Felony Records in Bexar County give residents a clear window into the official court actions that define serious criminal cases, and the Bexar County felony records search interface lets anyone locate a case by name, number, filing date, or court without needing legal expertise. By tapping the Official District Clerk criminal court records source, users can see defendant details, offense descriptions, and current case status, which is essential for background checks, legal research, or personal peace of mind. The system pulls data directly from Bexar County felony court records, ensuring that each entry reflects the most recent filings, motions, and judgments, while also flagging sealed or juvenile information that remains restricted. This transparency supports community safety and empowers individuals to verify facts quickly, reducing reliance on third‑party guesswork and helping attorneys, employers, and families make informed decisions based on accurate, court‑verified information.
Felony Records searches also connect users to broader Bexar County criminal case records, offering a comprehensive view of how a felony case progresses from indictment through sentencing. When you enter a name or case number, the portal pulls the full docket, including charging documents, hearing transcripts, and final dispositions, all sourced from the Bexar County felony case search provided by the Official District Clerk. This level of detail helps clarify outcomes such as convictions, acquittals, or deferred sentences, and it highlights any fines, restitution, or community supervision orders attached to the case. By delivering this depth of information in a single, authoritative location, the service meets the exact needs of anyone seeking reliable, up‑to‑date felony data in Bexar County.
How to Search Felony Records
You can look up felony records in Bexar County through the public search portal run by the Bexar County District Clerk. The system is free to use and works from any computer or phone with internet access. Each search pulls live data from the official court records database, so you see the same records the courts use every day. This setup helps you check a case for legal work, personal research, or background purposes.
Official Search Portal: https://www.bexar.org/3021/Searches-Records
Steps to Search
- Open the Bexar County District Clerk search page at the link above.
- Pick the type of search you want: name, case number, filing date, or court.
- Type the details you have into the correct boxes. Use full last names and first names when you can.
- Hit the search button and wait for the list of cases to load.
- Click on any case number to open the full case file and view all linked records.
Search by Defendant Name
Name searches are the most common way to look up felony cases. You enter the person’s last name, first name, and middle name if you know it. The system then shows every felony case linked to that person. You can filter the results by date range or court to narrow down the list.
Search by Case Number
If you already have a case number, this search gives you the fastest path to the file. Case numbers in Bexar County use a format like CR-2024-001234, where CR stands for criminal. Once you enter the full number, the portal jumps straight to that case file. This method works well when you have paperwork from an attorney or court notice.
Search by Filing Date
Date searches help when you know roughly when a case was filed. You pick a start date and end date, and the system lists all felony cases filed in that window. This search is useful for researchers, journalists, or anyone tracking cases over a set time frame.
Search by Court
Court searches let you browse felony cases by the specific court where they were heard. Bexar County has several courts that handle felony cases, such as the 144th District Court, the 175th District Court, and others. Picking a court shows every active and closed felony case in that courtroom.
Information Needed for a Search
Before you start a search, gather as much detail as you can. The more facts you have, the better your results will be. Helpful pieces of info include the full legal name of the defendant, date of birth, the year the case was filed, and the county where the arrest took place. With even a few of these facts, you can usually find the case you need.
Information in Felony Records
Felony records show key facts about a serious criminal case from start to finish. Each record has seven main parts that help you see what happened, when it happened, and how the court handled it. The table below shows the basic layout of a felony record in Bexar County.
| Record Field | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| Defendant Information | Full legal name, date of birth, and booking details |
| Case Number | Unique ID like CR-2024-001234 |
| Filing Date | The day the case was filed with the court |
| Court Information | Name and number of the court hearing the case |
| Offense Information | The felony charges filed against the defendant |
| Case Status | Current stage such as pending, active, or closed |
| Case Disposition | Final outcome like conviction, acquittal, or dismissal |
Defendant Information
The defendant section lists the person charged with the felony. It shows the full legal name, date of birth, and sometimes a state ID number. You also see booking details like the date the person was booked into the Bexar County Jail. This section helps you confirm you have the right person before reading the rest of the file.
Case Number
Every felony case in Bexar County has a unique case number. The number starts with a prefix like CR for criminal, followed by the year and a sequence of digits. For example, CR-2024-001234 means the criminal case filed in 2024 with sequence number 1234. Case numbers stay with the file for life, even after the case closes.
Filing Date
The filing date marks when the District Attorney’s office first charged the person with the felony. It is not the same as the arrest date. Filing dates can happen weeks or months after an arrest, once the case moves to the grand jury or the court. This date helps you sort cases by year or quarter.
Court Information
This section shows which court in Bexar County is handling the felony case. Felonies are heard in district courts, not county courts. The court section lists the court number, the judge’s name, and the courtroom location. Knowing the court helps you track hearings and contact the right clerk’s office.
Offense Information
The offense section lists the specific felony charges filed. Each charge has a code, a name like aggravated assault or burglary of a habitation, and a degree (first, second, or third degree felony). You also see the Texas Penal Code section for each charge. This detail is key for legal research or background checks.
Case Status
Case status tells you where the case stands right now. Common statuses include pending, active, disposed, or on appeal. A pending case has not reached a final outcome yet. A disposed case has reached a verdict or plea deal. An appeal means one side asked a higher court to review the decision.
Case Disposition
The disposition section shows the final outcome of the felony case. Outcomes include conviction, acquittal, dismissal, or a plea deal. If the person was convicted, the disposition also notes the sentence. Dispositions are final entries and do not change unless an appeal reverses the case.
Felony Case Records
Felony case records are the full set of papers filed in a criminal case. They go beyond the basic info and show every step the case took through the court system. These records come straight from the Bexar County District Clerk’s office and are open to the public, except for sealed files.
Indictments and Charging Documents
An indictment is the formal charge filed by a grand jury in a felony case. The indictment lists the charges, the defendant’s name, and the facts the state believes prove the crime. It marks the start of the court process. Other charging documents like informations follow the same role when a grand jury is not used.
Court Filings
Court filings cover every paper filed by either side during the case. This list shows defense motions, prosecution responses, witness lists, and exhibit lists. Each filing has a date stamp and a docket entry number. You can read the text of each filing through the online portal or request paper copies at the clerk’s office.
Motions and Responses
Motions are formal requests a lawyer makes to the judge. Common motions ask to suppress evidence, dismiss the case, or change the venue. Each motion gets a response from the other side, and the judge rules on it. The record shows the motion text, the response, and the judge’s order.
Hearing Records
Hearing records log every court appearance in the case. They list the date, the type of hearing, the judge, and the outcome. Types of hearings include arraignment, pre-trial, motion hearings, bench trials, and jury trials. Some hearings produce transcripts that you can request separately.
Court Orders
Court orders are written rulings signed by the judge. They cover things like bond amounts, search warrants, gag orders, and rulings on motions. Once signed, orders become part of the public file. You can view them online or get certified copies from the clerk.
Judgment and Sentencing Records
The judgment and sentencing record is the final entry in most felony cases. It shows the verdict, the sentence, the credit for time served, and any fines or restitution. For plea deals, the judgment also lists the agreed terms. Sentencing can happen right after a trial or at a separate hearing weeks later.
Felony Case Outcomes
Every felony case ends in one of a few set outcomes. The outcome, also called the disposition, tells you what the court decided. The table below shows the most common felony case outcomes in Bexar County.
| Outcome Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Found guilty by jury or judge, or pleaded guilty |
| Acquittal | Found not guilty by jury or judge |
| Dismissal | Case dropped by the prosecution or judge |
| Plea Deal | Defendant pleaded guilty or no contest for a deal |
| Deferred Disposition | Case put on hold while defendant meets conditions |
| Probation | Sentence served in the community under supervision |
Convictions
A conviction happens when a jury or judge finds the defendant guilty, or when the defendant enters a guilty plea. Once convicted, the person is no longer called the defendant and becomes the convicted person. The court then moves to sentencing. Convictions for felonies can carry prison time of one year or more.
