Dallas County, Texas · Jail, booking, report, warrant and court-record guide
Trace a Dallas County Arrest From Jail Booking to Final Court Outcome
A Dallas County arrest can create several records: a jail booking, arresting-agency report, probable-cause document, warrant entry, felony or misdemeanor court case, bond record and final disposition.
This guide explains those records inside the page—including search fields, fees, report requests, clerk responsibilities, bond rules, jail services, record correction and expunction. Use an official portal only when the final live lookup, request, payment or filing must be completed there.
An arrest record is not proof of guilt. A booking charge is an allegation. Prosecutors may decline, amend or reduce charges; courts may dismiss cases or enter other outcomes. Confirm the person with multiple identifiers and check the final court disposition.
Jail search
Name, book-in number or criminal case number.
Inmate information
Warrant information
Main jail complex
111 W. Commerce St., Dallas, TX 75202.
Clerk location
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207.
Choose the record that answers your question
JAIL LOOKUP
Is the person in county custody?
Use the Dallas County Jail Lookup to confirm the booking, book-in number, cases, bonds, housing and custody-related status displayed by the county.
Best for: current booking, custody, bond and inmate-service identifiers.
ARRESTING AGENCY
What allegedly happened?
Request the incident report, arrest report, probable-cause narrative or releasable supplements from the agency whose officer or deputy made the arrest.
Best for: police narrative, report number, officer actions and releasable evidence records.
COURT RECORD
What charge was filed?
Use the county criminal case search for felony and misdemeanor cases, court dates, filings, warrants, pleas, orders and disposition.
Best for: prosecution status, dismissal, conviction, deferred disposition and certified proof.
BACKGROUND SEARCH
Do you need a broader history?
Use the appropriate County Clerk, District Clerk or Texas DPS criminal-history process depending on whether the need is misdemeanor, felony or statewide.
Best for: formal record searches beyond a single current booking.
Best full-picture workflow: Search the jail, save the book-in and case numbers, identify the arresting agency, read the court docket and order only the specific report or certified disposition still needed.
How to search Dallas County jail and arrest records correctly
Choose the available identifier
The Dallas County Jail Lookup supports a prisoner-information search, book-in-number search and criminal-case-number search.
Start with the last name
Enter the legal surname first. Leave the first name, date of birth, race and sex blank on the initial search to avoid excluding a valid result.
Add one field at a time
Add the first name when too many matches appear. Add date of birth, race or sex only when another narrowing step is required.
Try alternate legal-name formats
Search a maiden name, former surname, hyphenated and non-hyphenated spelling, suffix, abbreviated first name or compound surname.
Open every plausible result
Compare date of birth, booking date, book-in number, case number, charge, bond and housing information.
Save the name exactly as displayed
The official name format and book-in number are important for inmate mail, deposits, property, calls and provider accounts.
Record every case number
One booking can be connected with several felony, misdemeanor, municipal or out-of-county matters.
Confirm release-sensitive information
Call 214-761-9025 when a booking is recent, housing is unclear, release is pending or another person shares the name.
What each Dallas County booking field means
| Field | What it identifies | What it does not prove | Best next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book-in number | The identifier assigned to the county jail booking. | It does not establish guilt or the final case result. | Use it for mail, deposits, property and jail-service questions. |
| Booking date | When the person entered county booking. | It may differ from the arrest time or alleged offense date. | Use it to separate multiple custody events. |
| Case number | A court or criminal-justice case attached to the booking. | It may not be the only case or hold preventing release. | Search each case separately in the criminal court portal. |
| Charge | The allegation recorded for the booking or case. | The prosecutor may later file a different charge or no charge. | Read the formal charging and disposition documents. |
| Bond amount | The bond information currently associated with a listed matter. | Paying one bond will not necessarily clear another case or hold. | Confirm every case with the Bond Desk before payment. |
| Housing location | The current assignment shown within the jail system. | Housing can change through classification, medical or security decisions. | Confirm the location before visiting or requesting property. |
| Pending release | Release processing may be underway. | The person has physically left the jail. | Wait for confirmation before arranging pickup. |
| No bond or hold | Release may require court action or resolution of another matter. | It does not explain which agency or case controls the hold. | Check every case and call the relevant court or warrant office. |
| Booking photo | A photograph associated with custody processing. | It is not evidence of guilt or conviction. | Use it only with stronger biographical and record identifiers. |
Same-name warning: Never send money, publish an accusation or contact an employer based only on a matching name or photograph.
