Cameron County Criminal Records
What Is Cameron County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cameron County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.083, which establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information.
Criminal records in Cameron County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Cameron County Sheriff's Office, Brownsville Police Department, and other municipal police departments within the county
- Court Records: Official proceedings and dispositions from the Cameron County District Courts and County Courts at Law
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in the Cameron County jail facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervised release conditions and compliance
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody but do not necessarily indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, confirm that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt, either through trial verdict or plea agreement.
Criminal offenses in Cameron County are categorized as follows:
- Felonies: Serious offenses punishable by state prison sentences exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by county jail terms of less than one year and/or fines
- Infractions: Minor violations usually resulting in fines only
Juvenile records in Cameron County receive special protection under Texas Family Code § 58.007, which generally restricts public access to criminal records of individuals under 17 years of age at the time of the offense.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Cameron County include:
Cameron County Sheriff's Office
7300 Old Alice Road
Olmito, TX 78575
(956) 554-6700
Cameron County Sheriff's Office
Cameron County District Clerk
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0838
Cameron County District Clerk
Cameron County Clerk
1100 E. Monroe Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0809
Cameron County Clerk
Texas Department of Public Safety - Crime Records Division
5805 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 424-2000
Texas DPS Crime Records Division
Are Criminal Records Public In Cameron County
Criminal records in Cameron County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, should be available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This statutory provision ensures that members of the public have the right to access and review criminal records maintained by Cameron County agencies.
However, certain categories of criminal records are exempt from public disclosure:
- Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active criminal investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of law enforcement proceedings
- Juvenile Records: As stipulated in Texas Family Code § 58.007, records involving minors are generally confidential
- Expunged Records: Records that have been legally expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are removed from public access
- Sealed Records: Records that have been sealed by court order, including certain non-disclosure orders
- Deferred Adjudication: In some cases, records of successfully completed deferred adjudication may have restricted access
The following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Adult arrest records (with exceptions for arrests that did not lead to conviction)
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registration information
It is important to note that while these records are legally accessible, the methods of access and associated fees may vary depending on the specific agency maintaining the records and the format in which they are requested.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Cameron County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Cameron County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county has implemented both electronic and in-person access options to accommodate various needs.
To conduct a criminal records search in Cameron County, individuals may follow these procedures:
In-Person Requests:
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Visit the appropriate agency based on the type of record sought:
- For arrest and jail records: Cameron County Sheriff's Office
- For court records: Cameron County District Clerk (felonies) or County Clerk (misdemeanors)
- For background checks: Texas Department of Public Safety
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Complete the required request form, providing:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of incident or case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
-
Present valid government-issued photo identification
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Pay applicable fees (varies by agency and record type)
Online Requests:
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Access the Cameron County Web Portals for various record types
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For court records, utilize the Cameron County Clerk Public Access Portal which provides access to:
- Criminal case information
- Court dockets
- Case dispositions
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For inmate information, access the Cameron County Inmate List maintained by the Sheriff's Office
-
For statewide criminal history information, utilize the Texas Department of Public Safety's Criminal History Search
Written Requests:
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Submit a written request to the appropriate agency, including:
- Specific records being requested
- Subject's identifying information
- Purpose of the request
- Requestor's contact information
-
Include payment for applicable fees
-
Mail to the appropriate agency address
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, agencies must "promptly produce public information for inspection, duplication, or both" upon request. The standard response time is 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
How To Find Criminal Records in Cameron County Online?
Cameron County provides several online portals that allow members of the public to access criminal records electronically. These digital resources streamline the search process and provide immediate access to certain public records.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Cameron County include:
Cameron County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search The Cameron County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that provides information about individuals currently in custody. The inmate search portal includes:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
To use this system:
- Navigate to the inmate search portal
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review the results displayed
Cameron County Clerk Records Search The Cameron County Clerk's Public Access Portal provides access to misdemeanor criminal case records. This system includes:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charges filed
- Case status and disposition
- Scheduled court appearances
- Judgment information
To utilize this system:
- Access the County Clerk's portal
- Register for an account (if required)
- Search by name, case number, or date range
- Select relevant cases to view details
Cameron County District Clerk Records Felony criminal cases can be searched through the District Clerk's online system, which contains:
- Felony case information
- Court documents
- Case dispositions
- Scheduled hearings
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History For comprehensive statewide criminal history information, the Texas DPS Crime Records Division maintains a searchable database that includes:
- Arrest records from across Texas
- Conviction data
- Incarceration history
This system requires:
- Creation of an account
- Payment of statutory fees
- Consent of the subject (for certain searches)
It is important to note that while many records are available online, certain documents may only be accessible through in-person requests. Additionally, some online systems may require registration and payment of fees to access complete records.
