Franklin County Criminal Court Records
Franklin County criminal court records are kept at the courthouse in Mount Vernon, Texas. This small East Texas county processes criminal cases through a single district court that also serves neighboring counties. The District Clerk maintains felony case files and the County Clerk holds Class A and B misdemeanor records. Both types of records can be searched online through the statewide re:SearchTX portal, or you can contact the Mount Vernon courthouse directly for case information and document copies.
Franklin County Overview
Franklin County District Clerk
The Franklin County District Clerk is the official keeper of all felony criminal court records in the county. The office files and tracks every document in each felony case, from the grand jury indictment through the final judgment and any appeals. Franklin County is served by the 8th Judicial District, which also covers Hopkins, Delta, and Rains counties. Cases originating anywhere in Franklin County, including the Mount Vernon area and rural communities, go through this court.
Because Franklin County is small, the District Clerk's office handles a modest caseload compared to larger Texas counties. Staff can often assist with specific case lookups by phone. It is still a good idea to have the defendant's full name and an approximate year for the case before you call. If the case is in the re:SearchTX system, that is faster than a phone inquiry for basic information.
Expunction requests for Franklin County felony records are filed with this office. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 governs who qualifies to have a record expunged and what the process requires. For non-disclosure petitions on certain misdemeanors, you would file with the appropriate court as well.
| Office | Franklin County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 N. Kaufman Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457 |
| Phone | (903) 537-4256 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search Franklin County Criminal Records
The re:SearchTX portal is the primary free tool for searching Franklin County criminal court records online. You can look up cases by defendant name or cause number. The portal shows charge details, case status, scheduled hearings, and scanned documents in most cases. Franklin County's district court records are included in the statewide system.
The Texas Office of Court Administration operates re:SearchTX as a public service. Franklin County case data is part of the statewide feed and updates as the clerk's office processes filings.
The re:SearchTX portal provides free online access to Franklin County criminal court case records through the Texas Office of Court Administration.
The Texas DPS Criminal History portal is a separate resource that compiles arrest and conviction data from across Texas. Self-searches are free. Third-party name-based searches require a fee. Certified reports for official purposes are obtained through the FAST fingerprint program.
Franklin County Misdemeanor Court Records
Class A and B misdemeanor cases in Franklin County are filed in the County Court at Law. The Franklin County Clerk maintains those records. Common charges at this level include first-offense DWI, assault causing bodily injury, and theft within certain value ranges. In smaller counties like Franklin, the County Clerk and District Clerk may share office space at the courthouse, though they are separate positions with distinct record-keeping duties.
Class C misdemeanor cases are handled by Justice of the Peace courts for unincorporated areas and by the City of Mount Vernon's municipal court for city violations. Those records are separate from what the County Clerk maintains and are not included in re:SearchTX. You would need to contact the JP court or the municipal court directly.
Arrest Records and Criminal History Sources
The Franklin County Sheriff's Office handles most law enforcement and booking activity in the county. The sheriff's office maintains jail intake records for Franklin County. The Mount Vernon Police Department also makes arrests within city limits and has its own records. Booking data eventually flows into state databases, but the Sheriff's Office is the best first contact for recent arrest information.
The Texas DPS Criminal History portal aggregates arrest and disposition records from all Texas counties, including Franklin. Self-searches are free. Third-party searches carry a fee. Certified fingerprint-based results are available through the FAST program.
The Texas Sex Offender Registry lists registered sex offenders in Franklin County by name, offense, and location. You can search by county or ZIP code. The TDCJ offender search covers individuals currently or previously incarcerated in a Texas state prison following a Franklin County or other Texas conviction.
What Franklin County Criminal Case Files Contain
Franklin County criminal case files hold all the paperwork generated from the time a charge is filed through the final resolution of the case. The size of the file varies depending on whether the case was resolved by a quick plea or went to a full trial. Typical documents include:
- Grand jury indictment or criminal information
- Arrest warrant and supporting affidavit
- Bond paperwork and conditions of release
- Motions filed by both sides and rulings by the court
- Plea agreement if the case resolved that way
- Trial records including jury selection and verdict
- Judgment and sentence
- Community supervision or probation conditions
- Restitution and fine orders
- Appellate filings if the case was appealed
Records sealed by court order, juvenile files, and records expunged under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure are not public. If a record does not appear in the online system, check directly with the clerk about possible access restrictions.
Fees and How to Request Franklin County Records
Standard copy fees from the Franklin County District Clerk are $1 per page. Certified copies cost more because of the certification stamp and signature. For large or complex case files, checking the document list in re:SearchTX first helps you order only what you need.
Mail requests to the Franklin County courthouse should include the defendant's full name, cause number if you have it, the approximate year, and which documents you need, along with a check for the estimated amount. In-person requests at 200 N. Kaufman Street in Mount Vernon are handled at the counter. Same-day processing is typical for straightforward copy requests.
TexasLawHelp.org has free guides on expunctions and non-disclosures under Texas law. For low-income residents of East Texas, Lone Star Legal Aid may provide assistance with criminal record matters. The Texas Bar referral service connects people with licensed attorneys who handle criminal defense and record-sealing cases in the region.
Cities in Franklin County
Franklin County is a small rural county in Northeast Texas. Mount Vernon is the county seat and the largest community in the county. Other communities include Winnsboro (which also extends into Wood County) and several small towns and rural areas. No cities in Franklin County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All criminal court records for Franklin County addresses are filed in Mount Vernon.
Nearby Counties
Franklin County is surrounded by other Northeast Texas counties. Criminal court records for residents of nearby areas are filed at: Titus County, Morris County, Upshur County, Wood County, Hopkins County, and Camp County.