Acquittals
An acquittal happens when a jury or judge finds the defendant not guilty. After an acquittal, the state cannot try the same person for the same crime under double jeopardy rules. The case ends and the record shows “acquitted” or “not guilty.” Acquittals do not erase the arrest but do close the court case.
Dismissals
A dismissal means the case ended without a conviction or acquittal. The prosecution can ask for a dismissal if evidence is weak, a witness is missing, or new facts come to light. A judge can also dismiss a case for legal reasons. Dismissed cases stay on the public record but show a non-conviction outcome.
Plea-Based Outcomes
Most felony cases end with a plea deal, not a trial. In a plea deal, the defendant pleads guilty or no contest to one or more charges in exchange for a lighter sentence or dropped charges. Plea deals save court time and give both sides a known outcome. The plea deal terms are written into the judgment.
Deferred Dispositions
A deferred disposition lets a defendant avoid a conviction by meeting court-ordered conditions for a set time, often one to five years. If the person completes all conditions, the case is dismissed. If they fail, the court can enter a conviction and sentence them. Deferred dispositions are common in drug and theft cases.
Probation Outcomes
Probation, also called community supervision, lets a convicted person serve their sentence in the community instead of prison. Probation terms include regular check-ins, drug tests, and no new arrests. Successful probation ends the sentence. Violations can send the person back to court for review or jail time.
Felony Sentencing Information
Once a felony case ends in a conviction or a plea, the judge issues a sentence. Texas law sets sentencing ranges for each felony degree. The actual sentence depends on the facts, the defendant’s past record, and any plea deal terms. The table below shows the basic felony sentencing options.
| Sentencing Option | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Incarceration | Time in state prison or county jail |
| Community Supervision | Probation served in the community |
| Fines and Court Costs | Money paid to the court |
| Restitution | Money paid to the victim for losses |
| Other Conditions | Counseling, no-contact orders, or classes |
Incarceration Sentences
Incarceration means time behind bars. Felony sentences can range from 180 days in a state jail to life in prison or more. First-degree felonies carry 5 to 99 years or life. Second-degree felonies carry 2 to 20 years. Third-degree felonies carry 2 to 10 years. State jail felonies carry 180 days to 2 years.
Community Supervision
Community supervision, also called probation, lets a convicted person stay out of prison if they follow court rules. The probation officer reports to the court. Conditions can include drug tests, work requirements, and travel limits. Probation terms last from a few months to 10 years, depending on the case.
Fines and Court Costs
Fines punish the offender and fund the court system. Texas law caps felony fines by degree, with first-degree fines up to $10,000. Court costs cover the cost of running the case and are separate from fines. Both must be paid as part of the sentence unless the judge waives them.
Restitution Orders
Restitution pays the victim back for losses caused by the crime. This can cover stolen money, medical bills, or damaged property. The judge sets the amount based on evidence from the victim. Restitution is paid in addition to fines and any prison time. Failure to pay can lead to a contempt charge.
Other Sentencing Conditions
Judges can add conditions to any felony sentence. Common conditions include drug counseling, anger management classes, no-contact orders with victims, and loss of gun rights. Sex offenders must register with the state. Some convictions also lead to driver’s license suspensions as part of the sentence.
Bexar County Felony Records Access
Bexar County keeps felony records open to the public under Texas law. Most files can be viewed online, by mail, or in person at the clerk’s office. A few records stay restricted by law. Knowing what is open and what is sealed helps you get the right info without delay.
Public Case Information
Public case info includes the defendant’s name, charges, family court records dates, motions, and final outcome. You can see this data on the Bexar County District Clerk website for free. The portal updates daily with new filings. Public info does not include Social Security numbers, victim details, or sealed files.
