Search Waco Criminal Records

Waco criminal records are filed with the McLennan County District Clerk and McLennan County Clerk. Waco is the county seat of McLennan County, so the courthouse is right in the city. Felony charges go to the District Clerk. Misdemeanor charges go to the County Clerk. If you need to look up a criminal case from Waco, both offices are at the McLennan County Courthouse on Washington Avenue in downtown Waco.

McLennan County Clerk Offices in Waco

The McLennan County Courthouse is in downtown Waco. Since Waco is the county seat, the District Clerk and County Clerk are both based here. Felony criminal records go to the District Clerk. Class A and B misdemeanor records go to the County Clerk. Both offices keep court files that include charges, plea information, judgments, and sentencing orders.

The District Clerk handles cases like felony drug charges, aggravated assault, robbery, and other serious crimes that are tried in district court. If you are looking for a felony case from Waco, start with the District Clerk. For misdemeanors like DWI first offense, theft under $2,500, or simple assault, contact the County Clerk instead.

The courthouse is in downtown Waco near Austin Avenue. Street parking and a parking garage are close by. You need a photo ID when you go to the courthouse to request copies or speak with staff about a case.

How to Search Waco Criminal Records

You can search McLennan County criminal records online through the statewide re:SearchTX system or by going to the courthouse in Waco. Online searches are free for basic case lookups. You pay 10 cents per page to download documents, up to $6 per document.

The re:SearchTX portal covers McLennan County district court cases. Search by defendant name or cause number. It shows party names, docket entries, and case status. This is a good first step when you want to check for felony cases from the Waco area without going to the courthouse.

The Texas DPS public criminal history search charges $3 per name. Go to publicsite.dps.texas.gov and enter the person's name. Results show convictions and deferred adjudications reported to the state from courts across Texas, including McLennan County. Arrests that did not result in conviction do not appear in public results.

For a thorough search, use both tools. re:SearchTX gives you case details from Waco courts. The DPS search gives you a broader statewide picture.

You can also call the District Clerk at (254) 757-5054 to ask about a specific case or request copies. Staff can look up records by name or cause number during business hours.

Waco Police Department Records

Police reports from incidents in Waco come from the Waco Police Department, not the District Clerk. If you need a police report, contact WPD directly. Police reports are separate from court records. The court file is created after a case is charged and filed with the clerk.

The Waco Police Department handles incident reports and arrest records for crimes that occurred in the city of Waco.

You can request copies of incident reports through the Waco PD records division. The Texas Public Information Act covers most police reports. Requests for ongoing investigation files may be denied or partially redacted.

Texas DPS Criminal History for Waco

McLennan County courts report convictions and deferred adjudications to the Texas DPS. Those records become part of the statewide Computerized Criminal History (CCH) database. The public can search the CCH by name for $3 at the DPS website. Results show what was reported by courts across Texas, not just Waco.

Fingerprint-based searches give a more complete picture and are used for employment background checks, gun purchases, and state licensing. Book a FAST fingerprint appointment through IdentoGO by calling 1-888-467-2080 or visiting the IdentoGO website online.

Note: The DPS public search only shows public criminal history. Some records may be sealed by court order or restricted by law. If a record has been expunged, it will not appear in any public search.

Clearing Records in McLennan County

Texas residents with qualifying cases can seek expunction or nondisclosure. Expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 can remove arrest records and court files. You file in the district court of the county where the arrest happened. For Waco arrests, that means the McLennan County District Court.

Eligible situations include acquittals, pardons, and certain dismissals. Not all dismissed cases qualify. Nondisclosure orders under Texas Government Code Section 411 apply to some deferred adjudication cases, sealing records from public view without destroying them. Serious felonies and sex offenses are excluded from nondisclosure.

Contact the Texas Bar lawyer referral service at (800) 252-9690 if you need help finding an attorney in Waco. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and Lone Star Legal Aid both serve Central Texas. You can also check texaslawhelp.org for self-help guides on expunction and nondisclosure petitions.

McLennan County Criminal Records

Waco is the county seat of McLennan County, and all criminal cases from the city go through the McLennan County court system. For complete information on the District Clerk, County Clerk, online search tools, and county court procedures, visit the McLennan County criminal records page.

View McLennan County Criminal Records