Criminal records in Wise County, Texas, are available through several channels. WiseCourt.us allows for quick viewing of public information on criminal cases. Additionally, data can be obtained through the county's official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the county clerk's office. The county's online portal allows you to view inmate records, lien documents, and court calendars, while the Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a separate criminal history registry at the state level.
How to Search Criminal Records in Wise
Searching for criminal records in Wise County can be done in several ways.
Online through WiseCourt.us
Start with this resource to find publicly available information on the county's criminal cases. Typically, you need to enter the person's full name or case number for the search.
Wise County Portal
The official Wise County Public Access Portal contains criminal cases, civil and family cases, inmate records, and lien documents. The current inmate roster is also available in PDF format — it is regularly updated and contains data on charges, bail amounts, and arrest dates.
State-Level Search
- Criminal History through DPS: Texas DPS Criminal History Search allows you to check criminal backgrounds by name. The service is fee-based.
- TDCJ Inmates: if a person is sentenced to imprisonment, use the TDCJ inmate search by name, SID number, or TDCJ number.
- Sex Offender Registry: the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program maintains a separate database.
In-Person Request
The Wise County Clerk accepts requests directly at the office. Public access terminals in the courthouse allow you to view cases on-site. Bring your ID.
Written Request
Send a request by mail to the county or district clerk's office. Include the person's full name, date of birth (if known), and case number. For state-level criminal history, a written request can be sent to the Crime Records Division DPS.
What you need to start the search:
- Full name
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if available)
- SID number or TDCJ number (for state inmate search)
Search Wise Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Texas, criminal case numbers are assigned by each court individually, so there is no single state-level format. In Wise County, criminal cases have a prefix indicating the type of proceeding.
Typical case number structure in the county:
- CR- — criminal case (e.g., CR-83678)
- Numerical part after the prefix — serial number, sometimes with an additional suffix indicating the number of charges
- Some cases contain a two-digit year code at the beginning (e.g., 25-229 means a 2025 case)
Knowing the exact case number, enter it into the search field on the county's public access portal. This is the fastest way to find a specific case — the result will immediately show charges, status, and scheduled hearings. If the number is unknown, a name search usually allows you to establish it.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Wise
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the Texas Penal Code (TX Penal Code), e.g., TX PC 28.03(b)(2) — criminal mischief |
| Severity | Felony — from State Jail Felony to First Degree; Misdemeanor — Class A, B, C |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the charges to less or more severe after the case begins |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, no decision yet
- Active — proceedings are ongoing, hearings may be scheduled
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Types of Hearings
Arraignment — the first court appearance where charges are read. Pre-trial conference — parties discuss the possibility of a plea deal or prepare for trial. If the case goes to trial, the sentencing hearing determines the punishment after a guilty plea or jury verdict. Review hearings are scheduled to monitor compliance with probation conditions.
Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — acquitted by jury or judge
- Dismissed — case closed by prosecutor or court
- Acquitted — full acquittal after substantive review
- Deferred Adjudication — the court defers the sentence, and if conditions are met, the charge may be dismissed
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Wise
Certified copies of criminal records are needed for official purposes — employment, immigration, legal proceedings. Here's where to apply.
County Clerk
Issues certified copies of cases heard in County Court. Requests can be made in person or by mail. You need to provide the defendant's full name and case number.
District Clerk
Responsible for District Court cases, where felonies are tried. To obtain a certified copy, a photo ID is required.
State-Level Criminal History
To obtain a complete criminal history, submit a request to the Crime Records Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Online search is available through Criminal History Name Search. For an official fingerprint-based report, contact an authorized biometric data collection point.
Documents you will need:
- Photo ID (driver's license, passport)
- Case number (for requesting a specific document)
- Completed request form (if required by the clerk)
- Payment of the fee
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Wise
Fees are set according to the Texas Local Government Code and county clerks' rates.
| Service | Cost | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Court document copy (per page) | $1.00 | Standard rate under Texas Local Government Code §118.011 |
| Document certification | $5.00 | Per certified document |
| DPS criminal history search (online) | $3.00 | Per name request |
| Fingerprint-based criminal background check | Varies | Depends on the type of check and provider |
Processing Times
Online search through DPS provides instant results. Requests to the county clerk, submitted in person, are usually processed within one to two business days. Mail requests may take from one to three weeks — this depends on the office's workload and the complexity of the search. If the case is old and archived, expect additional delays.