Use this verification test before relying on a record
First and last name match
Middle name, suffix or alias is consistent
Date of birth or age is consistent
Booking date matches the known event
Arresting agency matches the location
Book-in, report or case number matches another official record
Minimum standard: Confirm at least two independent identifiers. For employment, housing, licensing, immigration or publication, obtain the court disposition rather than relying on a booking page.
Same name, different birth date
Treat the records as different people unless an official agency confirms an error.
Same photograph, different case details
Visual resemblance is weaker than the book-in number, date of birth and case identifiers.
Same birth date, different middle name
Check aliases, former names and every available case number.
Address appears outdated
Addresses can be old, incomplete or protected. Never use an address as the only match.
No Dallas County arrest record found? Follow this order
The arrest occurred within the last few hours
Identification, medical screening, property inventory and intake may still be underway.
The name is recorded differently
Search the surname alone and test a maiden name, suffix, alias, hyphen variation or shortened first name.
A city police department made the arrest
The person may remain in a municipal holding facility before transfer to Dallas County.
The person appeared earlier but is gone
The person may have bonded out, completed release or transferred to another jurisdiction.
A court case exists but no jail record appears
The person may be out of custody, on bond or connected with an older case.
A state or federal transfer occurred
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, federal authorities or another county may now control custody.
The arrest happened outside Dallas County
Search the jurisdiction where the arrest occurred rather than the person’s residence.
The record is restricted
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, victim-related or confidential records may not appear publicly.
Call script for a missing booking
“I am trying to confirm whether [full legal name], date of birth [date], is in Dallas County custody. The arrest may have occurred on [date] through [agency]. I have [book-in, report or case number]. Can you confirm the current facility or whether the person was released or transferred?”
How one Dallas County arrest becomes several records
Law-enforcement incident
The arresting agency creates an incident report, arrest information, probable-cause material and related evidence records.
County booking
Dallas County creates the book-in record, inventories property and money, records cases and charges and begins screening.
Pretrial screening
Dallas County Pretrial Services may evaluate eligibility for a personal bond using the charge, record, ties and other approved factors.
Classification and housing
Custody, health, safety and operational factors determine the housing assignment, which may later change.
Magistrate or court review
Bond, counsel, probable cause, release conditions and scheduling may be addressed.
Prosecutor filing decision
The prosecutor may file the original charge, modify it, reduce it or decline prosecution.
County or district court record
Misdemeanor cases are maintained through the County Clerk; felony cases are maintained through the District Clerk.
Disposition and possible relief
The matter may end through dismissal, acquittal, plea, deferred adjudication, conviction or another result. Some records may qualify for expunction or nondisclosure.
How to request the report behind a Dallas County arrest
The detailed incident or arrest report remains with the agency that created it. Dallas County booking does not transfer ownership of a city police report to the Sheriff or Clerk.
First identify the arresting agency
Dallas County Sheriff
Use the Sheriff’s public-information request process for releasable Sheriff-created reports and records.
Dallas Police Department
Request the report from the City of Dallas process when a Dallas police officer created the record.
Another city or agency
Contact the municipal police, constable, state or federal agency shown in the booking or probable-cause record.
