Loving County Criminal History Records
Loving County criminal history records are kept at the courthouse in Mentone, Texas, the county seat. Loving County is the least populated county in the United States, but it still maintains a full set of criminal justice records through its courts and law enforcement office. If you need to search criminal records in Loving County, you can request them at the courthouse or use statewide tools like re:SearchTX and the Texas DPS criminal history system. This page covers the offices that keep records, how the system works, and how to access what you need.
Loving County Overview
Loving County District and County Clerk
In Loving County, the same office often handles both district and county clerk duties due to the county's very small size. Felony criminal case records from the 143rd Judicial District are kept here, along with any misdemeanor files from the county court. Records include indictments, judgments, and sentencing documents.
All felony and misdemeanor convictions are reported to the Texas DPS Crime Records Service and included in the Texas Computerized Criminal History system. You can search court records online through re:SearchTX or call the courthouse to request records in person or by mail.
| Office | Loving County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 194, Mentone, TX 79754 |
| Phone | (432) 377-2441 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Note: Given Loving County's small size, calling ahead before visiting is strongly recommended to confirm office availability and hours.
Loving County Sheriff Arrest Records
The Loving County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and incident reports. Though the population is tiny, the Sheriff still creates booking records for every arrest that occurs in the county. These include charges, bond information, and court referral data.
Arrest data is sent to the Texas DPS Crime Records Service and enters the statewide CCH database. The office also participates in TCIC and NCIC. Public information requests are processed under the Texas Public Information Act. Active case files may be withheld, but closed case information is generally available on request.
Searching Loving County Criminal Records
Because Loving County has very few residents and cases, the best starting point is the statewide re:SearchTX portal. This searches court case data across Texas and shows docket entries, charges, and dispositions for cases in Loving County's courts.
A more thorough search of the full Texas criminal history system is available through the Texas DPS Crime Records Service. Their name-based public search pulls from the Texas Computerized Criminal History database, which aggregates arrests and dispositions from counties statewide. This is more useful than just searching local records alone.
For in-person or mail requests, contact the Loving County Clerk at the courthouse in Mentone. Staff can search by name and provide copies of case files. Certified copies have a per-page fee.
Texas Criminal History Records Law
Criminal history records across all Texas counties, including Loving, operate under Texas Government Code Chapter 411. This statute gives DPS authority over the statewide criminal history system and sets rules for data collection, access, and use. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 66 governs how courts and agencies report dispositions to DPS.
The Texas Public Information Act gives citizens the right to request public records from government offices. If an agency denies a request, the Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division handles appeals and disputes. Most criminal court records are public unless they have been expunged or sealed under a court order.
All 254 Texas counties, including Loving County, fall under the same statewide legal framework for criminal history records.
Criminal Charges in Loving County
Criminal case records in Loving County list charges under the Texas Penal Code. Felony cases are heard in the 143rd District Court. Misdemeanor cases go to county court. Each record shows the specific charge, the Penal Code section, and the final disposition.
Texas classifies felonies as capital, first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, or state jail. Misdemeanors are Class A, B, or C. Class C cases are heard by justice of the peace courts and do not go into the DPS criminal history database. The Penal Code Chapter 12 gives the punishment ranges for each level. Reading a case record becomes clearer once you know what each charge level means.
Note: For Class C misdemeanor cases like traffic violations, you would need to contact the local JP court in Loving County rather than the District or County Clerk.
State Courts and Prison Records
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice keeps separate records for people in state prison. These cover incarceration history, release status, and parole information. TDCJ records are not the same as county court case files. To get a full picture, check both the county records and the TDCJ offender search.
The Texas Judicial Branch website provides an overview of how courts operate across the state. It links to the re:SearchTX case portal and explains how to navigate the court system. For questions about criminal records specifically, the DPS Crime Records Service page has the most direct guidance.
The Texas Judicial Branch's online tools make it possible to search court records from small counties like Loving without having to drive to the courthouse in person.
Cities in Loving County
Loving County has no incorporated cities. Mentone is the county seat and the only community in the county. No city pages exist for Loving County. All criminal cases are handled through the Loving County courthouse in Mentone.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Loving County in the Permian Basin. Each has its own court system and records offices.