How to Find Texas Misdemeanor Records

Misdemeanors in Texas are less serious crimes than felonies. They are classified into three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Any Texas misdemeanor will fall into one of these categories. These classifications are based on the severity of the offense; the punishments for each class of offense vary accordingly.

Some offenses that are regarded as misdemeanors by the state of Texas include assault, family violence, boating while intoxicated or BWI, burglary, possessing alcohol in any motor vehicle, trespassing, creating a disturbance in any public meeting, disorderly conduct, driving with a suspended or invalid license, first and second convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), forgery, harassment, underage possession of tobacco or alcohol, possession of drugs, making abusive calls, public lewdness, prostitution, intoxication in a public place, theft, and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Classifications and Punishments for Texas Misdemeanors

Any conviction of a Texas misdemeanor is punishable according to the class of misdemeanor. Among the three classes of misdemeanors, the most serious offenses are rated as Class A. Physical assault leading to injuries is an example of Class A misdemeanor. Any individual found guilty of a crime classified as a Class A misdemeanor is punished by a fine of up to $4,000, a jail sentence of up to one year, or both. Individuals convicted of Class A misdemeanors are also subjected to community supervision.

Any individual who is convicted of a Class B misdemeanor is punishable with a fine of up to $2,000, a jail term of up to 180 days, or both. A first DWI conviction is an example of a Class B misdemeanor in Texas.

Class C misdemeanors are the least serious among the three types; an individual who has committed a Class C misdemeanor is punished with a fine of up to $500. An example of a Class C misdemeanor is exceeding the speed limit while driving. Possessing 2 ounces or less of marijuana is a Class B Texas misdemeanor while possession of 2 to 4 ounces of marijuana is a Class A misdemeanor.

Viewing the Criminal Records of Texas

The law enforcement agencies of every state in the US keep a record of all criminal cases. These criminal records are compiled by gathering the case details from the county sheriff’s office and local police. In the state of Texas, the Department of Public Safety maintains criminal records of all cases in the state. The Department also operates a Crime Records Service. This service is responsible for the following:

* Statutory access to criminal record information and criminal history
* Restricted access to juvenile criminal records
* Sealing of juvenile records
* Expunction of criminal records and information related to the expunction process

The Texas Department of Public Safety allows the general public to view its criminal records through the Computerized Criminal History System, or CCH. The access to public information is, however, limited by the Department. The CCH system acts as a repository of criminal records gathered from the law enforcement agencies of the state. The CCH system is operated by the Texas Criminal Justice Information System.

The CCH system contains data on all arrests, the procedures that follow these arrests, and the verdicts of the judges. Only records of Class B and Class A misdemeanors are included in the database. The information made available to the public is pulled from this system. The public records contain information on all convictions or deferred adjudications.

To obtain access to the records, direct your request to:

Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
CJIS Field Representatives
P.O. Box 4143
Austin, Texas 78765

If you have further questions, you may also call the Department at 512-424-2478 or send an e-mail to afis_cjis@txdps.state.tx.us. To learn more about the maintenance of the criminal records, visit https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DPS_WEB/Cch/index.aspx.

Conducting a Criminal Records Search

You may conduct a search based on either name or fingerprints. Searching by name will display all results that match the name; thus, a name search may return many undesired results or may even omit the desired record. Fingerprint searches are more accurate in this respect, since fingerprints are much easier to match.

You may also check your own records by searching for yourself. You may do this either by viewing your own Personal Criminal History Information or by conducting a name search using the internet. You will get a certified record without having to bear any additional expense. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure also allows you to request for expunction of your records. Upon expunction, your records will be permanently destroyed and will never be viewable again. You may expunge records related to acquittals, dismissals, no bills, and identity theft. Expunction of records aids in finding employment as many businesses perform background checks on potential employees. To request an expunction, send a message to the Department of Public Safety at:

Texas Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765-4143
Attn: Expunctions

To learn more about records expunction, visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/crime_records/pages/juvenilecriminalhistoryrecords.htm.

Although misdemeanors are less serious crimes than felonies, they are crimes nonetheless. Knowing about the laws of your state will help you avoid criminal charges. The records maintained by law enforcement agencies will also provide you with any relevant information regarding an offender. You may seal or expunge certain misdemeanors from your criminal record, which will aid in finding employment and other areas of life.