Search Sterling County Criminal Court Records
Sterling County criminal court records are filed through a combined District and County Clerk office in Sterling City, Texas. Because Sterling County is one of the least populated counties in the state, a single clerk handles both felony records from the 51st Judicial District and misdemeanor records from the county court. You can access case files in person at the courthouse or through free state online tools.
Sterling County Overview
Sterling County District Clerk
Sterling County uses a combined clerk office that serves as both District Clerk and County Clerk. The office is located at 609 4th Street in Sterling City, Texas 76951. The phone number is (325) 378-5191. This single office handles all criminal case filings for both the district court (felony matters) and the county court (misdemeanor matters). It is a small office, so calling ahead is always a good idea before making a trip.
The 51st Judicial District covers Sterling County along with Tom Green, Coke, and Menard counties. Felony indictments from Sterling County are processed through this combined clerk's office. Case files include the charging document, all filed motions, court orders, and final disposition records. These are public and can be copied for $1 per page.
| Office | Sterling County District/County Clerk (Combined) |
|---|---|
| Address | 609 4th Street, Sterling City, TX 76951 |
| Phone | (325) 378-5191 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search Sterling County Criminal Records
The re:SearchTX portal is a free state system that covers district and county court records. You can search by name or cause number to see case filings, hearing dates, charges, and current status. Sterling County records that have been submitted to the state system should appear here, though very rural counties sometimes have limited online data for older cases.
The re:SearchTX portal provides free public access to Sterling County criminal case records. The portal shows case status, charges, hearing dates, and documents filed in district court.
For a full certified Texas criminal history report, visit the DPS Criminal History portal. Name-based searches cost $3. If a fingerprint-based report is needed, the FAST fingerprint program can help you find a nearby authorized site.
Sterling County Misdemeanor Records
In Sterling County, the combined clerk office also handles all county court matters, including Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases. This is common in small Texas counties where the caseload doesn't warrant two separate offices. DWI cases, minor assault, and theft charges at the misdemeanor level all go through this same combined office.
Because the same staff handles both district and county records, a single phone call to (325) 378-5191 can get you information on either type of case. You can request copies in person at the courthouse in Sterling City. The copy fee is $1 per page, and certified copies carry a $5 surcharge. Check re:SearchTX first to see if the case is already in the online system before making the drive out.
Sterling County Arrest Records
The Sterling County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. Booking records from arrests made by the sheriff are available by request. These records note the date of arrest, the charge or charges, and basic identifying information for the person booked. An arrest record does not mean a conviction resulted. If a case was later dismissed or the person was acquitted, that outcome should also appear in the court file.
Statewide offender data is searchable through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate and parolee search. The Texas Sex Offender Registry shows registered offenders by location, including Sterling County, and is maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
What Sterling County Criminal Records Contain
Criminal records filed in Sterling County are public documents under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. The public has a right to inspect and copy most court records without needing to state a reason. Records sealed by court order or involving juveniles are not available.
A criminal case file in Sterling County typically includes:
- The indictment or information (formal charges)
- Defendant's full name, date of birth, and cause number
- Offense description and charge class or degree
- All filed motions and court orders
- Hearing dates and judge assignments
- Plea entered and verdict reached
- Final sentence or dismissal order
Expunged records are removed from public access. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 sets the rules for who qualifies for expunction and how the process works. If a record has been expunged, it will not appear in public searches or in the DPS history database.
Fees and Accessing Records
Searching re:SearchTX costs nothing. The DPS name-based search is $3. Paper copies from the combined clerk office are $1 per page. Certified copies add a $5 fee. Walk-in requests at the Sterling City courthouse are handled during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
Legal help is available even in rural counties. Lone Star Legal Aid provides free legal services to eligible low-income Texans across the state. The Texas Bar Find-A-Lawyer tool can help you find a licensed attorney. Self-help resources including court forms are available at TexasLawHelp.org and through the Texas Courts forms page.
Cities in Sterling County
Sterling City is the only incorporated community in Sterling County and serves as the county seat. The courthouse and combined clerk office are located there. No communities in Sterling County meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Sterling County is surrounded by Tom Green County, Coke County, Glasscock County, Mitchell County, and Runnels County.