Criminal records in Kaufman County, Texas, are available through several channels. KaufmanCourt.us allows for quick searches of publicly available information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the county's official court systems, the Sheriff's Office, and the County Clerk's Office. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to search, request, and understand criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Kaufman
Start your search by determining what specific information you need to find. Most methods will require:
- The person's full name
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
Online Search
- KaufmanCourt.us — enter a name or case number to view publicly available court records in Kaufman County.
- Texas Courts Portal — the Texas Office of Court Administration (OCA) website offers a case search system by name or case number.
- Kaufman County Sheriff's Office — the Sheriff's website provides information on inmates and arrest records. The Intake Division section explains how police process arrest records at the county jail.
In-Person Visit
Court records maintained by the County Clerk's Office, except for mental health and juvenile cases, are available for public viewing for free. You can visit the courthouse in Kaufman and use public access terminals or ask the clerk for assistance.
Written Request
Send a request by mail under the Texas Public Information Act. Requests for open records should be sent to:
To obtain a statewide criminal history, you can submit a request to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) through their online Crime Records Service portal.
Search Kaufman Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to find a specific record. In Texas, the case number format typically consists of several elements:
- Year Prefix — a two or four-digit designation of the year the case was filed (e.g., 24 or 2024).
- Case Type Code — an alphabetical abbreviation indicating the category: CR (criminal case), F (felony in some courts), or similar.
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within the year.
Example: 24-CR-00512 may indicate a criminal case filed in 2024 under number 512. If you have this number, enter it on KaufmanCourt.us or inquire directly at the District Clerk's Office. The exact format may vary depending on the court level — County Court at Law or District Court.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Kaufman
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Texas Penal Code (e.g., § 49.04 — DWI) |
| Severity Level | Felony — from Capital to State Jail; Misdemeanor — Class A, B, C |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the case |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is actively being considered by the court
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed, and the case is closed
Hearings
Types of hearings encountered in county criminal cases:
- Arraignment — the defendant's first appearance before a judge, charges are announced
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — procedural matters before the main hearing begins
- Sentencing — announcement of the sentence after a guilty plea
- Review — review of probation conditions or sentence execution
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted by the court or jury |
| Dismissed | Case closed by the prosecutor or judge |
| Acquitted | Acquitted after a full trial |
| Deferred Adjudication | The court defers the sentence — a common practice in Texas; if conditions are successfully met, the charge may be dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Kaufman
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — employment, immigration, licensing. Here's how to obtain them.
Through the County Clerk's Office
The County Clerk's Office issues certified copies of court records it maintains. Contact them in person or send a written request.
For the request, provide the full name of the party in the case, the case number (if known), and the type of document needed. Bring valid photo identification.
Through the District Clerk
Felony cases are maintained by the District Clerk. Contact this office if you need records from the District Court.
Statewide
To obtain a complete criminal history of an individual, submit a request to Texas DPS through their Crime Records Service portal. A fingerprint is required for fingerprint-based checks, or name and date of birth for name-based checks.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Kaufman
Fees for copies and certification are set by Texas law and county local rates. Below are approximate amounts based on current rates.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Viewing court records at the clerk's office | Free |
| Document copy (per page) | $1.00 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page |
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Record search fee | $5.00 per name |
| Name-based check through Texas DPS | Depends on the type of request; usually from $3.00 online |
| Fingerprint-based check through Texas DPS | Varies; includes FBI fees if a federal check is needed |
These rates are based on the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 118, which regulates county clerks' fees. Check the current fee schedule directly on the Searches & Copies page of the county's official website.
Processing Time: Requests made in person are usually processed the same day or within a few business days. Mail requests may take 5 to 10 business days depending on volume. Requests through Texas DPS are processed within 1–3 business days for online name-based checks; fingerprint-based checks take longer.