Ask for the exact document you need
Incident or offense report
Arrest report
Probable-cause affidavit or narrative
Releasable supplemental reports
Property or evidence receipt
Booking photograph when no longer shown online
Body-camera or dash-camera record
Dispatch or call-for-service record
Include enough detail to locate the record
Full legal name
Date of birth when known
Incident or arrest date
Street address or location
Arresting agency
Report or service number
Book-in and court case numbers
Preferred electronic delivery
Copy-ready report request
Under the Texas Public Information Act, I request an electronic copy of the releasable incident report, arrest report, probable-cause document and releasable supplemental reports concerning [full legal name], date of birth [date if known], for the incident or arrest occurring on or about [date] at [location]. Known identifiers are report number [number], book-in number [number] and court case number [number]. Please provide a written cost estimate before processing if the total will exceed $[amount].
Why a record may be redacted or withheld
- An investigation remains active or involves information protected by law.
- The record contains victim, child, witness or confidential personal information.
- Medical, mental-health, driver-license or other protected data must be removed.
- Video, audio or photographs require review and redaction.
- A court order, sealing order or expunction restricts access.
- The request was sent to an agency that does not maintain the record.
Cost-control tip: Request one incident, a narrow date range and named document types. Ask for electronic delivery and advance approval before the agency exceeds a stated amount.
Which Dallas County office controls each record?
| Record needed | Office or agency | Information to provide | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current county custody | Dallas County Sheriff / Jail Lookup | Name, birth date, book-in or case number. | Calling the court clerk for current housing. |
| Sheriff arrest report | Dallas County Sheriff public-information unit | Report number, date, location and involved name. | Requesting a Dallas Police report from the Sheriff. |
| Municipal police report | The city police department that made the arrest | Agency, report number, event date and location. | Assuming county booking makes it a county report. |
| Misdemeanor case | Dallas County Clerk | Case number or full name and birth date. | Sending the request to the District Clerk. |
| Felony case | Dallas County District Clerk | Felony case number or full identifying information. | Sending the request to the County Clerk. |
| Certified disposition | The clerk maintaining that felony or misdemeanor case | Case number and exact document required. | Using an uncertified online screenshot. |
| Active Dallas County warrant | Sheriff Warrant Information / issuing court | Name, birth date, warrant and case number. | Confronting the person or paying a caller. |
| Statewide Texas criminal history | Texas Department of Public Safety | Accurate required demographic information. | Assuming Dallas County covers the entire state. |
How to find the outcome of a Dallas County arrest
Dallas County provides public felony and misdemeanor case information. Public access does not require registration for the main case-information portal.
Search by case number first
Remove dashes or spaces when the criminal document portal instructs you to enter the case number without them.
Use the name search when no case number is known
Enter the last name and add the first name, middle name, birth date, race or sex only when needed.
Confirm felony or misdemeanor jurisdiction
The District Clerk maintains felony records; the County Clerk maintains misdemeanor records.
Find the formal charging document
Compare the court charge with the original booking allegation.
Review docket entries in chronological order
Look for hearings, continuances, warrants, bond changes, motions, amended charges and orders.
Locate the disposition
Identify the dismissal, acquittal, plea, deferred adjudication, judgment, sentence or other final action.
Check every count and case
One count may be dismissed while another remains pending or results in a judgment.
Order certified proof when required
Courts, licensing agencies, immigration authorities and employers may require a certified disposition.
| Term | Plain-language meaning | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | The case has not reached a final disposition. | Check the newest filing and next court setting. |
| Dismissed | The court dismissed a charge or case. | Determine whether every count was dismissed. |
| No-billed | A grand jury did not return an indictment on the matter presented. | Confirm the case and count covered by the action. |
| Acquitted / not guilty | The defendant was not found guilty of the resolved count. | Check whether another count remained. |
| Deferred adjudication | The court deferred a finding of guilt while imposing supervision and conditions. | It is not the same as a dismissal or automatic record removal. |
| Convicted | A judgment of conviction was entered. | Read the judgment and sentence for the exact count. |
| Closed | The system treats the case as no longer active. | Closed alone does not explain the outcome. |
| Warrant issued | The docket reflects a warrant-related court action. | Confirm present warrant status with the Sheriff or issuing court. |
Dallas County misdemeanor searches, copies and certification
County Clerk Criminal Courts Division
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Boulevard
2nd Floor, Room A-1
Dallas, TX 75207
133 N. Riverfront Boulevard
2nd Floor, Room A-1
Dallas, TX 75207
Hours and contact
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: 214-653-7099
Misdemeanor background search
Published search fee
$5 for the misdemeanor record search.
