Search Tyler County Criminal Court Records
Tyler County criminal court records are filed with the District Clerk in Woodville, Texas, covering felony cases heard in the 1st and 88th Judicial District Courts. This page covers Tyler County, an East Texas county with its seat in Woodville -- not the city of Tyler, which is in Smith County. You can look up cases through the free re:SearchTX system, visit the clerk in person, or send a written request by mail.
Tyler County Overview
Tyler County District Clerk
The Tyler County District Clerk in Woodville is the official keeper of felony criminal case records for the county. The 1st and 88th Judicial District Courts both serve Tyler County. The district clerk files and stores all documents generated in district court proceedings, from the initial indictment through sentencing and any post-conviction filings. If you need a copy of a felony case record, this is where to start.
The clerk can search by defendant name or by cause number. When visiting, bring a photo ID and as much information as you have about the case. Mail requests should include a description of the record, the full name of the person involved, an estimated case year, and payment for any copy fees. The clerk at (409) 283-2162 can confirm whether a record is available before you send payment.
| Office | Tyler County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 W. Bluff Street Woodville, TX 75979 |
| Phone | (409) 283-2162 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search Tyler County Criminal Records
The re:SearchTX portal is the go-to free tool for Tyler County criminal case searches. The Texas Office of Court Administration runs the system. You enter a name or cause number, and the results show the court, charge, filing date, and case status. No account is required. This works for district court felony cases and many county court misdemeanor cases.
The Texas Judicial Branch maintains the re:SearchTX system at research.txcourts.gov, and it covers courts across the state including Tyler County.
The portal is a solid starting point, but it may not cover every older case or every court type. For a complete picture, you may need to follow up with the clerk directly for records that predate the portal's coverage.
The Texas DPS Criminal History Search costs $3 per search and pulls statewide criminal history by name. For a more precise result tied to a specific person, the FAST fingerprint program is available. In-person searches can be done at the Tyler County District Clerk office at 100 W. Bluff Street in Woodville during regular hours.
Misdemeanor Records in Tyler County
Misdemeanor records in Tyler County are handled by the Tyler County Clerk, a separate office from the District Clerk. The county court handles Class A and B misdemeanor cases. Examples of Class A and B charges include DWI, theft, and assault. The county clerk office at the Woodville courthouse maintains these records and can provide copies upon request.
Class C misdemeanors are not held by the county clerk. Those cases go through the justice of the peace courts and municipal courts in Tyler County. If you need a Class C record such as a minor traffic offense, contact the JP court for the precinct where the case was heard. The county clerk can direct you to the right precinct if you are not sure. Do not confuse Tyler County with the city of Tyler in Smith County, they are separate jurisdictions with no connection to each other's records.
Tyler County Arrest Records
The Tyler County Sheriff's Office books individuals arrested in the county and creates arrest records at the time of booking. Those records include the name, charges at the time of arrest, date, and other booking information. Arrest records reflect what was alleged at booking and are not the same as court case files. A booking record does not show whether charges were filed or how the case ended.
To ask about recent arrests or current inmates, contact the Tyler County Sheriff's Office directly. For people in state custody, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offender search is a free online tool. Registered sex offenders in Tyler County and across the state can be found through the Texas DPS sex offender registry, which is searchable by name, county, or zip code at no cost.
What Tyler County Criminal Records Contain
A criminal case file in Tyler County includes documents created throughout the life of the case. The file starts with the charging document and builds from there as hearings occur, motions are filed, and the court issues orders. Most of these records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, the Public Information Act.
Typical items found in a Tyler County criminal case file:
- Indictment or information setting out the formal charges
- Arrest and booking paperwork
- Bond setting orders and conditions of release
- Pre-trial motions from both sides
- Court orders and rulings
- Plea documents if applicable
- Judgment and sentence
- Probation conditions if ordered
Records that have been expunged under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are removed from public access and cannot be disclosed. Juvenile records and sealed files are also off limits. If you are not sure whether a record is restricted, ask the clerk before making a formal request.
Fees and Access in Tyler County
Standard copy fees at Tyler County clerk offices are $1 per page for plain copies. Certified copies add a certification fee on top of the per-page charge, typically $5. For mail requests, include a money order and a written description of the record you need. In-person visitors can pay by cash or check at the courthouse.
The re:SearchTX portal is free and open to anyone. The DPS name-based search costs $3. Court forms can be downloaded free at txcourts.gov. Call the district clerk at (409) 283-2162 to confirm exact fees before sending a mail request.
For legal help in Tyler County, Lone Star Legal Aid serves East Texas and provides free civil legal help to eligible residents. TexasLawHelp.org has guides on expunctions, nondisclosures, and public access to court files. If you need a private attorney, search the Texas Bar Find-A-Lawyer directory by county and practice area.
Cities in Tyler County
Woodville is the county seat and the main community in Tyler County. The county also includes small towns such as Colmesneil, Spurger, and Chester. None of these communities reach the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
All criminal court cases in Tyler County are processed through the courts in Woodville. The District Clerk and County Clerk offices at the Woodville courthouse serve the entire county.
Nearby Counties
Tyler County is in the Piney Woods of Southeast Texas. Neighboring counties each maintain their own courts and record systems. If you need records from a nearby area, check with Hardin County, Jasper County, Polk County, or San Jacinto County.