Criminal records in Erath County, Texas, are maintained across several offices and systems at the county, state, and federal levels. ErathCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Erath County. You can also access records through the official county court portals, the Erath County Sheriff's Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division, and the offices of the County Clerk and District Clerk in Stephenville.
How to Search Criminal Records in Erath
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Erath County. The method you choose depends on what information you already have and whether you need official or informal results.
Online Search Options
- ErathCourt.us — Start here to search for publicly available criminal court case information in Erath County.
- Erath County Online Services — The county provides a combined portal for Court Records & eDiscovery that covers both County Clerk and District Clerk records. You can search by party name or case number.
- Texas DPS Criminal History Search — The Criminal History Name Search tool lets you look up an individual's statewide criminal history. A fee applies for each search.
- TDCJ Offender Search — If someone has been sentenced to state prison, use the TDCJ Offender Search to find their current location, offenses, and projected release date.
- Federal cases — Erath County falls within the Northern District of Texas. Federal criminal cases are searchable through PACER.
In Person
Visit the Erath County Courthouse in Stephenville. The District Clerk's office is custodian of all district court records, including felony criminal cases. The County Clerk's office maintains county court records, which include misdemeanor criminal cases. Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for criminal records to either the District Clerk or County Clerk. For a statewide criminal history report, submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division in Austin. Include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and any known case numbers. A valid government-issued photo ID is typically required for in-person requests.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth (helpful for narrowing results)
- Case number (if known)
- SID number or TDCJ number (for state prison searches)
Search Erath Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Enter it into the Erath County online court records portal to pull up the specific case.
Texas case numbers generally follow a format assigned by the filing court. In Erath County, a typical case number may include:
- A prefix or code indicating the court type (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases in district court)
- A two-digit year representing the year the case was filed
- A sequential number assigned in the order the case was received
For example, a case number like CR-24-12345 would indicate a criminal case filed in 2024 as the 12,345th case in that sequence. County court misdemeanor cases may use a different prefix. The exact format can vary slightly depending on the court, so if you are unsure, contact the District Clerk or County Clerk to confirm which court handled the case.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Erath
Charges
- Statute codes — Each charge references a section of the Texas Penal Code or another Texas statute (e.g., Penal Code § 22.01 for assault).
- Severity — Charges are classified as felonies (capital, first through third degree, or state jail felony) or misdemeanors (Class A, B, or C). Felonies are handled in district court; misdemeanors are generally handled in county court or, for Class C offenses, in justice or municipal court.
- Amended charges — Charges may be upgraded or reduced through plea negotiations or grand jury action. The court record will reflect both original and amended charges.
Case Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | The case is open and awaiting resolution. |
| Active | Court proceedings are ongoing (hearings, motions, trial). |
| Disposed | The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal). |
| Closed | All obligations fulfilled; case is complete. |
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (less common in Texas where grand jury indictment is used for felonies).
- Pre-trial hearing — Motions, evidence issues, and plea discussions are addressed.
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing — The court imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea.
- Review hearing — The court checks compliance with probation or other conditions.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Defendant convicted by plea or verdict. |
| Not Guilty | Defendant acquitted at trial. |
| Dismissed | Charges dropped by the prosecution or court. |
| Deferred Adjudication | Defendant placed on community supervision; if completed, no final conviction is entered. May be eligible for nondisclosure. |
| Nolle Prosequi | The state declines to prosecute. |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Erath
Certified copies carry the official seal and signature of the issuing clerk and are accepted for legal proceedings, background checks, and official purposes.
Where to Request
- District Clerk — Handles felony criminal case records from the district courts.
- County Clerk — Handles misdemeanor criminal case records from the county courts.
- Texas DPS — Issues certified statewide criminal history reports through the Crime Records Division.
How to Submit a Request
- Online — Use the Erath County online services portal to locate case records. Contact the appropriate clerk's office to arrange certified copies.
- In person — Visit the courthouse in Stephenville. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, defendant name, and the documents you need. Include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Contact Information
Erath County District Clerk
Erath County County Clerk
Erath County Sheriff's Office
Identification Required
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- If requesting on behalf of another person, a signed authorization or power of attorney may be required
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Erath
Fees for criminal record copies in Erath County are set by Texas statute (Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 118) and may be updated periodically.
| Service | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Uncertified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 each additional page |
| Texas DPS name-based criminal history search | $3.00 per search (online) |
| Texas DPS fingerprint-based criminal history check | Varies; contact DPS |
Processing Times
- In person — Simple copy requests are often fulfilled the same day, depending on staff availability.
- By mail — Allow 5–10 business days for processing and return mailing.
- Online (DPS) — Name-based searches through the Texas DPS portal typically return results immediately.
Fees are generally payable by cash, check, or money order at the clerk's office. The online DPS portal accepts credit and debit cards. Contact the relevant clerk's office directly to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods, as amounts may change.