Frio County Criminal History Records
Frio County criminal history records are kept by the District Clerk, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Office in Pearsall, Texas. This page covers where to find felony and misdemeanor case files, how to access arrest records, and how to look up court documents through county offices and Texas statewide databases.
Frio County Overview
Frio County District Court Records
The Frio County District Clerk maintains all felony criminal records for the county. The office serves the 81st District Court. Felony case files held here include grand jury indictments, judgments, sentencing orders, motions, and all documents from felony prosecutions. If someone faced a felony charge in Frio County, their case file is at the District Clerk's office in Pearsall.
You can visit the District Clerk at the Frio County Courthouse. Staff can search records by case number or defendant name. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee set by Texas Government Code. Felony conviction records are permanently retained under state requirements.
The District Clerk reports all felony convictions to the Texas DPS Crime Records Service, which maintains the statewide Texas Computerized Criminal History database. Frio County felony data is accessible through a statewide DPS criminal history search.
| Office | Frio County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Court | 81st District Court |
| County Site | co.frio.tx.us |
Misdemeanor Records in Frio County
Misdemeanor cases in Frio County go through the County Court, and the County Clerk keeps those records. Class A and Class B misdemeanor files include complaints, judgments, fines, and community supervision orders. The County Clerk in Pearsall is the right office for any misdemeanor case from Frio County.
These records are available under the Texas Public Information Act. You can request a 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 database.
| Office | Frio County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Records Held | Class A and B Misdemeanors |
| County Site | co.frio.tx.us |
Frio County Sheriff Arrest Records
The Frio County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement for the county. Frio County is located in South Texas along key transportation corridors, which means the Sheriff's Office handles a range of law enforcement matters beyond what is typical for a county of its size. The Sheriff maintains arrest records, incident reports, jail booking records, and warrant files.
The Sheriff operates the Frio County Jail. Records include booking photos, physical descriptions, bond amounts, charges, and release information. All arrest and booking data is sent to DPS Crime Records Service for the statewide system. Warrant records are also maintained by the Sheriff's Office. Public information requests can be submitted in writing under the Texas Public Information Act.
The Sheriff works with the Texas Rangers, state agencies, and federal agencies including Border Patrol and DEA on various law enforcement matters. Data is shared through TCIC and NCIC. Closed case files and general arrest records are usually available on request. Active investigation files may be withheld under lawful exemptions.
For a recent arrest in Frio County, contact the Sheriff's Office in Pearsall directly. They can provide current booking information or direct you to the appropriate office for records requests.
Texas Statewide Criminal History Search
Frio County criminal history data is included in the Texas Computerized Criminal History system through the Texas DPS Crime Records Service. A statewide DPS search covers records from all Texas counties, making it a practical option for a comprehensive criminal history check that includes Frio County data.
Name-based searches are available to the public through DPS. Fingerprint-based searches give more accurate results. DPS explains both options and applicable fees on their website. Use the statewide system when you need a broader picture of criminal history across multiple Texas counties.
The Texas Courts re:SearchTX portal offers free basic online access to district and county court case information statewide. Frio County cases in the system can be searched by name or case number. The portal shows charge information, filing dates, and case dispositions.
Older pre-1990s records may not be digitized. For historical files, visit the Pearsall courthouse in person.
Texas Laws on Criminal Record Access
Texas Government Code Chapter 411 governs access to criminal history data statewide. The Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) gives the public the right to request court and law enforcement records from county agencies.
Court records at the District and County Clerk are generally public. Some records 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 the court orders it.
The Texas Penal Code Chapter 12 classifies offenses. Felonies go to District Court, misdemeanors to County Court, Class C violations to Justice of the Peace or municipal courts. Knowing the class of the offense tells you which clerk's office has the file.
The Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division can assist with questions about public records rights and how to submit requests.
TDCJ Offender Records
Frio 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. The Frio County Jail holds pretrial detainees and those serving short misdemeanor sentences. Those records remain with the Sheriff's Office, not TDCJ.
Cities in Frio County
Frio County includes Pearsall and other small communities. All criminal cases in Frio County are handled through the county court system in Pearsall.
Nearby Counties
Frio County is in South Texas between San Antonio and the border. Check where the incident occurred to confirm which county has the records you need.