Williamson County Criminal Records
What Is Williamson County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Williamson 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 history record information includes arrests, prosecutions, and the disposition of criminal charges, including conviction, acquittal, or dismissal.
These records encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including booking information and mugshots
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas in criminal cases
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment for more than one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or less than one year of incarceration
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: While adult records are generally public, juvenile records (individuals under 17) are sealed under Texas Family Code § 58.003 with limited exceptions
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by courts
- Historical Records: Archives of past criminal justice interactions
Multiple agencies maintain these records within Williamson County:
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
508 S. Rock Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1300
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
Williamson County District Clerk
405 Martin Luther King Street, Box 24
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1212
Williamson County District Clerk
Texas Department of Public Safety - Crime Records Division
5805 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752
(512) 424-2000
Texas DPS Crime Records Division
Comprehensive criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, sentencing information, and probation or parole status. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure establishes the framework for how these records are created, maintained, and accessed throughout the criminal justice process.
Are Criminal Records Public In Williamson County
Criminal records in Williamson County are generally considered public information under the Texas Public Information Act (formerly known as the Open Records Act), codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are available to the public 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 Williamson County.
The following categories of criminal records are typically accessible to the public:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted or exempt from public disclosure:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations, as protected under § 552.108
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
- Information that would compromise personal privacy or safety
- Records where disclosure is prohibited by other state or federal laws
The Williamson County District Clerk maintains court records related to criminal proceedings, while the Williamson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records. Both agencies adhere to the Texas Public Information Act when processing requests for criminal records.
It is important to note that while criminal records are legally public, accessing them may require following specific procedures and, in some cases, paying applicable fees as authorized under § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Williamson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Williamson County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for accessing these records, depending on the specific information needed and the requester's preferences.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Williamson County District Clerk's Office
405 Martin Luther King Street, Box 24
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1212
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Williamson County District Clerk
When requesting records in person, requesters should:
- Bring valid government-issued photo identification
- Complete the public information request form available at the clerk's counter
- Provide as much specific information as possible about the case (full name, date of birth, case number if known)
- Be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies (currently $1.00 per page for standard copies)
For written requests by mail, individuals should send a detailed letter including:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Timeframe of the case(s)
- Type of records requested
- Requester's contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
Mail requests to:
Williamson County District Clerk
ATTN: Records Request
405 Martin Luther King Street, Box 24
Georgetown, TX 78626
For criminal records maintained by law enforcement:
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
508 S. Rock Street
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Williamson County Sheriff's Office
Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, governmental bodies must respond to requests promptly, typically within 10 business days. Complex requests may require additional time, and requesters will be notified if this is the case.
How To Find Criminal Records in Williamson County Online?
Williamson County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits for many types of record searches.
The primary online resources include:
-
Williamson County Records Search
The Williamson County Records portal provides access to criminal case records, including case information for District Courts and County Courts at Law. Users can search by:- Defendant name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type
This system contains records for cases filed in Williamson County courts, including charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions.
-
Williamson County Jail Records
Current inmate information is available through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system. This database includes:- Current inmates housed in Williamson County facilities
- Booking information
- Charges
- Bond amounts
- Court dates
This system is updated regularly but does not include historical jail records.
-
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search
For statewide criminal history information, the Texas DPS Criminal History Name Search provides conviction records for the entire state, including Williamson County. This service:- Requires registration and payment of fees
- Provides official criminal history record information
- Includes conviction data from all Texas counties
- Requires the subject's name and date of birth
-
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Offender Information
For information about individuals currently incarcerated in state prison or on parole/probation, the TDCJ Offender Information Search provides:- Current custody status
- Unit location
- Offense information
- Sentence details
- Parole eligibility and release dates
When using these online systems, users should note that:
- Some records may not be available online due to sealing, expungement, or other legal restrictions
- The most comprehensive searches may still require in-person requests
- Online systems may have limited historical data compared to official records
- Registration may be required for certain searches
- Fees may apply for some types of searches or document retrieval
Can You Search Williamson County Criminal Records for Free?
Williamson County provides several options for accessing criminal records at no cost, in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. Under § 552.021 of this Act, public information is available for inspection without charge during normal business hours.
Free inspection of criminal records is available at:
Williamson County District Clerk's Office
405 Martin Luther King Street, Box 24
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1212
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Williamson County District Clerk
Williamson County Clerk's Office
710 S. Main Street, Suite 110
Georgetown, TX 78626
(512) 943-1515
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Williamson County Clerk
Members of the public may visit these locations to view records on public access terminals at no charge. Staff assistance for locating records is provided without fee, though extended research assistance may incur charges.
Free online resources include:
-
Williamson County Court Records Search
Basic case information is available without charge through the county's online portal. This includes:- Case numbers
- Party names
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Hearing schedules
- Judge assignments
-
Williamson County Jail Inmate Search
The current jail roster is accessible at no cost through the Sheriff's Office website. This provides:- Names of current inmates
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Bond information
-
Sex Offender Registry
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a free sex offender registry that includes offenders residing in Williamson County.
While inspection and basic online searches are free, fees may apply for:
- Printed copies of documents (typically $1.00 per page)
- Certified copies (additional certification fee)
- Background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Expedited processing
- Records requiring extensive redaction or compilation
These fees are established pursuant to § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code, which authorizes governmental bodies to charge for the cost of providing copies of public information.
What's Included in a Williamson County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Williamson County typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interaction with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.01, which establishes standards for criminal history record information.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, 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
- Booking number
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction (District Court, County Court at Law)
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor class)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned to case
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (community service, treatment programs)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and conditions
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 summary
The Williamson County District Clerk maintains felony and misdemeanor case records, while the Williamson County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records. Together, these records provide a comprehensive view of an individual's criminal history within the county.
How Long Does Williamson County Keep Criminal Records?
Williamson County retains criminal records according to schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These retention periods ensure that records are maintained for appropriate timeframes based on their legal, administrative, and historical value.
The standard retention periods for criminal records in Williamson County are:
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Case files: 5 years after final disposition
- Docket sheets: Permanent
- Indexes: Permanent
- Minute books: Permanent
Felony Case Records:
- Case files: 20 years after final disposition
- Capital cases: Permanent
- Docket sheets: Permanent
- Indexes: Permanent
- Minute books: Permanent
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports: 5 years
- Offense reports: 10 years
- Homicide investigations: Permanent
- Booking records: 5 years after release or discharge
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years
Jail Records:
- Inmate files: 5 years after release
- Jail logs: 5 years
- Visitor logs: 3 years
Probation Records:
- Misdemeanor probation files: 5 years after termination of probation
- Felony probation files: 10 years after termination of probation
Expunged Records:
- Records ordered expunged by a court are destroyed in accordance with the court order and Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02
Sealed Records:
- Records ordered sealed (non-disclosure) remain in existence but are not available to the public pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.076
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, electronic indexes and basic case information may be maintained permanently for administrative purposes. Additionally, records with historical significance may be preserved beyond their minimum retention periods.
The Williamson County District Clerk and Williamson County Sheriff's Office adhere to these retention schedules when managing criminal records under their respective jurisdictions.
Lookup Criminal Records in Williamson County
Williamson County Sheriff's Office Records
Williamson County Criminal Case Records
Williamson County Clerk Public Records
Williamson County District Court Records