Ward County Criminal Court Records
Ward County criminal court records are available through the District Clerk and County Clerk offices in Monahans, Texas. The 143rd Judicial District Court handles all felony cases in Ward County, while misdemeanor matters go through the county court. Both offices maintain public records that can be accessed in person at the courthouse or through the state's free online search tools.
Ward County Overview
Ward County District Clerk
The Ward County District Clerk is located at 400 E. Florida Street in Monahans, TX 79756. You can reach the office by phone at (432) 943-3294. The District Clerk maintains all felony criminal case files for the 143rd Judicial District. These records include grand jury indictments, filed motions, orders from the bench, and the final judgment or disposition for each case.
Felony charges processed through this court range from state jail felonies to first-degree felonies, depending on the nature of the offense. Records are indexed by defendant name and cause number, making them relatively easy to locate if you have either piece of information. Staff can pull files for in-person viewing or provide paper copies for a fee. Ward County's location in the Permian Basin oil patch region means the court sees a variety of criminal case types.
| Office | Ward County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 400 E. Florida Street, Monahans, TX 79756 |
| Phone | (432) 943-3294 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | wardcountytexas.org |
How to Search Ward County Criminal Records
The re:SearchTX portal is the best free starting point. This state-run system lets you search Ward County district and county court records by party name or cause number. You can view case status, filed documents, charge details, and scheduled hearings. It is available at no cost and does not require registration to use.
The re:SearchTX portal provides free public access to Ward County criminal case records. The portal shows case status, charges, hearing dates, and documents filed in district court.
To get a certified Texas criminal history report, use the DPS Criminal History portal. A name-based search is $3. If you need fingerprint verification, the FAST fingerprint program provides a list of authorized sites where you can submit prints for processing.
Ward County Misdemeanor Records
Misdemeanor criminal cases in Ward County are heard in the County Court at Law. The Ward County Clerk files and keeps records for these proceedings. Class A misdemeanors include offenses like assault causing bodily injury and theft of property valued between $750 and $2,500. Class B misdemeanors cover first-offense DWI, possession of small amounts of marijuana, and similar charges.
You can request misdemeanor case files from the County Clerk's office at the courthouse in Monahans. The phone number and building are the same county government complex. Copy fees are $1 per page, and certification adds $5. The re:SearchTX portal may also show county court cases, depending on how Ward County submits its data to the state system.
Ward County Arrest Records
The Ward County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the county, including the communities of Monahans, Pyote, Barstow, and Grandfalls. Booking records from arrests made by the sheriff are available upon request and document the date of arrest, the charges, and the defendant's identifying information. Note that an arrest record is not proof of guilt. Many arrests result in charges being reduced or dismissed at a later stage.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice maintains an online tool for searching current and former inmates. The Texas Sex Offender Registry is also available online and includes offenders registered in Ward County. Both tools are free to use.
What Ward County Criminal Records Contain
Criminal court records in Ward County are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. Any member of the public can request to view or copy most criminal court records. Exceptions apply to sealed proceedings, juvenile cases, and records restricted by specific court order.
A typical criminal case file from Ward County may include:
- Indictment or information describing the charges
- Defendant's name, date of birth, and cause number
- Felony degree or misdemeanor class
- Motions and responses filed by both sides
- All court orders and docket entries
- Plea entered and jury or bench verdict
- Sentence or probation conditions
If a person's record was later expunged, it no longer appears in public records. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 governs who can petition for expunction. The Ward County District Attorney prosecutes felony cases in the 143rd District.
Fees and Accessing Records
Searching online through re:SearchTX is free. The DPS name-based history search runs $3. Copies from the District Clerk or County Clerk cost $1 per page. Certified copies add a $5 fee on top of copy charges. In-person visits to the Monahans courthouse during regular hours are often the fastest option.
Legal help resources serving Ward County include Lone Star Legal Aid for those who qualify based on income. The Texas Bar Find-A-Lawyer directory connects you with private attorneys. TexasLawHelp.org offers plain-language legal guides and free forms, and the Texas Courts website has official forms for court filings.
Cities in Ward County
Ward County communities include Monahans (the county seat), Pyote, Barstow, and Grandfalls. Monahans is where all county government offices are located. No communities in Ward County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Ward County shares borders with Winkler County, Reeves County, Pecos County, Loving County, and Ector County.