El Paso County Criminal Records
What Is El Paso County Criminal Records
El Paso County criminal records are official government documents that detail an individual's criminal history within the jurisdiction of El Paso County, Texas. These records are maintained by various law enforcement agencies and the county court system pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135. Criminal records serve as the official documentation of interactions between individuals and the criminal justice system.
Criminal records in El Paso County typically include:
- Arrest reports and booking information
- Charges filed by the District Attorney's Office
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration details
- Probation or parole status
The primary agencies responsible for maintaining these records include:
El Paso County Sheriff's Office
3850 Justice Drive
El Paso, TX 79938
(915) 546-2280
El Paso County Sheriff's Office
El Paso Police Department
911 N. Raynor Street
El Paso, TX 79903
(915) 212-4000
El Paso Police Department
El Paso County District Clerk's Office
500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 103
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 546-2021
El Paso County District Clerk
These records are created and maintained in accordance with the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and are subject to specific retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Are Criminal Records Public In El Paso County
Criminal records in El Paso County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Members of the public may access the following types of criminal records:
- Court records of criminal proceedings
- Arrest records and police reports (with certain redactions)
- Conviction information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registration information
However, certain limitations and exceptions apply to public access:
- Records related to juveniles (under 17 years of age) are generally confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order are not publicly accessible
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and victim information
- Deferred adjudication records may have restricted access after successful completion of probation
- Ongoing investigations may have temporarily restricted access
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information and provides background check services to authorized entities. Access to comprehensive criminal history information through this system may require fingerprint submission and is subject to statutory authorization requirements.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In El Paso County in 2025
El Paso County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several official channels. The methods described below reflect the most current procedures as of 2025, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021.
In-person requests remain a reliable method for obtaining comprehensive criminal records:
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El Paso County District Clerk's Office
500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 103
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 546-2021
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Requestors must complete a records request form and present valid identification. Fees apply according to the current fee schedule. -
El Paso Police Department Records Division
911 N. Raynor Street
El Paso, TX 79903
(915) 212-4150
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Police reports and arrest records may be requested with case numbers or relevant identifying information.
Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate agency:
- Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and any known case numbers
- A notarized authorization is required if requesting records for another individual
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
- Applicable fees must be included via check or money order
For expedited service, the El Paso County Public Access Case Search portal provides 24/7 access to court case information. Users may search by name, case number, or filing date to locate criminal case information, though detailed documents may require in-person retrieval.
How To Find Criminal Records in El Paso County Online?
El Paso County has implemented several digital platforms to facilitate public access to criminal records information. These online resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
The primary online resources for criminal records searches include:
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El Paso County Court Records Search
El Paso County Public Access Case Search
This official portal provides access to case information for criminal proceedings filed in El Paso County courts. Users may search by defendant name, case number, or filing date. The system displays case summaries, charges, hearing dates, and disposition information. Document images may be available for certain records. -
El Paso Police Department Crime Reports
The El Paso Police Department maintains an online portal for accessing certain police reports and crime statistics. Users may search incident reports by report number, location, or date range. Personal identifying information is typically redacted from these reports. -
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search
The Texas DPS provides a statewide criminal history search service. This fee-based service requires the creation of an account and payment of the statutory fee. Searches may be conducted using name and date of birth, though fingerprint-based searches provide more accurate results. -
El Paso County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
Current inmate information is available through the Sheriff's Office online inmate locator. This resource provides booking information, charges, and custody status for individuals currently held in El Paso County detention facilities.
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information. Records that have been sealed, expunged, or are subject to restricted access will not appear in public online searches.
Can You Search El Paso County Criminal Records for Free?
El Paso County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply to free searches. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records or extensive searches.
Free access options include:
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Public Access Terminals
The El Paso County District Clerk's Office maintains public access terminals at:
500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 103
El Paso, TX 79901
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
These terminals allow visitors to search court records at no charge, though printing fees may apply. -
El Paso County Public Access Case Search
Basic case information is available at no cost through the online court records portal. This includes case numbers, party names, charges, and hearing dates. Document images may require payment. -
Sex Offender Registry
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a free public sex offender registry that includes offenders residing in El Paso County. -
El Paso Police Department Crime Maps
The El Paso Police Department provides free access to crime mapping tools showing recent criminal activity by location and offense type.
