Washington County Criminal History Records
Washington County keeps criminal records through its District Clerk, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Office, all located in Brenham. Felony convictions go to the District Clerk. Misdemeanor cases are filed with the County Clerk. Arrests and bookings are logged by the Sheriff. The Texas Public Information Act governs access to these records. Most are open to the public. Some records may be sealed or expunged under court order.
Washington County Overview
Washington County District Court Records
The District Clerk's office in Brenham serves the 21st District Court and keeps all felony criminal case files for Washington County. Any felony arrest, charge, or conviction from this county is documented in the District Clerk's records. The office also handles appeals records and court-ordered documents.
Visit the Washington County Courthouse in Brenham to search records in person. The District Clerk's staff can look up cases by defendant name, cause number, or date range. Plain copies and certified copies are both available. Certified copies cost more but are required for legal purposes such as proving a conviction or dismissal.
The District Clerk sends felony conviction data to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division as required by state law. This keeps the statewide Texas Computerized Criminal History database current with Washington County case outcomes.
| Office | Washington County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Court | 21st District Court |
| County Site | Washington County Official Website |
Misdemeanor Criminal Records in Washington County
Class A and B misdemeanor cases in Washington County are handled by the County Court, and the County Clerk keeps all those records. Misdemeanor case files include the complaint, any motions filed, the judgment, and any community supervision or fine records. These records are separate from felony cases held by the District Clerk.
Under the Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552), County Clerk records are generally accessible to the public. Search requests can be submitted by name or case number. Class C misdemeanors are filed in Justice of the Peace or municipal courts and are maintained by those courts separately.
| Office | Washington County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Records Held | Class A and B Misdemeanors |
| County Site | Washington County Official Website |
Washington County Sheriff Arrest Records
The Washington County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement for the unincorporated areas of the county and operates the county jail. If someone was arrested by the Sheriff's deputies, the arrest record, booking information, and any incident reports are kept at the Sheriff's Office.
When someone is booked into the Washington County Jail, the Sheriff's Office creates a record that includes the charges, booking date, and bond information. The Sheriff also maintains records of warrants issued by the county courts. All arrest data is reported to the Texas DPS as required by state law.
To request arrest records from the Washington County Sheriff's Office, submit a written request under the Texas Public Information Act. Booking records and arrest logs from closed cases are typically available. Active investigation files may be withheld until the case is closed.
Washington County Official Records
The Washington County official website provides access to criminal history records portal.
The county website provides contact information and links for the District Clerk, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Office.
Washington County Official Records
The Washington County official website provides access to criminal history records portal.
The county website provides contact information and links for the District Clerk, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Office.
Washington County Official Records
The Washington County official website provides access to criminal history records portal.
The county website provides contact information and links for the District Clerk, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Office.
Washington County Official Records
The Washington County official website provides access to criminal history records portal.
The county website provides contact information and links for the District Clerk, County Clerk, and Sheriff's Office.
Texas Statewide Criminal History Search
Criminal records from Washington County are part of the statewide Texas Computerized Criminal History database. The Texas DPS Crime Records Division maintains the CCH system, which collects arrest and conviction data from all 254 Texas counties.
The DPS CCH system covers arrests and dispositions statewide. Public access is available through name-based searches. A fingerprint-based search provides a more complete record and is used for background checks by authorized agencies. The DPS Crime Records Division handles both types of requests.
The re:SearchTX portal is the Texas court system's public case search tool. It includes Washington County district and county court records along with cases from courts across the state. Search by defendant name or cause number to find case status and hearing dates.
Note: Not all older records are in the online system. For records before the 1990s, in-person requests to the county clerk or district clerk may be needed.
Texas Laws Governing Criminal Records
Texas law governs access to criminal history records in Washington County and every other county in the state. Government Code Chapter 411 controls criminal history access. The Public Information Act (Chapter 552) gives the public the right to request government records, including court documents and arrest logs.
Most court records in Washington County are public. Exceptions include sealed records, juvenile records, and records that have been expunged. Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 66, a court can order records expunged, which removes them from public access.
Offense classification under Texas Penal Code Chapter 12 determines which court handled a case. First degree through state jail felonies are in District Court. Class A and B misdemeanors are in County Court. Class C misdemeanors are in Justice of the Peace or municipal courts. This classification tells you which clerk's office to contact.
If you need guidance on what records are available or how to request them, the Texas Attorney General's Open Government Division provides free information on public records rights under the Texas Public Information Act.
Offender Records and TDCJ
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice maintains records for people who were sentenced to state prison after felony convictions in Washington County or elsewhere in Texas. Their online offender search lets you look up current and former inmates by name.
The Washington County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office, is separate from state prisons. County jail holds people awaiting trial or serving short sentences. State prison, run by TDCJ, holds people convicted of felonies and sentenced to longer terms. Records from the two systems are maintained separately.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County includes Brenham and several smaller communities. All criminal cases from cities and unincorporated areas in Washington County are handled by the county court system in Brenham.
Nearby Counties
Washington County borders several other Texas counties. If you are unsure which county has the records you need, check the location where the incident or case occurred.