Public records in the State of Texas are available from the Department of Public Safety’s Computerized Criminal History System. The Conviction Database contains information including arrests in Texas, prosecutions and dispositions of cases where a person is charged with Class B or higher violation of the law. All cases that are filed in the database are updated frequently by the agencies under the State.
For one to be able to access the database, one needs to be a member. If not, one has to join the site by creating an account. Once the account becomes live, the researcher needs to purchase several credits to fund his/her researches. Purchasing credits can be done through mailed in checks or by using credit cards. Each credit costs about $3 although other costs might be included which is dependent on the payment method that one uses.
For those who will be paying via mailed checks, the office charges an additional $1.25 for convenience fee, bringing the total fee to $4.25. The credits are available once the checks are validated by the office. For those who would be paying via credit card, the office charges a convenience fee of 2.25% including a $.50 for transaction fee. Credits bought with credits cards are immediately available for use.
Each search is equivalent to one credit regardless of whether there are no matches or results retrieved by the site. As credits are not refundable, it is best to include all the needed information or pertinent info one has of the person. Do include the person’s whole name and date of birth to narrow down the searches. No-matches can occur if (a) the record is already sealed and expunged, (b) inaccurate or wrong information is given, (c) the case is juvenile by nature and (d) the local agencies were not able to submit the records.
There would be times when matches might result in several entries. To avoid having credits debited from the account, researchers can click on the preview button to see a small sample of the record to verify that the record is what they need. Do remember that once the record is opened, a credit is debited from the account. Accuracy concerning the matches is not guaranteed as in most cases, the person in the record can only be authenticated if the report includes a fingerprint specimen card. To ensure the accuracy of the report, one might want to check out the arresting agency that filed the report.
For those who are looking for their own report or those who are looking for records, which are meant to be public, but are not available from the site, they can call the office to request other ways to obtain the information needed. Another way to do so is to check free public records search sites, which would help one in checking out the arrest search and other records easily without having to purchase credits for the records that they need.
If you are researching Texas Arrest Records, we can point you to the most credible source. Visit us at Arrest Records to pick our insights and tips.. Free reprint available from: Texas Arrest Records Free List Online.