Information required
Full name and date of birth provide the strongest clerk search request.
Felony warning
A misdemeanor search does not replace a District Clerk felony search or statewide Texas history.
Mailed misdemeanor background request
Letter requesting the record search
Full legal name
Date of birth
Cashier’s check or money order
Payment payable to Dallas County Clerk
Self-addressed stamped envelope
Mailing address
Dallas County Clerk
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB-43
Dallas, TX 75207
ATTN: Record Search
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB-43
Dallas, TX 75207
ATTN: Record Search
Published misdemeanor copy fees
| Service | Published charge | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor record search | $5 | Clerk search for a misdemeanor record. |
| Plain copy | $1 per page | Ordinary non-certified court document. |
| Certified copy | $1 per page plus $5 certification per case | Formal proof requested by another authority. |
| Exemplified copy | $1 per page plus $5 exemplification per packet | When exemplification is specifically required. |
| Archive file retrieval | $2 per file | Older file retrieved from archival storage. |
Online and older records
2011 to current
Plain misdemeanor documents are generally available through the county court portal.
Before 2011
The file may be stored offsite and can require up to approximately 72 hours for retrieval.
Certified copy needed
Certification requires a Clerk request rather than relying on a downloaded plain copy.
2026 temporary access rule
Dallas County currently directs users needing certified criminal copies to request them in person at Frank Crowley or George Allen while Central Records transitions facilities.
Exact-payment warning: Contact the division or obtain an invoice before paying for records. Overpayments may not be refundable, and an incorrect amount can delay processing.
Dallas County felony records, documents and certified copies
District Clerk Felony Records Desk
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
2nd Floor
Dallas, TX 75202
133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
2nd Floor
Dallas, TX 75202
Hours and contact
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Phone: 214-653-5950
What is available online?
- Case information for Dallas County criminal cases dating back to approximately 1975.
- Status information for felony and misdemeanor court cases.
- Documents for most felony cases filed after 2009.
- Public access excludes sealed, confidential and legally restricted material.
- Records containing children’s names or sexual-assault victim information may require in-person handling when public.
How to request a felony copy
Search the case first
Confirm the exact case number, defendant name, court and document description.
Determine whether the document is online
Many post-2009 public felony documents can be viewed online without ordering a copy.
Use the Criminal Records Request Form
Attach the completed form when emailing the Felony Records Desk.
Ask for the exact cost
Contact the records office before making an online payment.
Pay only the instructed amount
Overages are typically not refunded immediately and shortages can delay the request.
Specify certification
State whether you need a plain copy, certified copy or another authenticated form.
Mailing a felony records request
District Clerk criminal records address
Dallas County District Clerk
Attn: Criminal Records
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB-12
Dallas, TX 75202
Attn: Criminal Records
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Blvd., LB-12
Dallas, TX 75202
Payment rule: Contact DCRecordsCriminal@dallascounty.org for the cost before using the District Clerk records-payment portal.
How to check and verify a Dallas County warrant
Run the official Wanted Search
Compare the legal name, date of birth, case information and warrant details.
Record the identifiers
Save the warrant number, case number, issuing court, charge and displayed status.
Check the related court case
A warrant entry may be connected with a felony, misdemeanor, bond or missed-court event.
Confirm current status
Call the Dallas County warrant-information line at 214-761-9026.
Use a safe resolution path
A person checking their own status should contact an attorney, the issuing court or law enforcement for case-specific instructions.
