Criminal Court Records in Armstrong County

Armstrong County criminal court records are maintained by the combined District and County Clerk office in Claude, Texas. This one office manages both felony and misdemeanor case files for the county. You can search Armstrong County criminal records through the re:SearchTX portal at no cost, visit the courthouse at 100 Trice Street in person, or call the clerk's office to ask about a specific case. This page explains where records are kept, what they contain, and how to request copies.

Armstrong County District and County Clerk

Armstrong County is one of the smaller Texas counties, and it operates with a single combined clerk office that handles both district court and county court functions. All criminal court records, from felony indictments to misdemeanor case files, are held at the courthouse at 100 Trice Street in Claude. The combined clerk is the single point of contact for records requests, case status questions, and document copies.

The 251st Judicial District covers the Panhandle region including Armstrong County. Felony cases are heard in the district court and maintained by the combined clerk. For legal matters like expunction petitions under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, you file with the combined clerk in Claude. Staff can search by defendant name or cause number.

How to Search Armstrong County Criminal Records

The re:SearchTX portal provides free public access to Armstrong County criminal case records from the Texas court system. The portal shows case status, charges, hearing dates, and documents filed in district court. You can use it any time without creating an account.

Re:SearchTX lets you search by name or cause number. The system is maintained by the Texas Office of Court Administration and is updated regularly. Results include court assignment, charge description, filing date, and case status. For a broader statewide search, you can use the DPS Criminal History name-based search for $3.

For in-person requests, visit the courthouse in Claude. The combined clerk's office is at 100 Trice Street. Bring the name of the person you are searching and call ahead at (806) 226-2081 to confirm office hours. Mail requests should include the subject's full name, approximate year of case, and payment for any copies needed.

Armstrong County Misdemeanor Records

Misdemeanor criminal records in Armstrong County are held by the combined clerk's office along with felony records. Class A and B misdemeanor cases go through the county court level and are maintained in the same office. This includes charges like misdemeanor assault, DWI, and theft cases below felony thresholds.

Class C misdemeanors are handled separately at the justice of the peace level. Those records are not part of the combined clerk's system. If you need a Class C record, contact the JP court directly. For help figuring out which level handled a specific case, call the combined clerk at (806) 226-2081 and describe what you are looking for.

Note: Armstrong County is small, and the combined clerk office may have limited staffing. Calling ahead is recommended before making a trip to Claude.

Armstrong County Arrest Records

Arrest records in Armstrong County are maintained by the county sheriff's office. When someone is taken into custody, the sheriff creates a booking record with the person's name, charges at arrest, and date of custody. These records are separate from the case file at the clerk's office. You can contact the Armstrong County Sheriff to ask about recent arrests or jail records.

For people who are currently incarcerated in Texas state prison or who have served time with TDCJ, the TDCJ offender search tool is free and available online. The Texas sex offender registry lets you search for registered offenders by name or location, including Armstrong County.

What Armstrong County Criminal Records Contain

Criminal case files in Armstrong County follow the same structure used across Texas. The combined clerk's office stores all documents from both the district and county courts. Each case file begins with the charging document and grows as the case moves through the system.

A typical Armstrong County criminal case file includes:

• Grand jury indictment or criminal information
• Arrest warrant and supporting affidavit
• Bond and pretrial release documents
• Motions and court orders
• Plea agreement or trial transcript references
• Judgment and sentence
• Probation conditions if ordered

Most criminal case records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Sealed records, juvenile cases, and expunged records are not available to the public. When a case is expunged under Chapter 55 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, the clerk must destroy or return the records. No public access is allowed to those files after expunction.

Fees and Access in Armstrong County

Copies of criminal records in Armstrong County cost $1 per page. Certified copies add a $5 certification fee. You can request copies in person or by mail. Payment should be included with mail requests. Contact the clerk at (806) 226-2081 to ask about the payment process before sending anything by mail.

The re:SearchTX portal is free for online case searches. The DPS name-based criminal history search costs $3 per inquiry and covers courts statewide. Forms for expunctions and other filings are available free at txcourts.gov.

Legal Resources in Armstrong County

Armstrong County residents can contact Lone Star Legal Aid for free legal assistance if they qualify based on income. Lone Star covers parts of the Texas Panhandle and may be able to help with expunction petitions and other criminal record matters. Check their website for current coverage areas and service availability.

The Texas Bar Find-A-Lawyer directory can help you locate a licensed attorney in the region. Free self-help guides on criminal records and expunctions are available at TexasLawHelp.org. More information about your rights when requesting public records is available through the Texas Public Information Act.

Cities in Armstrong County

Claude is the only incorporated city in Armstrong County and serves as the county seat. All criminal cases filed in the county are processed through the courts in Claude.

Armstrong County is a rural Panhandle county. All criminal court matters for residents throughout the county are handled at the courthouse in Claude, Texas.

Nearby Counties

Armstrong County sits in the Texas Panhandle. Neighboring counties include Randall County, Potter County, Donley County, and Briscoe County. Each has its own courts and clerk's office.