Criminal records in Jim Wells County, Texas, can be accessed through several channels. JimwellsCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Additional access points include the county's official court case search portal, law enforcement agencies such as the Jim Wells County Sheriff's Department, and the offices of the County Clerk and District Clerk. Whether you search online or visit in person, multiple tools are available to locate case details, charges, and court outcomes.
How to Search Criminal Records in Jim Wells
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Jim Wells County. What you need to get started depends on the method you choose, but having the person's full legal name is essential. A date of birth or case number will narrow results significantly.
Online Search Options
- JimwellsCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information by name.
- Jim Wells County Court Portal (CourtView) — This county-maintained system provides public case information from computerized court records. You can search by party name or case number.
- Jim Wells County Official Records Search — The County Clerk's public search tool offers quick and advanced search options for official records.
- Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search — The Texas Department of Public Safety allows public users to run a statewide criminal history name search for a fee.
- Jim Wells County Jail Roster — The Sheriff's Department publishes a current jail roster online showing individuals currently in custody.
- TDCJ Inmate Search — For individuals sentenced to state prison, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice offers an online offender lookup.
In Person
Visit the Jim Wells County Clerk's Office for misdemeanor case records or the 79th Judicial District Clerk's Office for felony case records. Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID.
By Mail or Written Request
You can submit a written request for criminal history information to the County Clerk or District Clerk by mail. For a statewide criminal history, send a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. Include the subject's full name, date of birth, and any known case identifiers. A fingerprint-based search provides the most complete results.
Information needed to begin a search:
- Full legal name (first, middle, last)
- Date of birth (recommended)
- Case number (if known)
- Offense type or approximate date (helpful for narrowing results)
Search Jim Wells Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, you can look up a specific criminal case through the Jim Wells County Court Portal. Texas case numbers typically follow a structured format that encodes information about the case.
A typical Texas case number may include:
- A prefix or code indicating the court type (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases)
- A two-digit year representing when the case was filed
- A sequential number assigned in the order the case was received
For example, a case number like CR-23-00456 would indicate a criminal case filed in 2023, the 456th case filed that year. The exact format can vary between the County Court (misdemeanors) and the 79th Judicial District Court (felonies). Jim Wells County shares the 79th Judicial District with Brooks County.
When searching by case number, enter the number exactly as it appears on court documents, including dashes and prefixes. Partial numbers may not return results.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Jim Wells
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | References the Texas Penal Code section (e.g., §30.02 for Burglary) |
| Severity | Classified as Class A, B, or C misdemeanor; or state jail, third-degree, second-degree, first-degree, or capital felony |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion |
Case Status
- Pending — Case filed but not yet resolved
- Active — Case is currently being adjudicated
- Disposed — Case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Closed — All proceedings and obligations are complete
Hearings
- Arraignment — Defendant is formally read the charges and enters an initial plea
- Preliminary Hearing — Judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-Trial — Attorneys discuss motions, evidence, and potential plea agreements
- Trial — Case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — Judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — Court checks compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — Defendant convicted by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty — Defendant acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the prosecution or court
- Deferred Adjudication — Defendant placed on community supervision; if completed successfully, no final conviction is entered
- Nolle Prosequi — Prosecution declines to pursue the case further
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Jim Wells
Certified copies carry an official seal and are accepted for legal, employment, and licensing purposes. The office you contact depends on the type of case:
- Misdemeanor records — Request from the Jim Wells County Clerk
- Felony records — Request from the 79th Judicial District Clerk
- Statewide criminal history — Request from the Texas DPS Crime Records Division
How to Submit a Request
- Online: Use the county's public search portals to identify the case, then contact the appropriate clerk's office to order certified copies.
- In person: Visit the clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID. Provide the case number or the defendant's full name and date of birth.
- By mail: Send a written request with the subject's identifying information, the specific records needed, a copy of your ID, and payment for applicable fees.
Contact Information
Jim Wells County Clerk
79th Judicial District Clerk
Texas DPS Crime Records Division
For statewide criminal history requests through DPS, you may need to submit a fingerprint card (FD-258) for a fingerprint-based search. Name-based searches can be completed online through the Texas DPS Criminal History portal.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Jim Wells
| Service | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 | Non-certified copies from clerk's office (per Texas Local Government Code §118.011) |
| Certified copy | $5.00 | First page of a certified document; $1.00 each additional page |
| Texas DPS name-based criminal history search | $3.00 | Online search per name submitted |
| Texas DPS fingerprint-based criminal history | Varies | Fees depend on the type of request and whether FBI results are included |
| Processing time (county clerk) | 1–5 business days | In-person requests are often processed the same day; mail requests take longer |
| Processing time (Texas DPS online) | Immediate to a few minutes | Name-based results are typically returned quickly |
| Processing time (fingerprint-based) | 5–10 business days | May take longer depending on volume |
Fees are established under the Texas Local Government Code and the Texas Government Code. Contact the relevant clerk's office to confirm current fees before submitting payment, as amounts may be updated periodically.