Aransas County Criminal Court Records
Aransas County criminal court records are maintained at the courthouse in Rockport, Texas. The District Clerk's office at 301 N. Live Oak Street stores felony case records and handles public records requests. You can search for Aransas County criminal cases using the statewide re:SearchTX portal for free, visit the courthouse in person, or submit a written request by mail. This page explains what records are kept, which office has them, and how to get copies.
Aransas County Overview
Aransas County District Clerk
The Aransas County District Clerk maintains all felony criminal court records for the county. Cases from the 36th Judicial District Court are filed and stored in this office. The clerk handles indictments, motions, judgments, and all related documents. The office is open to the public at 301 N. Live Oak Street in Rockport during regular business hours.
Requests for records can be made in person or by mail. To search for a case, you need the full name of the defendant or the cause number. Staff can look up records and provide copies for the standard fee. For expunction petitions under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, filings are also made with the District Clerk in Aransas County.
| Office | Aransas County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 301 N. Live Oak Street Rockport, TX 78382 |
| Phone | (361) 790-0128 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search Aransas County Criminal Records
The re:SearchTX portal provides free public access to Aransas County criminal case records from the Texas court system. The portal shows case status, charges, hearing dates, and documents filed in district court. It is available around the clock with no registration required.
Re:SearchTX is the best free option for checking Aransas County criminal cases online. You can search by last name or cause number. The portal shows whether a case is open or closed, what charges were filed, and when hearings were scheduled. For a broader statewide check, the DPS Criminal History name-based search covers records from across Texas for a $3 fee.
In-person searches at the courthouse in Rockport are available during business hours. Bring a valid ID and the name of the person you are searching. Mail requests should include the subject's full name, approximate case year, and payment for copies. Call (361) 790-0128 to ask about the process before sending anything.
Aransas County Misdemeanor Records
Class A and B misdemeanor cases in Aransas County are filed with the County Clerk, who also handles county court records. These include offenses like misdemeanor DWI, assault causing bodily injury, and petty theft. The county court at law handles these cases, and the County Clerk maintains the files.
To get misdemeanor records in Aransas County, contact the County Clerk's office at the Aransas County courthouse in Rockport. Class C misdemeanors are handled at the justice of the peace and municipal court level and are not part of the County Clerk's records. If you need a Class C record, you would contact the specific JP court or city court that handled the case.
Note: Call the Aransas County courthouse at (361) 790-0128 to be routed to the correct clerk's office for the type of records you need.
Aransas County Arrest Records
The Aransas County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and the county jail log. Arrest records capture the name, charge, date, and booking information for each person taken into custody. These records are created at the time of arrest and are separate from court case records. An arrest does not mean guilt, and court records show what happened after the arrest.
The TDCJ offender search is a free tool for finding information on people currently in Texas state prisons or recently released. The Texas sex offender registry is another public resource showing people required to register in Aransas County. Both are searchable online at no cost through the state's DPS website.
What Aransas County Criminal Records Contain
Criminal case files in Aransas County follow the standard Texas court record format. The District Clerk holds felony records and the County Clerk holds misdemeanor records. Both types of files typically include the charging document, court orders, and a final judgment once the case ends.
Documents commonly found in an Aransas County criminal case file include:
- Indictment or criminal information
- Arrest warrant and supporting affidavit
- Bond documents and release conditions
- Plea agreements or trial records
- Judge's orders and rulings
- Final judgment and sentence
- Probation terms if ordered
Most of these records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Juvenile records, sealed records, and expunged cases are not publicly available. If a record has been expunged under Chapter 55 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, all public agencies are required to destroy or return it and may not disclose it.
Fees and Record Access
Standard copy fees in Aransas County are $1 per page for plain copies. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $5 certification fee. You can request copies in person at the courthouse or by mail with payment included. The free re:SearchTX portal gives you case-level information without any cost.
The DPS name-based search costs $3 and covers records statewide. Court forms for expunction and other filings are available free at txcourts.gov. Contact the District Clerk at (361) 790-0128 to confirm the current fee schedule before mailing a request.
Legal Resources in Aransas County
Lone Star Legal Aid serves South Texas including Aransas County. They provide free civil legal help to eligible residents and may assist with expunction petitions and record-related matters. Check their website for current eligibility requirements and services available in your area.
To find a licensed attorney in the Rockport area, use the Texas Bar Find-A-Lawyer directory. Self-help legal guides covering criminal records and expunctions are available at TexasLawHelp.org. The Texas Public Information Act outlines your right to request public records from government agencies in Aransas County.
Cities in Aransas County
Rockport is the county seat and main city in Aransas County. All criminal court cases filed in the county are processed through the Aransas County courts in Rockport.
Other communities in Aransas County include Fulton, Holiday Beach, and Lamar. All criminal matters for these communities are handled through the Aransas County courthouse in Rockport.
Nearby Counties
Aransas County sits along the Texas Gulf Coast. Nearby counties have their own courts and clerk offices. If a case was handled in a neighboring area, check with San Patricio County or Refugio County.