Bexar County Criminal Court Records Search
The Criminal Courts are fairly self-explanatory in that they handle criminal cases. These range from criminal infractions, to misdemeanors and felonies, which is an important component of the Texas judicial system. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the criminal case, these will be handled by defined courts. There are distinct levels within these courts, each handling specific types of criminal cases. Knowing this hierarchy is helpful for anyone directly involved in a criminal proceeding, or looking up case records online.
In the following sections we'll cover in detail what the different criminal divisions are and what types of cases they hear. We'll also go through the process of running Bexar County criminal court records search, how to access official copies of court proceedings, and how to expunge a criminal conviction. There is a lot to know about navigating the Texas criminal justice system that we will hopefully simplify for anyone looking to access court case information and various legal services.
The Structure of Bexar County Criminal Courts
The Bexar County Criminal Justice Center is the main venue for the majority of criminal cases. It hosts various courtrooms where hearings and proceedings are conducted. Familiarity with this structure is helpful for anyone looking to gain access to an ongoing court proceeding, lookup court records, or find out about someone's criminal conviction. Here are the main courts of the criminal division.
District Courts: The District level focus on the most serious and severe criminal matters, including major felonies. These can include violent crimes to financial fraud, including grand theft and capital crimes. The judges here have a tremendous amount of experience in high-stakes cases. They handle complex cases with profound implications, including the death penalty for the most serious capital crimes. Familiarity with district court procedures is beneficial if you're involved in serious legal matters.
County Courts: The County level courts oversee less severe offenses such as misdemeanors and some lower-level felonies. These cases often involve minor assaults, petty theft, trespassing, or DUIs. The role of county courts is to adjudicate lesser crimes expeditiously. These cases are often resolved and adjudicated in a day or two.
Magistrate Courts: Magistrate division has a different role than the other courthouses. They handle initial legal processes which may include initial arraignments and bail settings. The Magistrate courts make sure that those currently criminal proceedings are informed of their charges quickly. They also decide on detention or release before trial, setting the foundation for subsequent legal proceedings. Familiarity with their role is useful for early-stage legal navigation.
How to Search Bexar County Criminal Court Records
Conducting a criminal court records search in Bexar County is now easier than ever with the new Justice Information Portal. You can quickly lookup criminal cases by record number or name. There are also filters you can use to narrow down your search to find the right record. These filters include locations, record type, nicknames, booking numbers, business name, or filing dates.
Another option is the Bexar County Clerk's Office, they provide access to court records, and can offer personal assistance to those that need it. The Clerk's website boasts several avenues for searching criminal records, including online tools and in-person requests. If you need in-person assistance you can call them directly to make an appointment @ 210-335-2241.
A third option for those that just need to quickly lookup a Bexar County court case for verification purposes, is to use a third party service. These are privately run court record or public record websites. While these services do not offer official copies of court case records, you can view and reference most any publicly available record online.
Steps to Expunge a Criminal Conviction in Bexar County
Expunging a criminal conviction in can effectively clear your record from public view, offering a fresh start. This petition involves multiple steps, depending on the criminal conviction you want to expunge. An attorney is recommended for more complex cases. Here is the general procedure of expungement:
1). The process begins by determining your eligibility. You must first find out if you qualify.
2). Next, gather necessary documents, such as case details, proof of fulfillment of sentence and probation orders.
3). Prepare to file a petition with the appropriate court. This legal document officially requests expungement.
4). Anticipate a hearing scheduled by the court, where you will explain why expungement should be granted.
5). After the hearing, the court will decide. If your petition is approved, your conviction record will be cleared.
It's good to manage expectation and be patient, as this process can span several months. Knowing each stage can help with understanding it's complexities. An attorney is helpful for more serious crimes,. While you can do it all yourself with self-help from the courts, an experienced attorney may help your chances.
How Do I Run a Bexar County Criminal Case Search?
There are multiple methods in looking up criminal case information in Bexar County. You can use the county's Justice Information website, contact the Clerk of the Courts, or use a third party website for accessing criminal court records. With either method you will need to know the specific case number, or the names of the parties involved.