Warrant-payment scam warning: Dallas County warns about callers pretending to be Sheriff’s personnel and demanding prepaid debit cards or other immediate payment. Do not pay a caller, gift-card request, cryptocurrency address or personal payment account.
Do not confront or detain anyone. Similar names, recalled warrants and delayed system updates can produce dangerous mistakes.
Dallas County cash bond, personal bond and release checks
Cash bond at Lew Sterrett
Location
Dallas County Bond Desk
Lew Sterrett Justice Center
111 W. Commerce Street
Hours
The Bond Desk operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Accepted methods
Cash, qualifying cashier’s checks and money orders. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for cash bonds.
Confirm every case and hold
One payable bond does not guarantee release when another no-bond case or jurisdictional hold exists.
Ask which court controls each matter
Municipal, county, district, out-of-county and federal matters may have different release requirements.
Prepare acceptable payment
For qualifying cashier’s checks or money orders, retain proof of purchase.
Bring valid identification
The adult posting bond must show acceptable government identification.
Keep the receipt
Save the book-in number, case numbers, payment time, receipt and desk information.
Wait for physical release confirmation
Bond acceptance does not mean the inmate has exited. Processing and unresolved holds can cause delay.
Dallas County personal bond
Screening
Pretrial Services reviews eligibility, community ties, reliability, criminal history and current allegations.
Approval
A judge must approve the personal bond. Not every defendant or offense qualifies.
Published fee
$20 or 3% of the bond amount, whichever is greater.
| Bond amount | 3% calculation | Fee under the published rule |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $15 | $20 minimum |
| $1,000 | $30 | $30 |
| $2,500 | $75 | $75 |
| $10,000 | $300 | $300 |
CashApp and payment scam warning: Do not pay anyone claiming to be a county employee through CashApp, gift card, cryptocurrency, wire transfer or prepaid card.
Dallas County detention facilities at Lew Sterrett
| Facility | County-published detail | What families should know |
|---|---|---|
| Intake and Release | Incoming and releasing inmates are processed through the Lew Sterrett complex. | Pending release does not mean the person has physically exited. |
| North Tower | Dallas County lists capacity for 3,292 maximum-security inmates and 188 single cells. | Confirm the housing location before visiting. |
| West Tower | The county lists 132 tanks, 25 single cells and capacity for up to 1,530 male inmates, including specialized housing. | Medical or safety classification can affect movement and visits. |
| Suzanne Lee Kays / South Tower | The county describes it as a direct-supervision facility with capacity for 2,304. | It uses the same Lew Sterrett jail-complex address. |
Lew Sterrett Justice Center
111 West Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
Dallas, TX 75202
Important jail lines
Inmate information: 214-761-9025
Housing Bureau: 214-653-2601
Warrant information: 214-761-9026
Dallas County Jail visitation schedule and rules
| Inmate surname | Visiting days | Visiting hours | Processing closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A–L | Monday and Thursday | 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. |
| M–Z | Tuesday and Friday | 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | 8:30 p.m. |
| All inmates | Saturday and Sunday | 8 a.m.–2 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. |
Before an in-person visit
Confirm current custody
Confirm the housing facility
Bring valid government photo ID
Arrive before visitor processing closes
Follow dress and conduct rules
Do not bring weapons, drugs or prohibited items
Video visitation
Provider
SmartInmate.
Advance booking
At least 72 hours before the session.
Visit length
20 minutes.
Minimum age
Registering visitor must be at least 17.
- The registering visitor must present valid government photo identification.
- On-site visits are limited to two per week.
- Visits are monitored and recorded.
- Housing movement, court, lockdown, discipline or medical needs may affect availability.
- Unauthorized participants, nudity, threats or prohibited conduct can end a session.
