Hale County Criminal Records

Hale County criminal records are held by the District Clerk and County Clerk at the courthouse in Plainview, the county seat in the middle of the Texas South Plains. Felony cases from the 64th District Court go to the District Clerk, and the County Clerk holds misdemeanor records from the county court. If you are looking to find a criminal case in Hale County, check on charges, or see what a court decided, those two offices hold the files you need. Plainview is the main city in the county and where all court services are based. The Hale County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest and booking records separately from court filings.

Hale County District Clerk

The Hale 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, jury verdicts, and sentencing orders. All records are open to the public during office hours. Plainview is the largest city and county seat, and the courthouse is the central place for all criminal case filings in Hale County.

You can search Hale County criminal records in person at the courthouse in Plainview. 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 Hale County portal links to county departments. Check the site for current hours and copy request procedures before visiting the courthouse in Plainview.

The statewide re:SearchTX system covers Hale County felony case records. You can search by party name across multiple Texas courts. Documents cost 10 cents per page, with a $6 cap per document.

Hale County Clerk - Misdemeanor Records

The Hale 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 in Hale County.

The County Clerk's office is at the same courthouse in Plainview. 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.

Hale County Arrest Records

The Hale 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 Hale County Sheriff's Office at (806) 296-2724. 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 complete picture of a criminal matter in Hale County.

Texas DPS Criminal History - Hale County

Hale 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 Hale County residents by name or zip code.

Expunction and Nondisclosure in Hale 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 Hale County arrests, that means the 64th District Court in Plainview.

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 Hale County District Clerk can tell you what forms apply and what fees to expect.

Cities in Hale County

Plainview is the county seat and largest city in Hale County. All felony criminal cases in Hale County are filed in the 64th District Court in Plainview.

Nearby Counties

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