Potter County Criminal Records
What Is Potter County Criminal Records
Potter County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Potter County jurisdiction. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions maintained by various county agencies pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135.
Criminal records in Potter County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including booking information, fingerprints, and photographs
- Charging Documents: Formal accusations filed by prosecutors detailing alleged criminal violations
- Court Records: Official documentation of all judicial proceedings, including arraignments, hearings, and trials
- Disposition Records: Final outcomes of criminal cases, including dismissals, acquittals, or convictions
- Sentencing Information: Details of penalties imposed following conviction, including incarceration, probation, fines, or community service
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records confirm that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt. Under Texas law, both types of records are maintained, though they carry different legal implications.
Criminal offenses in Potter County are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors:
- Felonies: More serious offenses punishable by state prison sentences exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by county jail terms of less than one year, fines, or both
Juvenile records receive special protection under Texas Family Code § 58.007, which generally restricts public access to criminal proceedings involving individuals under 17 years of age. These records are typically sealed from public view unless specifically ordered accessible by a court.
Several Potter County agencies maintain criminal records:
Potter County Sheriff's Office
700 S. Fillmore St., Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2900
Potter County Sheriff's Office
Potter County District Clerk
500 S. Fillmore St., Room 1B, Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk
Potter County Attorney's Office
500 S. Fillmore St., Room 303, Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2255
Potter County Attorney
Are Criminal Records Public In Potter County
Criminal records in Potter County are generally considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes the public's right to access government records. This act, codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552, operates under the principle that "the people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know."
The Texas Public Information Act specifically addresses criminal justice records in § 552.108, which states that most criminal records are subject to public disclosure with certain exceptions. Under current law, the following criminal record information is generally accessible to the public:
- Adult arrest records
- Court dockets and proceedings
- Criminal charging documents
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
However, not all criminal justice information is publicly available. Texas law establishes several important exceptions to disclosure:
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Information that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Juvenile criminal records (with limited exceptions)
- Records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records related to victims of sexual assault or family violence
The Texas Department of Public Safety serves as the central repository for criminal history information statewide, while Potter County maintains records specific to offenses occurring within its jurisdiction. The Potter County District Clerk's Office provides access to court records, while the Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and incarceration data.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, accessing complete criminal history information may require proper identification and, in some cases, fingerprint verification. This requirement helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information while still maintaining the public's right to information under Texas law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Potter County in 2026
Potter County offers multiple methods for accessing criminal records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to obtain criminal record information:
In-Person Requests at the Potter County District Clerk's Office
The Potter County District Clerk maintains court records for criminal cases filed within the county. To access these records in person:
- Visit the District Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($5.00 search fee plus $1.00 per page for copies)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
Potter County District Clerk
500 S. Fillmore St., Room 1B, Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk
Written Requests by Mail
For those unable to visit in person, Potter County accepts written requests for criminal records:
- Prepare a written request including:
- Subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date range of records sought
- Your contact information
- Check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to the appropriate agency:
- For court records: Potter County District Clerk
- For arrest/jail records: Potter County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Potter County Sheriff's Office Records Division
700 S. Fillmore St., Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2930
Potter County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search
For comprehensive statewide criminal history information:
- Visit the Texas DPS Crime Records Service
- Select the appropriate search type (name-based or fingerprint-based)
- Complete the required forms and provide payment
- Submit the request online or by mail as directed
Name-based searches cost $3.00 per name, while fingerprint-based searches (which provide more accurate results) cost $25.00. Fingerprint-based searches require submission of fingerprints through an authorized Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) location.
Attorney of Record Access
Attorneys representing clients in criminal matters may access case records through:
- In-person requests at the District Clerk's Office with proper identification
- The Potter County Attorney Portal (registration required)
All record requests must comply with Texas Government Code § 552.021, which establishes the public's right to access government information.
How To Find Criminal Records in Potter County Online?
Potter County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
Potter County Public Records Search
The Potter County District Clerk maintains an online case records portal:
- Navigate to the Potter County Records Search
- Select "Criminal Cases" from the search options
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or date range)
- Review the list of matching cases
- Select specific cases to view basic information including charges, next court date, and case status
This portal provides free access to basic case information, though document images may require fees to view or download. The system includes records from both District and County Courts.
Potter County Jail Inmate Search
The Potter County Sheriff's Office maintains a current roster of jail inmates:
- Visit the Potter County Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Inmate Search" from the navigation menu
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Review results showing current inmates, charges, and bond information
This database only includes currently incarcerated individuals and does not provide historical arrest records or case dispositions.
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search
For comprehensive statewide criminal history information:
- Access the Texas DPS Criminal History Secure Site
- Create a user account or log in
- Select the appropriate search type
- Enter subject information and payment details
- Receive results electronically
This system provides the most comprehensive criminal history information but requires payment for each search ($3.00 for name-based searches, $25.00 for fingerprint-based searches).
Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records
The statewide court records portal provides access to Potter County court cases:
- Visit Texas Judicial Branch - Search Court Records
- Select "Potter County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Review matching case information
This system provides basic case information but may not include document images or complete case histories.
