Bastrop County Criminal Records
What Is Bastrop County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Bastrop County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.083, which establishes guidelines for criminal history record information management throughout the state.
Criminal records in Bastrop County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments, regardless of whether charges were filed
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more
- Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or jail terms under one year
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 17 years and older (fully accessible to the public)
- Juvenile Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals under 17 years (generally sealed under Texas Family Code § 58.003)
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by courts
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions
Multiple agencies maintain different components of Bastrop County's criminal records system:
Bastrop County Sheriff's Office
200 Jackson Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 549-5100
Bastrop County Sheriff's Office
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and jail records.
Bastrop County District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop County District Clerk
The District Clerk maintains felony case records, including charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, and sentencing information.
Bastrop County Clerk's Office
804 Pecan Street, 1st Floor
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7230
Bastrop County Clerk's Office
The County Clerk maintains misdemeanor case records and other court proceedings.
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing details, and probation or parole information. The Bastrop County Case Records Search portal provides online access to many of these records.
Are Criminal Records Public In Bastrop County
Criminal records in Bastrop County are generally accessible to the public under the Texas Public Information Act, codified in 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.
Section 552.021 of the Texas Government Code explicitly states: "Public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision forms the legal foundation for public access to criminal records in Bastrop County.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available for public inspection:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations (temporarily restricted)
- Records sealed by court order
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Expunged or non-disclosed records
- Certain victim information, particularly in cases involving sexual assault or family violence
- Information that would compromise personal privacy beyond the public interest in disclosure
The Bastrop County District Clerk and Bastrop County Clerk's Office serve as the primary custodians of public criminal records for felony and misdemeanor cases, respectively. These offices maintain records in compliance with state transparency laws while protecting information exempted from disclosure.
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records must follow established procedures, which may include submitting formal requests, paying applicable fees, and providing proper identification. The county's commitment to transparency is balanced with legal protections for sensitive information as mandated by state law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Bastrop County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Bastrop County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county currently maintains multiple channels for criminal record searches, each appropriate for different types of inquiries.
Online Search Methods:
-
Access the Bastrop County Case Records Search portal
- Enter the party name (last name, first name)
- Select the appropriate case type (criminal, civil, family, probate)
- Review search results showing case numbers, filing dates, and case types
- Select individual cases to view detailed information
-
Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service website
- Create a user account if conducting name-based searches
- Submit required identifying information
- Pay the applicable fee ($3.00 per name-based search)
- Receive results electronically
In-Person Search Methods:
- Visit the Bastrop County District Clerk's Office for felony records:
Bastrop County District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Complete a records request form
- Provide proper identification
- Specify the records being requested
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page)
- Visit the Bastrop County Clerk's Office for misdemeanor records:
Bastrop County Clerk's Office
804 Pecan Street, 1st Floor
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7230
Bastrop County Clerk's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Complete a records request form
- Provide proper identification
- Specify the records being requested
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page)
Written Request Method:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate office:
- Include full name and date of birth of the subject
- Specify the records being requested
- Provide return address and contact information
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Enclose a copy of valid government-issued photo ID
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, county offices must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The statute defines "prompt" as "as soon as possible under the circumstances, that is, within a reasonable time, without delay."
How To Find Criminal Records in Bastrop County Online?
Bastrop County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person visits and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The primary online portal for criminal record searches is the Bastrop County Case Records Search. This comprehensive database includes:
- Criminal case information (felonies and misdemeanors)
- Case status and disposition
- Hearing dates
- Party information
- Register of actions (chronological case events)
To utilize this system effectively:
- Navigate to the portal homepage
- Select "Criminal Case Records" from the menu
- Search by name (last name, first name) or case number
- Review the list of matching cases
- Select individual cases to view detailed information
- Note that document images may require in-person access
The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster that provides:
- Current inmate information
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled release dates (when applicable)
For sex offender information, the Texas Department of Public Safety Sex Offender Registry allows searches specific to Bastrop County:
- Enter "Bastrop" in the county field
- Review the list of registered offenders
- Access detailed offender profiles including photos, addresses, and offense information
The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search provides statewide criminal history information that includes Bastrop County records:
- Create a user account
- Pay the required fee ($3.00 per name-based search)
- Receive results electronically
Users should note that online systems may have limitations:
- Some case details may be redacted online but available in person
- Older records may not be fully digitized
- Certain confidential or sealed records are excluded
- Document images often require in-person requests
Registration requirements vary by system. The Bastrop County Case Records Search allows basic searches without registration, while the Texas DPS Criminal History Search requires user accounts and payment information.
