San Antonio Criminal Records

San Antonio criminal records are filed through the Bexar County court system, which handles all felony and misdemeanor cases for the city. The Bexar County District Clerk manages felony case files for the roughly 1.47 million people who live in San Antonio, making it the second most populous city in Texas. Misdemeanor cases go through the Bexar County Clerk. If you need to search arrest records, check case status, or get certified court documents, you have several ways to do that both online and in person near the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center downtown.

How to Search San Antonio Criminal Records

The main online tool for San Antonio criminal records is the Bexar County District Clerk's public case search portal at bexar.org. You can look up felony cases by defendant name or cause number at no cost. Results include party names, charges, hearing dates, attorney information, and case dispositions. The system covers all felony criminal cases filed in Bexar County district courts.

For misdemeanor cases, the Bexar County Clerk handles Class A and Class B offenses filed in the county courts at law. You can reach the Bexar County Clerk's office at (210) 335-2216. The courthouse complex sits near downtown San Antonio at 100 Dolorosa Street. Most people start their search online before visiting in person.

The statewide re:SearchTX system is another free option. It pulls e-filed case records from multiple Texas courts, including Bexar County. You can download documents from re:SearchTX for 10 cents per page, with a $6 cap per document. The system is useful when you want to check multiple jurisdictions at once or find older e-filed records.

Keep in mind that online search results show what is on file with the clerk. Some records may be restricted by court order. Sealed cases and records that have been expunged will not appear in any public search tool.

San Antonio Police Department Records

The San Antonio Police Department handles law enforcement for the city and maintains arrest records, incident reports, and booking information. SAPD is one of the largest municipal police departments in Texas. The department processes bookings at the San Antonio Magistrate's Office near the downtown justice complex. You can find department information and submit public records requests at sanantonio.gov/SAPD.

The SAPD website provides access to public records request forms, crime statistics, and department contact information.

San Antonio Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanor violations, which include things like traffic offenses and minor city ordinance violations. These are separate from the criminal cases handled in Bexar County courts. The Municipal Court is at sanantonio.gov/courts. Municipal Court records are not criminal convictions in the traditional sense. Class C offenses do not carry jail time but can show up in certain background checks.

Arrest records from SAPD show charges alleged at the time of booking. An arrest is not the same as a conviction. The case may later be dismissed, reduced to a lesser charge, or result in acquittal. The final court record held by the District Clerk reflects what actually happened in court.

Bexar County Court Records

Felony criminal cases for San Antonio are filed in Bexar County district courts. The District Clerk's office at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center keeps the official files. These include indictments, motions, plea agreements, jury verdicts, and sentencing orders. The Bexar County District Clerk can be reached at (210) 335-2113.

The Bexar County portal at bexar.org provides access to court records, case searches, and clerk office information for San Antonio and surrounding areas.

Misdemeanor criminal cases go to the Bexar County courts at law. The County Clerk keeps those records. Class A misdemeanors can carry up to a year in jail. Class B misdemeanors carry up to 180 days. Common misdemeanor charges in San Antonio include DWI, theft, and simple assault. Make sure you search the right office based on the type of charge.

Texas DPS Criminal History

All convictions from Bexar County courts feed into the Texas Department of Public Safety Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database. San Antonio contributes a large volume of criminal history data to this statewide system each year. The DPS public name-based search at publicsite.dps.texas.gov costs $3 per search and shows convictions and deferred adjudications that have been reported to DPS.

Arrests that did not result in a conviction do not show up in the public DPS search. If you need a more complete record, fingerprint-based searches through the FAST system operated by IdentoGO provide broader results. FAST appointments can be scheduled online or by calling 1-888-467-2080. This type of search is often used for employment background checks and professional licensing applications.

The DPS search covers all 254 Texas counties in one place. It is a good starting point when you want a quick statewide overview. For detailed case information specific to San Antonio or Bexar County, the District Clerk's portal gives you more on each individual case.

Expunction and Nondisclosure in San Antonio

Texas law gives eligible people a path to have certain criminal records expunged or sealed. Expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 can destroy arrest records, court files, and related documents. To file for expunction of an arrest that happened in San Antonio, you petition in the Bexar County District Court. The clerk's office at 101 W. Nueva can tell you what forms are required and what fees apply.

Cases that qualify for expunction include acquittals, pardons, identity theft cases, and certain dismissals. Not every dismissed case qualifies. If expunction is not an option, a nondisclosure order under Texas Government Code Section 411 may seal your record from public view. Nondisclosure applies to people who completed deferred adjudication probation. Certain serious felonies and all sex offenses are not eligible.

Waiting periods vary. Some misdemeanor nondisclosure petitions can be filed right after finishing deferred adjudication. Most felony cases require a five-year wait. San Antonio Legal Services Association at (210) 212-5701 provides free or low-cost help with expunction and nondisclosure petitions for eligible residents. Lone Star Legal Aid also serves the Bexar County area.

Bexar County Criminal Records

All felony and misdemeanor cases for San Antonio are filed in Bexar County. The District Clerk and County Clerk maintain complete criminal case records for the county.

Nearby Cities

These cities are in the greater San Antonio area or nearby in South Texas.