Brazoria County Criminal Records
What Is Brazoria County Criminal Records
Brazoria County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county agencies that detail an individual's criminal history within the jurisdiction of Brazoria County, Texas. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, which authorizes the collection and retention of criminal justice information.
Criminal records in Brazoria County typically originate from the following sources:
- Arrests processed by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office
- Criminal cases filed with the Brazoria County District Attorney's Office
- Court proceedings in the Brazoria County District Courts and County Courts at Law
- Incarceration records from the Brazoria County Detention Center
The Brazoria County District Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for felony criminal case records, while the County Clerk maintains misdemeanor case records. These offices operate under the authority granted by the Texas Constitution and state statutes to preserve the official record of criminal proceedings within the county.
Brazoria County District Clerk
111 E. Locust Street, Room 127
Angleton, TX 77515
979-864-1261
Brazoria County District Clerk
Brazoria County Clerk
111 E. Locust Street, Suite 200
Angleton, TX 77515
979-864-1355
Brazoria County Clerk
Are Criminal Records Public In Brazoria County
Criminal records in Brazoria County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Members of the public may access the following types of criminal records:
- Court dockets and case indexes
- Criminal complaints and indictments
- Judgments and sentencing information
- Court hearing schedules
- Final disposition of cases
However, certain criminal records may be restricted from public access under specific circumstances:
- Records pertaining to juveniles (under 17 years of age) are generally confidential pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court
- Information related to ongoing investigations
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by Texas Government Code § 552.147
- Cases involving certain victims of sexual assault or family violence
The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records maintains state-level criminal history information and provides guidance on which records may be accessed by the public versus those restricted to authorized criminal justice agencies.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Brazoria County in 2025
Individuals seeking criminal records in Brazoria County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county has implemented updated procedures to facilitate public access while maintaining compliance with Texas state law.
In-person requests may be submitted at the following locations:
Brazoria County District Clerk's Office
111 E. Locust Street, Room 127
Angleton, TX 77515
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
979-864-1261
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office Records Division
3602 County Road 45
Angleton, TX 77515
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
979-864-2338
The process for obtaining criminal records typically involves:
- Completing a records request form with the subject's full name and date of birth
- Providing valid government-issued photo identification
- Paying applicable fees ($5-25 per record, depending on the type and extent of information requested)
- Allowing 3-10 business days for processing, depending on the complexity of the request
Requestors should note that pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 202.22, certain identifying information may be redacted from publicly available records to protect privacy interests while still providing relevant criminal history information.
How To Find Criminal Records in Brazoria County Online?
Brazoria County provides digital access to certain criminal records through several online platforms. These electronic resources have been established to enhance public accessibility while maintaining compliance with Texas Government Code § 552.221, which addresses the form in which public information is made available.
The primary online resources for accessing Brazoria County criminal records include:
Brazoria County Courts Records Search
This system provides access to criminal case information for both District and County Courts.
Website: https://publicrecords.brazoriacountytx.gov/Portal/
Hours: Available 24/7
Fee: Free for basic searches; $1.00 per page for document views
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search
Provides current incarceration status and basic booking information.
Website: https://www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/sheriff-s-office/jail-division/inmate-search
Hours: Available 24/7
Fee: Free
When utilizing these online systems, users should be aware of the following:
- Complete criminal history information may not be available through public online portals
- Older records (pre-2000) may have limited online availability
- Case details may be restricted for certain sensitive cases
- Document images may require payment to view
- The most comprehensive records remain available through in-person requests
For more extensive criminal background checks, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records provides statewide criminal history information through its Computerized Criminal History System.
Can You Search Brazoria County Criminal Records for Free?
Brazoria County provides limited free access to criminal records information in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.261, which permits governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for copies of public information. The availability of free record searches varies by access method and information type.
Free criminal records access options include:
- Basic online case searches through the Brazoria County Courts Records Portal
- Public access terminals located at the Brazoria County District Clerk's Office (111 E. Locust Street, Room 127, Angleton, TX)
- Current inmate information through the Sheriff's Office online inmate search
- Review of non-confidential court files in person at the clerk's office
Fee-based services include:
- Certified copies of court documents ($5.00 per certification)
- Background checks through the Sheriff's Office ($10.00 per name search)
- Document copies ($1.00 per page)
- Extensive record searches requiring staff research time ($28.50 per hour)
The Brazoria County Law Library also provides public access computers for legal research:
Brazoria County Law Library
111 E. Locust Street, Room 307
Angleton, TX 77515
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
979-864-1260
What's Included in a Brazoria County Criminal Record?
Brazoria County criminal records contain standardized information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.05, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the originating agency and case disposition.
A typical Brazoria County criminal record includes:
- Demographic information (name, date of birth, gender, race)
- Arrest information (date, arresting agency, charges)
- Case numbers and court assignment
- Charging documents (complaint, information, or indictment)
- Court proceedings and hearing dates
- Plea information
- Verdict or judgment
- Sentencing details
- Probation or parole information
- Fine and court cost assessments
- Disposition status
Felony records maintained by the District Clerk typically contain more extensive documentation than misdemeanor cases. Records may also include:
- Probable cause affidavits
- Bail bond information
- Attorney representation details
- Motions filed by parties
- Court orders
- Judgment and sentence forms
- Appeal information, if applicable
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, criminal records must be maintained with sufficient detail to support criminal justice operations while protecting individual privacy rights to the extent permitted by law.
What Are the Penalties for a Brazoria County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Brazoria 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, with notice that entry is forbidden or after receiving notice to depart. The penalties imposed for criminal trespass convictions in Brazoria County adhere to state statutory guidelines.
Standard criminal trespass is classified as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 180 days in the Brazoria County Jail
- A fine not to exceed $2,000
- Possible probation terms
- Court costs and fees
Enhanced penalties apply under specific circumstances:
- Trespass while carrying a deadly weapon: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and/or $4,000 fine)
- Trespass in a habitation, shelter center, or Superfund site: Class A misdemeanor
- Trespass on critical infrastructure facilities: State jail felony (180 days to 2 years in state jail and/or $10,000 fine)
Criminal trespass cases in Brazoria County are typically prosecuted in the County Courts at Law:
Brazoria County Courts at Law
111 E. Locust Street
Angleton, TX 77515
979-864-1260
Defendants facing criminal trespass charges may be eligible for pretrial diversion programs or deferred adjudication under certain circumstances, as authorized by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42A.101.
How Long Does Brazoria County Keep Criminal Records?
Brazoria County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's retention schedules, specifically Local Schedule PS (Records of Public Safety Agencies) and Local Schedule CC (Records of County Clerks). These schedules are established pursuant to Texas Government Code § 441.158.
Criminal record retention periods vary by record type:
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of 5 years after final disposition
- Felony case files: Minimum of 20 years after final disposition
- Capital felony cases: Permanent retention
- Arrest records without prosecution: 5 years from date of arrest
- Jail booking and intake records: 3 years after release
- Court dockets and indexes: Permanent retention
Certain events may alter the standard retention period:
- Records subject to expunction orders under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 must be destroyed as directed by the court
- Records ordered sealed under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 remain in existence but with restricted access
- Records involved in pending litigation may be subject to litigation holds that extend retention periods
The Brazoria County Records Management Department oversees compliance with retention requirements:
Brazoria County Records Management
451 N. Velasco, Suite 121
Angleton, TX 77515
979-864-1071