Warrant records in Texas are considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that governmental bodies must make information available to the public, including records of warrants issued by courts within the state. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the premise that government information is presumed to be available to the public.
Access to warrant information serves several public interests:
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains that public access to warrant information is essential to the proper functioning of the justice system. However, certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information as outlined in § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code.
Texas residents seeking warrant information may access several official online resources. The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division serves as the central repository for criminal justice information in the state and provides access to various criminal record databases.
Municipal courts throughout Texas offer online warrant search capabilities:
County sheriff's offices typically maintain searchable warrant databases specific to their jurisdiction. These databases may be accessed through the respective county's official website. Users should note that while basic warrant information is generally available without charge, obtaining certified copies or detailed records may incur fees as permitted under § 552.261 of the Texas Government Code.
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Texas may utilize several official channels. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26 establishes that warrant information must be maintained by the issuing authority and made reasonably accessible.
To verify warrant status, Texas residents may:
When conducting a warrant search, individuals should be prepared to provide:
The Houston Municipal Courts Department provides comprehensive warrant information at:
Houston Municipal Courts Department
Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse
1400 Lubbock Street
Houston, TX 77002
832-393-6700
Official Website
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.17, individuals with active warrants have the right to be informed of the charges against them and to appear before a magistrate without unnecessary delay following arrest.
Texas law enforcement agencies maintain systems for tracking outstanding warrants across jurisdictions. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.08 requires that warrant information be entered into state databases to facilitate enforcement.
Methods available for checking outstanding warrants include:
Individuals should be aware that pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.16, law enforcement officers are authorized to execute warrants by taking the named person into custody. Therefore, if an outstanding warrant exists, individuals are encouraged to address the matter promptly through proper legal channels.
Texas warrant records contain specific information as required by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.02. A legally sufficient warrant must include:
Additional information typically included in warrant records:
The completeness and accuracy of warrant information is governed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26, which requires proper documentation of all warrants issued within the state.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains comprehensive criminal justice information systems that include warrant data. Residents seeking to search warrant records may utilize the following resources:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
5805 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78752
512-424-2000
Texas DPS Crime Records Division
Multiple municipal courts across Texas provide warrant search capabilities: