Criminal records in Webb County, Texas, are accessible through several channels. WebbCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, official state court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the district clerk's office provide access to records—online, in person, or by mail. Below is a practical guide to searching, requesting, and understanding criminal records in this county.
How to Search Criminal Records in Webb
Start by determining what specific information you are looking for—county court records, arrest history, or inmate data at the state level. Each of these types of records is stored in different systems.
Online Search
- WebbCourt.us — Enter the person's first and last name to find publicly available data on criminal cases in Webb County. This is a convenient way to start your search without visiting the court.
- TxDPS Criminal History Search — The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide criminal records database. Name-based searches are available online and require a fee.
- re:SearchTX — The Texas State Law Library portal explains how to search court records through this statewide system. Some courts require separate registration or fees.
- Texas Department of Criminal Justice — If the person is in a state correctional facility, this resource allows you to check the inmate's status.
In Person
The District Clerk's office in Laredo handles requests for criminal cases heard by Webb County district courts. The courthouse typically has public access terminals where you can view cases directly.
By Mail
Send a written request to the district clerk's office, including the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. To obtain a statewide criminal history, you can submit a public information request to DPS in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
To start your search, you will need at least one of the following:
- Full name and last name (first and last name)
- Date of birth
- Case number (cause number)
Search Webb Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Texas, criminal cases are identified by what is known as a cause number. The format may vary depending on the court, but a typical structure looks like this:
- Year of filing — The first four digits indicate the year the case was opened.
- Court code or case type — A letter or numeric prefix indicating the specific court or category (e.g., "CR" for criminal cases).
- Sequential number — A sequential number assigned by the clerk's office in order of registration.
If you know the cause number, the search is much faster and more accurate than by name. The district court clerk can confirm the correct number if you are unsure of the format.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Webb
A criminal case contains several key elements. Here's what each of them means in practice.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific section of the Texas Penal Code or another state code |
| Severity | Felony, misdemeanor, or infraction |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the proceedings |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting review
- Active — The case is in active proceedings
- Disposed — The court has made a final decision
- Closed — All procedural actions are completed
Hearings
Types of hearings in Webb County criminal cases include:
- Arraignment — The first hearing where the defendant is informed of the charges
- Preliminary hearing — The judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-trial — A procedural hearing before the trial
- Sentencing — Imposing a penalty after a guilty plea or verdict
- Review hearing — Checking compliance with probation terms or other obligations
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is found not guilty after trial |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration by the court or jury |
| Deferred Adjudication | The court postpones the decision under certain conditions (a common practice in Texas) |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Webb
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the clerk's stamp and signature, accepted by courts, employers, and government agencies.
Where to Apply
For district court cases, the request is submitted to the district clerk's office. Cases heard by County Courts at Law are handled by the County Clerk's office.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — Visit the office with valid identification (driver's license or passport).
- By Mail — Send a written request including the full name, case number, and a copy of identification. Include payment in the form of a money order.
To obtain a statewide criminal history, submit a request to the Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. You need to fill out the appropriate form and provide fingerprints if the request concerns your own history.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Webb
Fees are set according to the Texas Local Government Code and the fee schedule approved by county clerks. Below are approximate amounts—check current prices directly with the office.
| Service | Approximate Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.00 | According to Texas Local Government Code §118.052 |
| Certification of copy | $5.00 | Per certified document |
| TxDPS online criminal history search | $3.00 | Per name-based request through the DPS portal |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history check | Depends on the type of request | Contact the Crime Records Division |
Processing Times
- In Person — Simple copy requests are usually processed the same day or within 1–3 business days.
- By Mail — From 5 to 15 business days, depending on the request volume and office workload.
- Online via TxDPS — Name-based search results are available immediately after payment. Fingerprint-based requests may take longer.
If you need a certified copy urgently, call the office in advance to check if expedited processing is available.