Criminal records in Lamar County, Texas, are available through several channels. LamarTXCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official county court system, law enforcement agencies, and the district court clerk's office. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to search, obtain, and understand criminal records in Lamar County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Lamar
There are several ways to find criminal records in Lamar County. Choose the one that best suits your situation.
Online Search
- LamarTXCourt.us — start here to find publicly available information on criminal cases. Enter the person's name or case number.
- Odyssey Public Access — the Lamar County Judicial Records Search portal allows searching for criminal, civil cases, inmate records, and court calendar. Select the "Criminal Records" category and enter the search data.
- Crime Records Division — the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) maintains a statewide criminal history database. You can order a background check by fingerprints or name here.
- TDCJ Offender Search — if the person is serving a sentence in a state prison, use the TDCJ inmate search to get information about location and offenses.
In-Person Visit
Visit the District Clerk's office in the Lamar County Courthouse. Public terminals are available there for self-service case searches. The clerk can also help find older records that have not yet been digitized.
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the District Clerk or the Crime Records Division DPS. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), case number, and purpose of the request. To obtain an official state criminal history, fingerprints usually need to be submitted along with the application.
To start a search, prepare:
- Full name (as it appears on documents)
- Date of birth
- Case number (if available)
- Last four digits of SSN (for requests through DPS)
Search Lamar Criminal Cases by Case Number
Every criminal case in Texas is assigned a unique number by the court clerk's office. In Lamar County, the case number format typically includes a letter prefix indicating the type of case, a two-digit year, and a sequential number.
For example:
- CR — criminal case
- Two-digit number after the prefix — year the case was filed (e.g., 24 = 2024)
- Sequential number — order number within the year
Thus, a number like CR-24-00512 would indicate a criminal case registered in 2024 with the sequential number 512. Misdemeanor cases heard in County Court may have a different prefix.
If you know the exact case number, enter it in the search field on the Odyssey Public Access portal — this is the fastest way to get details of a specific case. The case number is also listed on all court documents, subpoenas, and warrants.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Lamar
Criminal case records contain several key elements. Each is explained below.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the section of the Texas Penal Code or other code defining the offense |
| Severity | Felony (serious crime — from State Jail Felony to Capital Felony), Misdemeanor (minor offense — Class A, B, or C) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the original charge — reduce the severity or add new counts |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, under review
- Active — active proceedings, hearings scheduled
- Disposed — the case is resolved (verdict issued, closed, or dismissed)
- Closed — all procedural actions completed
Hearings
Typical stages of criminal proceedings:
- Arraignment — the first appearance of the accused before a judge, charges announced
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed
- Pre-Trial — parties discuss procedural issues, possible agreements
- Trial / Sentencing — court trial and sentencing
- Review Hearing — checking compliance with probation conditions or other obligations
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — found not guilty
- Dismissed — case closed without a verdict
- Acquitted — acquitted after review
- Deferred Adjudication — decision postponed; charges may be dropped if court requirements are met
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Lamar
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with a court seal confirming their authenticity. They are required for legal proceedings, employment, or immigration cases.
Where to Apply
The Lamar County District Clerk issues certified copies of criminal cases handled by the district court. The County Clerk processes requests for County Court cases. To obtain a complete state-level criminal history, submit a request to the Crime Records Division DPS.
How to Submit a Request
- In-Person — visit the District Clerk's office with a valid photo ID. Provide the case number or the defendant's full name and date of birth.
- By Mail — send a written request with case details, a copy of ID, and payment (check or money order payable to Lamar County District Clerk).
- Through DPS — for a background check by fingerprints or name, use the DPS online portal or send the form by mail.
According to the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), most court records are public. However, some records — including juvenile cases or sealed cases — have restricted access. If legal assistance is needed, refer to the resources of the Texas State Law Library.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Lamar
Fees are determined according to the Texas Local Government Code and the office's internal fee schedule. Below are approximate amounts — check current rates directly with the District Clerk.
| Service | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Document copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Name-Based Background Check (DPS) | $3.00 |
| Fingerprint-Based Check (DPS) | Depends on request type; usually from $24.95 |
Processing Times
- Online search via Odyssey — results available instantly
- Request to District Clerk (in-person) — usually the same day or 1–3 business days
- Mail request — 5 to 15 business days depending on complexity
- Check through DPS — name-based: a few minutes online; fingerprint-based: up to 10–20 business days
Payment is usually accepted in the form of a money order, cashier's check, or, in some cases, credit/debit card. Confirm acceptable payment methods when contacting the official Lamar County website.