Winkler County Criminal Court Records Lookup
Winkler County criminal court records are maintained at the courthouse in Kermit, Texas. The District Clerk keeps all felony case files while the County Clerk manages misdemeanor records. You can search Winkler County criminal cases for free through the statewide re:SearchTX portal, visit the clerk in person at 100 E. Winkler Street in Kermit, or send a written request by mail. This page explains how to find records and who to contact in Winkler County.
Winkler County Overview
Winkler County District Clerk
The Winkler County District Clerk maintains felony criminal court records for the county. The office is located at 100 E. Winkler Street in Kermit and handles cases from the 109th Judicial District Court. When someone is charged with a felony in Winkler County, the case is filed here and tracked through sentencing. The clerk stores indictments, motions, judgments, and all related documents.
Staff can search records by defendant name or cause number. In-person requests are handled at the counter during regular business hours. The office can be reached at (432) 586-3316. The clerk also processes expunction petitions under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 for those who qualify to have arrest records removed from public files.
The re:SearchTX portal provides free public access to Winkler County criminal case information online without needing to visit the courthouse.
The portal is maintained by the Texas Office of Court Administration and covers district court cases across all Texas counties including Winkler. You can search by name or cause number with no login required.
| Office | Winkler County District Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 E. Winkler Street Kermit, TX 79745 |
| Phone | (432) 586-3316 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Search Winkler County Criminal Records
The free re:SearchTX portal is the best starting point. It covers district court criminal cases across Texas including Winkler County. Search by name or cause number to see the charges, court, and case status. No account is required.
For a statewide criminal history check, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers a name-based search for $3. This covers courts across Texas, not just Winkler County. For a fingerprint-based result, the FAST fingerprint program is available statewide. For in-person searches, visit the Kermit courthouse at 100 E. Winkler Street during regular hours. Bring the defendant name and any case number if you have it.
Winkler County Misdemeanor Records
Class A and Class B misdemeanor cases in Winkler County are filed with the county court and stored by the County Clerk. Charges in this category include DWI, assault, and theft below the felony threshold. The County Clerk's office is in the same courthouse building as the District Clerk in Kermit.
Contact the Winkler County Clerk to request misdemeanor records. They can search by name or cause number. Class C misdemeanors are handled at the justice of the peace level and those records remain with the JP court that heard the case, not the County Clerk.
Winkler County Arrest Records
Arrest records for Winkler County are maintained by the Winkler County Sheriff's Office. When someone is booked into the county jail, the sheriff creates a record with the name, date of arrest, and charges at booking. These records are separate from court case files and do not show the outcome of any charges.
Contact the Winkler County Sheriff's Office at winklercounty.org for current jail information or recent arrest records. For state prison records, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offender search is available free online. The Texas sex offender registry from DPS lists registered offenders living in Winkler County.
What Winkler County Criminal Records Contain
Criminal case files in Winkler County contain documents from every stage of the case. Most records are public under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. The file begins with the charging document and grows as hearings occur and the case moves to resolution.
Common documents in a Winkler County criminal case file:
- Grand jury indictment or information with formal charges
- Arrest warrant and probable cause affidavit
- Bond documents and conditions of release
- Pre-trial motions and court orders
- Plea agreement if applicable
- Final judgment and sentence
- Probation conditions if ordered
Expunged records are removed from public access. Juvenile records are sealed. The District Clerk can tell you whether a specific record has been expunged, though they cannot provide access to sealed files.
Fees and Record Access
Copies of court records in Winkler County cost $1 per page. Certified copies carry an additional $5 fee. Requests can be made in person or by mail. Online access through re:SearchTX is free. The DPS name-based search costs $3 per person. Court forms are at the Texas Courts website.
For legal help in Winkler County, Lone Star Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to qualifying low-income residents. The Texas Bar Find-A-Lawyer tool helps locate licensed attorneys in the region. Self-help guides on criminal records and expunctions are available at TexasLawHelp.org.
Note: Contact the Winkler County District Clerk at (432) 586-3316 to confirm current copy fees before mailing a request.
Cities in Winkler County
Kermit is the county seat of Winkler County. All criminal cases filed in the county go through the district and county courts in Kermit. Wink is the other main incorporated community in the county. Neither city has a separate criminal district court. All felony and misdemeanor cases in Winkler County are handled at the courthouse in Kermit.
Nearby Counties
Winkler County is in far west Texas in the Permian Basin. If you are not sure which county holds a record, check where the offense took place. Neighboring counties with their own court records include Ward County, Loving County, Ector County, Andrews County, and Gaines County.