Franklin County Criminal Records

Franklin County criminal records are kept by the District Clerk and County Clerk in Mount Vernon, the county seat of this small East Texas county. Mount Vernon is a quiet town in the Piney Woods region, and the Franklin County Courthouse there is the hub for all criminal case filings in the county. The District Clerk handles felony cases in the 8th District Court. Misdemeanor records are with the County Clerk in Mount Vernon. Franklin County is a smaller county, but records go back many years and can be found at the courthouse. If you need to look up a case, find how it resolved, or get information on charges, contact either clerk office in Mount Vernon. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office holds arrest and booking records, which are separate from the case files at the clerk offices.

Franklin County District Clerk

The Franklin County District Clerk holds all felony criminal case records filed in the county. The clerk keeps case files from indictment through final disposition, including motions, plea documents, verdicts, and sentencing orders. All records are open to the public during office hours. The 8th District Court serves Franklin County, and all felony filings go to the District Clerk in Mount Vernon.

You can search Franklin County criminal records in person at the courthouse in Mount Vernon. The clerk's office searches by name or case number. Staff can pull certified copies on request. Certified copies carry a per-page fee plus a certification charge set by Texas law.

The Franklin County official website links to the District Clerk, County Clerk, and Sheriff departments. Check the site for current hours and any updated procedures for requesting copies of criminal case records.

The statewide re:SearchTX system covers Franklin County felony case records. You can search by party name without a trip to Mount Vernon. Documents cost 10 cents per page, with a $6 cap per document.

Franklin County Clerk - Misdemeanor Records

The Franklin County Clerk maintains misdemeanor criminal records from the county court. Class A and Class B misdemeanors are filed here, covering DWI, simple assault, petty theft, and possession of small amounts of controlled substances. The County Clerk holds charge information, plea records, and final dispositions for all misdemeanor cases.

The County Clerk's office is at the same courthouse in Mount Vernon. Records are open for public inspection. Felonies go to the District Clerk. Misdemeanors go to the County Clerk. Some cases may also appear in the statewide TOPICs system.

Franklin County Arrest Records

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office holds arrest records and jail booking data for the county. Booking records include name, date of birth, charges at arrest, bond amount, and booking date. These records are separate from court files but relate to the same criminal matter.

Contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at (903) 537-4539. Requests for arrest records can be made in person or by mail. An arrest record only reflects what was alleged at booking. The District Clerk's case file shows the final outcome. Check both sources when you need a full picture of a criminal matter in Franklin County.

Texas DPS Criminal History - Franklin County

Franklin County criminal records feed into the Texas DPS Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. When courts report convictions or deferred adjudications to the Texas Department of Public Safety, those records appear in the statewide database. The DPS public search at publicsite.dps.texas.gov costs $3 per search. Results show only convictions and deferred adjudications. Dismissed cases and arrests without conviction do not appear.

You can also check the Texas Sex Offender Registry for Franklin County residents by name or zip code.

Expunction and Nondisclosure in Franklin County

Texas law allows eligible people to have criminal records expunged or sealed. Expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 removes and destroys records for qualifying cases. You file the petition in the district court of the county where the arrest happened. For Franklin County arrests, that means the 8th District Court in Mount Vernon.

If expunction is not available, you may seek an order of nondisclosure for cases that ended in deferred adjudication. Nondisclosure seals records from the public but does not destroy them. Serious felonies and sex offenses do not qualify. The Franklin County District Clerk can tell you what forms apply and what fees to expect.

Cities in Franklin County

Mount Vernon is the county seat of Franklin County. All felony criminal cases in Franklin County are filed in the 8th District Court in Mount Vernon.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Franklin County. Each has its own District Clerk and court system for criminal records.