Criminal records in Rockwall County, Texas, are available through several channels. RockwallCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases. Additionally, you can use the state's official court portals, resources from the county sheriff's office, or contact the county or district clerk's office directly.
How to Search Criminal Records in Rockwall
There are several ways to find criminal records in Rockwall County — online, in person, and by mail.
Online Search
- RockwallCourt.us — enter the full name of the person or case number to view publicly available court information.
- Odyssey Public Access — Rockwall County uses the Odyssey system for public access to court records. Through the Jail Records portal, you can check inmate records and bail information.
- Crime Records Division at the Texas Department of Public Safety — the central repository of the state's criminal history. State-level criminal background checks are available here.
- Texas Courts — the official portal of the state's judicial branch with links to case searches in various courts.
In-Person Visit
Contact the county clerk's office or district clerk's office at the Rockwall County courthouse. Public access terminals allow you to search cases on-site. Bring your ID.
Written Request by Mail
Send a request to the clerk's office or use the Texas Public Information Act request form on the county's official website. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), case number, and the nature of the documents requested.
To start a search, you typically need:
- Full Name (First and Last Name)
- Date of Birth — preferably
- Case Number — if known
Search Rockwall Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Texas is assigned a unique number. The format may vary slightly depending on the court level, but the typical structure includes several elements:
- Court Prefix — a letter code indicating the type of court (e.g., "CR" for district court criminal cases, "CM" for County Court at Law cases).
- Year — a two-digit or four-digit designation of the year the case was filed.
- Sequential Number — a unique sequential number within that court and year.
For example, a number like CR-24-00123 would indicate a criminal case filed in district court in 2024 with a sequential number of 123. If you know the exact number, it's the quickest way to find a specific case. Enter it in the Odyssey Public Access system search field or on RockwallCourt.us.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Rockwall
Court records contain several key data categories. Below is an explanation of each.
Charges
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Texas Penal Code or another code |
| Severity | Felony, Misdemeanor, or Infraction |
| Degree | For felony: 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree, State Jail Felony. For misdemeanor: Class A, B, C |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the original charge to a lesser or more severe one |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting review
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the case is resolved (verdict issued, closed, dismissed)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Hearings
In criminal cases in the county, the following hearings typically occur:
- Arraignment — first court appearance, charges announced
- Preliminary Hearing — preliminary review of evidence (for felony)
- Pre-Trial Hearing — pre-trial hearing, resolution of motions
- Sentencing — issuance of a sentence
- Review Hearing — review hearing (e.g., regarding probation conditions)
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — found not guilty
- Dismissed — case closed without a verdict
- Acquitted — acquitted by the court or jury
- Deferred Adjudication — deferred decision; the court postpones the verdict under certain conditions (common in Texas)
Records for which a petition for expunction or nondisclosure has been filed may not be available for public viewing.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Rockwall
Certified copies of criminal records are required for official purposes — employment, immigration, legal proceedings. Here's how to obtain them.
Where to Submit a Request
The type of document requested determines whom to contact:
- District Clerk — for felony cases and cases heard in district court
- County Clerk — for misdemeanor cases heard in County Court at Law
- Texas DPS Crime Records Division — for a complete state-level criminal history (official page)
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the appropriate office at the courthouse. Present a government-issued photo ID.
- By Mail — send a written request including the full name, date of birth, case number (if known), and a copy of your ID.
- Through the Texas Public Information Act — fill out the online request form on the county's website.
Contact Information
Rockwall County District Clerk
Rockwall County Clerk
Office hours for both offices: Monday — Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (confirm before visiting).
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Rockwall
Fees are determined according to the Texas Local Government Code and the fee schedule approved by the clerk's office.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification | $5.00 per document |
| Criminal history check through Texas DPS (Name-Based) | $3.00 (online) |
| Criminal history check through Texas DPS (Fingerprint-Based) | Depends on the type of request |
Note: These amounts are approximate. The clerk may charge additional fees for searches or large volumes of copies. Always confirm the current fee schedule directly with the office.
Processing Times
- In Person — simple requests are often completed the same day or the next business day.
- By Mail — 5 to 15 business days, depending on complexity.
- Texas DPS (online) — results of name-based checks are usually available within minutes.
For requests under the Texas Public Information Act, government agencies are required to respond "as soon as possible" — typically within 10 business days.