Medina County Criminal Records
What Is Medina County Criminal Records
Medina County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Medina County, Texas. These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.083, which establishes guidelines for criminal history record information.
Criminal records in Medina County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Medina County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments
- Court Records: Official proceedings from arraignment through disposition in the Medina County District and County Courts
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in the Medina County Jail or state correctional facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervised release conditions and compliance
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, confirm that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt either through trial verdict or plea agreement.
Criminal offenses in Medina County are classified according to severity:
- Felonies: Serious offenses potentially resulting in state prison sentences exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by county jail terms under one year
- Infractions: Minor violations usually resulting in fines without incarceration
Juvenile records receive special protection under Texas Family Code § 58.007, which generally restricts public access to criminal proceedings involving minors under 17 years of age.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Medina County include:
Medina County Sheriff's Office
801 Avenue Y
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6153
Medina County Sheriff's Office
Medina County District Clerk
1100 16th Street, Room 209
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6070
Medina County District Clerk
Medina County Clerk
1100 16th Street, Room 104
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6040
Medina County Clerk
Are Criminal Records Public In Medina County
Criminal records in Medina County are generally accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Section 552.021 of the Texas Government Code states: "Public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision forms the legal foundation for public access to criminal records in Medina County.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available for public inspection:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access under various statutory provisions:
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions) pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.108
- Records sealed by court order following successful completion of deferred adjudication or expungement
- Information deemed confidential under federal law, including certain health and education records
The Texas Department of Public Safety serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide, while Medina County maintains records specific to cases processed within its jurisdiction. Public access to these records promotes transparency in the criminal justice system while balancing privacy considerations through statutory exemptions.
It is important to note that while criminal records are legally accessible, the process for obtaining them varies depending on the type of record sought and the maintaining agency. Some records may require formal written requests, while others are available through online portals or in-person inspection.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Medina County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Medina County may utilize several methods to access this information. The procedures outlined below reflect current practices pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act.
In-Person Requests at the Medina County District Clerk's Office:
- Visit the District Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form specifying the information sought
- Provide identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth if known)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($5.00 search fee plus $1.00 per page for copies)
- Allow staff time to retrieve records (same-day service for simple requests)
Medina County District Clerk
1100 16th Street, Room 209
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6070
Medina County District Clerk
Written Requests to the Medina County Sheriff's Office:
- Submit a formal written request on the Sheriff's Office Public Information Request Form
- Include specific details about the records sought (case numbers, names, dates)
- Provide contact information for response delivery
- Submit via mail, email, or in person
- Allow up to 10 business days for processing as permitted under Texas Government Code § 552.221
Medina County Sheriff's Office
801 Avenue Y
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6153
Medina County Sheriff's Office
Background Check Requests through Texas Department of Public Safety:
- Complete a Criminal History Record Information Request Form (CR-63)
- Submit fingerprints through an authorized Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) location
- Pay the required fee ($25 for name-based search, $37 for fingerprint-based search)
- Receive results by mail within 7-10 business days
For certified copies of court records, requestors must contact the specific court where the case was adjudicated. The Medina County District Court handles felony cases, while the County Court manages misdemeanors.
Pursuant to Texas law, certain criminal records may be subject to redaction or withholding based on confidentiality provisions. Requestors may appeal denied requests through procedures outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.301.
How To Find Criminal Records in Medina County Online?
Medina County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records electronically. These online resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
Medina County District Clerk Records Search:
- Navigate to the Medina County District Clerk's website
- Select "Case Records Search" from the available options
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review the list of matching cases
- Select specific cases to view available details
- Note that while basic case information is viewable, document images may require in-person requests
Medina County Jail Inmate Search:
- Visit the Medina County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Current Inmates" or "Jail Roster" section
- Search by name or booking number
- View current incarceration status, charges, and bond information
- Be aware that this database only includes currently detained individuals
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search:
- Access the Texas DPS Crime Records Service
- Select "Criminal History Record Information"
- Create a user account if not already registered
- Pay the required fee ($3.15 per name-based search)
- Receive results showing publicly available conviction records
- Note that this system provides statewide records, including those from Medina County
Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records:
- Navigate to Texas Judicial Branch Search
- Select "Medina County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search parameters (name, case number)
- Review matching case information
- Understand that this system provides case status and scheduling information but not complete case files
When using online systems, users should be aware of several limitations:
- Not all criminal records are digitized or available online
- Older records may only be accessible through in-person requests
- Certain confidential information is redacted from online versions
- Registration may be required for some databases
- Fees may apply for comprehensive searches or document retrieval
For the most complete criminal record information, combining online searches with formal requests to the appropriate agencies is recommended. Online systems are regularly updated but may not reflect the most recent case developments.
