Nueces County Criminal Records
What Is Nueces County Criminal Records
Nueces County criminal records are official documents maintained by various county and state agencies that document the criminal history of individuals within Nueces County, Texas. These records serve as the official documentation of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and dispositions of criminal cases processed through the Nueces County criminal justice system.
Criminal records in Nueces County are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which establishes guidelines for the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information. The primary repositories for these records include:
- Nueces County District Clerk's Office
- Nueces County Sheriff's Office
- Corpus Christi Police Department
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
The Nueces County criminal justice system processes approximately 15,000 criminal cases annually, generating records that document the entire criminal justice process from arrest through final disposition. These records contain information regarding felonies, misdemeanors, and certain infractions committed within county jurisdiction.
Nueces County District Clerk's Office
901 Leopard Street, Suite 313
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 888-0111
Nueces County District Clerk
Are Criminal Records Public In Nueces County
Criminal records in Nueces County are generally considered public information in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including criminal records, shall be available to the public unless specifically exempted by law.
Members of the public may access the following types of criminal records:
- Court dockets and case indexes
- Criminal complaints and indictments
- Judgments and sentencing information
- Court proceedings and hearing schedules
- Arrest records (with certain limitations)
However, certain criminal records may be restricted from public access under specific circumstances:
- Records pertaining to juveniles (under 17 years of age) are generally confidential pursuant to Texas Family Code §58.007
- Records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court
- Information that would compromise an ongoing investigation
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by Texas Government Code §552.147
- Information related to victims of certain offenses
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository for criminal history information in the state and provides access to Nueces County criminal records through its Crime Records Service. Authorized entities may obtain complete criminal history information, while members of the general public receive a more limited version that includes only convictions and deferred adjudications.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Nueces County in 2025
Individuals seeking to look up criminal records in Nueces County in 2025 may utilize several official channels established by county and state authorities. The process requires adherence to established protocols and may involve payment of statutory fees.
The primary methods for accessing Nueces County criminal records include:
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In-person requests at the Nueces County District Clerk's Office located at 901 Leopard Street, Suite 313, Corpus Christi, TX 78401. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a records request form and may be required to present valid identification.
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Online searches through the Nueces County District Clerk's electronic case information system, which provides basic case information including charges, court dates, and disposition information.
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Municipal Court records for violations occurring within Corpus Christi city limits may be accessed through the Citation and Docket Search portal maintained by the Corpus Christi Municipal Court.
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Mail requests sent to the Nueces County District Clerk's Office with a completed records request form, copy of identification, and applicable fees.
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Texas Department of Public Safety criminal history searches, which provide statewide criminal history information including Nueces County records. Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office.
Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 1, §70.12, fees for criminal record searches are established by statute and may vary based on the type and extent of information requested. Current fees for basic criminal record searches range from $10 to $25 per name searched.
How To Find Criminal Records in Nueces County Online?
Nueces County provides several digital platforms through which authorized individuals may access criminal records information via the internet. These online resources have been established to enhance public access while maintaining compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.
The following online resources are available for criminal records searches in Nueces County:
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Nueces County District Clerk's Online Records Search - This portal provides access to basic case information including defendant name, charges filed, court dates, and case disposition. Users must register for an account and may be required to pay access fees for certain documents.
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Corpus Christi Municipal Court - The Citation and Docket Search system allows users to search for citations and court dockets for cases processed through the municipal court system.
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Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service - The DPS maintains a secure online portal through which authorized users may request criminal history record information. Access to this system requires registration and compliance with user agreements.
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Thirteenth Court of Appeals - The Thirteenth Court of Appeals website provides access to appellate case information for criminal cases appealed from Nueces County courts.
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Texas Sex Offender Registration Program - Information regarding registered sex offenders residing in Nueces County is available through the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Users of these online systems should note that pursuant to Texas Government Code §411.135, certain information may be redacted from publicly accessible records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifying information.
Can You Search Nueces County Criminal Records for Free?
Limited free access to Nueces County criminal records is available through several public resources, though comprehensive searches may require payment of statutory fees. The availability of free record searches is governed by Texas Government Code §552.261, which permits governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information.
Free criminal records search options in Nueces County include:
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Public access terminals located at the Nueces County District Clerk's Office (901 Leopard Street, Suite 313, Corpus Christi, TX 78401) provide on-site access to basic case information at no charge during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM).
