houston criminal records guide for residents and employers

Understanding the basics

In Texas, much criminal history is public, but details live at county and state levels. In Houston, that means Harris County dockets, sheriff and police logs, and the state repository. People check their own records before housing or licenses; employers run compliant screenings. Knowing the difference between arrests, charges, dispositions, and deferred adjudication helps you read entries.

Where to search and what to expect

For local cases, start with the Harris County District Clerk for case numbers and dispositions, then compare with sheriff jail records. Houston Police provides incident reports by request. Statewide conviction data can supplement local searches, but it may lag. Expect exact spelling; include birth dates and cause numbers, and look for final disposition notes like dismissed, convicted, or nolle prosequi.

Quick checks

• Confirm full name, DOB, address history, and case number.
• Distinguish misdemeanors vs felonies; note sentence terms.
• Watch for sealed or nondisclosure orders.
• For certainty, request certified copies from the clerk.

Common pitfalls and privacy notes

If results seem wrong, dispute errors and consider expunction or nondisclosure. Get consent for tenant or job screening, and keep records.