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Hidalgo County Criminal Records

What Is Hidalgo County Criminal Records

Hidalgo County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county departments that document the criminal history of individuals who have been arrested, charged, or convicted of crimes within Hidalgo County, Texas. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 411 and are considered part of the public record in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.

Criminal records in Hidalgo County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office
711 El Cibolo Road
Edinburg, TX 78541
Phone: (956) 383-8114
Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office

Hidalgo County District Clerk's Office
100 N. Closner Blvd., 1st Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: (956) 318-2200
Hidalgo County District Clerk

Hidalgo County Clerk's Office
100 N. Closner Blvd., 1st Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: (956) 318-2100
Hidalgo County Clerk

These records typically include documentation of arrests, charges, court proceedings, dispositions, and sentencing information for both misdemeanor and felony offenses that occurred within the jurisdiction of Hidalgo County. The records serve as an official history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system in the county.

Are Criminal Records Public In Hidalgo County

Criminal records in Hidalgo County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.

Members of the public may access the following types of criminal records:

  • Court records for criminal cases
  • Arrest records
  • Booking information
  • Criminal case dispositions
  • Sentencing information
  • Incarceration records

However, certain exceptions and restrictions apply to public access:

  • Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order are not available to the public
  • Juvenile records are generally confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.007
  • Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
  • Information that would compromise personal privacy or public safety may be redacted

The Hidalgo County District Clerk's Office maintains records for felony cases, while the County Clerk's Office maintains misdemeanor case records. Both offices provide public access terminals during regular business hours:

Public Access Hours for Criminal Records:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Excluding county holidays

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, reasonable fees may be charged for copies of criminal records. The standard fee schedule is established by the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court and is subject to periodic review and adjustment.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hidalgo County in 2025

Hidalgo County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records in 2025. Members of the public seeking criminal record information may utilize the following procedures:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Hidalgo County District Clerk's Office for felony cases:

    • 100 N. Closner Blvd., 1st Floor
    • Edinburg, TX 78539
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Phone: (956) 318-2200

  • Visit the Hidalgo County Clerk's Office for misdemeanor cases:

    • 100 N. Closner Blvd., 1st Floor
    • Edinburg, TX 78539
    • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Phone: (956) 318-2100

Online Access:

Written Requests:

  • Submit a Public Information Request form to:
    • Hidalgo County Open Government Division
    • 100 N. Closner Blvd.
    • Edinburg, TX 78539
  • Include specific information such as:
    • Full name of the individual
    • Date of birth (if known)
    • Approximate date of offense or case number (if available)
    • Your contact information for response

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the county must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. Standard processing time is 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. Identification may be required when requesting records in person, and fees for copies are assessed according to the current fee schedule established by the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court.

How To Find Criminal Records in Hidalgo County Online?

Hidalgo County provides comprehensive online access to criminal records through several digital platforms. Members of the public may access these records remotely through the following official channels:

The primary online resource is the Hidalgo County Civil and Criminal Case Search portal, which allows users to search for:

  • Criminal case information by defendant name
  • Case numbers and filing dates
  • Case status and disposition
  • Scheduled court appearances
  • Judgment information

To conduct an effective online search:

  1. Navigate to the official Hidalgo County website
  2. Select the "Civil and Criminal Case Search" option
  3. Create a user account if required (for advanced features)
  4. Enter search criteria such as:
    • Defendant's full name (last name, first name)
    • Case number (if known)
    • Date range of filing
  5. Review search results and select specific cases for detailed information

Additional online resources include:

Users should note that pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, § 70.13, certain information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy and prevent identity theft. While basic case information is generally available at no cost, fees may apply for downloading complete documents or certified copies. Payment can be made via credit card through the secure online payment system.

Online access is available 24 hours per day, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Technical support for the online system is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, by calling (956) 318-2000.

Can You Search Hidalgo County Criminal Records for Free?

Hidalgo County provides several options for members of the public to access criminal records at no cost, though certain limitations apply. Free access methods include:

  • Public Access Terminals: Available at no charge during regular business hours at:

    • Hidalgo County District Clerk's Office
      • 100 N. Closner Blvd., 1st Floor
      • Edinburg, TX 78539
      • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Hidalgo County Clerk's Office
      • 100 N. Closner Blvd., 1st Floor
      • Edinburg, TX 78539
      • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

  • Basic Online Searches: The Hidalgo County Civil and Criminal Case Search portal offers free basic search functionality, including:

    • Case number lookup
    • Defendant name search
    • Case status verification
    • Court calendar information

However, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, fees may be assessed for:

  • Printed copies of documents ($1.00 per page)
  • Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
  • Electronic document downloads ($0.10 per page)
  • Extensive data compilation requiring more than 5 hours of staff time
  • Specialized searches requiring programming or data manipulation

The Hidalgo County Commissioners Court reviews and establishes the fee schedule annually in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Chapter 70. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors who complete an affidavit of inability to pay, as provided under Texas Government Code § 552.267.

Members of the public should note that while basic record searches are available at no cost, obtaining complete case files or certified documents typically requires payment of the established fees.

What's Included in a Hidalgo County Criminal Record?

Hidalgo County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county. These records are maintained in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 60 and typically include the following components:

Identifying Information:

  • Full legal name and any aliases
  • Date of birth
  • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
  • Fingerprint classification when available
  • State Identification Number (SID) and/or FBI number

Case Information:

  • Arrest date and arresting agency
  • Booking photographs ("mugshots")
  • Criminal charges filed
  • Case numbers assigned by the court
  • Court of jurisdiction (District or County Court)
  • Name of presiding judge
  • Attorney information (prosecution and defense)

Procedural History:

  • Arraignment details
  • Bail/bond information
  • Pre-trial hearing dates and outcomes
  • Trial information (if applicable)
  • Plea agreements
  • Continuances and postponements

Case Disposition:

  • Verdict or plea entered
  • Sentencing information
  • Fines and court costs assessed
  • Probation terms (if applicable)
  • Incarceration details
  • Post-conviction proceedings

The level of detail may vary depending on the nature of the offense, with felony cases typically containing more extensive documentation than misdemeanor cases. Records are maintained by different agencies depending on the stage of the criminal justice process, with the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office maintaining arrest records, and the District and County Clerk's Offices maintaining court records.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of criminal records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information.

What Are the Penalties for a Hidalgo County Criminal Trespass Charge?

Criminal trespass in Hidalgo 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 for criminal trespass vary based on the circumstances and location of the offense.

Misdemeanor Criminal Trespass:

Basic criminal trespass is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:

  • Up to 180 days in county jail
  • Fine not to exceed $2,000
  • Possible probation terms
  • Court costs and fees

The offense is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor if committed:

  • In a habitation or shelter center
  • On a superfund site or critical infrastructure facility
  • With a deadly weapon carried by the offender Penalties increase to:
  • Up to 1 year in county jail
  • Fine not to exceed $4,000
  • Enhanced probation conditions

Aggravating Factors:

Pursuant to Texas Penal Code § 30.05(d), criminal trespass may be enhanced under certain circumstances:

  • Prior convictions may increase the offense level
  • Trespass on agricultural land may carry additional penalties
  • Trespass with the intent to commit another offense may result in multiple charges

Collateral Consequences:

Beyond the statutory penalties, individuals convicted of criminal trespass in Hidalgo County may face:

  • Criminal record affecting employment opportunities
  • Potential immigration consequences for non-citizens
  • Difficulty securing housing
  • Possible civil liability to property owners

Cases are typically prosecuted by the:

Hidalgo County District Attorney's Office
100 N. Closner Blvd., 3rd Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: (956) 292-7600

Defendants may seek legal representation through the:

Hidalgo County Public Defender's Office
100 E. Cano St., 2nd Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: (956) 292-7040

How Long Does Hidalgo County Keep Criminal Records?

Hidalgo County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's retention schedules and the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The duration for which records are kept varies based on the type of offense and case disposition.

Retention Periods by Case Type:

  • Felony Cases:

    • Capital felonies: Permanent retention
    • First-degree felonies: Permanent retention
    • Second and third-degree felonies: 50 years after final disposition
    • State jail felonies: 30 years after final disposition

  • Misdemeanor Cases:

    • Class A misdemeanors: 20 years after final disposition
    • Class B misdemeanors: 10 years after final disposition
    • Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition

  • Special Circumstances:

    • Cases resulting in acquittal: 5 years after disposition
    • Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
    • Deferred adjudication: Records maintained according to original offense level

Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, individuals may be eligible to have their criminal records expunged under certain circumstances, including:

  • Acquittals
  • Pardons
  • Certain dismissals
  • Arrests that did not lead to charges

Additionally, under Texas Government Code § 411.081, individuals may qualify for an order of nondisclosure (record sealing) for certain offenses after completing deferred adjudication or meeting other statutory requirements.

Records management is overseen by:

Hidalgo County Records Management Department
100 N. Closner Blvd., 3rd Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: (956) 318-2600

Individuals seeking expungement or nondisclosure orders must file petitions with:

Hidalgo County District Clerk's Office
100 N. Closner Blvd., 1st Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539
Phone: (956) 318-2200
Hidalgo County District Clerk

Lookup Criminal Records in Hidalgo County

Hidalgo County Civil and Criminal Case Search

Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Records

Hidalgo County District Clerk Records

Hidalgo County Public Information Request

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