Can You Search Cameron County Criminal Records for Free?
Cameron County provides several options for members of the public to access criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply to free searches. The Texas Public Information Act establishes the right to inspect public records without charge, though fees may be assessed for copies or extensive searches.
Free In-Person Inspection:
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, individuals may inspect public records during normal business hours at no cost. The following locations offer free in-person access:
Cameron County District Clerk's Office
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0838
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cameron County District Clerk
Cameron County Clerk's Office
1100 E. Monroe Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0809
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cameron County Clerk
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to basic criminal record information:
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Cameron County Inmate Roster - The Sheriff's Office inmate search is available at no cost and provides current detention information.
-
Public Court Dockets - Basic case information can be viewed through the Cameron County web portals without charge, though detailed document access may require fees.
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Sex Offender Registry - The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a free searchable database of registered sex offenders residing in Cameron County.
Limitations of Free Searches:
Free access to criminal records typically includes:
- Basic case information (defendant name, charges, case status)
- Current inmate status
- Court docket information
- Sex offender registration data
However, the following services generally require payment:
- Certified copies of court documents
- Complete criminal history reports
- Background checks
- Extensive record searches requiring significant staff time
- Copies exceeding 50 pages
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety charges statutory fees ranging from $3.00 for name-based searches to $24.95 for fingerprint-based searches, as authorized by Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27.
What's Included in a Cameron County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Cameron County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.05, which establishes uniform reporting requirements.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender and race
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Fingerprints and, in some cases, DNA profiles
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Last known address
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest (including Texas Penal Code citations)
- Probable cause statements
- Bail or bond information
- Detention status
Court Case Information:
- Court of jurisdiction (District Court or County Court at Law)
- Case number and filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Classification of offense (felony class A-F or misdemeanor class A-C)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (conviction, acquittal, dismissal)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment programs
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective orders
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Specialized court participation (Drug Court, Veterans Court, etc.)
- Completion of court-ordered programs
It is important to note that juvenile records (for offenders under 17 years of age) contain similar information but are subject to stricter confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the record, the maintaining agency, and whether any information has been legally expunged or sealed pursuant to court order.
How Long Does Cameron County Keep Criminal Records?
Cameron County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Local Government Retention Schedules, specifically Schedule PS (Public Safety Records) and Schedule CC (County Clerk Records). These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
The retention periods for common criminal record types in Cameron County are as follows:
Arrest Records:
- Felony cases resulting in conviction or deferred adjudication: 75 years
- Misdemeanor cases resulting in conviction or deferred adjudication: 20 years
- Cases not resulting in conviction: 5 years from date of arrest
- Arrest reports and booking information: Permanent
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after final disposition
- Court dockets: Permanent
- Judgments and sentences: Permanent
- Exhibits and evidence: Varies based on case type and disposition
Incarceration Records:
- Jail population records: 5 years
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
- Visitor logs: 2 years
- Inmate classification records: 3 years after release
Probation/Parole Records:
- Felony supervision records: 10 years after termination of supervision
- Misdemeanor supervision records: 5 years after termination of supervision
It is important to note that while these retention schedules establish minimum requirements, many records—particularly those of historical or legal significance—are maintained permanently. Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are destroyed in accordance with court orders rather than retention schedules.
Digital records are increasingly replacing paper documents in Cameron County's record-keeping systems, allowing for more efficient storage and retrieval while adhering to the same retention requirements.
The Texas Local Government Records Act (Texas Local Government Code § 201.003) prohibits the destruction of records except in accordance with these established retention schedules, ensuring the preservation of criminal justice information for appropriate time periods.
Lookup Criminal Records in Cameron County
County Sheriff Home - Cameron County