Hays County Criminal Records
What Is Hays County Criminal Records
Hays County criminal records are official documents created and maintained by various law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities within Hays County, Texas. These records document the criminal justice process from arrest through final disposition of cases. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.083, criminal history record information is maintained by authorized criminal justice agencies for criminal justice and law enforcement purposes.
Criminal records in Hays County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documents created when an individual is taken into custody by the Hays County Sheriff's Office or local police departments within the county
- Court Records: Files maintained by the Hays County District and County Courts detailing case proceedings
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in the Hays County Jail or state correctional facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervision terms and compliance
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody but do not indicate guilt, while conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding. Felony records document more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanor records reflect less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or jail terms under one year.
Adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (individuals under 17 years of age) are sealed under Texas Family Code § 58.003 and require court orders for access. Active warrants represent current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice involvement.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Hays County include:
Hays County Sheriff's Office
1307 Uhland Road
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 393-7800
Hays County Sheriff's Office
Hays County District Clerk
Hays County Government Center
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2211
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 393-7660
Hays County District Clerk
Hays County Clerk
Hays County Government Center
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 393-7330
Hays County Clerk
Are Criminal Records Public In Hays County
Criminal records in Hays County are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act. This statute, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552, establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Section 552.021 of the Texas Government Code states: "Public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision forms the legal basis for public access to criminal records maintained by Hays County agencies.
The following categories of criminal records are typically accessible to the public:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files for adult defendants
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records are restricted from public access under various statutory provisions:
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Expunged records
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Information that would compromise law enforcement operations
- Records containing sensitive personal information protected by privacy laws
The Texas Department of Public Safety, which maintains the statewide criminal history database, restricts complete criminal history information to authorized entities under Texas Government Code § 411.083. However, conviction data is available to the general public through the Department's Criminal History Conviction Database.
At present, members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Hays County must follow established procedures through the appropriate county offices, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, and providing proper identification.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hays County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Hays County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple systems for record retrieval, each serving different purposes within the criminal justice framework.
For in-person requests at the Hays County District Clerk's office, individuals should:
- Visit the District Clerk's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing specific case information when available
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($5.00 search fee plus $1.00 per page for copies)
- Allow processing time, which varies based on request complexity
Hays County District Clerk
Hays County Government Center
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2211
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 393-7660
Hays County District Clerk
For criminal records maintained by the Hays County Sheriff's Office, requesters should:
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a Public Information Request form
- Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, incident date)
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable fees according to the current fee schedule
Hays County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1307 Uhland Road
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 393-7800
Hays County Sheriff's Office
For certified criminal history information from the state repository, individuals may:
- Submit requests to the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Complete the appropriate request form
- Provide fingerprints (required for complete criminal history checks)
- Pay the required fee ($25 for name-based searches, $15 for fingerprint-based searches)
- Allow 7-10 business days for processing
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
P.O. Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
(512) 424-2474
Texas DPS Criminal History Information
Under the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies must respond to requests promptly, typically within 10 business days. Requesters may need to pay fees for record searches and copies as authorized by state law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Hays County Online?
Hays County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
The primary online portal for Hays County court records is the Public Access system:
- Navigate to the Hays County Courts Records portal
- Select the appropriate record type (Criminal Case Records, Jail Records, etc.)
- Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range
- Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information
- Note that some documents may require in-person requests to view
For current jail population information, the Hays County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search tool:
- Visit the Hays County Jail Inmate Search
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review basic custody information including charges, bond amounts, and booking dates
- Note that historical jail records may not be available through this system
The Texas Department of Public Safety offers online access to conviction records through its Criminal History Conviction Database:
- Access the DPS Criminal History Search
- Create a user account if not already registered
- Pay the required fee ($3.00 per name-based search)
- Enter the subject's name and date of birth
- Review conviction information returned from the state repository
For sex offender registration information, the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a searchable database:
- Visit the Texas Public Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name, location, or other criteria
- Review registration information for offenders residing in Hays County
- Access photographs, offense information, and registration status
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. Records that are sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted will not appear in public databases. Additionally, some court documents may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate county office.