Can You Search Bastrop County Criminal Records for Free?
Bastrop County provides several options for free access to criminal records, in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. Section 552.021 of this statute establishes that "public information is available to the public" and forms the legal basis for free inspection of records.
Free In-Person Inspection:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records without charge at the following locations:
Bastrop County District Clerk
804 Pecan Street
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7244
Bastrop County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Public terminals available for searching court records
- No fee for viewing records
- Photo ID required
- Staff assistance available
Bastrop County Clerk's Office
804 Pecan Street, 1st Floor
Bastrop, TX 78602
(512) 332-7230
Bastrop County Clerk's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Public terminals available for searching court records
- No fee for viewing records
- Photo ID required
- Staff assistance available
Free Online Resources:
The Bastrop County Case Records Search portal offers free access to basic case information:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information
- Case status
- Hearing dates
- Register of actions (chronological listing of case events)
The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office website provides free access to:
- Current jail roster
- Arrest logs
- Most wanted lists
While basic record inspection is free, fees apply for:
- Printed copies ($1.00 per page)
- Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Record searches conducted by staff ($5.00 per name)
- Complete background checks through Texas DPS ($3.00 per search)
Pursuant 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." This provision allows Bastrop County to charge reasonable fees for copies while maintaining free inspection rights.
What's Included in a Bastrop County Criminal Record?
Bastrop County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.01, which establishes standards for criminal record information throughout the state.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot photograph (booking photo)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction (District Court or County Court)
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned to case
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole status reports
The Bastrop County District Clerk maintains felony records, while the Bastrop County Clerk's Office maintains misdemeanor records. The Bastrop County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records.
Criminal records may exclude information that has been expunged, sealed, or is otherwise confidential under Texas law. Juvenile records are generally not included in public criminal records unless the case was transferred to adult court or meets specific statutory exceptions.
How Long Does Bastrop County Keep Criminal Records?
Bastrop County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
Felony Case Records:
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- First and second-degree felonies: 25 years after final judgment
- Third-degree felonies: 10 years after final judgment
- State jail felonies: 5 years after final judgment
- Cases dismissed or acquitted: 5 years after date of dismissal or acquittal
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Class A and B misdemeanors: 5 years after final judgment
- Class C misdemeanors: 2 years after final judgment
- Cases dismissed or acquitted: 2 years after date of dismissal or acquittal
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports: 5 years
- Booking information: 5 years
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years
- Mugshot photographs: 75 years
Jail Records:
- Inmate confinement records: 5 years
- Jail logs and registers: 5 years
- Visitor registers: 3 years
Warrant Records:
- Executed felony warrants: 5 years after execution
- Executed misdemeanor warrants: 2 years after execution
- Unexecuted warrants: Until expiration or recall
Probation Records:
- Felony probation files: 10 years after termination of probation
- Misdemeanor probation files: 5 years after termination of probation
It is important to note that these retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, Bastrop County may retain records longer than these minimum periods, particularly for serious offenses. Additionally, certain records may be maintained permanently in electronic format even after physical documents have been destroyed.
Criminal records that have been expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are removed from public access and destroyed according to court order. Records that have been sealed through an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 remain in existence but are not available to the general public.
Lookup Criminal Records in Bastrop County
Bastrop County Sheriff's Office