How to send money or mail without using the wrong identifier
Inmate trust-fund deposits
| Method | Published fee or instruction | Important check |
|---|---|---|
| Jail lobby kiosk | Cash kiosks are available at jail locations. | Use the exact inmate name and book-in number. |
| Cash Pay Today | Published flat fee: $5. | Confirm the participating location and inmate identifier first. |
| Access Corrections online | Published fees begin at $2.95. | Review the amount and fee before submitting. |
| Access Corrections phone | Call 1-866-345-1884; published fees begin at $3.95. | Save the confirmation and receipt. |
Wrong-person risk: Verify the complete name and book-in number. Deposits made to another inmate may be difficult or impossible to reverse.
Personal-mail address
Use this format
Inmate’s Full Name and Book-In Number
c/o Mail Processing Center
P.O. Box 9226
Seminole, FL 33775-9226
c/o Mail Processing Center
P.O. Box 9226
Seminole, FL 33775-9226
How Dallas County personal mail is handled
- Personal correspondence is sent to the offsite processing center.
- The mail is scanned and delivered electronically to the inmate.
- The physical personal-mail contents are destroyed after processing.
- The complete inmate name and book-in number must be included.
- Legal mail follows separate privileged-mail rules and should not use the ordinary personal-mail process.
- Do not place cash, personal checks, gift cards or valuables inside correspondence.
Keep originals: Because physical personal mail is destroyed after scanning, send copies rather than irreplaceable photographs or documents.
Dallas County inmate property release and medical items
Property location
Front lobby control center at Lew Sterrett Justice Center.
Published hours
10 a.m.–8 p.m. every day.
Identification
The person collecting property must present acceptable government photo identification.
The inmate authorizes the release
Property cannot be released merely because a relative appears at the jail.
The requester brings identification
The identity of the person receiving property must match the authorization.
Vault property is generally released together
Property processed through the vault is typically released in full rather than one item at a time.
Call before traveling
Confirm that authorization and processing are complete.
Medication: Do not hand medication directly to an inmate. Contact jail staff or Parkland Jail Health for the approved medication-verification and medical process.
Vault Operation
Parkland Jail Health
How an inmate requests medical care or files a complaint
Medical emergency
The inmate should immediately notify a detention officer or staff member.
Non-emergency care
The inmate submits a medical request or kite through the jail process.
Grievance
A grievance may be submitted through the electronic kiosk or in writing.
Grievance deadline: The Dallas County inmate handbook states that an initial grievance should generally be filed within seven days of the incident.
PREA concerns
PREA inquiry line
PREA email
Immediate danger: A person facing an urgent medical or safety emergency should notify jail personnel immediately rather than depending only on an outside email or routine grievance.
When a Dallas County search is not enough
Dallas misdemeanor search
Use the County Clerk when the need is a Dallas County misdemeanor record search or certified misdemeanor disposition.
Dallas felony search
Use the District Clerk for Dallas County felony records, certified copies and felony background inquiries.
Texas DPS search
Use Texas DPS when the need extends beyond one Dallas County court or jail system.
Texas DPS criminal-history search credits
Base search credit
$1 per search credit.
Credit-card purchase fee
2.25% per credit plus a $0.25 transaction charge.
Account requirement
A CRD Secure Website account and purchased credits are required.
Name-search limitation: A demographic search can produce false positives or miss a record because of aliases, similar names or incomplete identifiers. Use a fingerprint-based process when the requesting authority requires one.
How to correct inaccurate Dallas County arrest information
| Incorrect information | Office to contact | Evidence to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong booking identity or jail field | Dallas County Sheriff / Records Division | Government ID, book-in number and explanation of the mismatch. |
| Incorrect Sheriff report information | Sheriff Records Division or maintaining unit | Report number, official documents and exact disputed section. |
| Incorrect city police report | The municipal police department that created it | Service number, ID and supporting documents. |
| Incorrect misdemeanor docket | Dallas County Clerk | Case number and filed court order. |
| Incorrect felony docket | Dallas County District Clerk | Felony case number and filed court order. |
| Incorrect statewide Texas history | Texas Department of Public Safety | Fingerprints and certified supporting records as required. |
| Third-party mugshot page | The third-party publisher after official correction | Corrected official record, disposition or expunction order. |
Save the incorrect result
Record the page, date, name, book-in number, report number and case number.
