Kaufman County Criminal Records
What Is Kaufman County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Kaufman County, Texas, constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within county jurisdiction. These records encompass the comprehensive history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Kaufman County.
Criminal records typically include several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments, including booking information and initial charges
- Court Records: Official proceedings from arraignment through disposition in Kaufman County courts
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Kaufman County Jail or state correctional facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant under Texas law. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.083, arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but may not indicate guilt, while conviction records confirm that legal proceedings resulted in a guilty verdict or plea.
Criminal offenses in Kaufman County are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors. Felonies represent more serious crimes punishable by state prison sentences exceeding one year, while misdemeanors carry maximum penalties of up to one year in county jail. This classification significantly impacts record accessibility and potential consequences.
Adult criminal records in Kaufman County are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (individuals under 17 years of age) receive special protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007 and are typically sealed from public view except in specific circumstances.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Kaufman County include:
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office
1900 E US Highway 175
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4337
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office
Kaufman County District Clerk
100 W Mulberry St
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County District Clerk
Kaufman County Clerk
100 W Mulberry St
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County Clerk
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
(512) 424-2000
Texas DPS Crime Records
Are Criminal Records Public In Kaufman County
Criminal records in Kaufman County are generally considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal justice information, should be accessible to citizens. This act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552, states that "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."
The Texas Public Information Act defines public information as "information that is written, produced, collected, assembled, or maintained under a law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business" by a governmental body or for a governmental body if the governmental body owns or has access rights to the information.
Records that are generally accessible to the public in Kaufman County include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court dockets and case filings
- Criminal case dispositions
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain criminal records remain restricted from public access under state law. These exceptions include:
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions) as protected under Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Records related to ongoing criminal investigations as exempted under Texas Government Code § 552.108
- Records sealed by court order, including certain expunged or non-disclosed records
- Information deemed confidential by other state or federal laws
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the state's central repository for criminal history record information and provides access to Kaufman County criminal records through its Crime Records Service. Local access is also available through the Kaufman County District Clerk's Office for court records and the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office for arrest and jail records.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of these records for certain purposes, particularly employment, housing, or credit decisions, may be restricted under state and federal laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kaufman County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kaufman County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information and requiring specific procedures.
For in-person requests at the Kaufman County District Clerk's Office:
- Visit the District Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($5.00 for record search, $1.00 per page for copies)
- Allow staff time to retrieve the requested records
Kaufman County District Clerk
100 W Mulberry St
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County District Clerk
For criminal case information from the Kaufman County Courts:
- Visit the appropriate court (District Court for felonies, County Court for misdemeanors)
- Request access to public terminals for case searches
- Search by defendant name, case number, or filing date
- Request copies of specific documents from court clerks
- Pay applicable copy fees
Kaufman County District Courts
100 W Mulberry St
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County Courts
For arrest and jail records from the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office:
- Submit a written request to the Records Division
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Provide requestor contact information and purpose of request
- Pay applicable search and copy fees
- Allow 10-15 business days for processing
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1900 E US Highway 175
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4337
Kaufman County Sheriff's Office
For statewide criminal history information:
- Submit fingerprints through an approved Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) location
- Complete a Criminal History Record Information Request form
- Pay the required fee ($25 for name-based search, $38.25 for fingerprint-based search)
- Provide proper identification and authorization if requesting another person's records
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
PO Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
(512) 424-2000
Texas DPS Criminal History Searches
How To Find Criminal Records in Kaufman County Online?
Kaufman County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope and depth of available information may vary by system.
The primary online resources for Kaufman County criminal records include:
Kaufman County Public Records Search
- Navigate to the Kaufman County Records Search
- Select the appropriate record type (criminal, civil, family, or probate)
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review search results showing basic case information
- Note that while basic information is viewable, document images may require in-person requests
Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records
- Access the Texas Judicial Branch Search
- Select Kaufman County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter defendant name or case number
- View case information including charges, hearings, and disposition
- Note that this system primarily provides case status rather than full document access
Kaufman County Jail Inmate Search
- Visit the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office website
- Navigate to the Inmate Search section
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- View current custody status, charges, and bond information
- Note that this system only displays current inmates, not historical bookings
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History
- Access the Texas DPS Criminal History Secure Site
- Create a user account and log in
- Select the appropriate search type (name-based or fingerprint-based)
- Pay the required fee ($3.57 for name-based searches)
- Receive results showing publicly available conviction records
For comprehensive searches, users should note that:
- Online systems typically require registration and may involve user fees
- Name-based searches should include variations of the subject's name for thorough results
- Case numbers, when available, provide the most direct access to specific records
- Some documents, particularly older records, may not be digitized and require in-person requests
- Certain confidential or sealed records will not appear in public online searches
The Texas Department of Public Safety also maintains the DPS Sex Offender Registry which allows searches for registered sex offenders residing in Kaufman County.
