Criminal records in Nacogdoches County, Texas, are accessible through several channels — online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. NacogdochesCourt.us allows searching for public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the county clerk's public records portal, the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office, as well as through the county clerk's office and the Texas Crime Records Division.
How to Search Criminal Records in Nacogdoches
There are several practical methods for searching criminal records in Nacogdoches County. Start by preparing known information about the individual: full name (last and first name), date of birth, or case number — this will significantly narrow down the results.
Online Search
- NacogdochesCourt.us — enter the name or case number to find public information on criminal cases in the county.
- Official Nacogdoches County Public Records Portal — this tool by County Clerk Sandra "Sandy" Yates supports quick and advanced searches. You can search by name or document number.
- Sheriff's Inmate Search — allows checking if an individual is currently in the Nacogdoches County Jail.
- Crime Records Division (Texas DPS) — the Texas Department of Public Safety's Crime Records Division. You can request a statewide criminal history check here.
- TDCJ Inmate Search — if the individual is sentenced to state-level imprisonment, information can be found through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
In-Person Request
Visit the county clerk's office or the district court clerk's office in the Nacogdoches County courthouse. Public terminals for searching court cases are usually available there. Bring identification with you.
Nacogdoches County Clerk's Office
Nacogdoches County District Clerk
Written Request
You can send a written request for records according to the Texas Public Information Act. Texas law grants the right to access government records, and officials cannot ask for the purpose of your request. Send the request to the appropriate office — county clerk, district court clerk, or sheriff — by mail or email. For sheriff requests, use the address records@nac-sheriff.com.
Search Nacogdoches Criminal Cases by Case Number
The case number is the quickest way to find a specific criminal case. In Texas, the case number format depends on the court level.
- District Court Cases — usually include the filing year, case type abbreviation, and sequential number. For example: F20-12345, where "F" stands for felony, "20" is the year, and the rest is the registration sequential number.
- County Court Cases — may have a similar format but with a different letter prefix, such as "M" for misdemeanor.
- Justice of the Peace Cases — often have a separate numbering format that includes the precinct number.
If you know the exact case number, enter it in the search field on the county clerk's portal or the district court clerk's page. The result will show the parties involved, hearing dates, charges filed, and current status. Without the case number, you will have to search by name, which may yield multiple results — in such cases, use the date of birth for clarification.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Nacogdoches
Each criminal case contains several key elements. Below is an explanation of what each of them means in the context of the county's judicial system.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific article of the Texas Penal Code or another code under which the charge is filed |
| Severity Degree | Felony (Capital, 1st–3rd degree, State Jail) or Misdemeanor (Classes A, B, C) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the initial charge — upgrade, downgrade, or replace it with another |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, awaiting consideration
- Active — the case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — the case is resolved (verdict issued, closed, or dismissed)
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Hearings
Types of hearings that may appear in case records:
- Arraignment — the first court session where the charges are read to the defendant, and they plead guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — procedural matters before the main trial
- Sentencing — the session for issuing a sentence
- Review — checking compliance with probation conditions or other court decisions
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty — by court verdict or defendant's admission |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted after trial |
| Dismissed | Case closed by the prosecutor or court without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Formal acquittal after full case review |
| Deferred Adjudication | The court postpones the verdict; upon successful completion of probation, the charge may be dismissed. The individual may file a petition for nondisclosure |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Nacogdoches
Certified copies of criminal records have legal force and are often required for employment, licensing, or legal proceedings. The office to contact depends on the type of case.
Where to Apply
- County Clerk — County Court cases, including misdemeanors. Contact the county clerk's office.
- District Clerk — District Court cases, including felonies. The district court clerk maintains and organizes all records related to the district court.
- Sheriff's Office — arrest records and inmate information. Send a request to records@nac-sheriff.com or visit the sheriff's office in person.
- Texas DPS — for a complete statewide criminal history, contact the Crime Records Division.
How to Submit a Request
- Online — use the county public records search portal for viewing. To order certified copies, contact the appropriate clerk directly.
- In Person — visit the courthouse at 101 W. Main Street, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. Bring valid photo identification.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the individual's full name, date of birth (if known), case number (if available), and a copy of your ID. Include payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
For requests under the Public Information Act, a special form is usually not required — a clear written request is sufficient.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Nacogdoches
The fees are determined by Texas state law, specifically the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 118 (for county and district clerk fees).
| Service | Approximate Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Court Document (Uncertified) | $1.00 for the first page, $0.25 for each additional page | Standard rates under Texas law |
| Document Certification | $5.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal History Check (Texas DPS) | $3.00 (by name) online | Through the Crime Records Division portal |
| Fingerprint Check (Texas DPS) | Approximately $24.95 | Through an authorized fingerprint provider |
| Sheriff's Records Search | Depends on volume | Contact the sheriff's office for details |
Processing Times
- Online Search — results appear instantly
- In-Person Clerk Request — usually within the same day or 1–3 business days for certified copies
- Mail Request — 5 to 10 business days, depending on volume and office workload
- Texas DPS Request — online results are typically available within minutes; mail requests may take up to 15 business days
Check current fees directly with the clerk's or sheriff's office, as rates may change according to state law updates.