King County Criminal Court Records

King County criminal court records are held at the courthouse in Guthrie, one of the least populated counties in Texas with roughly 270 residents. The county combines its District and County Clerk duties into a single small office. Felony and misdemeanor case files are both kept here and are public records under Texas law. Calling ahead before visiting is strongly recommended given the very limited office staffing typical of counties this size. Online access through re:SearchTX is available and is often the most practical first step.

King County District and County Clerk

King County is one of the few remaining Texas counties where a single person may serve as both District Clerk and County Clerk. The office is located on South Baker Street in Guthrie and handles all criminal court records from the district court and county court. This includes felony case files from district court proceedings and misdemeanor records from county court. Both types of records are public and accessible to anyone who requests them.

King County is served by the 50th Judicial District, which it shares with Cottle, Foard, and Knox Counties. Felony cases arising in King County are tried in that court, and the resulting case files are kept by the District Clerk function of the combined office in Guthrie. Given the very small population, the volume of cases is low, and the clerk can typically locate any file by name or cause number with little difficulty. The challenge is mainly logistical: Guthrie is remote, and office staffing is minimal.

Always call the office before driving to Guthrie. Confirm that someone will be available and that the records you need are on hand.

How to Access King County Criminal Records

The re:SearchTX portal from the Texas Office of Court Administration is the most practical first step for most people. It covers district and county court cases statewide, including King County, and is free to use without an account. Enter a name or cause number to get charge details, case status, and hearing information. Given how remote Guthrie is, using this online system before or instead of an in-person visit makes sense for most requests.

The Texas Office of Court Administration provides free public access through re:SearchTX, covering King County court filings alongside records from all other Texas counties.

For statewide criminal history data beyond court records, the Texas DPS Criminal History portal covers arrests and dispositions from agencies across Texas. The self-search is free. Third-party searches carry a small fee. The FAST fingerprint program handles certified results when a higher level of verification is required.

Misdemeanor Cases in King County

Class A and B misdemeanor cases are handled in King County Court, and the same combined clerk's office in Guthrie keeps those records. Because the county population is extremely small, misdemeanor case volume is very low. The clerk can usually locate a case quickly from just a name and rough year. Common charges at this level include DWI first offense, assault causing bodily injury, and theft in lower dollar amounts.

Misdemeanor records follow the same request process as felony records. Call or send a mail request with the defendant's name, time frame, and a description of what you need. Include payment at $1 per page for copies. Class C misdemeanors are handled separately by the Justice of the Peace court and are not part of the combined District/County Clerk's holdings. If you need a Class C record, contact the local JP court.

Arrest Records and Other Sources

The King County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement for the county. Booking records from the local jail are kept by the Sheriff separately from court records. An arrest record shows what was alleged at the time of arrest; whether charges were filed in court and what the outcome was is a separate record held by the clerk. In a county as small as King, most people involved in a case likely know the key facts already, but formal documentation requires going through the clerk or DPS.

The Texas DPS Criminal History portal is the best statewide resource for arrest and conviction data. It covers King County data along with data from all other Texas agencies. The Texas Sex Offender Registry can be searched by county. The TDCJ offender search covers individuals currently or previously held in Texas state corrections facilities, including offense and status information.

What King County Case Files Contain

Criminal case files from the King County clerk contain the documents produced during the court process. Because case volume is low and cases are often straightforward, files may be shorter than in urban counties, but they still follow the same general structure. Typical documents include:

• Indictment or criminal information stating the charge
• Arrest warrant and probable cause affidavit
• Bond paperwork and pretrial release conditions
• Motions from the defense and prosecution
• Court orders ruling on those motions
• Plea agreement or trial record
• Final judgment and sentence
• Community supervision terms if probation was ordered
• Appeal records if applicable

Sealed records are not available to the public. Juvenile records are confidential. Cases expunged under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 will not show up in searches. Ask the clerk if you think a record should exist but cannot find it.

Fees and Requesting Records

Copies from the King County clerk cost $1 per page under Texas law. Certified copies include an additional fee. For mail requests, include the defendant's full name, approximate filing year, what you need, and a check or money order for payment. Because this is an extremely small office, allow extra processing time and follow up by phone if you have not heard back within a week or two.

For free help understanding Texas criminal records or pursuing an expunction, TexasLawHelp.org has clear guides written for non-lawyers. Lone Star Legal Aid serves West Texas and may be able to help with qualifying cases. For a referral to a licensed attorney who handles criminal matters in the area, use the State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service.

Cities in King County

King County has no incorporated cities that meet the threshold for a dedicated records page on this site. Guthrie, the county seat, has a very small population. It is best known as the headquarters of the storied 6666 Ranch. All criminal court records for the county are filed at the courthouse in Guthrie.

Nearby Counties

King County is located in the rolling plains of northwest Texas. Criminal court records for surrounding areas are available at: Knox County, Haskell County, Jones County, Stonewall County, Cottle County, and Foard County.