Identify who created the wrong field
The jail, arresting agency, County Clerk and District Clerk maintain different records.
Collect documentary proof
Use government identification, fingerprints, certified dispositions or signed court orders.
Request correction from the custodian
Explain the specific field and requested correction rather than asking for general removal.
Follow up in writing
Save the date, employee, reference number and response.
Update third-party sites afterward
Give outside publishers the corrected official record or court order.
Sheriff Records Division and Police Clearance Letters
District Clerk felony records
Dallas County expunction and nondisclosure workflow
Eligibility is case-specific. Dismissal, acquittal, deferred adjudication and completion of a case do not all produce the same record-relief rights.
Expunction
An expunction can require agencies to destroy or remove qualifying records under a signed court order. Texas eligibility rules are strict.
Order of nondisclosure
Nondisclosure restricts public disclosure of qualifying records but generally does not destroy every government record.
Dallas County filing location
District Clerk Criminal Section
Frank Crowley Courts Building
133 N. Riverfront Boulevard
2nd Floor
Dallas, TX 75207
133 N. Riverfront Boulevard
2nd Floor
Dallas, TX 75207
Filing hours and contact
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Phone: 214-712-3088
Expunction email: DCExpunctions@dallascounty.org
Nondisclosure email: DCNondisclosures@dallascounty.org
Practical expunction sequence
Obtain the complete record
Collect the arresting agency, arrest date, service number, book-in number, charge, court, case number and certified disposition.
Determine whether expunction or nondisclosure fits
Eligibility depends on Texas law, the charge, outcome, waiting period and criminal history.
Identify every agency holding the record
Include only agencies connected with the arrest, booking, prosecution and criminal-history reporting.
Prepare the petition and proposed order
Dallas County provides forms, but the District Clerk cannot give legal advice or correct an incomplete petition.
File and pay the current fee
Filing fees are nonrefundable. Verify the current amount with the District Clerk before filing because county pages may display differing historical figures.
Attend any required hearing
The court—not the clerk—decides whether the requested relief is granted.
Obtain the signed order
Confirm that the order correctly lists the person, arrest, case and relevant agencies.
Confirm agency compliance
Keep certified copies and follow up with agencies and third-party publishers when necessary.
Dallas Police service detail: Dallas County states that Dallas Police waives service on expunction orders issued by Dallas County district courts, but DPD must still be listed as an agency when it holds relevant records.
Fee caution: Dallas County pages can show different fee amounts depending on the page or revision date. Confirm the current expunction or nondisclosure filing total directly with the District Clerk before submitting payment.
Legal-information notice: The District Clerk strongly recommends consulting an attorney. Filing fees are nonrefundable, and clerk staff cannot advise how to complete the petition or prove eligibility.
Dallas County arrest, jail, warrant and court-record contacts
| Office | Contact | Use this office for |
|---|---|---|
| Jail and Inmate Information | 214-761-9025 | Current custody, booking and release-status questions. |
| Inmate Housing Bureau | 214-653-2601 | Current housing and facility-related information. |
| Warrant Information | 214-761-9026 | Confirmation of Dallas County warrant information. |
| Bond Administration | 214-653-2755 | Bond approval, acceptance and county warrant confirmation. |
| Sheriff Records Division | 214-653-2677 | Sheriff records and police-clearance-letter questions. |
| County Clerk Criminal Courts | 214-653-7099 | Misdemeanor records, searches, copies and certification. |
| District Clerk Felony Records |
214-653-5950 DCRecordsCriminal@dallascounty.org |
Felony records, certified copies and felony document requests. |
| Expunction and Nondisclosure | 214-712-3088 | Filing and status questions for record-relief cases. |
| Vault Operation | 214-653-2648 | Inmate personal-property questions. |
| Parkland Jail Health | 214-653-2621 | Jail-health process and medication-related questions. |
Lew Sterrett Justice Center and Frank Crowley Courts Building
The main Dallas County jail complex is at 111 West Commerce Street. The County Clerk and District Clerk criminal-record counters are nearby in the Frank Crowley Courts Building at 133 North Riverfront Boulevard.