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Basic online case indexes through the Nueces County District Clerk's website offer limited information such as defendant name, case number, and filing date without charge.
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Sex offender registry information is available at no cost through the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program.
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Corpus Christi Municipal Court provides free access to basic citation and docket information through its online search portal.
However, the following services typically require payment of fees:
- Certified copies of court documents ($1.00 per page plus $5.00 certification fee)
- Complete criminal history reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety ($25.00 per name searched)
- Background checks for employment or licensing purposes (fees vary by purpose)
- Expedited record searches or document retrieval services
Pursuant to Texas Government Code §552.267, fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors who submit an affidavit of inability to pay.
What's Included in a Nueces County Criminal Record?
Nueces County criminal records contain standardized information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 60.05 and Texas Government Code §411.042. These records document the progression of criminal cases through the justice system and typically include multiple components.
A comprehensive Nueces County criminal record generally contains:
- Identifying Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, and fingerprint identification number
- Arrest Data: Date of arrest, arresting agency, booking information, and charges at time of arrest
- Charging Documents: Criminal complaints, information, or indictments filed by the Nueces County District Attorney's Office
- Court Proceedings: Arraignment information, plea entries, trial dates, and hearing outcomes
- Case Disposition: Final outcome of the case, including dismissals, acquittals, or convictions
- Sentencing Information: Penalties imposed, including incarceration terms, probation conditions, and fines
- Post-Conviction Data: Information regarding appeals, probation violations, or early release
- Criminal History Summary: Chronological listing of all criminal justice interactions within Nueces County
Certain specialized notations may also appear in criminal records, including:
- Domestic violence designations pursuant to Texas Family Code §71.0036
- Gang affiliation information as defined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 61.02
- Sex offender registration requirements under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 62
- Mental health determinations relevant to criminal proceedings
Users of criminal records should note that pursuant to Texas Business and Commerce Code §506.001, certain information contained in criminal records may not be used for unauthorized purposes, particularly in employment and housing decisions.
What Are the Penalties for a Nueces County Criminal Trespass Charge?
Criminal trespass in Nueces 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 and with notice that entry was forbidden or receiving notice to depart but failing to do so. Penalties for criminal trespass vary based on the location of the trespass and other aggravating factors.
The standard penalties for criminal trespass in Nueces County are:
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Class B Misdemeanor: The base offense is punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000.
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Class A Misdemeanor: If the trespass occurs in a habitation, shelter center, or on property of a critical infrastructure facility, penalties increase to up to one year in county jail and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000.
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Enhanced Penalties: Pursuant to Texas Penal Code §30.05(d), carrying a deadly weapon during the commission of criminal trespass elevates the offense to a Class A misdemeanor regardless of location.
Additional consequences may include:
- Court-ordered restitution for any property damage
- Community service requirements
- Protective orders prohibiting contact with property owners
- Probation terms with specific conditions
- Permanent criminal record affecting employment opportunities
The Nueces County District Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal trespass cases in accordance with established guidelines. First-time offenders may be eligible for pretrial diversion programs or deferred adjudication under certain circumstances as provided in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42A.101.
Nueces County District Attorney's Office
901 Leopard Street, Room 206
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
(361) 888-0410
Nueces County District Attorney
How Long Does Nueces County Keep Criminal Records?
Nueces County maintains criminal records in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's retention schedules as authorized by Texas Local Government Code §202.001. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various categories of criminal records based on case type and disposition.
The standard retention periods for Nueces County criminal records are:
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Misdemeanor Cases: Records must be retained for a minimum of 5 years after final disposition, including completion of sentence or terms of probation.
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Felony Cases: Records must be retained for a minimum of 25 years after final disposition, with capital felony and first-degree felony records maintained for 50 years.
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Dismissed Cases: Records for cases dismissed prior to trial are typically retained for 5 years from the date of dismissal.
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Juvenile Records: Pursuant to Texas Family Code §58.264, certain juvenile records may be subject to automatic restriction of access when the individual reaches 17 years of age, with exceptions for violent or habitual offenders.
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Sex Offender Registration Records: Information related to registered sex offenders is maintained for the duration of the registration requirement, which may be 10 years, 25 years, or lifetime depending on the offense.
Records may be maintained beyond these minimum periods at the discretion of county officials. Additionally, certain records designated as having historical value may be permanently archived.
Individuals seeking to limit access to their criminal records may petition for an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411 or expunction under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 if they meet statutory eligibility requirements.
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