Can You Search Medina County Criminal Records for Free?
Medina County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though free access is typically limited to basic information or in-person inspection. The Texas Public Information Act, specifically Texas Government Code § 552.021, establishes the right to inspect public records without charge, though reproduction costs may apply.
Free In-Person Inspection Options:
-
Medina County District Clerk's Office
1100 16th Street, Room 209
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6070
Medina County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Visitors may inspect non-confidential court records without charge during regular business hours -
Medina County Clerk's Office
1100 16th Street, Room 104
Hondo, TX 78861
830-741-6040
Medina County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Provides free access to misdemeanor case records
Free Online Resources:
-
Medina County Jail Current Inmate Roster
Available through the Medina County Sheriff's Office website
Provides basic information on currently incarcerated individuals
No registration or payment required -
Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records
Accessible at Texas Judicial Branch Search
Offers free case status information for Medina County courts
No payment required for basic case information -
Texas Public Sex Offender Registry
Maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety
Includes offenders residing in Medina County
Free searchable database with no usage fees
While inspection of records is generally free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for:
- Document reproduction ($0.10 per standard page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document)
- Research time for extensive requests ($15.00 per hour)
- Electronic media copies ($1.00 per CD/DVD)
These fees are established pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 70.3, which sets maximum charges for public information.
For individuals seeking comprehensive criminal history information, fee-based services through the Texas Department of Public Safety or third-party vendors may provide more complete results than free options.
What's Included in a Medina County Criminal Record?
Medina County criminal records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content and format of these records adhere to guidelines established by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Judicial Council.
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") if arrested
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID) if assigned
- FBI number for cases involving federal agencies
- Driver's license number when applicable
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing facility
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail amount and bond conditions
- Detention facility if incarcerated
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and case type classification
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor with Texas Penal Code citations
- Classification of offenses (felony class A-F or misdemeanor class A-C)
- Defense attorney information
- Scheduled court appearances and hearing dates
- Motions filed and judicial rulings
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date if applicable
- Sentencing details including:
- Incarceration terms and facility assignments
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, court costs, and restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Mandatory program participation
- Post-conviction appeals and outcomes
- Probation/parole status and compliance information
Additional Elements:
- Active warrants and their status
- Protective orders or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DWI/DUI history and license suspensions
- Related traffic violations
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on case progression and the maintaining agency. Records from the Medina County District Clerk typically contain the most complete case documentation, while Sheriff's Office records focus primarily on arrest and incarceration details.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.01, criminal justice agencies must maintain accurate and complete criminal history information. However, certain elements may be redacted from public versions of these records to protect confidential information as defined by state law.
How Long Does Medina County Keep Criminal Records?
Medina County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules establish minimum retention periods, though many records are maintained permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
Felony Case Records:
- Case files for capital felonies: Permanent retention
- Non-capital felony cases resulting in conviction: 50 years after final disposition
- Dismissed felony cases: 5 years after dismissal
- Grand jury records: 10 years after grand jury term
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Cases resulting in conviction: 10 years after final judgment
- Dismissed misdemeanor cases: 5 years after dismissal
- Deferred adjudication cases: 5 years after completion of deferral period
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports and booking information: 5 years from date of arrest
- Fingerprint cards and identification records: 75 years from creation
- Mugshot photographs: 25 years from date of arrest
Incarceration Records:
- Jail population reports: 5 years
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
- Visitor logs and inmate correspondence: 2 years
Court Records:
- Court dockets and minutes: Permanent retention
- Evidence logs: 3 years after final disposition
- Exhibits: Returned after appeals exhausted or destroyed per court order
- Recordings of court proceedings: 3 years after transcription
The Medina County District Clerk serves as the official custodian of felony court records, while the County Clerk maintains misdemeanor case files. The Sheriff's Office retains arrest and jail records according to the applicable schedules.
It is important to note that expunged records receive special handling pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. When a court orders expungement, all agencies must destroy related records within the timeframe specified in the order, typically within one year.
Records subject to orders of non-disclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 remain in existence but are removed from public access. These records are retained according to standard schedules but are only available to criminal justice agencies and other entities specifically authorized by law.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as physical documents. Medina County's electronic record management systems maintain archival copies according to the established schedules.