Online Court Records
Online court records let you search and view felony files from home. The portal shows dockets, related to court calendar, orders, and judgments. You can also see scanned copies of motions and other filings. The site does not require an account or login for basic searches. Some older cases may need an in-person visit to view.
Clerk’s Office Records
The clerk’s office holds paper records for all Bexar County courts. You can visit the office in person to view files, use public terminals, or request copies. The clerk’s office is on the first floor of the courthouse in downtown San Antonio. Staff can help you find a case or pull older files not online yet.
Restricted Information
Some info in felony records stays restricted even when the case is open. This list shows Social Security numbers, home addresses of witnesses, and details about juvenile co-defendants. The court can also seal sensitive info for safety reasons. Restricted data is not shown in the public online portal.
Sealed Records
Sealed records are felony cases closed to the public by court order. A judge can seal a case after a dismissal, a deferred disposition, or for other legal reasons. Once sealed, the case does not show up in normal searches. Only the parties named in the case or a court order can open a sealed file.
Juvenile Record Restrictions
Juvenile felony records have strict limits. Even when a juvenile is certified to stand trial as an adult, the juvenile records stay separate and restricted. Texas law seals most juvenile records once the person turns 18. Adult felony records for the same conduct are public, but juvenile files are not.
Obtaining Felony Records
You have three main ways to get copies of felony records in Bexar County. You can ask online, by mail through the clerk’s office, or in person. Each method has its own steps and fees. The table below shows the basic options for getting felony record copies.
| Request Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online | View and print from the portal | Quick lookups and basic copies |
| Mail Request | Send form and payment to clerk’s office | Certified copies from a distance |
| In-Person | Visit clerk’s office downtown | Same-day certified copies |
Online Requests
Online requests work for most basic felony record lookups. You log onto the portal, find the case, and view the docket. From there, you can print the pages you need. For official certified copies, you still need to contact the clerk’s office. Online access is free for public terminals.
Clerk Office Requests
You can request felony record copies from the Bexar County District Clerk’s office by mail. Send a written request with the case number, the defendant’s name, and the documents you need. Include a check or money order for the copy fees. Mail requests take 5 to 10 business days to process.
In-Person Requests
Going to the clerk’s office in person gives you the fastest service for certified copies. Staff can pull the file while you wait, or same-day for simple requests. You fill out a request form at the counter and pay the fee. Bring a valid photo ID and the case details.
Certified Copies
Certified copies carry the court seal and a clerk’s signature. They are needed for legal filings, immigration cases, and some job applications. Plain printouts from the portal are not certified. You must request certified copies through the mail or in person at the clerk’s office.
Identification Requirements
To get felony records, especially certified copies, you must show a valid photo ID. Accepted IDs include a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID. For mail requests, include a photocopy of your ID with your letter. The clerk’s office checks IDs to protect sensitive data.
Copy Fees and Processing Times
Copy fees in Bexar County are set by state law. Standard copies cost $1.00 per page. Certified copies add a $5.00 fee per document. Payment can be cash, check, money order, or credit card in person. Mail orders only accept checks or money orders. Processing times vary from same-day in person to 10 days by mail.
Felony Record Accuracy and Availability
Felony records aim to be accurate, but errors can happen. Names get misspelled, case numbers get typed wrong, and courts sometimes hold parts of a file. Knowing how to check accuracy helps you trust the data you find. The list below shows common checks you can run on a felony record.
- Check that the defendant’s full legal name and date of birth match the case file.
- Match the case number to the year and court you expect.
- Look at the court listed and confirm it handles felony cases.
- Check the filing date to see if it lines up with public news of the arrest.
- Look for recent updates or delays in the docket entries.
Confirming the Correct Defendant
Always confirm you have the right defendant before relying on a felony record. Two people can share a name or even a birthday. Cross-check the date of birth, the offense location, and the arresting agency. If you see a different middle name or booking photo, you may have the wrong person.
