Search Allen Criminal Records
Allen criminal records are handled by the Collin County District Clerk in McKinney. Allen is a city in Collin County, north of Dallas, and all felony cases and most serious misdemeanors from the city go through the Collin County court system. You can search cases online or visit the courthouse in McKinney. The Allen Police Department handles local arrests, and the Allen Municipal Court takes care of Class C misdemeanor matters. This page explains how each system works and how to get the records you need.
Allen Overview
How to Search Allen Criminal Records
To find criminal records tied to Allen, start with the Collin County District Clerk. The court is in McKinney, about 10 miles north of Allen. You can search the Collin County online portal by defendant name or cause number. The system shows case status, party names, and court dates for public cases. No login is needed for basic case searches.
The statewide re:SearchTX system also covers Collin County courts. It is a free tool and lets you check multiple county systems in one place. This is a good starting point if you are not sure which court handled a case or if you want a quick check before calling the clerk.
For in-person access, the Collin County Courthouse is at 2100 Bloomdale Road in McKinney. The District Clerk office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Staff can search records and make copies while you wait. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Call (972) 548-4186 for current fees and what to bring.
What you need for a search:
- Full name of the person you are searching
- Cause number if available
- Approximate year the case was filed
Allen Police Department Records
The Allen Police Department serves the city and handles all local law enforcement. When APD makes an arrest, the case goes to the appropriate Collin County court based on the offense level. If you need a police report for an Allen incident, contact the department directly through cityofallen.org/police.
The Allen Police Department website at cityofallen.org/police has information on records requests for incidents handled by Allen officers.
The Allen Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanors. These are the lowest level of criminal charge and include traffic citations and city ordinance violations. Municipal court records are kept separate from the county system. You can look up Allen Municipal Court matters at cityofallen.org/courts or call the court directly for case information.
The Allen Municipal Court at cityofallen.org/courts handles Class C misdemeanor cases for Allen residents including traffic violations and city ordinance matters.
| Agency | Allen Police Department |
|---|---|
| Website | cityofallen.org/police |
| Municipal Court | cityofallen.org/courts |
| Municipal Court Scope | Class C misdemeanors only |
Collin County District Clerk Records
The Collin County District Clerk in McKinney keeps all felony criminal records for the county, including cases originating in Allen. Felony charges include drug offenses, property crimes above certain dollar thresholds, violent crimes, and other serious offenses. Class A and B misdemeanor cases go to the county courts at law, which are also at the Collin County Courthouse.
| Office | Collin County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 2100 Bloomdale Road McKinney, TX 75071 |
| Phone | (972) 548-4186 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
McKinney is about 10 miles north of Allen. Drive time is usually 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available at the courthouse. You will go through a security check at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID. Staff can make copies of public records on request. Certified copies require a per-page fee plus a certification charge. Call ahead to confirm current pricing.
Texas DPS Criminal History
The Texas DPS Computerized Criminal History system holds conviction data reported by all Texas courts, including Collin County. When a Collin County court enters a conviction or deferred adjudication for an Allen case, that result goes into the statewide database. You can run a public name-based search at publicsite.dps.texas.gov for $3 per name.
The DPS search covers all 254 Texas counties in one query. It is faster than calling individual clerks when you just need a quick check. It will not show arrests that did not result in a conviction. For active or recent cases, the Collin County clerk portal is more current and detailed. If you need an official certified result for employment or a license application, a fingerprint-based search through IdentoGO at 1-888-467-2080 is the standard method.
Expunction and Nondisclosure in Allen
Texas law allows some criminal records to be cleared. Expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 can destroy records from cases that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or involved mistaken identity. If you were arrested in Allen and your case qualifies, you would file the expunction petition in Collin County. The court there handles the process and orders all agencies to destroy the records.
If expunction does not apply, a nondisclosure order under Texas Government Code Section 411 may seal your record. This is available for deferred adjudication cases that meet the eligibility requirements. Violent offenses, family violence, and sex crimes generally do not qualify. Waiting periods vary. Some misdemeanors allow immediate filing after completing the deferred sentence. Felony cases require a five-year wait after discharge.
Lone Star Legal Aid covers Collin County and helps low-income residents with criminal record matters. Call (800) 733-8394. TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org has free guides and all required forms. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral line at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with an attorney in the McKinney or Allen area.
Collin County Criminal Records
Allen is in Collin County, and all felony and serious misdemeanor cases from the city go through the Collin County District Clerk in McKinney. For more on the county court system and search options, visit the Collin County page.