Criminal records in Smith County, Texas, are available through several channels. SmithCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. Online tools, in-person visits, and written requests all work for searching criminal records in Smith County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Smith
Start with SmithCourt.us — enter the person's first or last name to view available information about court cases. This is the fastest way to check for criminal records in the county.
Online Search
- County Clerk's Portal — the official Smith County Clerk record search allows searching by name or case number. Data is certified.
- Texas Department of Public Safety — through Texas DPS, you can request a statewide criminal history check. A request and the appropriate fee are required.
- TDCJ Inmate Information — if the person is in state prison, use the TDCJ inmate search.
- County Sheriff — the Smith County Sheriff's Office provides inmate search tools for the local jail through its website.
In-Person Visit
Visit the District Clerk's office in the Smith County courthouse in Tyler. Public terminals allow direct viewing of criminal cases. The clerk can assist in finding a specific case.
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the District Clerk or submit a public information request through Texas DPS in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
You will need:
- The full name of the person
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
Search Smith Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Texas, criminal case numbers typically consist of several elements. The first part is a code indicating the year the case was filed. Next is a sequential number assigned by the clerk. Some courts add a letter prefix indicating the type of case: "CR" for criminal cases in District Court.
For example, a number might look like 007-0123-25, where the first digits identify the court, the middle part is the case's sequential number, and the last two are the year. The format depends on the specific court in the county.
If you know the case number, enter it in the search field on the county clerk's portal. This will provide an accurate result without needing to filter by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Smith
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Texas Penal Code or Health & Safety Code |
| Severity Level | Felony — from Capital to State Jail; Misdemeanor — Class A, B, C |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may amend or drop individual charges during the proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings are scheduled
- Disposed — the case has been resolved: verdict, agreement, or closure
- Closed — all procedures are completed, including appeals
Hearings
In Smith County criminal cases, the following types of hearings are held:
- Arraignment — initial presentation of charges, the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty
- Pre-trial hearing — consideration of motions and trial preparation
- Trial — substantive consideration of the case before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — imposition of punishment after a guilty verdict
Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | Found guilty |
| Not Guilty | Acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case was closed without a verdict |
| Deferred Adjudication | Sentence deferred on condition of probation compliance |
| Acquitted | Full acquittal after trial |
Appeals from Smith County are heard by the Twelfth Court of Appeals in Tyler.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Smith
Certified copies of criminal records are issued by the District Clerk's Office in Smith County. These documents bear an official seal and are accepted by courts and government agencies.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In-person — visit the District Clerk's office, provide the name and case number, present a photo ID
- By mail — send a written request with the full name of the defendant, case number, and return address. Include a copy of ID and payment
- Statewide Criminal History Check — submit a request through the Texas DPS Crime Records Service
For the request, you will need:
- A valid photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- The full name and date of birth of the person whose records are requested
- Case number (recommended for faster processing)
Smith County District Clerk's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Smith
The cost of services is determined according to the Texas Local Government Code and the fee schedule set by the county clerk.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 |
| Document certification | $5.00 |
| Criminal history check through Texas DPS (Name-Based) | $3.00 |
| Fingerprint-based check through Texas DPS | Depends on the type of request |
Processing Time
- In-person request — usually the same day or within a few business days
- Mail request — from 5 to 15 business days depending on complexity
- Request through Texas DPS — online results may appear within minutes for name-based checks; fingerprint requests take longer
Payment is accepted by check, money order, or — for in-person requests — sometimes cash or card. Confirm acceptable payment methods directly with the clerk's office.