Criminal records in Bowie County, Texas, can be accessed through several channels. BowieCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. Beyond that resource, official court systems such as the Bowie County District Clerk's office, law enforcement agencies including the Bowie County Sheriff's Office, and the Bowie County Clerk all provide access to criminal record information through online tools, in-person visits, and written requests.
How to Search Criminal Records in Bowie County
Several methods are available to search for criminal records in Bowie County. Here is what you need to know about each approach.
Through BowieCourt.us
Start at BowieCourt.us to search for publicly available court record information. You can look up cases using a defendant's name or case number.
Online — Official Portals
- Bowie County Case Records Search — The Bowie County District Clerk provides an online case records search tool. Note that this system does not display all case types or details.
- eFileTexas — The official e-filing system for Texas covers criminal cases filed in district and county courts statewide, including Bowie County.
- Bowie County Sheriff Inmate Search — The Bowie County Sheriff's Office offers an online inmate search for individuals currently in custody.
- TDCJ Offender Search — For individuals sentenced to state prison, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate search provides location, offense, and projected release date information.
- Texarkana Public Records Requests — The City of Texarkana allows public record requests for police and sheriff records under the Texas Public Information Act. Select "Texarkana PD (TX/AR) & Bowie County Sheriff" as the agency.
- Municipal Court — For Class C misdemeanors and traffic offenses within Texarkana city limits, check the Texarkana Municipal Court.
- Federal Cases — Bowie County falls within the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Federal criminal cases can be searched through the PACER system.
In Person
- Visit the Bowie County District Clerk's office at the courthouse in New Boston during business hours (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). Public access terminals may be available for case lookups.
- The Bowie County Clerk's office also maintains certain records and can assist with searches.
By Mail or Written Request
- Submit a written request to the Bowie County District Clerk for copies of specific case records. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number.
- For a statewide criminal history report, submit a request to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Records Service. DPS accepts requests online, by mail, and through authorized channelview services.
What You Need to Begin a Search
- Defendant's full legal name
- Date of birth (helpful but not always required)
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date range of the case
Search Bowie County Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Texas case numbers typically follow a format assigned by the filing court. In Bowie County District Court, case numbers generally include:
- A two-digit prefix indicating the year the case was filed
- A letter code identifying the case type (e.g., "C" for criminal, "F" for felony)
- A sequential filing number
For example, a case number like 24F0123-005 would indicate a felony case filed in 2024. County court case numbers may follow a slightly different pattern. When using the District Clerk's online search tool, enter the case number exactly as it appears on court documents. Partial numbers may not return results.
Misdemeanor cases handled by county courts at law and Class C misdemeanors handled by justice or municipal courts each use their own numbering conventions. If you are unsure which court handled a case, contact the District Clerk's office for guidance.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Bowie County
Criminal case records in Bowie County contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
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 | Classified as felony (capital, first through third degree, state jail) or misdemeanor (Class A, B, or C) |
| Amended Charges | The original charge may be reduced or changed through plea negotiations or grand jury action; amended charges replace or supplement the original |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and awaiting resolution
- Active — Proceedings are currently underway
- Disposed — The case has reached a final outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal, etc.)
- Closed — All matters including sentencing, probation, or appeals are complete
Hearing Types
- Arraignment — The defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary Hearing — A judge determines whether probable cause exists (felony cases)
- Pre-Trial — Attorneys address motions, evidence issues, and potential plea agreements
- Trial — The case is heard before a judge or jury
- Sentencing — The judge imposes punishment after a guilty verdict or plea
- Review Hearing — The court checks compliance with probation or other conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — Convicted by plea or verdict
- Not Guilty — Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — The prosecution dropped the charges
- Nolle Prosequi — The state declined to prosecute
- Deferred Adjudication — The defendant is placed on community supervision; if completed successfully, no final conviction is entered
- Acquitted — Found not guilty by the court or jury
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Bowie County
Certified copies of criminal case records carry an official court seal and can be used for legal proceedings, background verification, and other formal purposes.
Where to Request
- Felony cases — Contact the Bowie County District Clerk
- Misdemeanor cases — Contact the Bowie County Clerk (for county court cases) or the relevant municipal or justice court
- Statewide criminal history — Submit a request to the Texas DPS Crime Records Service
How to Submit
- In person — Visit the appropriate clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID. Request the specific case record by case number or defendant name.
- By mail — Send a written request to the clerk's office. Include the defendant's full name, case number (if known), your contact information, and a check or money order for the applicable fees.
- Online — For statewide criminal history checks, the Texas DPS offers an online portal at Texas DPS Crime Records Service.
Identification Needed
- Valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- Fingerprint submission may be required for name-based criminal history checks through DPS
Office Contact Information
Bowie County District Clerk
Bowie County Clerk
Bowie County Sheriff's Office
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Bowie County
Fees for criminal record copies in Texas are governed by the Texas Government Code and the Texas Local Government Code. Below are the standard fees you can expect:
| Service | Fee | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Standard copies (per page) | $1.00 | Texas Local Government Code § 118.052 |
| Certified copy — first page | $5.00 | Texas Local Government Code § 118.052 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $1.00 | Texas Local Government Code § 118.052 |
| Name-based criminal history (DPS — public) | $3.00 | Texas Government Code § 411.1355 |
| Fingerprint-based criminal history (DPS) | Varies (typically $24.95+) | Texas Government Code § 411.088 |
Payment Methods
- The Bowie County Clerk's office accepts debit and credit cards until 4:00 p.m.
- Cash, checks, and money orders are generally accepted during all business hours
- Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk's office
Processing Times
- In person — Simple record copies are often available the same day or within one to two business days
- By mail — Allow 5 to 10 business days for processing and return mailing
- DPS online criminal history — Name-based results are typically available immediately; fingerprint-based checks may take several business days
- Public Information Act requests — Under the Texas Government Code Chapter 552, government bodies must respond promptly, generally within 10 business days
Fees and processing times may change. Contact the relevant office directly to confirm current amounts before submitting your request.