Find Hockley County Criminal Court Records
Hockley County criminal court records are filed and maintained at the courthouse in Levelland, Texas. This South Plains county processes criminal cases through a district court that also covers neighboring counties. The District Clerk keeps all felony case records, while the County Clerk maintains Class A and B misdemeanor files. Both record types are searchable online through the re:SearchTX portal, or you can call or visit the Levelland courthouse directly to request documents and case information.
Hockley County Overview
Hockley County District Clerk
The Hockley County District Clerk maintains all felony criminal court records for the county. Every document in a felony case, from indictment to final judgment, is filed with this office. Cases from Levelland, Sundown, Smyer, and all other parts of Hockley County are handled here. Hockley County is part of the 286th Judicial District, which serves multiple South Plains counties.
The combined District and County Clerk arrangement is common in smaller Texas counties. In Hockley County, it is worth confirming with the courthouse which office handles which record type, since small-county arrangements sometimes differ from the standard pattern. Call (806) 894-8525 to confirm before making a trip if you are coming from outside the area.
Expunction petitions for Hockley County felony records are filed with the District Court through this office. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure sets out the eligibility rules and process steps. Review the statute or talk with a licensed attorney to determine whether your situation qualifies before filing.
| Office | Hockley County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 802 Houston Street Levelland, TX 79336 |
| Phone | (806) 894-8525 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search Hockley County Criminal Records
The re:SearchTX portal is the primary free online tool for finding Hockley County criminal cases. Search by defendant name or cause number. Results show charge details, case status, scheduled hearings, and documents. Both district court and county court criminal cases are included in the statewide portal.
The Texas Office of Court Administration operates re:SearchTX. Hockley County records are part of the statewide feed and update as the clerk processes case activity. This is usually the fastest way to check whether a case is pending, resolved, or has certain documents available.
The re:SearchTX portal is the free public gateway to Hockley County criminal court records provided by the Texas Office of Court Administration.
For a statewide criminal history check beyond individual court filings, the Texas DPS Criminal History portal pulls arrest and conviction data from all Texas counties. Self-searches are free. Third-party searches require a fee. Certified fingerprint-based reports for official purposes go through the FAST program.
Hockley County Misdemeanor Court Records
Class A and B misdemeanor cases in Hockley County are filed in the County Court and maintained by the County Clerk. Common charges include first-offense DWI, assault, lower-level drug possession, and theft. The County Clerk's office is at the Levelland courthouse. Re:SearchTX covers county court criminal cases, so you can search for misdemeanor records through the same portal you use for felony records.
Class C misdemeanor cases for unincorporated areas are handled by Hockley County Justice of the Peace courts. Levelland and other incorporated cities have their own municipal courts for Class C city violations. Those records are not part of the County Clerk's holdings and are not in re:SearchTX. Contact the relevant JP or municipal court for that information.
Arrest Records and Criminal History Sources
The Hockley County Sheriff's Office manages law enforcement for unincorporated parts of the county and operates the county jail. The Levelland Police Department and Sundown Police Department also make arrests in their jurisdictions. For recent booking information, the Sheriff's Office is the right first contact.
The Texas DPS Criminal History portal pulls together statewide arrest and disposition records from all Texas agencies, including Hockley County. Self-searches are free. Third-party searches require payment. Certified results for licensing and official purposes are available through the FAST fingerprint program.
The Texas Sex Offender Registry lists registered sex offenders in Hockley County by name, offense, and location. The TDCJ offender search covers persons currently or previously held in Texas state prison following a Hockley County or other Texas conviction.
What Hockley County Criminal Case Files Contain
Hockley County criminal case files include all documents from charging through case resolution. The file may be thin or extensive depending on how the case proceeded. Typical contents include:
- Grand jury indictment or criminal information
- Arrest warrant and probable cause affidavit
- Bond and release conditions
- Pretrial motions and court orders
- Plea agreement if the case resolved by plea
- Trial records for contested cases
- Judgment and sentence
- Community supervision or probation terms
- Restitution and fine orders
- Appellate filings if applicable
Records expunged under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, sealed files, and juvenile records are not available to the public. If a record does not show up in the system, ask the clerk if a restriction applies.
Fees and How to Request Hockley County Records
Standard copies from the Hockley County District Clerk cost $1 per page. Certified copies carry an added fee for the certification. Looking at the document list in re:SearchTX before you request copies helps you order only what you need and avoid paying for unnecessary pages.
Mail requests should include the defendant's name, cause number if available, approximate year, documents requested, and a check for the estimated amount. In-person requests at 802 Houston Street in Levelland are handled at the counter.
TexasLawHelp.org provides free guides on expunctions and non-disclosures. Lone Star Legal Aid may assist qualifying South Plains residents with criminal record matters. The Texas Bar referral service can connect you with a licensed attorney in the West Texas region.
Cities in Hockley County
Hockley County is a South Plains county west of Lubbock. Levelland is the county seat and largest city. Sundown and Smyer are other small communities in the county. No cities in Hockley County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All criminal court records for Hockley County addresses are filed at the courthouse in Levelland.
Nearby Counties
Hockley County borders several West Texas counties. Criminal court records for nearby residents are filed at: Lubbock County, Lamb County, Cochran County, Yoakum County, Terry County, and Lynn County.