Criminal records in Ellis County, Texas, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. EllisCourt.us can help you find publicly available criminal case information for Ellis County. Additional access points include the Ellis County District Clerk, the County Clerk's office, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety's statewide criminal history repository.
How to Search Criminal Records in Ellis County
There are several ways to search for criminal records in Ellis County. The method you choose depends on what information you have and whether you need official or certified documents.
Online Search Options
- EllisCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases in Ellis County.
- Ellis County Online Records Search — The county offers an online records search portal where you can look up and purchase records. You can search by name or document number.
- Criminal Misdemeanor Division — For misdemeanor case information, the County Clerk's Criminal Misdemeanor Division maintains records from the county courts. For felony information, contact the District Clerk.
- District Clerk — The Ellis County District Clerk records acts and proceedings of the district court, including felony criminal cases.
- Texas DPS Crime Records — The Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains the statewide criminal history repository. You can request a criminal history search through their online system.
- Texas Courts — The Texas Judicial Branch website provides access to statewide court information and resources.
- TDCJ Inmate Search — For individuals sentenced to state prison, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate search provides current location, offenses, and projected release dates.
In Person
- Visit the Ellis County Clerk's office during business hours (8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday) and use one of the public access computers available for record searches.
- Visit the District Clerk's office at the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie to search felony criminal case records.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit an open records or public information request to the Ellis County & District Attorney's Office. Requests can be submitted in person at 109 S. Jackson St., Waxahachie, TX 75165, or by mail.
- For statewide criminal history, submit a written request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Division. You will need to provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information available.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Full legal name of the individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Case number (if available)
- Court type (district court for felonies, county court for misdemeanors)
Search Ellis County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. In Texas, criminal case numbers generally follow a format assigned by the filing court. The structure typically includes:
- A numeric or alphanumeric prefix — This may indicate the court number or case type. For example, a prefix tied to one of the Ellis County Judicial District Courts identifies it as a district-level (felony) case.
- A sequential filing number — Assigned in the order the case was filed.
- A year indicator — Some case numbers embed the two-digit or four-digit filing year.
To search by case number, use the Ellis County online records portal or visit the appropriate clerk's office. Misdemeanor case numbers are maintained by the County Clerk's Criminal Misdemeanor Division, while felony case numbers are maintained by the District Clerk. Having the exact case number avoids confusion when multiple individuals share the same name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Ellis County
Charges
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | The Texas Penal Code section or other statute the defendant is charged under (e.g., Penal Code § 22.01 for assault). |
| Severity | Felony (capital, first through third degree, state jail felony) or misdemeanor (Class A, B, or C). |
| Amended Charges | Charges may be reduced, enhanced, or changed by the prosecution before or during trial. The docket will reflect the current charge. |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution.
- Active — Proceedings are ongoing; hearings or trial dates may be scheduled.
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.).
- Closed — All court action, including any post-judgment matters, is complete.
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally read the charges and enters an initial plea.
- Preliminary Hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (more common in felony cases).
- Pre-Trial Hearing — Motions, plea negotiations, and procedural matters are addressed before trial.
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury.
- Sentencing — If convicted, the court imposes punishment.
- Review Hearing — Used to monitor probation compliance or other post-disposition conditions.
Court Results
- Guilty — The defendant was convicted, either by plea or verdict.
- Not Guilty — The defendant was acquitted at trial.
- Dismissed — The prosecution dropped the charges or the court dismissed the case.
- Nolle Prosequi — The state elected not to prosecute.
- Deferred Adjudication — The defendant is placed on community supervision; if completed successfully, no final conviction is entered.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Ellis County
Which Office to Contact
- Misdemeanor records — Contact the Ellis County Clerk's office.
- Felony records — Contact the Ellis County District Clerk's office.
- Statewide criminal history — Contact the Texas DPS Crime Records Division.
How to Submit a Request
- Online — Use the Ellis County online records search to locate and purchase copies of recorded documents.
- In person — Visit the County Clerk's office or the District Clerk's office at the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie during business hours.
- By mail — Send a written request specifying the case number, defendant's name, and the type of record needed.
- Public information request — Submit a formal request under the Texas Public Information Act to the appropriate department. If your request involves records from the Ellis County Sheriff's Office or another county department, direct it to that agency.
Identification Required
- A valid government-issued photo ID is generally required for in-person requests.
- For criminal history requests through Texas DPS, fingerprint submission may be required.
Office Contact Information
Ellis County Clerk
Ellis County District Clerk
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Ellis County
Fees for criminal record copies in Ellis County are set by Texas statute and the county's fee schedule. The following table outlines common costs:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Texas DPS Name-Based Criminal History Search | Varies; check current DPS fee schedule |
| Texas DPS Fingerprint-Based Criminal History | Varies; check current DPS fee schedule |
Fees are governed by the Texas Local Government Code and may be updated periodically. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment.
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often processed the same day or within a few business days, depending on the volume of requests.
- Mail requests — Allow 5–10 business days for processing and return mailing.
- Online purchases — Documents submitted for recording after 4:00 p.m. are processed the next business day.
- Texas DPS requests — Processing times vary; name-based searches are typically faster than fingerprint-based searches.
For the most current fee and processing information, contact the Ellis County Clerk or the District Clerk directly.