Fee-based services include:
- Certified copies of court documents ($1.00 per page plus certification fee)
- Complete background checks through Texas DPS ($3.00-$15.00 depending on type)
- Extensive record searches requiring staff research time ($15.00 per hour)
- Expedited processing fees for rush requests
Government agencies, educational institutions, and certain non-profit organizations may qualify for fee waivers under specific circumstances as outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.267.
What's Included in a El Paso County Criminal Record?
El Paso County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.01 and include standardized information across multiple agencies.
A complete criminal record typically contains:
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Identifying Information
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and physical description
- Fingerprints and booking photographs
- State Identification Number (SID) and FBI number if applicable
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Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Charges at time of arrest
- Booking details and initial bail determination
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Court Proceedings
- Case numbers and court assignment
- Formal charges filed by the prosecutor
- Plea information and hearing dates
- Trial information if applicable
- Verdict or disposition of each charge
- Sentencing details including fines, probation, or incarceration
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Post-Conviction Information
- Incarceration records
- Probation or parole status
- Completion of court-ordered programs
- Payment status of fines and restitution
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Case Status Information
- Active or closed status
- Appeal information if applicable
- Expungement or sealing orders if granted
Records are maintained by multiple agencies including the El Paso Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff's Office, District Attorney's Office, and the District and County Clerks. The level of detail available may vary depending on the source of the record and applicable access restrictions.
What Are the Penalties for a El Paso County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in El Paso County is prosecuted under Texas Penal Code § 30.05, which defines the offense as entering or remaining on property without effective consent of the owner and with notice that entry was forbidden or receiving notice to depart but failing to do so.
The penalties for criminal trespass vary based on the location of the offense and other aggravating factors:
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Class B Misdemeanor (standard criminal trespass)
- Maximum fine of $2,000
- Up to 180 days in county jail
- Probation may be available for first-time offenders
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Class A Misdemeanor (if committed in a habitation, shelter center, or on a critical infrastructure facility)
- Maximum fine of $4,000
- Up to one year in county jail
- May include community service requirements
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Enhanced Penalties
- Carrying a deadly weapon during the offense elevates the charge to a Class A misdemeanor
- Trespass on certain government facilities may result in state jail felony charges
- Multiple offenses may result in enhanced sentencing
Collateral consequences may include:
- Creation of a permanent criminal record
- Potential impact on employment opportunities
- Possible immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Restitution payments if property damage occurred
Defendants charged with criminal trespass in El Paso County will have their cases processed through:
El Paso County Court at Law
500 E. San Antonio Avenue
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 546-2121
First-time offenders may be eligible for diversion programs or deferred adjudication under certain circumstances, which could result in dismissal of charges upon successful completion of program requirements.
How Long Does El Paso County Keep Criminal Records?
El Paso County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. These retention periods ensure that records are preserved for appropriate timeframes while balancing public access with individual privacy concerns.
Standard retention periods for criminal records in El Paso County include:
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Misdemeanor Case Records
- Class A and B misdemeanors: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Class C misdemeanors: Minimum of 2 years after final disposition
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Felony Case Records
- Capital felonies: Permanent retention
- First and second-degree felonies: 25 years after final disposition
- Third-degree felonies: 10 years after final disposition
- State jail felonies: 7 years after final disposition
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Arrest Records
- Arrests resulting in conviction: Retained according to offense level
- Arrests not resulting in charges: 5 years from date of arrest
- Arrests resulting in acquittal: Subject to expungement eligibility
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Juvenile Records
- Generally sealed when the individual reaches age 18
- May be destroyed when the individual reaches age 21 for certain offenses
- Serious felony records may be maintained longer
Certain records may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances:
- Arrests not resulting in charges or convictions
- Deferred adjudication cases after successful completion of probation
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after waiting periods
- Juvenile records meeting statutory criteria
Expungement and non-disclosure petitions must be filed with:
El Paso County District Clerk's Office
500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 103
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 546-2021
Records that have been expunged are physically destroyed, while sealed records remain in existence but are not accessible to the general public.