It might be helpful to look up your criminal history or that of another person. You might have had an encounter with the law in the past and forgotten the details and legal terms used to describe the situation. No judgment here! Below are the steps to search for a criminal history, but keep in mind that you may need to use a more comprehensive service to obtain an accurate and detailed criminal history report.
1. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
The official way to obtain a criminal background check is through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website. They provide an online service called DPS Crime Record Search (CRS).
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the Texas DPS Crime Record Search website.
- Create an account if you don’t have one.
- You may need to provide identification and pay a small fee for the background check.
- Once you register, you can search for criminal history reports.
2. County Clerk’s Office
If you’re looking for records in a specific county, you can also visit or contact the county clerk’s office where the offense may have been recorded. Many counties offer online databases where you can search for criminal records by name or case number.
For example:
- Harris County: Harris County District Clerk.
3. Third-Party Background Check Services
There are many third-party websites that offer criminal background checks. However, these may not always be accurate or up-to-date. It’s recommended to use official government sources like the DPS for the most reliable information.
4. FBI Criminal Background Check
For a more comprehensive search (including federal records), you can request a copy of your FBI Criminal History Summary. You’ll need to:
- Complete a form on the FBI’s website.
- Submit fingerprints and pay a fee.
5. Public Record Request
Texas has a Public Information Act that allows you to request records from law enforcement agencies. You may submit a formal request for records directly from the police department that handled any relevant cases.
Krystin Collins
Attorney at Law
krystin@krystincollins.com
713-775-0332