas Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront and cross-examine witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Houston County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 401 E. Houston Ave. Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-3255 Houston County Sheriff's Office

Houston County District Clerk 401 E. Houston Ave., Suite 202 Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-3255 Houston County District Clerk

Houston County District Attorney's Office 401 E. Houston Ave. Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-8172 Houston County District Attorney

Texas Department of Public Safety – Crime Records Service P.O. Box 4143 Austin, TX 78765 Phone: (512) 424-2474 Texas DPS Crime Records Service

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Houston County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Houston County is governed by Texas state law and the records retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Local law enforcement agencies and courts are required to follow the Texas Local Government Records Act, which establishes minimum retention periods for government records. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission publishes retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions: Felony conviction records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the District Clerk, the Texas DPS criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). These records are maintained indefinitely and appear on background checks without a time limitation.

Misdemeanor Convictions: Misdemeanor conviction records are retained permanently at the state repository level. Local law enforcement and court records are retained for a minimum period established by the applicable retention schedule, and electronic records are maintained indefinitely in most cases.

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges: Local law enforcement records related to dismissed charges are retained for a minimum of two years under standard retention schedules. Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged. Records may remain in the state repository unless the subject successfully petitions for expunction.

Acquittals (Not Guilty): Arrest records associated with acquittals are retained locally for a minimum period and may remain in the state repository. These records are eligible for expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, and upon a successful expunction order, agencies are directed to destroy or return the records.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for a minimum period at the local level. These arrests are among the most readily eligible for expunction, and in some cases a petition may be filed immediately after the prosecutor declines to file charges.

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined): Law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum period. The subject may be eligible to petition for expunction after the applicable waiting period has passed.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable Texas retention schedule. Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and offense classification.

Digital Records: Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of two years. Records management system data is retained for longer periods, and electronic court records are maintained indefinitely. Mugshot databases maintained by law enforcement agencies follow the applicable retention schedule, though third-party commercial databases are not subject to the same requirements.

Third-Party Databases: Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not required to update records when an expunction is granted. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement against non-compliant third-party websites can be limited.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum period established by the Texas retention schedule for law enforcement records. Investigative files are retained based on offense classification, with serious felony files retained for longer periods.

Houston County Sheriff's Office 401 E. Houston Ave. Crockett, TX 75835 Phone: (936) 544-3255 Houston County Sheriff's Office

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period based on the Texas retention schedule for court records. Electronic records are maintained indefinitely in most cases.

State Repository: The Texas DPS Crime Records Service maintains the statewide criminal history repository and retains records in accordance with state law. The repository includes arrests from all Texas jurisdictions and is accessible to law enforcement statewide.

FBI Database: The FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal-level records that are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are used for employment background checks, firearms purchase background checks, and law enforcement inquiries.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely.

Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expunction order. Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks, but the arrest itself may appear.

Expungement: Following a court-ordered expunction, local agencies are directed to destroy or return records, and the Texas DPS updates the state repository. The FBI database may retain a notation of the expunction. The timeframe for removal from all systems varies and may take several weeks to months following the court order.

No Charges Filed: Booking records are retained for the shortest period and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period. Immediate expunction may be available in some cases.

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are accessible through the online jail roster and the Texas Judicial Branch case search portal. Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or District Clerk's office and may involve retrieval from archives with a longer processing time and possible retrieval fee. Records that predate digitization may exist only in paper form and are subject to the applicable retention schedule.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Texas does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting non-conviction arrest records beyond the FCRA framework. Expunged records are not to be reported on consumer background checks following a valid expunction order.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Houston County Sheriff's Records Division at (936) 544-3255 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public information request may be required, and fees may apply for copies of responsive records.