Registration Requirements
While basic searches on most Potter County systems do not require registration, the following limitations apply:
- Texas DPS Criminal History searches require user registration and payment
- Accessing document images through the Potter County Records Search may require registration and payment
- Attorney portal access requires verification of bar credentials
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete criminal history information, particularly for older cases that have not been digitized. For comprehensive searches, combining online research with in-person requests may be necessary.
Can You Search Potter County Criminal Records for Free?
Potter County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, though certain limitations apply to free searches. Under the Texas Public Information Act § 552.021, the public has the right to inspect government records without charge, though fees may be assessed for copies or extensive searches.
Free In-Person Inspection
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost at the following locations:
Potter County District Clerk's Office
500 S. Fillmore St., Room 1B, Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Potter County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Potter County Law Library
501 S. Fillmore St., Room 2B, Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2325
Potter County Law Library
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
While inspection is free, visitors should note:
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Staff assistance for locating records may be limited
- Physical records may take time to retrieve from storage
- Use of personal scanning devices may be restricted
Free Online Resources
Potter County offers several free online resources for criminal record searches:
-
Potter County Public Records Search - Provides basic case information including defendant name, charges, case status, and next court date without charge. Document images may require payment.
-
Potter County Jail Inmate Search - Offers free access to current jail population information, including inmate name, booking date, charges, and bond information.
-
Potter County Court Dockets - Published weekly on the county website, listing upcoming criminal court proceedings at no cost.
-
Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records - Provides free access to basic case information for Potter County criminal cases through the statewide portal.
Limitations of Free Searches
Free record searches have several important limitations:
- Online systems typically provide only basic case information, not complete case files
- Older records may not be available through electronic systems
- Free searches do not include certified copies, which require payment
- Comprehensive criminal history reports from Texas DPS always require payment
- Staff assistance for extensive research may incur fees
For individuals seeking comprehensive criminal history information, the free options may provide a starting point, but complete searches often require payment of statutory fees. The Potter County District Clerk charges $5.00 for record searches plus $1.00 per page for copies, while certified copies cost $5.00 per document.
What's Included in a Potter County Criminal Record?
Potter County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information:
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges at time of arrest with Texas Penal Code citations
- Probable cause statement
- Bail/bond amount and status
- Detention facility information
- Release date (if applicable)
Court Case Information
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (District or County Court)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statute citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor grade)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecution attorney information
- Court appearance dates
- Motion filings and rulings
- Evidence documentation
Disposition Information
- Case outcome (conviction, acquittal, dismissal)
- Verdict details (jury or bench trial)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing information:
- Incarceration length and facility
- Probation terms and conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Treatment program mandates
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information
- Active warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
- Victim information (often redacted in public records)
- Probation/parole officer contact information
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on case age, severity, and status. Records for serious felonies typically contain more extensive documentation than misdemeanor cases. Recent cases may have more complete digital records, while older cases might exist primarily in paper format with limited information available electronically.
Access to certain elements within criminal records may be restricted based on privacy laws, ongoing investigation status, or court orders. Juvenile records, sealed records, and expunged cases have specific access limitations under Texas law.
How Long Does Potter County Keep Criminal Records?
Potter County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under authority granted by Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules establish minimum retention periods, though many records are kept permanently due to their historical and legal significance.
Felony Case Records
- Case files for Capital Felonies: Permanent retention
- Case files for First and Second Degree Felonies: 25 years after final judgment
- Case files for Third Degree Felonies: 10 years after final judgment
- Case files for State Jail Felonies: 5 years after final judgment
Misdemeanor Case Records
- Case files for Class A and B Misdemeanors: 5 years after final judgment
- Case files for Class C Misdemeanors: 2 years after final judgment
Arrest Records
- Arrest reports and booking information: 5 years
- Fingerprint cards and photographs: 75 years
- Jail records and inmate files: 5 years after release
Court Records
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Court minutes: Permanent retention
- Judgment and sentencing documents: Permanent retention
- Exhibits and evidence: Until all appeals exhausted plus 3 years
Specialized Records
- Sex offender registration records: 10 years after completion of registration requirement or death
- Protective orders: 5 years after expiration
- Mental health commitment records: 10 years
- Juvenile records: Until individual reaches age 21 (unless ordered sealed earlier)
Expunged and Sealed Records
Records ordered expunged by a court pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 must be destroyed or returned to the individual. Records ordered sealed under an order of nondisclosure are retained but restricted from public access.
Potter County may maintain records beyond these minimum retention periods, particularly for cases of historical significance or ongoing legal relevance. Additionally, while physical records may be destroyed after the retention period, information about criminal cases may persist in electronic databases maintained by state and federal agencies.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains a permanent criminal history repository that preserves information even after county records might be destroyed. This creates a situation where records may no longer exist at the county level but remain accessible through state criminal history searches.
Individuals seeking to limit access to their criminal records may petition for expungement or orders of nondisclosure if they meet statutory eligibility requirements under Texas law. These processes require separate legal proceedings and are not automatic upon completion of a sentence or passage of time.