Find Criminal History Records in Fayette County
Fayette County criminal history records are held by the District Clerk, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Office in La Grange, Texas. This page covers where to find felony and misdemeanor case files, arrest records, and how to access court documents through county offices and the Texas statewide record system.
Fayette County Overview
Fayette County District Court Records
The Fayette County District Clerk handles all felony criminal records in the county. The office serves the 155th District Court and keeps felony case files including indictments, judgments, sentencing orders, motions, and all felony prosecution documents. If someone was charged with a felony in Fayette County, their case file is with the District Clerk in La Grange.
The District Clerk's office is at the Fayette County Courthouse. Staff can search records by case number or by defendant name. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee set by Texas Government Code. Felony conviction records must be kept permanently under state retention requirements.
The District Clerk reports all felony convictions to the Texas DPS Crime Records Service, which maintains the statewide Texas Computerized Criminal History system. This process ensures Fayette County felony data is accessible through a statewide DPS criminal history check.
| Office | Fayette County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Court | 155th District Court |
| County Site | co.fayette.tx.us |
Misdemeanor Records in Fayette County
Misdemeanor cases in Fayette County are filed in the County Court, and the County Clerk maintains those records. Class A and Class B misdemeanor files include complaints, judgments, fines, and community supervision orders. The County Clerk is the right office if you need records for a misdemeanor case that was handled in Fayette County.
These records are available under the Texas Public Information Act. You can search by case number or defendant name. Certified copies are available for a fee. The County Clerk also reports misdemeanor convictions to DPS for the statewide criminal history database.
| Office | Fayette County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Records Held | Class A and B Misdemeanors |
| County Site | co.fayette.tx.us |
Fayette County Sheriff Arrest Records
The Fayette County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff maintains arrest records, incident reports, jail booking records, and warrant files. If someone was arrested outside city limits in Fayette County, the Sheriff's Office holds those records.
The Sheriff's Office operates the Fayette County Jail. Records maintained there include booking photos, physical descriptions, bond amounts, charges, court dates, and release information. All arrest and booking data is sent to DPS Crime Records Service for inclusion in the statewide criminal history system. The office also keeps files on active and served warrants. You can submit a written request for records under the Texas Public Information Act.
The Sheriff works with local police departments, the Texas Rangers, and other state and federal agencies. Data is shared through TCIC and NCIC for statewide and national records access. Closed case files and arrest logs are generally available on public information requests. Active investigation records may be withheld under lawful exceptions.
For recent arrests, contacting the Sheriff's Office directly is often the fastest way to get current booking information. Some sheriff's offices post daily jail rosters on their websites.
Texas Statewide Criminal History Search
Fayette County criminal history data flows into the Texas Computerized Criminal History system through the Texas DPS Crime Records Service. This system includes records from every Texas county, so a DPS statewide search will include Fayette County data alongside records from other counties.
Name-based searches are available to the public through DPS. Fingerprint-based searches provide more accurate results. DPS outlines the options and fees on their website. Use these searches when you need a comprehensive criminal history that covers multiple counties or spans a longer time period.
The Texas Courts re:SearchTX portal allows online access to district and county court case information statewide. Fayette County cases in the system can be searched by name or case number at no cost for basic information. You can see charges, filing dates, and case dispositions without visiting the courthouse.
Records before the 1990s may not be available online. For older historical records, in-person requests at the La Grange courthouse are the best approach.
Texas Laws on Criminal Record Access
Access to criminal history records in Fayette County follows Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which sets the rules for criminal history data access. The Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) gives the public the right to request government records, including court files and law enforcement documents.
Most court records at the District and County Clerk are open. Some can be sealed by court order. Juvenile records are restricted. Records subject to expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 66 may be removed from public access once a court orders it.
The Texas Penal Code Chapter 12 defines offense classes. Felonies go to District Court, misdemeanors to County Court, and Class C violations to Justice of the Peace or municipal courts. Knowing the offense class tells you which clerk's office has the file.
The Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division can assist with questions about requesting public records or understanding what must be released.
TDCJ Offender Records
Fayette County residents convicted of felonies and sent to state prison have records with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. TDCJ maintains an online offender search by name. County jail records are separate. The Fayette County Jail holds pretrial detainees and those serving short misdemeanor sentences. Those records remain with the Sheriff's Office rather than TDCJ.
Cities in Fayette County
Fayette County includes La Grange and other small communities. Criminal cases from all areas of Fayette County are handled through the county court system in La Grange.
Nearby Counties
Fayette County is in Southeast Central Texas. If you are unsure which county has the records you need, check where the case or incident took place.