Criminal records in Kerr County, Texas, are available through several channels. KerrCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and clerk offices — County Clerk and District Clerk. Below is a practical guide to searching, understanding, and obtaining criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Kerr
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following pieces of information:
- Full name of the person (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Case number
The more details you have, the more accurate the results will be.
Online Search
- KerrCourt.us — enter the name or case number to find publicly available information about criminal proceedings in the county.
- County Public Records Portal — the Kerr County Public Records page contains links to court and land records, as well as sheriff's records.
- Texas Judicial Branch — the Texas Judicial Branch portal provides information about state courts and links to search systems.
- DPS Crime Records — the Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal history database. You can order a criminal history check here.
- TDCJ Offender Search — if the person has been sentenced to state-level imprisonment, use the TDCJ Offender Search.
In-Person Visit
Visit the Kerr County Courthouse at 700 Main Street, Kerrville, TX. The County Clerk maintains records for the County Court and County Court-at-Law, while the District Clerk is responsible for District Court cases — that is, felonies. Contact the appropriate clerk depending on the level of the charge.
Written Request by Mail
Send a written request to the appropriate clerk's office, including the full name of the person, date of birth, and case number (if known). To obtain an official state-level criminal history, submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division by mail, including a completed form and fingerprint card if required.
Search Kerr Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the quickest way to find a specific proceeding. In Texas, the case number format typically includes several elements:
- Prefix or letter code — indicates the type of case. For example, "CR" often denotes a criminal case, while "B" may indicate a County Court-at-Law case.
- Year of filing — a two-digit or four-digit year when the case was registered in court.
- Sequential number — a unique sequential number within the year.
Example: "CR-2024-00345" may indicate a criminal case filed in 2024 under number 345. The format varies between District Court and County Court, so pay attention to which court is handling the case. If you don't know the number, start your search by name through KerrCourt.us or contact the clerk directly.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Kerr
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what they mean in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Texas Penal Code or other code under which the charges are filed |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime, from State Jail Felony to First Degree), Misdemeanor (offense, Class A, B, or C) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or add charges during the case — the updated list is reflected in the court record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting review
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — the case is closed, all procedural actions are completed
Hearings
In Kerr County criminal cases, the following hearings typically occur:
- Magistration — the magistrate court determines the grounds for arrest and sets bail
- Arraignment — the charges are read to the defendant, who states their plea
- Pre-trial hearing — the parties discuss evidence, motions, possible agreement
- Trial — the court hearing on the merits
- Sentencing — sentencing after a guilty verdict
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court verdict or plea bargain |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury found innocence |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Acquitted as a result of the trial |
| Deferred Adjudication | The court postponed the decision; if probation requirements are met, the charge may be dismissed |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Kerr
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for legal proceedings, employment, or immigration matters. Which office to contact depends on the type of record.
County Court and County Court-at-Law Records
Contact the Kerr County Clerk. This office is the official custodian of County Court, County Court-at-Law, and Commissioners' Court records.
District Court Records (Felonies)
For cases heard in District Court, contact the Clerk of the District Courts. This office indexes and maintains all district court records, collects court fees, and manages funds in court proceedings.
Request Submission Procedure
- In Person — visit the appropriate clerk's office at the courthouse. Bring a government-issued photo ID.
- By Mail — send a written request including the defendant's name, case number, and type of document needed. Include payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
- Open Records Request — Kerr County accepts requests under the Texas Public Information Act. Details are available on the county public records page.
State-Level Criminal History
To obtain a complete criminal history report, submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. A completed request form and, depending on the type of check, fingerprints are required.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Kerr
Fees for court records in Texas are regulated by Chapter 118 of the Texas Local Government Code. Below are approximate rates for Kerr County.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Search fee | $5.00 |
| Criminal history check through Texas DPS (name-based) | $3.00 (online) |
| Check through Texas DPS (fingerprint-based) | Depends on the type of request |
These amounts are based on statutory minimum rates. Confirm current fees directly with the clerk, as some courts charge additional fees for archival searches or expedited processing. For information on criminal history and background checks in Texas, refer to the State Law Library guide.
Processing Times
- In-Person Visit — simple copies are usually prepared the same day or the next business day
- Mail Request — 5 to 15 business days, depending on volume and office workload
- Texas DPS (online check) — name-based check results typically arrive within minutes; fingerprint-based — up to 10 business days
If you need legal assistance regarding criminal records or expunction procedures, the Texas Court Help resource offers links to legal aid services and attorney referral programs.