Parker County Criminal Records
What Is Parker County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Parker County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.083, which establishes guidelines for criminal history record information.
Criminal records in Parker County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Parker County Sheriff's Office, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in the Parker County Courts, including arraignments, hearings, and trial outcomes
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Parker County Jail or state correctional facilities
The distinction between felonies and misdemeanors is significant in Parker County criminal records:
- Felonies: More serious offenses punishable by state prison sentences exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by county jail terms of less than one year
Adult and juvenile records are handled differently under Texas law:
- Adult Records: Generally accessible to the public unless sealed or expunged
- Juvenile Records: Typically confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.007, with limited access for law enforcement, courts, and specific authorized entities
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Parker County:
Parker County Sheriff's Office
129 Hogle St
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 594-8845
Parker County Sheriff's Office
Parker County Clerk's Office
1112 Santa Fe Dr
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-6150
Parker County Clerk
Texas Department of Public Safety - Crime Records Division
5805 N Lamar Blvd
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 424-2000
Texas DPS Crime Records
Criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process, from initial arrest through final disposition, including charges filed, court appearances, plea arrangements, trial proceedings, and sentencing outcomes.
Are Criminal Records Public In Parker County
Criminal records in Parker County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, codified under Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision ensures that Parker County residents have legal access to most criminal record information.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available for public access:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access, including:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
- Information that would compromise personal privacy or public safety
- Records sealed under an order of nondisclosure
The Parker County District Clerk and County Clerk maintain court records that document criminal proceedings within their respective jurisdictions. The Parker County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records, while the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the statewide criminal history database.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Parker County must follow established procedures, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, and providing proper identification. Government agencies are required to respond to public information requests within specified timeframes, typically 10 business days, though extensions may apply in certain circumstances.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of such information is regulated by various state and federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which restricts how criminal history information can be used for employment, housing, and other purposes.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Parker County in 2026
Parker County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several established channels. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and the maintaining agency.
For in-person requests at the Parker County Courthouse:
- Visit the appropriate office based on the record type needed:
Parker County District Clerk
117 Fort Worth Hwy
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 594-7343
Parker County Courts
Parker County Clerk
1112 Santa Fe Dr
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-6150
Parker County Clerk
-
Complete the required request form, providing:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of the case or incident
- Case number (if available)
-
Present valid government-issued photo identification
-
Pay applicable fees (currently $5.00 per name search, $1.00 per page for copies)
-
Allow time for processing, which varies based on request volume
For mail requests:
- Download and complete the appropriate request form from the Parker County website
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail to the appropriate county office
For criminal history background checks:
- Submit fingerprints through an authorized Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) location
- Complete the Criminal History Request Form available through the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Pay the required fee (currently $25 for name-based searches, $38.25 for fingerprint-based searches)
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing
Law enforcement agencies, including the Parker County Sheriff's Office, maintain separate records systems for arrests, bookings, and incident reports. These records may require specific request procedures in accordance with departmental policies and state law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Parker County Online?
Parker County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records online, offering convenience and efficiency for researchers, legal professionals, and members of the public. These resources allow for remote access to various criminal justice records without requiring in-person visits to county offices.
The primary online resource is the Parker County Judicial Records Search, which provides access to court case information. Users can search by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type (criminal, civil, family)
This portal includes information on criminal cases filed in Parker County District and County Courts, including:
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
- Party information
- Charge details
- Case disposition
- Judgment information
The Parker County Sheriff's Office maintains an online Inmate Inquiry System that provides:
- Current jail population
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Court dates
For statewide criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers the Criminal History Secure Site, which requires registration and fees for access. This system provides:
- Statewide arrest records
- Conviction data
- Incarceration information
Additional online resources include:
- Texas Public Sex Offender Registry - Searchable database of registered sex offenders
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Information Search - Information on current inmates and parolees
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Some records may require registration or payment
- Certain case details may be restricted or redacted
- The most recent case information may not be immediately available online
- Complex searches may yield better results through in-person requests
Online access to criminal records is governed by the same legal restrictions that apply to physical records, with certain information protected from disclosure under state and federal privacy laws.
Can You Search Parker County Criminal Records for Free?
Parker County residents and interested parties have several options for accessing criminal records without cost, though certain limitations apply. Under the Texas Public Information Act, the public has the right to inspect records during normal business hours without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.
Free in-person inspection is available at:
Parker County District Clerk's Office
117 Fort Worth Hwy
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 594-7343
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Parker County Courts
Parker County Clerk's Office
1112 Santa Fe Dr
Weatherford, TX 76086
(817) 598-6150
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Parker County Clerk
Free online resources include:
- Parker County Judicial Records Search - Basic case information is available without charge, though registration may be required
- Parker County Sheriff's Office Inmate Inquiry - Current jail population and booking information
- Texas Public Sex Offender Registry - Free searchable database
Important limitations to free access include:
- While inspection is free, copies typically incur fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies, $5.00 for certified copies)
- Comprehensive criminal history reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety require payment
- Certain specialized searches or expedited services may incur fees
- Records that require redaction or special processing may involve charges
According to Texas Government Code § 552.261, "The charge for providing a copy of public information shall be an amount that reasonably includes all costs related to reproducing the public information." However, agencies may waive fees when doing so is in the public interest.
For individuals with limited financial resources, fee waivers may be available upon demonstration of financial hardship, though this is at the discretion of the records custodian and subject to agency policies.
What's Included in a Parker County Criminal Record?
Parker County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 60.01.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot photograph (booking photo)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed
- Probable cause statement
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and case type
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offense (felony class or misdemeanor class)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Judge presiding over the case
- Court appearance dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict or outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and conditions
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on case complexity and age. More recent records typically contain more detailed information due to improved record-keeping practices and digital documentation systems implemented by the Parker County Sheriff's Office and Parker County Courts.
It is important to note that certain information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy laws, court orders, or statutory exemptions, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or matters under protective order.
How Long Does Parker County Keep Criminal Records?
Parker County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules dictate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal justice records.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in Parker County are:
- Misdemeanor Case Records: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Felony Case Records: Minimum of 50 years after final disposition
- Capital Felony Records: Permanent retention
- Arrest Records (no charges filed): 5 years from date of arrest
- Jail Records/Booking Information: 5 years after release
- Criminal Investigation Records:
- Solved cases: 10 years after case closure
- Unsolved cases: 50 years or until statute of limitations expires
- Sex Offender Registration Records: 10 years after completion of registration requirement or lifetime, depending on offense
- Juvenile Records: Until individual reaches age 21, unless sealed earlier by court order
The Parker County Clerk's Office and District Clerk's Office maintain court records according to these schedules, while law enforcement records are maintained by the Parker County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Certain records may be retained longer than the minimum periods due to:
- Historical significance
- Ongoing legal proceedings
- Administrative needs
- Conversion to electronic formats
It is important to note that while records may be physically or digitally retained, access to older records may be more limited or require additional processing time. Additionally, some records may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances as provided by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a permanent database of criminal history information that includes Parker County cases, providing a centralized repository even after local retention periods have expired.