Can You Search Hays County Criminal Records for Free?
Hays County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain limitations apply to these no-cost services. Under the Texas Public Information Act, specifically § 552.021, public information must be made available for inspection without charge during normal business hours.
Free in-person inspection of criminal records is available at:
Hays County District Clerk's Office
Hays County Government Center
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2211
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 393-7660
Hays County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Hays County Clerk's Office
Hays County Government Center
712 S. Stagecoach Trail, Suite 2008
San Marcos, TX 78666
(512) 393-7330
Hays County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
While inspection is free, governmental bodies may charge for copies of records according to fee schedules established under Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Chapter 70.
Free online access to limited criminal record information is available through:
- Hays County Courts Records - Provides basic case information including charges, case status, and scheduled court dates for criminal cases filed in Hays County courts
- Hays County Jail Inmate Search - Offers current custody information for individuals detained in the Hays County Jail
- Texas Public Sex Offender Registry - Provides registration information for sex offenders residing in Hays County
These free resources typically provide basic information rather than complete criminal history profiles or court documents. The following limitations apply to free record searches:
- Case documents (motions, orders, judgments) generally require payment for copies
- Certified copies always incur fees
- Background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety require payment
- Extensive research assistance may incur charges
- Records requiring redaction may involve processing fees
Individuals seeking comprehensive criminal history information may need to utilize fee-based services or submit formal requests with applicable payments.
What's Included in a Hays County Criminal Record?
Hays County criminal records contain standardized information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records varies based on the maintaining agency and the nature of the case, but typically includes several categories of information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot photograph (booking photo)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest with statutory citations
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (District Court or County Court)
- Assigned judge
- Charges filed by prosecutor with statutory citations
- Classification of offenses (felony class A-F or misdemeanor class A-C)
- Plea entered
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Court dates and appearances
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict or outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Dismissal information (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly Article 60.01, establishes requirements for criminal history record information maintained by criminal justice agencies in Texas. This statute defines the scope and content of criminal records maintained at both the county and state levels.
It is important to note that juvenile records (for offenders under 17 years of age) contain similar information but are subject to stricter confidentiality provisions under Texas Family Code § 58.005.
How Long Does Hays County Keep Criminal Records?
Hays County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under the Texas State Library and Archives Commission guidelines and the Local Government Records Act. These schedules specify minimum retention periods for various document types within the criminal justice system.
The retention periods for common criminal record documents in Hays County include:
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 5 years after final disposition
- Felony Case Files:
- Capital cases: Permanent
- First and second-degree felonies: 25 years after final disposition
- Third-degree felonies: 10 years after final disposition
- State jail felonies: 5 years after final disposition
- Arrest Records: 5 years from date of arrest
- Jail Records: 5 years after release or transfer of inmate
- Offense Reports:
- Unsolved felonies: Permanent
- Solved felonies: 10 years after case closed
- Misdemeanors: 2 years after case closed
- Criminal Dockets: 5 years
- Probation Records: 5 years after termination of probation
- Grand Jury Records: 3 years
- Exhibits and Evidence: Until final disposition plus applicable retention period
- Expunged Records: Destroyed immediately upon receipt of expungement order
These retention periods represent minimum requirements under Texas Administrative Code Title 13, Chapter 7. In practice, many records are maintained longer, particularly those stored in electronic format. Additionally, records of significant historical value may be preserved permanently regardless of the minimum retention period.
Criminal history information maintained in the statewide repository by the Texas Department of Public Safety is generally retained permanently, though access restrictions may apply to older records or those subject to orders of non-disclosure or expungement.
It is important to note that expunged records are completely removed from public access and destroyed pursuant to court order under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. Records subject to orders of non-disclosure remain in existence but are restricted from public access under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter E-1.