Matching the Case Number
The case number is the most accurate way to pull a file. Match the full number, including the year and the prefix. If you only have a partial number, search by name and court to find the right one. Case numbers do not change once filed, so a match is a strong sign you have the correct case.
Verifying the Court
Confirm the court listed in the record is a felony court. Bexar County felony cases are heard in district courts, not county courts. The court number on the record should match the prefix. If the court seems off, the case may have been transferred or refiled in another county.
Recently Filed Cases
Newly filed felony cases may take time to show up in the portal. Clerks need to scan and index each paper. A case filed last week might not be online yet. If you cannot find a recent case, wait a few days and try again, or call the clerk’s office for help.
Delayed Record Updates
Updates to felony records can lag behind court action. A motion filed in court today might not appear online until the next business day. Sentencing outcomes can take longer to post. If you see old info, check the date stamp on each docket entry to see when it was last updated.
Missing Documents
Some documents go missing from online felony records. Older cases from the 1990s may not be fully scanned. Sealed or expunged records are also missing by law. If a key document is missing, you can request a copy in person or by mail from the clerk’s office.
Records Held by Another Court
Some felony records are held by other courts or agencies. Federal felony cases go to the U.S. District Court, not the Bexar County District Clerk. Out-of-county arrests can also file in other Texas counties. If you cannot find a record in Bexar County, the case may be in another system.
Search Problems
Search problems are common when you look up felony records. Most issues come from small errors in names, dates, or court info. Knowing the common problems ahead of time saves you time and frustration. The list below shows frequent search problems and how to fix them.
- No record found: case may be sealed, filed under a different name, or stored offline.
- Incorrect defendant name: name typos or aliases can lead to empty search results.
- Incorrect case number: even one wrong digit breaks the search.
- Wrong court or county: select a Bexar County district court, not a county court.
- Missing case documents: older or sealed files may not be online.
- Restricted record: sealed by court order and hidden from public view.
- Delayed case info: new filings take 24 to 72 hours to appear online.
No Record Found
A “no record found” message can mean the case is sealed, filed under a different name, or stored offline. Try a wider date range or a different spelling. If the case still does not show up, call the clerk’s office to ask if the file exists in their paper records.
Incorrect Defendant Name
Name typos are the top reason searches fail. Check the spelling against an official document like a court summons. If the name is hyphenated or has a suffix, include that in the search. Some records also list aliases, so try those if you know them.
Incorrect Case Number
Wrong case numbers are another common issue. Case numbers use a strict format, and even one wrong digit breaks the search. If you do not have the full number, search by name and date to find it first. Then copy the exact number for future lookups.
Wrong Court or County
Wrong court picks lead to empty results. Make sure you select a Bexar County district court, not a county or municipal court. If the case happened outside Bexar County, you need to search that county’s portal instead.
Missing Case Documents
Some case documents are missing from the online portal. Older files, large exhibits, and sealed items may not be online. You can order paper copies through the clerk’s office to fill in the gaps.
Restricted Record
A restricted record shows up as blank or hidden in search results. These files are sealed by court order. You cannot view them without a court order or party status. Restricted records are common in cases involving juveniles, sealed plea deals, or expungements.
Delayed Case Information
Delayed info happens when clerks are catching up on filings. New motions, orders, and judgments can take 24 to 72 hours to appear online. If you need the latest data, call the clerk’s office for a real-time check.
Felony Records and Related Records
Felony records are one of several types of criminal records. Each type covers a different part of the criminal justice process. Knowing how felony records differ from other records helps you pick the right source for your search. The list below gives a quick view of how felony records fit with other record types.
- Felony records cover serious crimes punishable by one year or more in prison.
- Criminal records is a broad term that covers all crimes, from tickets to felonies.
- Criminal history comes from the Texas DPS and FBI and covers all arrests and dispositions.
