Webb County Criminal Records
What Is Webb County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Webb County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.082, criminal records are defined as information collected about a person by a criminal justice agency that consists of identifiable descriptions and notations of arrests, detentions, indictments, and other formal criminal charges and their dispositions.
These records encompass several distinct categories:
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Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody based on probable cause but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records, conversely, indicate that a person has been found guilty of a criminal offense through either a plea or trial verdict.
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Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by up to one year in county jail.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Adult criminal records (18 and older) are generally accessible to the public, whereas juvenile records (under 18) are sealed under Texas Family Code § 58.003 and require court orders for access.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Webb County:
Webb County Sheriff's Office
3110 E. Saunders St.
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 523-4500
Webb County Sheriff's Office
Webb County District Clerk
1110 Victoria St., Suite 203
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4268
Webb County District Clerk
Webb County Clerk
1000 Houston St.
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4181
Webb County Clerk
Texas Department of Public Safety
5805 Bob Bullock Loop
Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 728-2201
Texas Department of Public Safety
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. The Webb County District Court maintains records of felony cases, while the County Courts handle misdemeanor proceedings.
Are Criminal Records Public In Webb County
Criminal records in Webb County are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act, which is codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Section 552.021 of the Texas Government Code explicitly states: "Public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body." This provision forms the legal foundation for public access to criminal records in Webb County.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available for public inspection:
- Adult conviction records
- Court proceedings and case dispositions
- Booking information and mugshots
- Sentencing information
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as protected under § 552.108
- Sealed or expunged records pursuant to court orders
- Juvenile records, which are confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.007
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined in § 552.147
- Information that would compromise law enforcement or prosecutorial functions
The Texas Attorney General's Office provides guidance on public information requests and has issued numerous opinions interpreting the scope of access to criminal records. According to Opinion OR2017-27202, "information about an arrested person, an arrest, or a crime is excepted from disclosure under section 552.108(a)(1) only when release of the information would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime."
Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Webb County must follow established procedures for requesting such information from the appropriate custodial agency, as outlined in subsequent sections.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Webb County in 2026
Members of the public may access Webb County criminal records through multiple channels. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests:
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Visit the appropriate records custodian based on the type of record sought:
- For arrest records and jail information: Webb County Sheriff's Office
- For felony court cases: Webb County District Clerk
- For misdemeanor court cases: Webb County Clerk
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Complete the designated public information request form, providing:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of incident/case (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
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Present valid government-issued photo identification.
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Pay applicable fees as established by Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 70.3.
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request via mail, fax, or email to the appropriate agency:
Webb County District Clerk
1110 Victoria St., Suite 203
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4268
Email: districtclerk@webbcountytx.gov
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Include all relevant identifying information as noted above.
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Enclose payment for applicable fees or request fee information.
Online Requests:
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Access the Webb County Judicial Records Search for court case information.
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Register for an account if required.
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Enter search criteria such as name, case number, or date range.
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Review available records and follow instructions for obtaining certified copies if needed.
For comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search provides statewide records for a fee of $3.00 per name search.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, certain entities may request criminal history record information through secure channels, including law enforcement agencies, licensing authorities, and qualified organizations.
How To Find Criminal Records in Webb County Online?
Webb County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
Webb County Judicial Records Search The primary portal for court case information is the Webb County Judicial Records Search. This system provides:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names and attorney information
- Charge information and case type
- Court dates and hearing schedules
- Case dispositions and judgments
- Document indexes (full documents may require in-person requests)
To use this system:
- Navigate to the portal website
- Select search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review search results and select cases for detailed information
- Note that registration may be required for certain functions
Webb County Jail Inmate Search The Webb County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search provides:
- Current inmate roster
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Scheduled release dates (when available)
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search For statewide criminal history information, the Texas DPS Criminal History Search offers:
- Conviction records
- Arrest records (with limitations)
- Requires payment of $3.00 per name search
- Provides name-based (not fingerprint-based) results
Texas Public Sex Offender Registry The Texas Public Sex Offender Registry maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety includes:
- Registered sex offenders residing in Webb County
- Offender photographs and physical descriptions
- Conviction information
- Residential addresses (with certain exceptions)
- Risk level assessments
Users should note that certain records remain available only through in-person requests, including:
- Certified copies of court documents
- Complete case files
- Juvenile records (with court order)
- Sealed or expunged records (with court order)
- Historical records not yet digitized
Online systems typically update information according to established schedules, which may result in temporary gaps between court actions and their appearance in electronic databases.
