Access Garland Criminal Records
Garland criminal records are filed through the Dallas County District Clerk since Garland is in Dallas County. With around 237,000 residents, Garland is one of the larger cities in the Dallas area. All felony cases and serious misdemeanors from the city go through the Dallas County court system in downtown Dallas. The Garland Police Department handles local arrests, and the city has a municipal court for Class C misdemeanor matters. This page explains how each office works and how to access records from each.
Garland Overview
How to Search Garland Criminal Records
Start with the Dallas County District Clerk for felony and serious misdemeanor cases from Garland. The county courthouse is in downtown Dallas at 600 Commerce Street. You can search records online at dallascounty.org or walk in during business hours. The online portal lets you search by party name or cause number for free. It shows case status, docket entries, and party information.
The statewide re:SearchTX system also covers Dallas County. It is free to use and provides similar search capability. Both tools work well for checking whether a Garland case exists in the Dallas County system before you make a trip downtown.
What you need to search:
- Full name of the defendant
- Cause number if you have it
- Approximate year the case was filed
Dallas County is one of the busiest court systems in Texas, so the online portals are well-maintained and updated regularly. If you need a certified copy or the full case file, plan to visit the courthouse in person or mail a written request. Call (214) 653-7300 to confirm fees and what to bring before you go.
Garland Police Department Records
The Garland Police Department handles law enforcement for the city. Arrests made by Garland PD flow into the Dallas County court system when charges are filed. For police report requests on incidents that happened in Garland, contact the department directly at garlandtx.gov/police.
The Garland Police Department at garlandtx.gov/police handles public records requests for incidents and arrests in Garland. Reports from Garland PD cases eventually move into the Dallas County court system when charges are filed.
The Garland Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanor cases for the city. These include traffic violations and city ordinance matters. Municipal court records are separate from the Dallas County system. Contact the Garland Municipal Court for Class C case information and payment options.
| Agency | Garland Police Department |
|---|---|
| Website | garlandtx.gov/police |
| Municipal Court Scope | Class C misdemeanors only |
Dallas County District Clerk Records
The Dallas County District Clerk is responsible for all felony criminal records in the county, including cases originating in Garland. Felony charges include violent crimes, drug offenses, large-scale theft and fraud, and other serious offenses above the misdemeanor level. Class A and B misdemeanor cases are handled by the Dallas County criminal courts at law, also in downtown Dallas.
| Office | Dallas County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 600 Commerce Street Dallas, TX 75202 |
| Phone | (214) 653-7300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Garland is about 15 to 20 miles northeast of downtown Dallas. Drive time varies depending on traffic. The George Allen Courts Building at 600 Commerce Street is in the Dallas central business district. Parking garages are close by. Bring a photo ID and expect a security check. Certified copies cost a per-page fee plus certification. Plain copies are less expensive. Call (214) 653-7300 ahead of time to ask about fees.
Texas DPS Criminal History
The Texas DPS Computerized Criminal History system includes conviction records reported by all Texas courts, including Dallas County. When a Dallas County court enters a conviction or deferred adjudication for a Garland case, it goes into the statewide database. Search at publicsite.dps.texas.gov for $3 per name and get results from all 254 Texas counties at once.
The DPS system does not include arrests without dispositions or cases still in progress. For current case status and detailed case information, use the Dallas County clerk portal or re:SearchTX. For employment or licensing needs, a fingerprint-based search through IdentoGO at 1-888-467-2080 is the standard method. IdentoGO has multiple locations in the Dallas area, and appointments can usually be scheduled quickly.
Expunction and Nondisclosure in Garland
If you were arrested in Garland and your case was dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or involved mistaken identity, expunction may apply. Expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 destroys the record. You file the petition in Dallas County since that is where the case was handled. Once granted, all agencies holding records of the arrest must destroy them.
If expunction does not apply, a nondisclosure order under Texas Government Code Section 411 may be available. This seals the record after you complete deferred adjudication. Violent offenses, sex crimes, and family violence charges do not qualify. Waiting periods vary. Some misdemeanors allow filing right away after completing deferred adjudication. Felony cases require a five-year wait after the probation period ends.
Lone Star Legal Aid and Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas both serve the Dallas County area. Call Lone Star at (800) 733-8394. TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org has free guides and forms for expunction petitions. The State Bar of Texas at (800) 252-9690 can refer you to an attorney in Garland or Dallas who handles these cases.
Dallas County Criminal Records
Garland is in Dallas County, and all felony and serious misdemeanor cases from the city go through the Dallas County District Clerk in downtown Dallas. For more on the county court system, search tools, and courthouse information, visit the Dallas County page.