Find Leon County Criminal History Records

Leon County criminal history records are maintained by the District Clerk, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Office in Centerville, Texas. The county is in East-Central Texas, along the I-45 corridor. Felony cases go through the 87th District Court, and misdemeanor cases are handled by the County Court. Records are available to the public under the Texas Public Information Act.

Leon County District Court Records

The District Clerk in Centerville manages all felony criminal case files for Leon County. The 87th District Court handles felony prosecutions in this county. Case files include indictments, motions, judgments, sentencing documents, and records of appeals. If a defendant faced felony charges in Leon County, the file is at the District Clerk's office.

To access records, visit the Leon County Courthouse during business hours. Staff can search by defendant name or case number. Certified copies are available for a fee. All felony conviction data is reported to the Texas DPS Crime Records Service for entry into the Texas Computerized Criminal History system.

Leon County is rural, so plan ahead if you are visiting in person. The courthouse is in Centerville, which is a small town. Check office hours before making the trip, as some small county offices have limited staffing. For remote requests, the clerk can tell you the process for mail-in or fax requests.

Misdemeanor Records in Leon County

The County Clerk in Centerville holds Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal records. The County Court hears these cases, which include DWI, assault, theft, and similar charges. Court files held here include complaints, orders, fines, and community supervision records.

These records are public under the Texas Public Information Act. You can request a name or case number search at the courthouse. Certified copies are available for a fee. Class C misdemeanor cases go to the Justice of the Peace courts and are not part of the County Clerk's records.

Leon County Sheriff Arrest Records

The Leon County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in the unincorporated portions of the county and operates the county jail. Arrest records, booking logs, warrant data, and incident reports are all on file with the Sheriff in Centerville. If someone was arrested outside city limits in Leon County, these records are held here.

The Sheriff's Office sends all arrest data to DPS for the statewide criminal history system. Booking records include the arrest date, charges, bond information, and identifying data for each person booked. City police departments in Leon County also report arrest data to DPS.

You can request public records from the Leon County Sheriff under the Texas Public Information Act. Written requests are the usual method. The office must respond within 10 business days. General arrest logs and closed case files are typically public. Active investigations and confidential source information may be withheld. Contact the office for current fees and the best way to submit a request.

Texas Statewide Criminal History Search

Leon County criminal data is part of the Texas Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system run by the Texas DPS Crime Records Service. You can request a name-based or fingerprint-based criminal history check from DPS. Both carry a fee. The DPS website explains how to submit and what the results will include.

Use the Texas Courts re:SearchTX portal for free basic case information from Texas courts, including Leon County. You can search by name or case number. For older records not yet digitized, plan an in-person visit to the courthouse.

Texas Laws Governing Criminal Records

Texas Government Code Chapter 411 gives DPS authority to maintain criminal history records. The Texas Public Information Act (Chapter 552) controls public access to government records. Court records are generally open to the public. Exceptions include juvenile files, sealed cases, and expunged records.

Under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 66, expunged records must be destroyed or sealed. The Texas Penal Code Chapter 12 classifies offenses and tells you which court handled the case. For questions about what is available, contact the Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division.

TDCJ Offender Records

Leon County residents convicted of felonies and sentenced to state prison have records with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. TDCJ's online offender search is free. Look up current and former state inmates by name to see their conviction details and custody status. County jail records are held by the Sheriff's Office and are a separate system from TDCJ.

Cities in Leon County

Leon County includes Centerville, Buffalo, and other small communities. All criminal cases in Leon County are processed through the county courts in Centerville.

Nearby Counties

Leon County borders several East and Central Texas counties. If you need to check records in a neighboring county, use these links.