Can You Search Webb County Criminal Records for Free?
The Texas Public Information Act, specifically Texas Government Code § 552.021, establishes the right of public inspection of government records, including criminal records. Pursuant to this statute, members of the public may inspect records at no charge during regular business hours at the following locations:
Webb County District Clerk's Office
1110 Victoria St., Suite 203
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4268
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Webb County District Clerk
Webb County Clerk's Office
1000 Houston St.
Laredo, TX 78040
(956) 523-4181
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Webb County Clerk
Several free online resources are available for searching Webb County criminal records:
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Webb County Judicial Records Search - This portal provides free access to basic case information, including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information
- Court dates
- Case status
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Webb County Sheriff's Office Inmate Search - This free database includes:
- Current inmate roster
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
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Texas Public Sex Offender Registry - This statewide registry offers free searches for:
- Registered sex offenders in Webb County
- Offender photographs
- Conviction information
- Residential addresses (with certain exceptions)
While inspection of records is generally free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents (physical or electronic)
- Certified copies
- Extensive document searches requiring staff time
- Statewide criminal history reports
The fee schedule for copies is established under Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 70.3, which currently sets standard charges at:
- $0.10 per page for standard paper copies
- $1.00 per page for certified copies
- Actual cost for non-standard documents
Indigent individuals may request a waiver of fees under certain circumstances as provided in Texas Government Code § 552.267.
What's Included in a Webb County Criminal Record?
Webb County criminal records typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized according to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.05, which establishes reporting requirements for criminal justice agencies.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting agency case number
Court Case Information:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Filing date and case type
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offense (felony/misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
- Court dates and appearances
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or case outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines, court costs, and restitution
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the age of the case, the maintaining agency, and the status of digitization efforts. Older records may contain fewer details than contemporary cases, particularly those predating electronic record-keeping systems.
How Long Does Webb County Keep Criminal Records?
Webb County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various categories of criminal records.
The following retention periods currently apply to Webb County criminal records:
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Case files: 5 years after final disposition
- Dockets: Permanent
- Indexes: Permanent
- Minute books: Permanent
Felony Case Records:
- Case files: 20 years after final disposition
- Capital cases: Permanent
- Dockets: Permanent
- Indexes: Permanent
- Minute books: Permanent
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports: 5 years
- Offense reports: 10 years
- Homicide investigations: Permanent
- Sexual offense investigations: 50 years
- Jail booking records: 5 years
Probation Records:
- Misdemeanor probation files: 5 years after termination
- Felony probation files: 10 years after termination
Juvenile Records:
- Subject to specialized retention under Texas Family Code § 58.264
- Most records: Until individual reaches age 21
- Certain serious offenses: Until individual reaches age 31
- Records may be subject to sealing or restricted access
Sex Offender Registration:
- Registration information: Duration of registration requirement
- Verification records: 10 years after last verification
- Change of address notifications: 10 years
It is important to note that while records may be eligible for destruction after the minimum retention period expires, many records are maintained for longer periods or permanently, particularly those with historical significance or ongoing legal relevance.
Additionally, even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, information may persist in electronic databases, particularly those maintained at the state level by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Records that have been sealed or expunged pursuant to court orders are removed from public access in accordance with the specific terms of those orders, regardless of standard retention schedules.