Can You Search Kaufman County Criminal Records for Free?
Kaufman County residents and members of the public have several options for accessing criminal records without payment, though free access is typically limited to basic information or in-person inspection. The Texas Public Information Act establishes the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certain specialized searches.
Free in-person inspection options include:
- Kaufman County District Clerk's Office: Public terminals are available during regular business hours for searching case indices and viewing basic case information. While terminal access is free, printing or obtaining certified copies incurs standard fees.
Kaufman County District Clerk
100 W Mulberry St
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Kaufman County Courts: Court dockets are posted daily and available for public viewing at no cost. Observers may also attend public court proceedings free of charge, though recording is typically prohibited.
Kaufman County Courts
100 W Mulberry St
Kaufman, TX 75142
(972) 932-4331
Kaufman County Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Free online resources include:
-
Kaufman County Jail Current Inmate Roster: The Sheriff's Office maintains a free public database of current inmates, including charges and bond information.
-
Texas Public Sex Offender Registry: The Texas Department of Public Safety provides free access to information on registered sex offenders residing in Kaufman County.
-
Kaufman County Court Docket Search: Basic case information is available through the county's online portal, though document access may be limited.
While these free resources provide valuable information, they have limitations:
- Free searches typically provide only basic information (case numbers, charges, next court dates)
- Historical records may not be available through free online systems
- Complete case files and documents generally require payment for copies
- Background checks for employment or housing purposes typically require paid services
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety charges statutory fees pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.088, which establishes the fee structure for criminal history record information.
What's Included in a Kaufman County Criminal Record?
Kaufman County criminal records typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.01, which establishes standards for criminal history record information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of offense
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID) assigned by Texas DPS
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and facility
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Probable cause statement or affidavit
- Bail or bond amount and status
- Pre-trial detention information
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and jurisdiction (District or County Court)
- Filing date and court assignment
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classification (felony class A-F or misdemeanor class A-C)
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Plea information
- Trial information (if applicable)
- Witness and evidence documentation
Disposition Information:
- Final verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence documentation
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DWI/DUI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Probation or parole status reports
- Modification of sentence documentation
- Record sealing or expungement orders
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the disposition of the charges. Records maintained by the Kaufman County District Clerk focus primarily on court proceedings, while Sheriff's Office records emphasize arrest and custody information.
Access to complete criminal records typically requires checking multiple sources, as information is distributed across various agencies within the Kaufman County criminal justice system.
How Long Does Kaufman County Keep Criminal Records?
Kaufman County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various types of criminal justice records.
For misdemeanor cases, Kaufman County retains records according to the following schedule:
- Case files for Class A and B misdemeanors: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Case files for Class C misdemeanors: Minimum of 2 years after final disposition
- Dismissed misdemeanor cases: 2 years after date of dismissal
- Misdemeanor arrest records (no charges filed): 2 years from date of arrest
For felony cases, retention periods are substantially longer:
- Capital felony case files: Permanent retention
- First and second-degree felony case files: 25 years after final disposition
- Third-degree felony case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Dismissed felony cases: 5 years after date of dismissal
- Felony arrest records (no charges filed): 5 years from date of arrest
Specialized records have distinct retention requirements:
- Grand jury records: 3 years after grand jury term
- Exhibits and evidence: Until all appeals exhausted plus 1 year
- Jail records and booking information: 5 years after release
- Sex offender registration records: 10 years after completion of registration requirement or lifetime for certain offenses
- Juvenile records: Until individual reaches age 21 (with exceptions for violent offenses)
The Kaufman County District Clerk maintains court records beyond these minimum periods in many cases, particularly for serious offenses. Additionally, even after physical records may be destroyed according to retention schedules, electronic indices and basic case information are often retained permanently.
It is important to note that while local records may be destroyed after retention periods expire, the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains criminal history information in its statewide repository indefinitely for most adult offenses. This centralized system ensures that criminal history information remains available even after local records may have been purged.
Records that have been expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are destroyed rather than being subject to normal retention schedules, as these records are legally treated as if they never existed.