Are Criminal Records in Midland County Publicly Accessible?

Yes, criminal records in Midland County, Texas, are publicly accessible under the Texas Public Records Act, which ensures transparency and public access to government records. These records include arrest records, court proceedings, and convictions. However, access is subject to restrictions for certain records that have been sealed, expunged, or involve juveniles or sensitive personal information. Individuals must comply with some guidelines when requesting records to ensure proper use of information and adherence to privacy laws.

Available records include.

• Arrest records
• Criminal case files
• Convictions and sentencing details.

Exceptions include:

• Sealed or expunged records.
• Juvenile cases
• Ongoing investigations or cases involving public safety concerns.

Who is Eligible to Access Midland County Criminal Records in Texas?

The different categories of people authorized to access criminal records in Midland County include:

• Government and Law enforcement agencies: This group may access criminal records, including sealed records, for official purposes such as licensing, regulatory compliance, security clearance, investigative purposes, or solely for public safety.
• The general public may also access most criminal records unless sealed, expunged, or otherwise restricted.
• Employers and attorneys may also access criminal records relevant to their background checks, legal cases, or proceedings, although the employer typically needs the subject's consent.

Access requires written consent or court approval for most restricted records.

How to Request Criminal Records in Midland County

Step 1: Decide whether you need arrest records, court case details, or conviction information.

Step 2: Choose a request method.

• In-person: Visit local offices, such as Midland County Clerk's office or law enforcement agencies.
• Mail: Send a written request to the appropriate agency

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents:

• Complete the necessary forms.
• Include proof of identification.
• Attach any required consent forms if requesting someone else's record.

Step 4: Submit your Request:

Midland County Clerk
500 N Loraine ST #111,
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: (432) 688-4401

Step 5: Pay Fees:

• Costs typically range from $10-$25 depending on the record type and the request method.
• Payment options include credit cards, checks, or money orders.

Step 6: Wait for Processing:

• Online: 1-3 business days.
• Mail or in-person: 2-4 weeks, depending on the volume of requests.

In addition, Midland County criminal records may also be accessible through texascourtrecords.us and other third-party online databases. However, the accuracy of records obtained on such platforms cannot be guaranteed.

What Information is Contained in Midland County Criminal Records?

Midland County criminal records usually include:

• Full names and aliases
• Date of birth.
• Arrest dates and charges.
• Court case numbers and proceedings.
• Convictions, sentencing details, and probation or parole status.

Redacted or Excluded information:

• Juvenile records
• Sealed or expunged cases.
• Sensitive personal details such as social security numbers or victim information

Are There Restrictions on Accessing Criminal Records in Midland County?

Yes, access to some criminal records in Midland is restricted.

• Sealed records are only accessible by court order or to authorized entities like law enforcement.
• Expunged records are completely removed and treated as if they never existed.
• Juvenile records are protected by law and only accessible with special permissions.
• Ongoing Investigations are restricted to protect the integrity of the case.

These restrictions are governed by the Texas Public Records Act and relevant court orders. Authorized entities, such as law enforcement, attorneys, and courts, may access restricted records under certain conditions.

What Happens if My Request for Criminal Records is Denied in Midland County?

If your request is denied,

• Review the reason for denial, which may include sealed or expunged records.
• File an appeal with the agency or court that denied the request, providing additional documentation if necessary.
• Contact legal counsel for further assistance if your request remains unresolved.

For appeals, contact:

Midland County Clerk.
500 N Loraine St #111
Midland, TX 79701
Phone: (432) 688-4401

How to Expunge or Seal Midland County Criminal Records

To expunge or seal a criminal record in Midland County:

• Confirm eligibility as only certain offenses, such as non-violent misdemeanors, qualify.
• Fulfill conditions like completing probation and waiting for the required time.
• File a petition by submitting the necessary forms to the court along with filing fees.
• Attend a hearing if required, then present your case to a judge for approval.
• Obtain a court order confirming the record has been sealed or expunged.