- Arrest records come from law enforcement and show arrests, bookings, and charges at arrest.
- Court records cover every case type in a court: civil, family, criminal, and probate.
- Misdemeanor records cover less serious crimes heard in county courts.
- Background checks pull data from many sources, with court data as just one part.
Felony Records vs. Criminal Records
Criminal records is a broad term that covers all crimes, from traffic tickets to felonies. Felony records only cover serious crimes punishable by one year or more in prison. If you need full coverage, criminal records are wider. If you need serious crimes only, felony records are the right source.
Felony Records vs. Criminal History
Criminal history, also called a rap sheet, comes from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI. It lists arrests, charges, and dispositions across all Texas counties and federal courts. Felony records only cover Bexar County. For state or nationwide searches, use a criminal history check.
Felony Records vs. Arrest Records
Arrest records come from law enforcement agencies, not courts. They show the arrest, the booking, and the charges at arrest. Felony records come from courts and show what happened after the arrest, like indictments and verdicts. An arrest does not always lead to a felony record if charges are dropped.
Felony Records vs. Court Records
Court records cover every case type in a court: civil, family, criminal, and probate. Felony records only cover criminal felony cases in district court. To find a felony, you search the criminal section of court records. Civil cases, divorces, and other matters use the same portal but different filters.
Felony Records vs. Misdemeanor Records
Misdemeanor records cover less serious crimes, like petty theft or simple assault. They are heard in county courts, not district courts. Misdemeanor records also appear on the Bexar County portal but under a different case prefix, like M or CM. Felony records use the CR prefix.
Felony Records vs. Background Checks
Background checks pull data from many sources: courts, credit bureaus, employment files, and more. Felony records are just one piece of a background check. Commercial background check companies pull court data and add their own reports. For court-verified info, the clerk’s portal is the most direct source.
District Clerk
You can reach the Bexar County District Clerk’s office for help with felony records, certified copies, or search problems. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Phone lines are open during business hours for live help. Mail requests are processed in the order they arrive. Use the details below to contact the clerk’s office directly.
- Office: Bexar County District Clerk’s Office
- Address: 100 Dolorosa, Suite 110, San Antonio, TX 78205
- Phone: (210) 335-2316
- Email: distclk@bexar.org
- Website: https://www.bexar.org/3021/Searches-Records
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding felony records in Bexar County helps you verify legal status, support research, and make informed decisions. The official District Clerk portal offers live data at no cost, accessible from any device. Use these answers to locate, interpret, and act on Bexar County felony case information quickly.
How can I search Bexar County felony records online?
Visit the District Clerk’s public search portal at bexar.org/3021/Searches-Records. Enter the person’s name, case number, or citation number. The system pulls current data from the court’s database, showing filing dates, charges, and disposition. Results appear within seconds, so you can confirm details for background checks, legal work, or personal inquiries without leaving home.
What information appears in a Bexar County felony court record?
A typical record lists the defendant’s full name, case number, filing date, charge description, court location, and final outcome such as conviction, dismissal, or plea. It may also include hearing dates, judge name, and any attached documents. This snapshot gives a clear view of the case’s progress and resolution.
Can I access Bexar County criminal case records for free?
Yes. The official District Clerk portal provides free public access to all criminal case files, including felonies. No registration or payment is required. Just open the website, type your search terms, and view the live docket. This eliminates hidden fees and ensures you see the same information courts use.
How do I locate a specific Bexar County felony case using a citation number?
Enter the citation number in the “Case Number” field on the search page. The portal returns the exact case, displaying charge details, court dates, and disposition. This method avoids confusion when multiple individuals share similar names and speeds up verification for employers or attorneys.
What steps should I take if I find an error in a Bexar County felony record?
Contact the Bexar County District Clerk’s office directly. Provide the case number, describe the discrepancy, and request a correction. You may need to submit supporting documents such as court orders or affidavits. The clerk will update the online docket, and you can verify the change by running a new search.