Confirm before traveling: Verify current custody, visitor eligibility, the correct records counter, office hours and any temporary service notice.
What this guide brings into one page
Jail lookup rules
Name, birth-date, book-in and case-number search strategy plus no-result troubleshooting.
Clerk responsibilities
County Clerk for misdemeanors, District Clerk for felonies and the correct records contacts.
Published fees
Misdemeanor search, page, certification, archive, bond and personal-bond information.
Family actions
Bond, release, visits, deposits, personal mail, property, health and grievance steps.
Legal safeguards
Identity verification, presumption of innocence, warrant scams and disposition checking.
Record relief
Correction, expunction and nondisclosure workflow with the correct Dallas County filing office.
Dallas County arrest-record questions answered
How do I search Dallas County arrest records?
Use the Dallas County Jail Lookup for current custody and booking details. Search by last name, book-in number or case number, then verify the case through the felony and misdemeanor criminal court search.
Can I search by book-in number?
Yes. The official jail lookup includes a dedicated book-in-number search. This is usually more precise than a name search.
Why is someone not appearing in the jail lookup?
The person may still be in intake, listed under another name, held by a city jail, released, transferred, outside Dallas County or connected with a confidential record.
How do I find an older Dallas County arrest?
Search the criminal court system by name and date of birth, request the arrest report from the arresting agency and use the appropriate County Clerk or District Clerk record search.
Who keeps Dallas County misdemeanor records?
The Dallas County Clerk maintains misdemeanor court records. The published misdemeanor search fee is $5.
Who keeps Dallas County felony records?
The Dallas County District Clerk maintains felony and Magistrate Court records. The Felony Records Desk is at Frank Crowley Courts Building and can be reached at 214-653-5950.
How much is a certified misdemeanor copy?
The County Clerk publishes a charge of $1 per page plus $5 certification per case.
Can I download misdemeanor records online?
Plain misdemeanor documents from 2011 forward are generally available through the court portal. Certified copies require a Clerk request and currently may require in-person service during the Central Records transition.
How do I request the arrest report?
Identify the arresting agency from the booking and request the incident or arrest report from that agency. County booking does not make a city police report a Sheriff record.
How can I obtain a past Dallas County mugshot?
If the person remains in custody, check the jail lookup. For a person no longer in custody, the Sheriff’s Public Information Officer asks requesters to provide the person’s name, date of birth, charges and other details that narrow the search.
How do I check a Dallas County warrant?
Use the Dallas County Wanted Search and confirm the result by calling 214-761-9026. Never pay an unsolicited caller claiming a warrant can be cleared with a prepaid card.
Where do I post a Dallas County bond?
The county Bond Desk is inside Lew Sterrett Justice Center at 111 West Commerce Street and operates 24 hours a day.
Does Dallas County accept cards for cash bonds?
No. Dallas County lists cash, qualifying cashier’s checks and money orders for cash bonds. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for those bonds.
How much is a Dallas County personal bond?
The fee is $20 or 3% of the bond amount, whichever is greater, after Pretrial Services screening and judicial approval.
What are Dallas County Jail visitation hours?
A–L visits are Monday and Thursday from 7–9 p.m.; M–Z visits are Tuesday and Friday from 7–9 p.m.; all inmates may receive visits Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
How far in advance must a video visit be scheduled?
Dallas County requires SmartInmate video visits to be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance. Sessions last 20 minutes.
What is the inmate-mail address?
Use the inmate’s full name and book-in number, c/o Mail Processing Center, P.O. Box 9226, Seminole, FL 33775-9226.
Can a Dallas County arrest record be removed?
Some records may qualify for expunction, while others may qualify for nondisclosure or no relief. Eligibility depends on Texas law and the specific case outcome.