Criminal records in Kendall County, Texas, are public documents that can be accessed through several channels. KendallTXCourt.us allows you to quickly find publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records are available through official state court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the district clerk's office—both online and in person.
How to Search Criminal Records in Kendall
Start your search with KendallTXCourt.us, where you can view publicly available information about county court cases. You will need at least one of the following to search:
- The full name of the individual (preferably the exact spelling)
- Date of birth
- Case number, if known
Online Search via State and County Resources
- Kendall County Official Records Portal — Official Record Search allows you to search by name, date, or document type. It is a convenient tool for checking record availability.
- Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety — through Crime Records, you can order a criminal history check by name (Criminal History Conviction Name Search) or by fingerprints.
- Inmate Search — if the individual is in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice facilities, use the TDCJ online search.
- Sex Offender Registry — the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program maintains a public database of registered individuals.
Texas does not have a unified database for all state court records—each court maintains its own materials. The state library offers a court records search guide that explains where to look depending on the type of case.
In-Person Visit
The District Clerk's office in Kendall County welcomes visitors who wish to view criminal cases. Public terminals for self-search are usually available in the courthouse. Bring identification with you.
Written Request
You can send a request by mail to the District Clerk's office or the DPS Crime Records Division in Austin. Provide the individual's full name, date of birth, and the purpose of the request. A separate fee is charged for a criminal history check through DPS.
Search Kendall Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Texas, the format of a criminal case number typically includes several elements:
- Prefix or letter code — indicates the type of case (e.g., CR for criminal cases).
- Filing year — a two-digit or four-digit number corresponding to the year the case was opened.
- Sequential number — a unique number assigned to the case upon registration.
Example: CR-2024-00345 indicates a criminal case registered in 2024 with sequential number 345. The exact format may vary slightly depending on the court—District Court and County Court may use different numbering schemes. If you are unsure of the format, the court clerk will advise on the correct spelling.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Kendall
When you find a criminal case, it usually displays several key categories of data. Below is an explanation of each.
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Texas Penal Code under which the charges are brought |
| Severity Degree | Felony (serious crime, classes from Capital to State Jail), Misdemeanor (offense, classes A, B, C) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or supplement the initial charges during the proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, and a hearing is scheduled
- Disposed — the case is completed (verdict rendered, closed, or dismissed)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed, and the case is archived
Hearings
Typical stages of a criminal case:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the charges are read to the defendant, and they plead guilty or not guilty.
- Preliminary hearing — the judge determines whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.
- Pre-trial — parties discuss procedural issues and possible agreements.
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty plea or jury verdict.
- Review hearing — checking compliance with punishment conditions (probation, etc.).
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Found not guilty |
| Dismissed | Case closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Acquitted by court or jury |
| Deferred Adjudication | Decision deferred; if conditions are met, the charge may be dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Kendall
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions as legal proof. Here's how to obtain them.
Through the District Clerk's Office
The Kendall County District Clerk is responsible for maintaining records of criminal cases heard in the District Court. To request, you need to:
- Provide the defendant's full name and case number (if known)
- Present valid photo identification
- Complete a request form at the office
The request can be submitted in person or by mail. When mailing, include a copy of your ID and payment.
Through DPS (State Level)
To obtain a complete criminal history of an individual at the state level, contact the Crime Records Division of DPS. Two options are available:
- Name-based search — shows only convictions. The request is submitted online.
- Fingerprint-based check — more comprehensive results, including arrests without convictions. You need to visit an authorized fingerprint collection point.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Kendall
Fees are determined by Texas legislation (including the Texas Government Code and Local Government Code). Below are approximate amounts that may change—check current rates directly with the office.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | Standard rate for uncertified copy |
| Document certification | $5.00 | Per certified document (in addition to copy costs) |
| Criminal History Name Search (DPS, online) | $3.00 | Through DPS portal; shows only convictions |
| Fingerprint-based check (DPS) | $24.95–$38.25 | Depends on the type of check and purpose of the request |
Processing Times
- In-person at the office — copies are usually issued the same day or the next business day.
- Mail request — from 5 to 15 business days, depending on the volume of the request and office workload.
- DPS Name Search (online) — results are received within minutes.
- DPS Fingerprint-based check — usually from 2 to 10 business days.
Payment at the District Clerk's office is accepted in cash, money order, or check. For online requests through DPS, a credit or debit card is required. If you are unsure of the exact amount, call the office before your visit.