Find Criminal Court Records in Matagorda County
Matagorda County criminal court records are held by the District Clerk in Bay City, Texas. The office files and maintains felony criminal case records for the 130th Judicial District, while Class A and B misdemeanor cases are handled through the County Clerk. Residents can search records online through the statewide re:SearchTX system, visit the courthouse on 7th Street in Bay City, or submit a written request by mail. The county also has a County Clerk and Sheriff's Office that maintain related records.
Matagorda County Overview
Matagorda County District Clerk
The Matagorda County District Clerk handles felony criminal case filings for the county. This office is on 7th Street in Bay City and covers cases in the 130th Judicial District. The District Clerk files all documents from the initial indictment through sentencing and any post-conviction proceedings. If you need a felony case record from Matagorda County, this is the right office to contact.
The District Clerk also handles expunction petitions under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. Staff can confirm whether a record has been expunged or sealed before you make a formal request for documents. For mail requests, call ahead to get the current fee schedule and the preferred format for written records requests.
The Matagorda County District Clerk's official page is the primary source for contact information and local procedures for district court records.
The District Clerk maintains the official record of all felony criminal cases filed in Matagorda County.
| Office | Matagorda County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1700 7th Street Bay City, TX 77414 |
| Phone | (979) 244-7681 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search Matagorda County Criminal Records
The re:SearchTX portal is the best place to start for a free online search. It covers Matagorda County district court filings and lets you search by name, cause number, or attorney. The portal is run by the Texas Office of Court Administration and does not require an account. Results include case status, charge details, and documents on file.
The re:SearchTX portal, the statewide court search system, gives public access to Matagorda County criminal case records at no cost.
The portal is updated as new filings are submitted by the clerk and covers cases across all Texas district courts.
The Texas DPS Criminal History Search provides a name-based statewide report for $3. For a certified, fingerprint-based background check, the FAST program through DPS gives definitive results linked to a specific person. To search in person, go to the District Clerk office at 1700 7th Street in Bay City with a photo ID.
Matagorda County Misdemeanor Records
Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases in Matagorda County go through the county court. The County Clerk maintains these records. Charges handled at this level include DWI first offense, assault causing bodily injury, and certain theft offenses. The District Clerk and County Clerk are separate offices in Matagorda County, so you need to contact the right one depending on the type of case you are looking for.
The Matagorda County Clerk's office handles county court criminal records and can be found at the same courthouse complex in Bay City.
The County Clerk maintains Class A and B misdemeanor case files in addition to other county court records.
Class C misdemeanors are handled separately at the justice of the peace and municipal court level. Those records are not held by the District or County Clerk. Contact the specific JP precinct or city court where the case was filed if you need a Class C record from Matagorda County.
Matagorda County Arrest Records
The Matagorda County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement across the county and maintains local booking records. An arrest record from the sheriff shows the person's name, the charges at booking, the booking date, and identifying details. Booking records are separate from court case files. An arrest does not mean conviction, and only the court record shows the final outcome.
The Matagorda County Sheriff's Office website has contact and additional information for arrest and booking inquiries.
The Sheriff's Office is the primary source for local arrest and booking records in Matagorda County.
For state-level searches, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offender search covers people in state custody or recently released. The Texas sex offender registry lists registered offenders by name and county statewide. Both are free and available online.
What Matagorda County Criminal Records Contain
Criminal case files in Matagorda County build from the initial charge through the final disposition. The file reflects every major step in the case. Here is what these records typically include:
- Indictment or information with formal charges
- Arrest warrant or capias documents
- Bond conditions and release orders
- Motions from both the defense and prosecution
- Judge's orders and written rulings
- Plea agreement if the case was resolved by plea
- Final judgment and sentencing documents
- Probation or community supervision conditions
These records are generally public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Juvenile records, sealed records, and expunged records are not available to the public. The clerk can tell you whether a record is restricted before you submit a formal request.
Fees and Access in Matagorda County
Standard copy fees at the Matagorda County District Clerk are $1 per page. Certified copies require an additional $5 certification fee. For mail requests, use a money order. Call (979) 244-7681 before mailing to confirm current fees and the correct process. The re:SearchTX portal is free. The DPS name-based search costs $3. Court forms are available free at txcourts.gov/rules-forms.
For legal help with criminal record issues, the Matagorda County District Attorney's office handles prosecution, while free resources are available for those on the other side of a case.
The District Attorney prosecutes criminal cases in Matagorda County and can be a useful contact for understanding the status of active cases.
For self-help legal guidance, TexasLawHelp.org provides free resources on expunctions and record access. The Texas Bar Find-A-Lawyer directory lists licensed attorneys by county. Lone Star Legal Aid may assist eligible low-income residents with civil matters tied to criminal records.
Cities in Matagorda County
Bay City is the county seat and the largest city in Matagorda County. Other communities in the county include Palacios, Markham, and Blessing. None of these cities meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. All criminal court cases filed in Matagorda County are processed through the courts in Bay City.
Nearby Counties
Matagorda County is on the Texas Gulf Coast, southeast of Houston. Neighboring counties with their own court systems include Brazoria County, Fort Bend County, Wharton County, Jackson County, and Calhoun County.